Semi Micro Balance

Semi-micro balances read to 0.01 mg (0.00001 g), one decimal place finer than an analytical balance, for pharmaceutical, research and quality-control labs that weigh milligram samples. MNM Scales stocks semi-micro balances from A&D and Sartorius, including the A&D BM-252 with a built-in ionizer, the A&D Phoenix GH series and the Sartorius Quintix and Secura semi-micro lines. As an authorized dealer and one of the largest scale distributors in Texas, we ship every balance free, and our Cypress shop can calibrate it before it leaves.

What a semi-micro balance does

A semi-micro balance resolves 10 micrograms, so it suits reference standards, potent compounds, filter weighing, small-volume formulation and any method that calls for an accurately weighed sample of a few milligrams. Each model has a draft shield to keep air currents off the pan, and most use automatic internal calibration that adjusts the balance when the room temperature changes. Many models are dual range: the fine range reads 0.01 mg up to a set capacity, and the standard range reads 0.1 mg up to full capacity, so one balance covers both semi-micro and analytical work.

Popular semi-micro balances in stock

• A&D BM-252 Ion semi-micro balance: 250 g x 0.01 mg across the full range, with a built-in fanless ionizer that neutralizes static on powders and plastic vessels, plus internal calibration, $4,399.
• A&D GH-252 Phoenix semi-micro balance: dual range 101 g x 0.01 mg / 250 g x 0.1 mg with motorized internal calibration, $4,499.
• A&D GH-202 Phoenix semi-micro balance: dual range 51 g x 0.01 mg / 220 g x 0.1 mg, $3,799. For a similar dual range at a lower price, see the RADWAG AS 60/220.R2 Plus semi-micro balance: 60 g x 0.01 mg / 220 g x 0.1 mg with internal automatic adjustment, $2,548.
• A&D GR-202 semi-micro balance: dual range 42 g x 0.01 mg / 210 g x 0.1 mg with automatic self-calibration, $3,299, a strong value for routine 5-place work.
• A&D BA-125DTE Borealis semi-micro balance: 51 g x 0.01 mg / 120 g x 0.1 mg with a color touchscreen, standard ionizer and internal calibration, $4,499.
• Sartorius Quintix35-1S: 30 g x 0.01 mg with isoCAL automatic internal adjustment and an 80 mm pan, $4,998.
• Sartorius Quintix65-1S: 60 g x 0.01 mg with isoCAL, $4,998. The Quintix125D-1S adds a second range: 60 g x 0.01 mg / 120 g x 0.1 mg, $5,199.
• Sartorius Secura125-1S: 120 g x 0.01 mg with real-time level monitoring and SQmin minimum-weight monitoring, $6,299. The dual-range Secura225D-1S reads 120 g x 0.01 mg / 220 g x 0.1 mg, $5,998.
• A&D AD-4212B-101 weighing module: 31 g x 0.01 mg / 110 g x 0.1 mg with a separate sensor and display, built for production lines, enclosures and automated filling, $7,317.

Shop semi-micro balances by brand

Compare Sartorius semi-micro balances, the full Sartorius balance range and A&D analytical balances. For 0.1 mg work, see all analytical balances; for 0.001 mg readability, see microbalances.

How to choose a semi-micro balance

Fine-range capacity

Add the tare weight of your weighing boat, vial or filter to your largest sample, then pick a fine range above that total. A 30 g or 42 g fine range covers most boats and small vials. Choose a 101 g to 250 g fine range, such as the GH-252 or BM-252, when you weigh into heavier glassware.

Single range or dual range

A single-range model such as the BM-252 or Secura125-1S reads 0.01 mg across its capacity. A dual-range model such as the GR-202, GH-202 or Quintix125D-1S reads 0.01 mg in the fine range and 0.1 mg above it, which gives faster readings for heavier analytical loads on the same balance.

Static control

Dry powders, plastic weigh boats and filters pick up static, which shows up as a drifting reading. The A&D BM-252 and BA-125DTE include a built-in ionizer that neutralizes the charge in a few seconds before you weigh.

Minimum weight and USP <41>

USP chapter <41> sets the minimum sample weight at 2,000 times the balance’s repeatability standard deviation, with a floor of 820 times the readability. For a 0.01 mg balance, that floor is 8.2 mg. Your actual minimum weight comes from a repeatability test at your own bench, so a stable room and a good table matter as much as the balance. The Sartorius Secura SQmin function shows the minimum weight on screen and flags samples below it.

Bench and room

Place a semi-micro balance on a solid weighing table away from doors, vents and heavy foot traffic, and keep the room temperature steady. Allow the balance to warm up after power-on, and let internal calibration run after any temperature change. Our calibration technicians can check placement and level when they visit.

Data and records

For GLP and GMP records, every model here outputs GLP/GMP-compliant reports with calibration data. A&D models use RS-232C, with USB on many models; Sartorius Quintix and Secura models use mini-USB with direct PC transfer.

Semi-micro balance calibration

Add calibration to any semi-micro balance and we calibrate it in our Cypress, TX shop before it ships, usually within 1–3 business days. Every semi-micro balance on this page falls in the up to 2.2 kg tier:

A scale whose capacity is exactly at a tier limit uses the lower tier.

We also offer mail-in calibration for balances bought anywhere, TDA and NIST, for Texas and states that accept TDA calibration. MNM Scales is TDA licensed with registered technicians for all scale classes. On-site calibration in Houston and the surrounding suburbs is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per balance. Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are available on request.

Semi-micro balance FAQ

What is a semi-micro balance?

A semi-micro balance is a laboratory balance with 0.01 mg (0.00001 g) readability, also called a 5-place balance. It sits between an analytical balance (0.1 mg) and a microbalance (0.001 mg).

What is the difference between a semi-micro and an analytical balance?

An analytical balance reads 0.1 mg; a semi-micro balance reads 0.01 mg, ten times finer. Dual-range semi-micro balances such as the A&D GH-252 work as both, with 0.01 mg in the fine range and 0.1 mg above it.

Which semi-micro balance has the highest 0.01 mg capacity?

The A&D BM-252 reads 0.01 mg all the way to 250 g. The A&D GH-252 reads 0.01 mg up to 101 g, and the Sartorius Secura125-1S and Secura225D-1S read 0.01 mg up to 120 g.

What is the minimum weight on a semi-micro balance?

Under USP <41>, the lowest possible minimum weight for a 0.01 mg balance is 8.2 mg. The working value depends on the repeatability measured where the balance is installed.

Do semi-micro balances calibrate themselves?

Yes. The benchtop balances on this page have internal calibration: A&D uses automatic self-calibration with a built-in weight, and Sartorius uses isoCAL, which adjusts the balance when temperature or time thresholds are reached. The AD-4212B-101 module ships with an OIML E2-class calibration weight. Periodic external calibration with certified weights keeps your records traceable.

Can you calibrate my semi-micro balance?

Yes. In-house calibration with NIST-tested weights is $95 and NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate is $395. We calibrate in our Cypress shop, by mail-in, or on-site across Houston.

Do you offer volume pricing for labs?

Yes. Contact us for a wholesale quote on multiple balances. Shipping is always free, with UPS 2nd Day and Next Day available.