A&D EK-3000i for Parts, Batching, Inventory & Production Weighing
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
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The A&D EK-3000i production and inventory balance combines 3000 g capacity, 0.1 g readability, a 170 × 133 mm stainless pan, standard RS-232C and ACAI counting in a compact metal-housing design. It is well suited to parts, kitting, small-batch formulation, packaging, incoming inspection and internal quality control. It is not one of A&D’s NTEP EK-i models, so it should not be used as the legal transaction scale when price or regulated quantity is determined directly by weight.
Parts counting and kitting
EK-3000i can count up to about 30,000 pieces when capacity and average unit weight allow, with a normal minimum unit weight of 0.1 g and sample sizes of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100. ACAI refines the stored average unit weight as more pieces are added, reducing error from a small initial sample. For fasteners, electronic parts or hardware, use a larger sample when individual pieces are light or variable, then validate with a known manual count before scaling the method to large inventory quantities.
Batching and formulation
Tare the empty vessel and add materials toward written targets. Percent mode is useful when a batch is defined relative to a reference mass; EK-3000i’s minimum 100% reference weight is 10 g. The 0.1 g display works well for gram-scale components and multi-hundred-gram mixtures, but a recipe requiring 0.01 g or 0.001 g additions needs a finer balance. Set an overshoot procedure before mixing begins so an operator does not try to “correct” a multi-component batch by guessing how much mixed material to remove.
Packaging and comparator checks
The HI/OK/LO comparator provides a fast visual decision for internal package-weight checks, sorting and fill control. Set limits from the product specification rather than from one displayed division. When packaged goods are later subject to regulated net-content rules, determine whether the official compliance measurement needs approved legal-for-trade equipment; EK-3000i’s non-NTEP process status should be part of the workstation design rather than an afterthought.
Incoming inspection and QC
A known mass range for incoming parts can reveal missing components, supplier variation or packaging errors. For documented QC, verify the balance before critical work with a suitable known weight, identify the balance/station in the record and use tolerances based on the actual process requirement. The manufacturer specification of 0.1 g repeatability and ±0.2 g linearity provides context, but measurement uncertainty also depends on the reference weight, environment, operator and load handling.
RS-232C for inventory and production records
Standard RS-232C can send weights/counts to a PC, printer, logger or integration layer and can accept supported commands for zero, mode and data output. Before production, test the full data path with known loads, confirm units and decimal position, and decide when results should transmit. External adapters can convert serial data to USB, Ethernet or Bluetooth without changing the balance’s metrological status.
Set up the workstation correctly
Level the balance, keep the pan clear of surrounding structures, allow about 30 minutes of warm-up and avoid breezes, vibration, condensation and large temperature changes. The balance should reach thermal equilibrium before verification or calibration. Recalibrate after relocation when required by the SOP. Many “bad scale” complaints are actually a flexible table, air movement, a container touching the bench or a balance that was used immediately after being moved from a different temperature.
When a different EK model is better
Choose EK-6000i or EK-12Ki if legal-for-trade approval and higher capacity fit the job; A&D’s 2025 catalog marks those models NTEP. Choose EK-4100i/6000i/6100i/12Ki if underhook weighing is required because EK-3000i does not support EKW-07i. Choose EK-300i for 0.01 g readability at lower capacity. Choose a true platform scale when large totes or awkward parts do not fit safely on the 170 × 133 mm pan.
Frequently asked questions
Is EK-3000i good for parts counting? Yes, with ACAI and up to about 30,000 pieces when unit mass/capacity allow. Is it NTEP? No. Can it be used for internal packaging checks? Yes. Does it have RS-232C? Yes, standard. What is the minimum normal counting unit weight? 0.1 g. Does it have percent mode? Yes, with 10 g minimum 100% reference weight. Does it support an underhook? No. What is the best first step if readings wander? Check leveling, temperature, vibration, airflow and pan contact before recalibrating.
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