A&D EK-300i 300 g × 0.01 g Compact Precision Balance Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
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The A&D EK-300i compact precision balance provides 300 g capacity with 0.01 g readability, standard RS-232C, ACAI parts counting, percent weighing, comparator functions and external calibration on a small 110 mm stainless pan. It is a strong fit for jewelry components, small parts, formulations, educational labs, packaging and inventory work that needs hundredth-gram display. The exact trade-status answer is no: EK-300i is not one of A&D’s NTEP EK-i models in the current U.S. catalog. The catalog explicitly marks selected EK-i trade models separately; EK-300i is a standard non-trade process/laboratory balance.
Exact specifications
Capacity is 300 g and readability is 0.01 g. MNM/A&D list 0.01 g repeatability and ±0.02 g linearity. The SUS304 stainless pan is 110 mm in diameter. Standard data output is RS-232C. The default external calibration mass is 300 g. Percent mode uses a minimum 100% reference weight of 1 g. Counting supports sample sizes of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 pieces, with a minimum unit weight of 0.01 g and a maximum count around 30,000 pieces when capacity permits.
Confirmed non-NTEP status
A&D’s current U.S. EK-i catalog identifies the models that carry NTEP Class II or III approval under the family certificate. EK-300i is not marked as an NTEP model. Do not infer approval from the fact that other EK-i capacities are certified. If a regulated commercial transaction requires legal-for-trade weighing, select the specific certified model/configuration that matches the needed capacity and interval. Calibration quality does not create certification for EK-300i.
External calibration and warm-up
A&D’s EK/EW-i manual recommends leveling the balance, allowing it to reach ambient equilibrium and powering it for at least about 30 minutes before precision work. Calibrate externally with the correct known mass—300 g is the factory/default value for EK-300i—then verify with an independent known weight. Recheck after relocation or major environmental change. At 0.01 g readability, drafts, static and temperature can matter as much as the calibration factor.
ACAI parts counting
EK-300i can count up to about 30,000 pieces when unit mass and capacity allow. The minimum unit weight is 0.01 g, with sample sizes of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100. ACAI refines average unit weight as additional pieces are added. Use a larger initial sample for very light or variable parts and validate against a known hand-counted quantity before adjusting inventory based on a large displayed count.
Percent and comparator functions
Percent weighing compares samples with a stored reference; EK-300i requires at least 1 g for the 100% reference. Comparator HI/OK/LO logic can support sorting, fill checks and production acceptance. An optional relay board can output comparator status to external equipment. These functions are internal process tools and do not alter the model’s non-NTEP status.
RS-232C and quality-system output
RS-232C is standard and supports data output plus compatible command control. The EK-i can output identifying/calibration information for GLP/GMP/GCP/ISO-style documentation and can use external serial converters for Ethernet, Quick USB or Bluetooth workflows. Test the full data path with known weights and record the unit/decimal position so transmitted values cannot be misinterpreted.
Battery and relay option conflict
EKW-09i provides optional rechargeable Ni-MH battery operation and EKW-04i provides comparator relay output. A&D states these two options cannot be installed at the same time. Decide whether the station needs portable internal battery operation or built-in relay automation before ordering. Standard RS-232C remains available regardless of that choice.
No underhook support on EK-300i
EK-300i does not support the EKW-07i underhook. A&D restricts that accessory to specified larger models including EK-4100i, EK-6000i, EK-6100i, EK-12Ki and EW-12Ki. If density or suspended weighing requires an underhook, choose a supported model rather than assuming all EK-i balances share the same bottom-weighing hardware.
Best applications
Good fits include jewelry components, small fasteners, electronic parts, formulation ingredients, education, internal QC, kitting and packaging where 300 g capacity is enough. Choose a higher-capacity EK model for larger containers, a 0.001 g FX/FZ model for finer precision, an underhook-compatible model for suspended work, or a specifically certified model for legal-for-trade transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Is EK-300i NTEP? No. What are capacity and readability? 300 g × 0.01 g. What are repeatability and linearity? 0.01 g and ±0.02 g. What is the default calibration mass? 300 g. Does it have RS-232C? Yes. Can it count parts? Yes, ACAI with 0.01 g minimum unit weight. Does it have percent mode? Yes. Can battery and relay options be installed together? No. Does EK-300i support an underhook? No. How long should it warm up? At least about 30 minutes before precision use.
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