A&D FC-10Ki 20 lb / 10 kg High-Resolution Counting Scale Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
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The A&D FC-10Ki high-resolution counting scale is a 20 lb / 10 kg industrial parts-counting workstation with three displays for count, unit weight and total weight, up to 500 stored item records, standard RS-232C and a maximum count display of 1,000,000 pieces. The most important specification to understand correctly is this: FC-10Ki weighs at 1 g readability in kilograms and 0.002 lb in pounds. The often-advertised 0.01 g figure is not the weighing display readability; it is the minimum unit weight available in the scale’s fine counting mode. The standard/normal minimum unit weight is 0.2 g. FC-10Ki is also not an NTEP legal-for-trade scale in A&D’s current product positioning, so it should be used for internal inventory, kitting and production counting rather than a regulated commercial transaction by weight.
Exact weighing specifications
Maximum capacity is 10 kg or 20 lb. The weighing display division is 1 g in metric and 0.002 lb in pounds. A&D’s manual data specifies approximately 1 g repeatability and ±1 g non-linearity, with display updates around 10 times per second. The stainless weighing pan is approximately 300 × 280 mm, large enough for totes, trays and boxes used in parts rooms and warehouses. The key buying point is that the FC-10Ki is a counting scale first: its algorithms can estimate piece weights much smaller than the main weighing division by accumulating information from multiple pieces.
Why 0.01 g is not the weighing readability
In fine counting mode, FC-10Ki can work with a minimum unit weight as small as 0.01 g. That does not mean the weight display resolves a single 0.01 g load. The scale estimates average piece weight from a group of pieces and uses that value to calculate a count. Normal mode lists 0.2 g as the minimum unit weight. Fine mode lowers the acceptable calculated unit weight to 0.01 g by using more statistical/internal resolution for counting. This distinction is essential when comparing FC-10Ki with a true 0.01 g laboratory balance.
1,000,000-count display and sample sizes
A&D lists a maximum displayed count of 1,000,000 pieces. Standard sample size is 10 pieces, with selectable 5, 25, 50, 100 and random sample quantities. Larger sample sizes improve the average piece-weight estimate when parts are small or vary slightly. For high-value inventory, validate the counting method with a known hand-counted quantity before trusting a very large number; the scale can display one million, but real-world count accuracy still depends on piece uniformity and a good sample.
ACAI: Automatic Counting Accuracy Improvement
ACAI improves the calculated average unit weight as additional pieces are placed on the scale. Instead of relying forever on the first small sample, the algorithm refines the unit-weight estimate and can reduce count error. This is especially useful for screws, washers, electronic components and other light items. ACAI cannot eliminate true piece-to-piece mass variation, so a mixed lot or inconsistent molded component may still count poorly even when the scale is working correctly.
500 item memories
FC-10Ki can store up to 500 item records, allowing a stockroom to save unit weight, tare and related counting data for frequently handled SKUs. Memory reduces setup time and standardizes recurring counts, but stored unit weights should be reviewed when suppliers, materials or part revisions change. A new production lot can have a different average piece weight even under the same part number, so periodic validation remains important.
Standard RS-232C and expansion
One RS-232C interface is standard. A&D’s FC-i system can support up to three serial channels depending on installed options. FC-03i adds second and third RS-232C channels. FC-04i adds an additional RS-232C plus comparator relay. FC-03i and FC-04i cannot be installed together, so decide whether the station needs maximum serial connectivity or relay/process-control output before ordering. Use the interfaces for printers, PCs, barcode/data systems or external scale components as supported by the workflow.
Remote platform option
FC-05i allows an external/remote weighing platform to be connected so the counting indicator can work with larger or different-capacity loads. This is useful when operators count small items on the internal 10 kg platform but occasionally need a larger box or bulk container. The remote platform must be selected, installed and calibrated correctly for its capacity and load cell; do not assume the main FC-10Ki 1 g division automatically applies to every remote-scale configuration.
Optional battery and mobile use
FC-02i provides optional rechargeable Ni-MH battery operation, useful for warehouse carts and cycle counts away from AC outlets. A&D manual data for the traditional FC-i battery option lists roughly 10 hours of operation under stated conditions. Actual runtime depends on battery age, interfaces and use. For mobile counting, re-level the scale after moving it and verify a known sample/count before starting a critical inventory session.
Non-NTEP status
FC-10Ki is an industrial counting scale rather than an NTEP commercial transaction scale in A&D’s current product lineup. Its strengths—fine calculated unit weight, large count display, memories and data interfaces—target inventory and production. If a customer is charged according to a legally regulated weight, select the appropriate certified legal-for-trade scale for that transaction. Counting accuracy and NTEP trade approval are separate requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is FC-10Ki weighing readability? 1 g / 0.002 lb. Is 0.01 g the weighing readability? No; 0.01 g is the fine-mode minimum piece weight used for counting. What is the normal minimum unit weight? 0.2 g. What is the maximum displayed count? 1,000,000 pieces. How many item memories? Up to 500. Does it have RS-232C? Yes, standard. Can it connect to a remote platform? Yes, with FC-05i. Can FC-03i and FC-04i be installed together? No. Is FC-10Ki NTEP legal for trade? No. Is a battery available? Yes, optional rechargeable battery operation.
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