A&D FX-3000i for Laboratory, Formulation, QC & Production Weighing
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Need more details or help choosing the correct item? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The A&D FX-3000i laboratory and production balance is a strong fit when a workflow needs 0.01 g readability together with enough 3200 g capacity for beakers, fixtures, small assemblies, multi-hundred-gram formulations and repeated QC samples. The balance combines fast stabilization, standard RS-232C, ACAI counting, percent weighing, comparator functions and statistical calculation in a compact 150 mm-pan format. For purchasing, MNM sells the FX-3000i on this page as the non-NTEP process configuration and directs legal-for-trade buyers to FX-3000iN; the Class II NTEP type certificate 08-045A2 lists both designations, so markings, sealing and the sold configuration matter in addition to the base model name.
Laboratory sample preparation
With 3200 g capacity and 0.01 g readability, FX-3000i can handle sample vessels that are too heavy for many small analytical balances while still showing hundredth-gram changes. Typical uses include solution preparation, pre/post-process mass checks, gross/net sample records, drying-loss support work, filter or container weighing, and preparation of multi-hundred-gram batches. A&D specifies 0.01 g repeatability and ±0.02 g linearity, but the laboratory should set acceptance limits from the complete method, calibration-weight uncertainty, environment and required measurement uncertainty rather than equating display readability with guaranteed total accuracy.
Formulation and batching
For formulation, tare the empty vessel and add each component against a written target. Percent mode is useful for recipes based on a reference mass, while comparator limits can provide a quick under/accept/over decision for repeated additions. When an ingredient is high-value or a target is tight, define what happens after an overshoot; removing material after several components have already been mixed may not restore the intended composition. A good SOP records each actual addition rather than relying only on the final batch mass.
Quality-control sampling and statistics
A&D's Statistical Calculation Function can summarize repeated measurements such as mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, range and coefficient-of-variation style statistics. That makes FX-3000i useful for incoming parts, packaged goods, fill checks, molded components and manufacturing samples. For formal quality systems, transmit or record the individual results as well as the summary when traceability to each observation is required. Averages can hide occasional outliers, so a process-control decision should not rely on mean alone.
Parts counting and inventory
ACAI counting refines average unit weight as additional pieces are added. MNM lists a 0.01 g minimum unit mass and sample sizes of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces. Counting works best for parts that are reasonably uniform; stamped hardware with coatings, variable molded pieces or mixed lots can produce count error even when the scale itself is stable. Use a larger initial sample for light or variable parts and verify a known quantity before relying on a very large inventory count.
Production-line and workstation use
A&D lists approximately one-second stabilization in FAST mode under good conditions, which can support rapid production sampling. Actual factory performance depends on the bench, nearby presses or conveyors, HVAC airflow and operator handling. If the display is noisy, a slower response setting can produce more repeatable results than repeatedly re-zeroing or recalibrating. Build the work cell so containers touch only the pan, and keep cable drag or fixture contact from bypassing part of the load.
Data capture: standard RS-232C plus optional USB or Ethernet
RS-232C is standard and is often the most flexible way to connect a printer, PC, logger or control system. FXi-02 adds Quick USB and FXi-08 adds Ethernet. FXi-09 adds an internal rechargeable battery. A&D states that FXi-02, FXi-08 and FXi-09 cannot be used at the same time, so decide whether the station needs network connectivity, simple local USB or internal mobility before ordering. Standard RS-232C remains useful regardless of that internal-option choice.
Environmental controls at 0.01 g readability
Hundredth-gram weighing is sensitive enough that the work environment becomes part of the measurement system. Level the balance, use a rigid surface, avoid direct airflow, allow samples and containers to approach room conditions when the method permits, and control static on plastics or powders. Touching a container with warm hands, placing the balance on a flexible cart, or allowing a cable to rub the pan can create changes larger than one display division. Calibration cannot compensate for a continually changing physical environment.
When legal-for-trade status matters
MNM's purchasing answer is straightforward: the FX-3000i SKU on this page is sold as non-NTEP, and MNM points buyers who need legal-for-trade use to FX-3000iN. The deeper certificate detail is that NTEP CoC 08-045A2 lists both FX-3000i and FX-3000iN at 3200 g, with e=0.1 g and d=0.01 g, and states that the N suffix has no metrological significance. That does not convert every ordinary FX-3000i stock unit into a trade-ready device. For commercial transactions, buy the configuration sold and marked for trade use, preserve the required seal, and follow the local weights-and-measures placement-in-service process. The certificate also states that counting is not legal for trade.
When FX-3000i is not the right model
Choose FX-3000iN when the purchased unit must be the MNM/A&D legal-for-trade configuration. Choose FZ-3000i when internal calibration is operationally important. Choose a 0.001 g model for methods that genuinely need ten-times finer displayed resolution, and choose a larger-capacity balance or platform scale when fixtures or product exceed 3.2 kg or overhang the 150 mm pan. Matching the model to the actual measurement task is more important than maximizing a single specification.
Practical setup checklist
Place and level the balance; allow warm-up and thermal stabilization; perform external calibration with an appropriate known mass; verify with an independent test weight; choose response speed for the real environment; define tare and container handling; configure counting/percent/comparator functions only if the process uses them; test the data interface before production; document acceptance tolerance and re-verification triggers. Recheck after moving the balance or after a significant environmental change.
Frequently asked questions
Can FX-3000i be used for formulation? Yes, when 3200 g capacity and 0.01 g readability fit the method. Does it count parts? Yes, with ACAI. Does it calculate statistics? Yes. Can it send data? Yes, RS-232C is standard and USB/Ethernet are optional. Is the MNM FX-3000i stock SKU legal for trade? MNM sells it as non-NTEP and points trade buyers to FX-3000iN. Why does the certificate list FX-3000i? CoC 08-045A2 lists both names and treats N as a marketing suffix, but the sold configuration and seal still matter. Is counting legal for trade? No. Does FX-3000i have internal calibration? No; FZ-3000i is the internal-calibration sibling.
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