A&D FX-500i 520 g × 0.001 g Precision Balance Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 3 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-500i precision balance provides 520 g capacity with 0.001 g readability, Compact Super Hybrid Sensor performance, standard RS-232C, ACAI counting, percent, statistics, comparator and underhook functions in a compact top-loading design. It is an external-calibration model; FZ-500i is the internal-calibration sibling. The exact legal-for-trade status is no: A&D’s current U.S. model matrix does not identify FX-500i as NTEP and does not list an FX-500iN. Use it for laboratory, formulation, quality-control and production work—not as a regulated transaction scale.
Exact weighing performance
Capacity is 520 g and readability is 0.001 g. A&D lists 0.001 g repeatability and ±0.002 g linearity, with approximately one-second stabilization in FAST mode under favorable conditions. The pan is approximately 130 mm in diameter. Current manufacturer dimensions are about 193 × 262.5 × 85.5 mm and FX-i net weight about 2.5 kg. These specifications make FX-500i useful where milligram display is needed but a 120/200/300 g capacity would be too limiting.
Confirmed non-NTEP status
A&D’s current U.S. FX-i catalog separates ordinary FX-i models from NTEP N-suffix models. NTEP versions exist for several capacities such as 120iN, 200iN, 300iN, 1200iN, 2000iN and 3000iN, but there is no current FX-500iN. Therefore FX-500i is a non-trade precision balance. Do not treat calibration, sealing or internal laboratory validation as a substitute for legal-for-trade model approval.
Typical USP Chapter 41 minimum weight context
A&D’s current FX/FZ-i literature groups the 0.001 g models—including FX-500i—with a typical USP Chapter 41 minimum weight around 1.4 g under the manufacturer’s stated performance assumptions. Treat that as a useful manufacturer performance reference, not a replacement for your site SOP, calibration status, uncertainty calculation or qualification. Pharmaceutical/lab users should establish minimum weight for the actual balance, environment and compliance program rather than copying a brochure value without validation.
External calibration and accepted masses
FX-500i uses external calibration. MNM lists accepted calibration values of 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 and 50 g. A&D’s FX/FZ-i manual recommends about 30 minutes of warm-up before precision use. Level the balance, control drafts/static, calibrate with a suitable known mass and then independently verify with one or more known values. FZ-500i is the better choice when internal automatic calibration is a workflow requirement.
RS-232C and optional interfaces
RS-232C is standard. Optional FXi-02 Quick USB, FXi-08 Ethernet and FXi-09 rechargeable battery are mutually exclusive internal options, so select the station architecture before ordering. GXA-27 Bluetooth is another supported wireless route where certified for the country/market. Validate the complete data path with known weights, unit and decimal position before relying on electronic records.
Counting, percent and statistics
ACAI counting improves the average piece-weight estimate as more components are added. Percent mode supports comparative formulation, while statistical calculation can summarize repeated QC results. Keep individual results when traceability/root-cause analysis matters because an average alone can hide outliers. Comparator limits can give a fast HI/OK/LO production decision.
Underhook and animal/dynamic weighing
FX-i supports below-balance underhook weighing, useful for density or suspended-load setups. The fixture/hanging load must not contact the bench or floor. Animal/dynamic weighing mode is also available as a function, but do not claim the FXi-12 animal pan accessory for FX-500i; A&D maps that accessory to the 1200/2000/3000-size models. Function support and accessory compatibility are not the same thing.
Best applications
Strong fits include laboratory samples, formulation, pharmaceutical/quality environments, electronics, small components, jewelry manufacturing, R&D and production QC where 520 g capacity and 0.001 g readability meet the method. Choose a smaller 0.001 g model for a more compact capacity, FX-1200/2000/3000i for heavier loads at 0.01 g, FZ-500i for internal calibration, or a specific NTEP model when legal trade approval is required.
Frequently asked questions
Is FX-500i NTEP? No; A&D’s current U.S. matrix lists no FX-500iN. Capacity/readability? 520 g × 0.001 g. Repeatability/linearity? 0.001 g and ±0.002 g. Internal calibration? No; FZ-500i has internal calibration. What calibration masses are accepted? 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 and 50 g. RS-232C standard? Yes. Underhook supported? Yes. Typical manufacturer USP minimum-weight reference? About 1.4 g, subject to site validation. Can USB, Ethernet and internal battery all be installed together? No.
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