>We are planning to purchase a new micro-balance for weighing of EA-IRMS
>samples and other purposes.  We will require readability of about 1-2 ug
>(+/-2-4 ug).  As these are quite costly (e.g. Mettler AX Series - >$14k
>USD), and sometimes tricky instruments to maintain, I am wondering if any
>Listmembers have recently researched new micro-balances and then made a
>purchase decision.  And if so, were you pleased with the performance,
>stability, and reliability of the micro-balance you purchased?  Was it
>robust enough for a multi-user environment?  Was the price negotiable from
>the list price?  Any models to avoid?
>Any suggestions and advice are greatly appreciated.
>Len Wassenaar


Len,

We've been using a Sartorius M2P balance for about 6 months, and so far,
we've been very happy with it.  It's a pan balance, so it's easy to use,
and it's suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.  It has a
readability of 1 ug for sample weights up to 500 mg, with readability
decreasing to 2 ug (sample weights 500-1000 mg) and then 5 ug (sample
weights 1000-2000 mg).  Pan diameter is 22 mm.  We bought it from Daigger
(1-800-621-7193), and it cost $6800US, after our university discount (list
price was $9500).

Cheers,
Simon


*****
Simon R. Poulson
Dept. of Geological Sciences, MS-172
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV 89557-0138
USA
Phone: (775) 784-1104
Fax: (775) 784-1833
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*****