Dear Listmembers,

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


Leonard I. Wassenaar, Ph.D.
Stable Isotope Hydrology and Ecology Laboratory
National Water Research Institute
Environment Canada
11 Innovation Blvd.
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 3H5

tel: (306) 975-5747
fax: (306) 975-5143