Len, we have a Mettler AT21 which has been used almost daily for approx. 10
yrs. This balance is very robust and easy to use with automatic sliding
covers. About a year ago it needed a repair and the entire weigh-cell was
replaced. According to the company, the new weigh cell is entirely sealed,
in contrast to the original that came with the AT21, to prevent metal dust
and other particles to stick to the magnets. During the three-week period of
repair of the AT21 we borrowed at Mettler UMX2. The UMX2 appeared not as
userfriendly as the AT21 mainly due to a different design with rotating
covers; perhaps this is just a matter of getting used to it.

Hope this is useful,

Per Ambus

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wassenaar,Len [NHRC] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 10. januar 2001 17:34
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [ISOGEOCHEM] Micro-Balance Advice
>
>
> 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
>