VWR 314AC Analytical Balance – Used & Refurbished
The VWR 314AC Analytical Balance is a high-capacity analytical balance designed for laboratories that need 0.1 mg readability without sacrificing the ability to weigh larger samples and containers. With a maximum capacity of 310 g, 0.1 mg readability, 0.1 mg repeatability, and 0.2 mg linearity, the VWR 314AC provides four-decimal-place analytical weighing performance across an unusually generous capacity range.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the VWR 314AC combines analytical weighing performance with an enclosed draft chamber, automatic internal calibration and adjustment capabilities, multiple weighing units, 11 application modes, data-management functions, peripheral connectivity, and below-balance weighing capability.
Its 310 g capacity is particularly useful for laboratories that need analytical resolution but routinely work with larger tare vessels, containers, or samples that can exceed the capacity of conventional 160 g or 220 g analytical balances.
Each refurbished VWR 314AC is inspected, calibrated, performance tested, and cleaned by American Instrument Exchange and includes a 90-day warranty.
Key Features
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310 g maximum weighing capacity
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0.1 mg / 0.0001 g readability
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0.1 mg repeatability
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0.2 mg linearity
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10 mg specified minimum capacity
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85 mm weighing pan
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Enclosed analytical draft chamber
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Approximately 3.5-second average stabilization time
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Internal automatic calibration and adjustment
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Temperature-activated adjustment capability
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Time-activated adjustment capability
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17 standard weighing units
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Two programmable user-defined weighing units
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11 integrated application modes
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Automatic zero and tare functions
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Database and printout functions
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Peripheral-device connectivity
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Below-balance weighing capability
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Overview
The VWR 314AC belongs to an earlier generation of VWR A-Series analytical balances designed to provide high-resolution laboratory weighing with extensive built-in functionality.
The defining specification of the 314AC is its combination of 310 g maximum capacity and 0.1 mg readability.
Many traditional analytical balances provide maximum capacities in the range of approximately 160 to 220 g. The additional capacity of the 314AC allows laboratories to use heavier weighing vessels and accommodate larger samples without moving to a lower-resolution precision balance.
The instrument also incorporates internal calibration and adjustment, an enclosed draft chamber, multiple weighing applications, programmable settings, database functions, electronic communications, and below-balance weighing.
Common Applications
The VWR 314AC is well suited for analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical quality control, biotechnology research, standards preparation, quantitative sample preparation, gravimetric analysis, formulation, environmental testing, chemical research, density determination, checkweighing, statistical weighing, and other applications requiring 0.1 mg resolution.
Its 310 g capacity is particularly useful when analytical measurements involve larger flasks, beakers, bottles, crucibles, containers, or other tare vessels.
Pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories can use the 314AC for preparing reference standards, formulations, solutions, and quantitative samples.
Research and academic laboratories can use the balance for routine analytical procedures where four-decimal-place resolution and relatively high capacity are both desirable.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The VWR 314AC is appropriate for pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology laboratories, chemical laboratories, environmental testing facilities, quality-control departments, universities, research institutions, contract testing laboratories, and industrial analytical facilities.
It is particularly attractive for laboratories seeking a conventional analytical balance with substantially more capacity than many 120 g, 160 g, or 220 g models.
Analytical Weighing Performance
The VWR 314AC provides a maximum capacity of 310 g with 0.1 mg readability.
Manufacturer specifications list repeatability at 0.1 mg and linearity at 0.2 mg.
This places the 314AC firmly within the conventional analytical-balance category.
Its 0.1 mg readability allows the display to resolve changes of 0.0001 g, providing substantially greater resolution than laboratory precision balances with 1 mg, 10 mg, or 100 mg readability.
The balance has an average stabilization time of approximately 3.5 seconds.
While newer analytical balances may stabilize more quickly, this response time remains appropriate for many routine analytical laboratory procedures.
High-Capacity Analytical Weighing
The 310 g capacity is one of the most important characteristics of the VWR 314AC.
Higher capacity provides greater flexibility when the combined mass of a sample and its weighing vessel is substantial.
For example, a laboratory may need to measure a relatively small quantity of material into a heavier glass vessel. A lower-capacity analytical balance could reach its maximum capacity before the desired sample has been added.
The 314AC provides additional headroom while retaining 0.1 mg readability.
This makes it particularly useful for analytical methods involving larger containers, formulation vessels, crucibles, bottles, and other relatively heavy tare loads.
Readability vs. Minimum Sample Weight
The 0.1 mg readability of the VWR 314AC describes the smallest increment shown on the balance display.
It should not be interpreted as the minimum quantity that can be accurately weighed.
The manufacturer's technical specifications identify a minimum capacity of 10 mg, but minimum capacity and method-specific minimum sample weight are not necessarily the same measurement concept.
For quantitative pharmaceutical or other regulated applications, laboratories should establish an appropriate minimum sample weight based on repeatability, measurement uncertainty, applicable standards, and performance under actual installation conditions.
This distinction is especially important when comparing older analytical balances with newer instruments that may publish calculated USP minimum-weight specifications.
Automatic Internal Calibration & Adjustment
The VWR 314AC incorporates an internal calibration and adjustment system.
The balance can be configured to initiate adjustment in response to changes in temperature.
It can also be programmed to initiate calibration and adjustment based on elapsed time, with programmable intervals up to 12 hours.
Temperature- and time-based activation can be used simultaneously, allowing the balance to initiate adjustment when either programmed condition occurs first.
Automatic adjustment helps maintain weighing performance as environmental conditions change during the working day.
External verification with appropriate reference weights should still be incorporated according to the laboratory's quality-control procedures.
Controlling Drafts, Vibration & Temperature
At 0.1 mg readability, environmental conditions can significantly affect weighing performance.
The VWR 314AC should be installed away from fans, HVAC outlets, doorways, high-traffic areas, and other sources of air movement.
Vibration should also be minimized.
Centrifuges, shakers, pumps, compressors, and other mechanical equipment can transmit vibration through laboratory benches or flooring and interfere with sensitive measurements.
The manufacturer specifies an operating environment of 10°C to 40°C and recommends avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations.
A rigid, level weighing surface provides the best foundation for consistent analytical measurements.
Draft Chamber & 85 mm Weighing Pan
The VWR 314AC uses an enclosed draft chamber to protect sensitive measurements from air movement.
The analytical weighing system incorporates an 85 mm weighing pan along with a spill ring, draft ring, and draft-chamber floor.
The internal draft chamber provides substantial vertical clearance for common analytical weighing vessels.
The balance has an overall footprint of approximately 333 × 206 mm and an overall height of approximately 355 mm.
The internal chamber measures approximately 160 × 168 × 230 mm, with approximately 227 mm of usable height above the weighing pan.
This relatively tall chamber can accommodate a variety of bottles, flasks, beakers, and other laboratory containers.
Weighing Units
The VWR A-Series provides extensive unit-selection capability.
The 314AC supports 17 predefined units of measurement along with two user-defined modes.
Available units include grams, milligrams, carats, grains, pounds, ounces, troy ounces, pennyweights, newtons, and several additional specialized mass units.
The two user-defined modes allow the operator to apply a programmed conversion factor to the measured value.
For most scientific laboratories, grams and milligrams will remain the primary units, but the additional selections increase flexibility for specialized applications.
Eleven Integrated Application Modes
The VWR 314AC provides 11 application modes that extend its functionality beyond basic weighing.
Available applications include basic weighing, piece counting, checkweighing, dosing, percentage or deviation weighing, solids density determination, liquids density determination, animal or dynamic weighing, statistics, totalizing, and peak hold.
These integrated functions allow many routine laboratory calculations to be performed directly through the balance rather than requiring separate manual calculations.
For laboratories using one balance for multiple departments or procedures, the range of application modes can significantly increase versatility.
Density Determination
The 314AC includes application modes for determining the density of both solids and liquids.
Density measurements are based on relationships between mass, volume, and buoyancy.
With the appropriate setup and accessories, these applications can support materials research, chemical testing, quality control, and other laboratory procedures where density is an important physical property.
Dynamic & Animal Weighing
The dynamic weighing application is designed for samples whose measured mass may fluctuate during measurement.
Instead of relying on a single instantaneous reading, the balance can process a series of measurements to produce a representative result.
This can be useful for moving samples, unstable materials, and other situations where conventional static weighing is difficult.
Statistics & Totalizing
The integrated statistics function allows multiple weighing results to be evaluated as a group.
This can support repetitive quality-control procedures and other applications where technicians need to evaluate a series of measurements rather than an individual result.
The totalizing application can accumulate multiple measurements, making it useful when several separately weighed samples or components need to be combined mathematically.
Automatic Zero & Tare Functions
The VWR 314AC includes automatic zero and tare capabilities.
Taring allows the mass of a weighing container to be removed from the displayed result so that the balance reports the net mass of the sample.
Manual tare values can also be entered when appropriate.
These functions are particularly useful for formulation, sample preparation, and repetitive analytical procedures involving standardized containers.
Data Management & Printouts
The VWR A-Series incorporates database parameters, printout settings, and data import/export capabilities.
These features allow laboratories to configure how weighing information is stored, transmitted, and documented.
The balance can communicate with compatible peripheral devices such as printers and computers.
Electronic transfer can reduce the need to manually copy results from the display and can help minimize transcription errors.
Below-Balance Weighing
The VWR 314AC supports below-balance weighing.
This allows a sample to be suspended beneath the balance rather than placed directly on the weighing pan.
Below-balance weighing is useful for specialized procedures such as density determination, buoyancy measurements, magnetic samples, oversized objects, and other applications where conventional pan weighing is impractical.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
VWR 314AC |
| Balance Type |
Analytical Balance |
| Maximum Capacity |
310 g |
| Manufacturer-Specified Minimum Capacity |
10 mg |
| Readability |
0.1 mg / 0.0001 g |
| Repeatability |
0.1 mg |
| Linearity |
0.2 mg |
| Tare Range |
0–310 g |
| Weighing Pan |
Ø85 mm |
| Average Stabilization Time |
Approx. 3.5 Seconds |
| Sensitivity Drift |
1 ppm/°C from 10–40°C |
| Adjustment |
Internal; Temperature and/or Time Activated |
| Application Modes |
11 |
| Standard Weighing Units |
17 |
| User-Defined Units |
2 |
| Below-Balance Weighing |
Yes |
| Overall Dimensions |
Approx. 333 × 206 × 355 mm |
| Internal Draft Chamber |
Approx. 160 × 168 × 230 mm |
| Height Above Weigh Pan |
Approx. 227 mm |
| Net Weight |
Approx. 5.6 kg |
| Operating Temperature |
10–40°C |
| Power Input |
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.0 A |
| Power Supply Output |
15 VDC, 2.0 A |
| Condition |
Used & Refurbished |
| Testing |
Accuracy, Repeatability, Linearity, Corner Load, Adjustment & Functional Testing |
| Warranty |
90 Days from American Instrument Exchange |
VWR 314AC vs. a Precision Balance
The VWR 314AC is an analytical balance rather than a general-purpose precision balance.
Its 0.1 mg readability provides ten times finer resolution than a 1 mg precision balance and 100 times finer resolution than a 0.01 g balance.
This makes the 314AC appropriate for quantitative analytical procedures where small differences in mass must be detected.
The tradeoff is greater sensitivity to airflow, vibration, temperature changes, static electricity, and operator technique.
For bulk sample preparation where 1 mg or 10 mg readability is sufficient, a precision balance may provide faster and less environmentally sensitive operation.
VWR 314AC vs. Lower-Capacity Analytical Balances
One of the principal reasons to choose the VWR 314AC is its 310 g capacity.
Many analytical balances provide capacities of approximately 120 to 220 g.
Those models may be entirely adequate for small samples and lightweight weighing vessels.
The 314AC provides additional capacity while maintaining 0.1 mg readability.
For laboratories routinely using heavier containers or performing larger analytical formulations, that additional capacity can prevent overloads and reduce the need to divide procedures between multiple balances.
VWR 314AC vs. Semi-Micro Balances
A semi-micro balance typically provides 0.01 mg readability, ten times finer than the 0.1 mg readability of the VWR 314AC.
Semi-micro instruments are therefore preferable when very small sample quantities or lower minimum sample weights require 10 µg resolution.
The VWR 314AC provides considerably more capacity than many semi-micro balances and is less demanding environmentally.
For routine four-decimal analytical weighing, its combination of 310 g capacity and 0.1 mg readability can provide a practical balance between resolution and usable capacity.
VWR 314AC vs. Current VWR Analytical Balances
The VWR 314AC belongs to an earlier generation of the VWR A-Series and should not be confused with newer VWR analytical balances carrying similar capacity ratings.
Current-generation VWR models may provide updated interfaces, communications, weighing-pan dimensions, stabilization performance, and other features.
The 314AC nevertheless provides the fundamental capabilities required for demanding analytical weighing: 0.1 mg readability, 310 g capacity, internal automatic adjustment, an enclosed draft chamber, multiple application modes, and electronic communications.
For laboratories that do not require the latest interface or network features, a properly refurbished 314AC can provide a cost-effective analytical weighing solution.
Refurbishment & Performance Testing
Each used VWR 314AC offered by American Instrument Exchange undergoes inspection, cleaning, calibration, and functional testing before shipment.
Technicians inspect the housing, display and keyboard, weighing pan, draft chamber, leveling components, power supply, interfaces, and installed accessories.
The balance is evaluated with appropriate reference weights at multiple points across its weighing range.
Repeatability testing uses repeated measurements of the same reference load to evaluate measurement consistency.
Linearity testing evaluates weighing performance at different points across the 310 g capacity, while corner-load testing helps verify consistent response at different positions on the weighing pan.
The internal adjustment system, zero and tare functions, application controls, and other installed functions are also evaluated.
Following final quality-control testing and cleaning, the balance is prepared for shipment.
Used and refurbished equipment from American Instrument Exchange includes a 90-day warranty unless otherwise specified.
Shipping & Installation Considerations
Analytical balances should be handled carefully during transportation and installation.
After the VWR 314AC arrives at its destination, it should be installed on a rigid, level, vibration-resistant surface away from direct airflow and rapidly changing temperatures.
The manufacturer recommends allowing approximately two hours of warm-up for the 314AC before calibration and critical weighing.
Transportation, changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and differences in ambient temperature can influence weighing performance, so calibration and performance verification should be completed at the point of use.
For sensitive measurements, samples and weighing vessels should also be allowed to equilibrate to laboratory temperature before weighing.
Related Laboratory Equipment
American Instrument Exchange maintains an extensive inventory of used and refurbished laboratory balances, including analytical balances, semi-micro balances, microbalances, and precision balances for applications ranging from routine sample preparation to high-resolution quantitative analysis.
Labs developing complete analytical or sample-preparation workflows can also source centrifuges, water baths, incubators, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, and other refurbished laboratory equipment from American Instrument Exchange.
VWR 314AC Analytical Balance FAQs
What is the maximum capacity of the VWR 314AC?
The VWR 314AC has a maximum weighing capacity of 310 g.
What is the readability of the VWR 314AC?
The balance provides 0.1 mg, or 0.0001 g, readability.
Is the VWR 314AC an analytical balance?
Yes. Its 0.1 mg readability and enclosed draft chamber place the VWR 314AC within the conventional analytical-balance category.
What is the repeatability specification?
The manufacturer specifies repeatability of 0.1 mg.
What is the linearity specification?
The manufacturer specifies linearity of 0.2 mg.
How quickly does the VWR 314AC stabilize?
The manufacturer's specified average stabilization time is approximately 3.5 seconds.
Does the VWR 314AC have internal calibration?
Yes. The VWR 314AC incorporates internal calibration and adjustment capabilities that can be activated according to temperature change and elapsed time.
How large is the weighing pan?
The VWR 314AC uses an 85 mm diameter weighing pan.
How large is the draft chamber?
The internal chamber measures approximately 160 × 168 × 230 mm, with approximately 227 mm of usable height above the weighing pan.
What application modes are available?
The A-Series supports basic weighing, piece counting, checkweighing, dosing, percentage/deviation weighing, solids density, liquids density, dynamic weighing, statistics, totalizing, and peak hold.
Can the VWR 314AC determine density?
Yes. The balance includes application modes for both solids and liquids density determination when used with an appropriate weighing setup.
Does the VWR 314AC support below-balance weighing?
Yes. Below-balance weighing is supported for specialized applications such as density and buoyancy measurements.
What is the operating temperature range?
The manufacturer specifies an operating range of 10°C to 40°C.
How long should the VWR 314AC warm up?
The manufacturer recommends approximately two hours of warm-up before calibration and critical weighing.
Is the VWR 314AC the same as the newer VWR 310AC?
No. Although both models have approximately 310 g capacity and 0.1 mg readability, they belong to different generations and have different specifications and features.
Is this VWR 314AC new or refurbished?
This VWR 314AC is offered used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange. It is inspected, calibrated, performance tested, cleaned, and supplied with a 90-day warranty.
Why purchase a refurbished VWR 314AC?
A refurbished VWR 314AC provides 310 g capacity, 0.1 mg analytical readability, internal automatic adjustment, an enclosed draft chamber, multiple application modes, and electronic communications at a lower acquisition cost than many new high-capacity analytical balances.
