VWR 602P2 Portable Precision Balance – Used & Refurbished
The VWR 602P2 Portable Precision Balance is a compact laboratory balance designed for routine weighing applications that require 0.01 g readability with the flexibility to operate away from a permanent benchtop location. With a maximum capacity of 600 g, 0.01 g readability, 0.01 g repeatability, and fast approximately 2-second stabilization, the VWR 602P2 is well suited for sample preparation, formulation, educational laboratories, field work, quality control, and general laboratory weighing.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the VWR 602P2 combines precision weighing performance with a compact 128 × 128 mm weighing platform, backlit LCD, rechargeable internal battery, multiple weighing modes, USB and RS232 connectivity, and external calibration.
The rechargeable battery is an important distinction for laboratories that need to move a balance between workstations or perform measurements where continuous access to an electrical outlet is inconvenient. Average battery operating time is approximately 33 hours, allowing the 602P2 to function as a genuinely portable laboratory weighing instrument rather than simply a small benchtop balance.
Each refurbished VWR 602P2 is inspected, calibrated, performance tested, and cleaned by American Instrument Exchange and includes a 90-day warranty.
Key Features
-
600 g maximum weighing capacity
-
0.01 g / 10 mg readability
-
0.01 g repeatability
-
±0.02 g linearity
-
Approximately 2-second stabilization time
-
128 × 128 mm weighing pan
-
Compact portable design
-
Internal rechargeable battery
-
Approximately 33-hour average battery operating time
-
AC-powered operation
-
Backlit LCD
-
External calibration
-
Multiple weighing modes
-
Multiple selectable weighing units
-
USB Type A connectivity
-
USB Type B connectivity
-
RS232 interface
-
IP43-rated construction
-
Automatic shutoff capability for battery conservation
-
Low-battery indication
-
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
-
90-day warranty included
Overview
The VWR 602P2 belongs to VWR's P2-Series of portable balances, a family designed to combine laboratory weighing performance with compact dimensions and battery-powered operation.
The 602P2 provides a useful balance between capacity and resolution.
Its 600 g maximum capacity accommodates routine laboratory samples, containers, reagents, components, and formulation materials, while 0.01 g readability allows measurements to be resolved to 10 mg.
This makes the 602P2 substantially more precise than many general-purpose portable scales while remaining less environmentally sensitive and easier to transport than analytical balances with enclosed draft chambers.
Its rechargeable battery further expands where the balance can be used, making the 602P2 suitable for shared laboratories, educational environments, mobile workstations, receiving areas, field applications, and facilities where weighing tasks occur at multiple locations.
Common Applications
The VWR 602P2 is well suited for routine sample preparation, reagent weighing, chemical formulation, media preparation, educational laboratory exercises, quality-control measurements, component weighing, percentage weighing, checkweighing, piece counting, and other general laboratory procedures.
Research and biotechnology laboratories can use the 602P2 for routine preparation procedures where 10 mg resolution is sufficient.
Chemical laboratories can use it for reagents and formulations that do not require analytical-balance resolution.
Educational laboratories can move the balance between teaching stations or classrooms without requiring permanent electrical connections at every weighing location.
Industrial and quality-control facilities can use the 602P2 for components, materials, incoming goods, and other routine measurements.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The VWR 602P2 is appropriate for research laboratories, biotechnology companies, chemical laboratories, educational institutions, quality-control departments, manufacturing facilities, environmental laboratories, production-support areas, and other facilities requiring a compact precision balance.
It is particularly useful in laboratories where weighing equipment must be shared between workstations or where occasional battery-powered operation provides a practical advantage.
Portable Precision Weighing Performance
The VWR 602P2 provides a maximum capacity of 600 g with 0.01 g readability.
Manufacturer specifications list repeatability at 0.01 g and linearity at ±0.02 g.
Stabilization time is approximately 2 seconds.
These specifications make the 602P2 a precision balance rather than an analytical balance.
The 0.01 g readability is equivalent to 10 mg, providing sufficient resolution for many routine laboratory procedures without the environmental sensitivity associated with 0.1 mg analytical balances.
Understanding 0.01 g Readability
The 0.01 g readability of the 602P2 means the display changes in increments of 0.01 g, or 10 mg.
This level of resolution is commonly useful for routine formulation, sample preparation, reagent weighing, educational work, and quality-control procedures.
It should not be confused with 0.01 mg readability.
A balance with 0.01 mg readability is a semi-micro instrument capable of resolving changes 1,000 times smaller than the 0.01 g increments displayed by the 602P2.
Matching the balance's readability to the actual procedure prevents laboratories from paying for unnecessary sensitivity while also avoiding the use of a balance that cannot provide adequate resolution.
Rechargeable Battery & Portable Operation
Portability is one of the most important features of the VWR 602P2.
The balance incorporates an internal rechargeable battery and can also operate from AC power.
Average battery operating time is approximately 33 hours under specified conditions.
This allows the balance to be moved between laboratory benches, classrooms, workstations, receiving areas, or other locations without requiring continuous connection to an electrical outlet.
A low-battery indicator helps operators identify when charging is required, while automatic shutoff can be used to conserve battery power during periods of inactivity.
Laboratory, Classroom & Field Use
Battery-powered operation expands the range of environments where the 602P2 can be useful.
In a conventional laboratory, the balance can be shared between workstations without moving power supplies or rearranging equipment.
In educational settings, balances can be distributed around a classroom for practical exercises.
Quality-control personnel may use the balance at different production or inspection stations.
Portable weighing can also be useful for certain field or temporary-workstation applications, provided environmental conditions are suitable for precision measurement.
External Calibration
The VWR 602P2 uses external calibration.
Unlike balance models equipped with an internal motorized calibration weight, the 602P2 requires an appropriate external reference weight when adjustment is performed.
External calibration keeps the balance mechanically straightforward and is common among compact portable precision balances.
Laboratories should use a suitable reference weight with an appropriate accuracy class and maintain calibration and verification procedures consistent with their quality requirements.
Calibration should be checked after relocation when measurement quality is important, particularly if the balance has been transported between environments with different temperatures.
Environmental Influences
Although a 0.01 g precision balance is considerably less sensitive than an analytical or semi-micro balance, environmental conditions can still influence weighing performance.
The balance should be placed on a rigid, level surface before measurements are performed.
Strong air currents, unstable tables, vibration, rapidly changing temperatures, and direct sunlight should be avoided.
The specified operating temperature range is approximately 15°C to 30°C.
When the balance is moved between locations with significantly different temperatures, it should be allowed to equilibrate before calibration and critical measurements.
Compact 128 × 128 mm Weighing Platform
The VWR 602P2 uses a 128 × 128 mm weighing platform.
This provides sufficient working area for many common laboratory vessels, weighing boats, containers, sample cups, and other routine materials while keeping the overall balance compact.
The open platform also makes it easy to place and remove samples during repetitive weighing procedures.
Because the balance does not use a full analytical draft shield, unusually strong air movement should be avoided when the most consistent 0.01 g measurements are required.
Fast Stabilization
The manufacturer specifies an approximately 2-second stabilization time for the VWR 602P2.
Fast response is particularly useful for repetitive laboratory work.
When technicians are preparing multiple samples, weighing ingredients sequentially, checking components, or performing instructional exercises, reducing the waiting time between measurements can improve throughput.
The relatively moderate 0.01 g resolution also makes the 602P2 less susceptible to minor environmental disturbances than higher-resolution analytical balances.
Backlit LCD
The VWR 602P2 uses a backlit LCD designed to provide clear measurement visibility under a variety of lighting conditions.
The display presents weighing results and operational information in a straightforward format appropriate for routine laboratory use.
For shared laboratories and educational settings, a simple display and control system can reduce training requirements and make it easier for occasional users to operate the balance correctly.
Multiple Weighing Modes
The P2-Series supports multiple working modes for common weighing procedures.
These capabilities allow the balance to perform more than simple mass measurement and can support routine laboratory and quality-control workflows.
Depending on the selected operating mode and configuration, the balance can assist with applications such as basic weighing, counting, checkweighing, dosing, percentage weighing, and other repetitive measurement procedures.
Integrated functions reduce the need to perform common calculations separately.
Multiple Weighing Units
The VWR 602P2 supports multiple selectable weighing units.
This allows users to configure the display for the measurement units appropriate to their laboratory or application.
For most scientific laboratories, grams will remain the primary measurement unit, but additional unit options provide flexibility for educational, industrial, and specialized applications.
USB & RS232 Connectivity
Despite its compact portable design, the 602P2 provides several options for electronic communication.
Interfaces include USB Type A, USB Type B, and RS232.
These connections can support compatible computers, printers, and other peripheral devices.
Electronic data transfer can reduce manual transcription of weighing results and make it easier to incorporate the balance into laboratory documentation workflows.
The combination of portability and multiple communication interfaces gives the 602P2 more flexibility than many basic compact balances.
IP43 Protection
The VWR 602P2 carries an IP43 rating.
This provides a degree of protection against ingress of solid objects and water spray under the conditions defined by the applicable IP classification.
An IP rating does not make the balance waterproof, and liquids should not be deliberately poured or sprayed onto the instrument.
However, the rating supports the 602P2's positioning as a practical balance for routine laboratory and light industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
VWR 602P2 |
| Balance Type |
Portable Precision Balance |
| Maximum Capacity |
600 g |
| Readability |
0.01 g / 10 mg |
| Repeatability |
0.01 g |
| Linearity |
±0.02 g |
| Stabilization Time |
Approx. 2 Seconds |
| Tare Range |
Up to 600 g |
| Calibration / Adjustment |
External |
| Weighing Pan |
128 × 128 mm |
| Display |
Backlit LCD |
| Battery |
Internal Rechargeable |
| Average Battery Operating Time |
Approx. 33 Hours |
| Interfaces |
USB Type A, USB Type B, RS232 |
| IP Rating |
IP43 |
| Operating Temperature |
15–30°C |
| Power Supply |
100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz / 12 VDC |
| Approximate Net Weight |
1.3 kg |
| Portable Operation |
Yes |
| Condition |
Used & Refurbished |
| Testing |
Accuracy, Repeatability, Linearity, Corner Load, Calibration & Functional Testing |
| Warranty |
90 Days from American Instrument Exchange |
VWR 602P2 vs. an Analytical Balance
The 602P2 is a precision balance rather than an analytical balance.
It provides 0.01 g readability, while a conventional analytical balance generally provides 0.0001 g, or 0.1 mg, readability.
An analytical balance is therefore appropriate for procedures requiring substantially finer quantitative measurements.
The 602P2 offers advantages when that level of sensitivity is unnecessary.
It is compact, portable, battery powered, fast stabilizing, and less sensitive to routine environmental disturbances.
For general sample preparation and routine laboratory weighing, these characteristics may be more useful than analytical-level resolution.
VWR 602P2 vs. VWR 203P2
The VWR 203P2 is the higher-resolution member of the compact P2 family.
It provides approximately 200 g maximum capacity with 0.001 g readability.
The 602P2 increases capacity to 600 g while providing 0.01 g readability.
The 203P2 is therefore more appropriate when 1 mg resolution is required and samples remain below its lower maximum capacity.
The 602P2 is better suited to heavier samples and routine procedures where 10 mg resolution is sufficient.
VWR 602P2 vs. VWR 2002P2
The VWR 602P2 and 2002P2 both provide 0.01 g readability and approximately 2-second stabilization.
The primary difference is capacity.
The 602P2 provides 600 g maximum capacity, while the 2002P2 extends maximum capacity to 2,000 g.
Both use a 128 × 128 mm weighing platform.
The 602P2 is a compact choice for smaller samples and containers, while the 2002P2 provides substantially more capacity when heavier vessels or materials must be weighed.
Portable Balance vs. Conventional Benchtop Balance
A conventional benchtop balance may remain permanently installed at a dedicated weighing station.
The 602P2 is designed to provide greater mobility.
Its compact construction and rechargeable battery allow the balance to be moved to the location where measurements are required.
This can reduce the need to transport samples across a laboratory or facility.
The tradeoff is that moving any precision balance can change its installation conditions.
For measurements where accuracy is critical, the 602P2 should be leveled and its calibration verified after relocation.
Choosing the VWR 602P2 for Routine Laboratory Weighing
The VWR 602P2 is particularly attractive when a laboratory needs more accuracy than a basic general-purpose scale but does not require analytical-balance sensitivity.
Its 600 g capacity accommodates a wide range of routine samples and vessels.
The 0.01 g readability provides useful precision for sample preparation and formulation.
The rechargeable battery allows mobile operation, while USB and RS232 interfaces support electronic data workflows.
This combination makes the 602P2 suitable as a general-purpose laboratory balance that can be moved wherever routine weighing is required.
Refurbishment & Performance Testing
Each used VWR 602P2 offered by American Instrument Exchange undergoes inspection, cleaning, calibration, and functional testing before shipment.
Technicians inspect the housing, display, keypad, weighing platform, leveling components, battery and charging functions, 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 consistency.
Linearity testing evaluates weighing performance at different loads across the 600 g range, while corner-load testing checks for excessive variation when a reference weight is placed at different positions on the weighing platform.
External calibration, zeroing, taring, battery operation, display functions, and other installed operating modes 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
The compact design of the VWR 602P2 makes it easier to transport than many larger laboratory balances, but precision weighing equipment should still be handled carefully.
After shipment or relocation, the balance should be placed on a stable, level surface and allowed to acclimate to the surrounding environment when significant temperature differences are present.
Calibration should be verified with an appropriate external reference weight before critical measurements are performed.
When operating on battery power, users should confirm adequate charge before beginning extended weighing procedures.
The balance should also be protected from strong airflow, vibration, liquids, and rapidly changing temperatures.
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 602P2 Portable Precision Balance FAQs
What is the maximum capacity of the VWR 602P2?
The VWR 602P2 has a maximum weighing capacity of 600 g.
What is the readability?
The balance provides 0.01 g, or 10 mg, readability.
Is the VWR 602P2 an analytical balance?
No. The 602P2 is a portable precision balance. Analytical balances typically provide much finer 0.1 mg readability.
What is the repeatability specification?
VWR specifies repeatability of 0.01 g.
What is the linearity specification?
VWR specifies linearity of ±0.02 g.
How quickly does the VWR 602P2 stabilize?
The manufacturer specifies approximately 2-second stabilization.
Is the VWR 602P2 battery powered?
Yes. It incorporates an internal rechargeable battery in addition to AC-powered operation.
How long does the battery last?
The manufacturer's technical documentation specifies an average battery operating time of approximately 33 hours.
Does the VWR 602P2 have internal calibration?
No. The 602P2 uses external calibration. An appropriate external reference weight is required for adjustment.
What size is the weighing pan?
The weighing platform measures approximately 128 × 128 mm.
Does the VWR 602P2 have USB connectivity?
Yes. The balance supports USB Type A and USB Type B interfaces.
Does it have an RS232 interface?
Yes. RS232 connectivity is also provided.
What is the IP rating?
The VWR 602P2 carries an IP43 rating.
Can the 602P2 be moved between laboratory workstations?
Yes. Portability is one of its primary advantages. For critical measurements, leveling and calibration should be checked after relocation.
What is the difference between the VWR 602P2 and 203P2?
The 602P2 provides 600 g capacity with 0.01 g readability. The 203P2 provides lower 200 g capacity but finer 0.001 g readability.
What is the difference between the VWR 602P2 and 2002P2?
Both provide 0.01 g readability, but the 602P2 has 600 g capacity while the 2002P2 provides 2,000 g capacity.
Is this VWR 602P2 new or refurbished?
This VWR 602P2 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 602P2?
A refurbished VWR 602P2 provides 600 g capacity, 0.01 g precision, fast stabilization, rechargeable battery operation, multiple weighing modes, and USB and RS232 connectivity in a compact portable package at a lower acquisition cost than purchasing comparable new laboratory equipment.
