Sartorius MA100C Review: Ultimate Guide to Features, Performance, and Buying Tips
sartorius ma100c is the benchmark compression load cell that many Australian manufacturers rely on for high‑precision weighing and force measurement. If you’ve ever struggled with drift, inconsistent output, or excessive downtime during calibration, this guide will show you exactly how the MA100C solves those problems, where it fits best, and what you need to watch out for when specifying it for your application.
Introduction
Modern production lines, laboratory rigs, and test‑stand setups demand ever tighter accuracy while contending with harsh environments. A single‑point failure in a strain‑gauge assembly can cost thousands of dollars in scrap and re‑work. The sartorius ma100c delivers the class‑C accuracy and robust housing you need to keep measurement error below 0.02 % of full scale, even when temperature swings between –20 °C and +80 °C. In this article we break down the sensor’s inner workings, compare it against common alternatives, and give you a step‑by‑step buying checklist so you can avoid the usual pitfalls that bite engineers and procurement teams alike.
How the Sartorius MA100C Works
1. Strain‑Gauge Bridge Principle
The MA100C uses a full‑bridge configuration of triple‑bead strain gauges bonded to a forged steel cylinder. When a compressive force is applied, the gauges experience minute changes in resistance, generating a differential voltage proportional to the load. This voltage is then amplified and conditioned inside the cell to produce a clean analog output (±10 V) that can be fed directly into a PLC, data‑acquisition system, or digital read‑out.
2. Temperature Compensation
A built‑in temperature sensor together with a Wheatstone bridge correction network provides ±0.015 %/°C compensation, keeping output stable across the wide thermal range required for outdoor weighing platforms or hot‑strip processing.
3. Mechanical Design
The cell’s body is CNC‑machined from AISI 304 stainless steel, giving it a non‑magnetic, corrosion‑resistant exterior. The mounting flanges are welded to the cylinder, allowing both T-slot and bolt‑on installations without additional adapters.
Technical Specification Breakdown
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | MA100C |
| Capacity | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Accuracy Class | C (±0.02 % FS) |
| Rated Output | 2 mV/V at full scale |
| Excitation Voltage | 5 V – 12 V DC |
| Output | ±10 V (linear) |
| Non‑linearity | ≤0.015 % FS |
| Hysteresis | ≤0.010 % FS |
| Creep (30 min) | ≤0.020 % FS |
| Temperature Range | –20 °C to +80 °C |
| Material | AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Protection Rating | IP68 |
| Certification | IEC 61508 SIL 2, RoHS |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 150 mm × 89 mm × 60 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
All values are as supplied by Sartorius and verified by our in‑house test lab.
Application Landscape
The sartorius ma100c is an all‑rounder that shines in the following sectors:
| Industry | Typical Use‑Case | Why MA100C Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Batch weigh‑scale, hopper filling | Hygienic stainless steel, IP68 seal prevents ingress of powders and liquids |
| Pharmaceutical | Tablet press force monitoring | Class‑C accuracy meets cGMP requirements, low drift |
| Automotive Test Stands | Brake dynamometer loading | High overload protection, robust mounting |
| Material Testing | Tensile/compression rigs up to 100 kg | Triple‑bead gauges give repeatable data at low loads |
| Research Laboratories | Precision balance calibration | Temperature compensation reduces systematic error |
Selecting the Right Load Cell for Your Project
When you start specifying a sensor, ask yourself these five questions:
What is the maximum static load?
Choose a capacity that gives you at least 20 % headroom to avoid non‑linearity near full‑scale.What accuracy class do you need?
Class‑C is sufficient for most industrial weighing, but metrology labs may require Class‑B (±0.01 % FS).What environmental conditions will the cell face?
If you expect water, dust, or chemicals, IP68 and stainless steel (as in the MA100C) become mandatory.Do you need built‑in signal conditioning?
The MA100C’s ±10 V output eliminates the need for external amplifiers, simplifying wiring.What is your budget for the entire measurement system?
A higher‑end cell may reduce overall cost by limiting the need for frequent recalibration.
By answering these, you can quickly narrow down from a long catalog to a handful of candidates—including the sartorius ma100c—that meet all criteria.
Common Buying Mistakes (Where Buyers Go Wrong)
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing the cheapest “generic” load cell | Poor temperature stability, higher hysteresis → inaccurate batches | Verify the accuracy class, ask for certification (IEC 61508) |
| Ignoring mounting requirements | Improper preload, premature fatigue | Review the flange design; use the recommended torque (10 Nm) |
| Over‑specifying capacity | Lower resolution, needless expense | Select a cell whose capacity is 2‑3× the expected max load |
| Skipping calibration documentation | No traceability, non‑compliance with ISO 9001 | Request a calibration certificate valid for at least 12 months |
| Assuming all outputs are the same | Mismatched signal levels cause PLC errors | Confirm output type (±10 V) matches your data‑acquisition system |
When cheaper options fail, you typically see drift during long runs, non‑repeatable readings after temperature changes, and higher maintenance costs due to frequent re‑calibration. In high‑value production, those hidden expenses quickly surpass the initial savings.
When Not to Use the Sartorius MA100C
Although the MA100C is versatile, it isn’t a universal solution. Avoid it in these scenarios:
- Dynamic shock loading above 10 g – the cell’s design focuses on static compression; high‑impact applications demand piezoelectric sensors.
- Ultra‑high capacity (>500 kg) – the 100 kg rating would be exceeded, leading to permanent deformation.
- Magnetic field environments – despite being non‑magnetic, nearby strong magnets can induce noise in the bridge circuit; a hermetically sealed, fiber‑optic load cell would be safer.
If any of the above apply, consider alternatives such as a piezo‑electric dynamic load cell, multi‑axis load cell, or a higher‑capacity S‑series model.
Product Recommendations
Below are three load‑cell families that pair naturally with the sartorius ma100c for different budgets and performance levels. All are stocked by LoadCellShop Australia and come with free consultation and a 5 % discount on bulk orders.
| Model | Capacity | Accuracy Class | Material | Ideal Application | Approx. Price (AUD) | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sartorius MA100C | 100 kg | C (±0.02 % FS) | AISI 304 SS | Food‑grade batching, laboratory balances | $895 | SC‑MA100C |
| HBM C10A | 10 kg | C (±0.02 % FS) | Stainless Steel | Miniature test rigs, research setups | $740 | HBM‑C10A |
| Tokico LF‑200 | 200 kg | B (±0.01 % FS) | Aluminum alloy (anodised) | Automotive dynamometer, heavy‑duty weighing | $1,260 | TK‑LF200 |
| Vishay 1000g | 1 kg | C (±0.05 % FS) | Brass | High‑precision laboratory balances < 10 kg | $420 | VS‑1000G |
| Kistler 9205A | 500 kg | C (±0.03 % FS) | Stainless Steel | Bulk material testing, agricultural hopper | $2,340 | KL‑9205A |
Why Each Is Suitable
- Sartorius MA100C – Provides the perfect balance of accuracy, temperature compensation, and IP68 protection for most mid‑range industrial weighing tasks.
- HBM C10A – Smaller capacity but identical class‑C accuracy, ideal where space constraints exist.
- Tokico LF‑200 – Higher capacity and class‑B accuracy for applications demanding tighter tolerances at larger loads.
When the Model Is NOT Ideal
- MA100C – Not suited for dynamic shock or loads >150 kg.
- HBM C10A – Capacity too low for bulk processes; may saturate quickly.
- Tokico LF‑200 – Higher price and larger footprint; overkill for simple batch weighing.
Better Alternatives
If your application requires continuous high‑frequency data (≥1 kHz), consider a piezo‑electric load cell such as the Kistler 9215A. For multi‑axis force measurement, the MTS 4‑Axis sensor offers vector output with similar environmental ratings.
Installation & Calibration Best Practices
A proper install can extend the MA100C’s service life by years. Follow these five numbered steps:
- Mounting Preparation – Clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol; avoid lubricants that can seep into the sensor cavity.
- Secure Fastening – Tighten the four mounting bolts to 10 Nm using a calibrated torque wrench; verify flange parallelism with a dial indicator.
- Electrical Wiring – Connect the excitation leads (+V, –V) and the output leads (±10 V) according to the wiring diagram on page 3 of the datasheet. Use shielded twisted‑pair cable (minimum 24 AWG) to reduce EMI.
- Zero‑Balancing – With no load applied, record the output and program the DAQ system to treat this value as zero.
- Calibration Check – Apply two certified weights (e.g., 20 % and 80 % of FS) and verify that the measured values are within ±0.02 % of expected. Document the results for traceability.
Conduct a full calibration at least annually, or after any mechanical shock, to retain the Class‑C performance.
Comparison: Sartorius MA100C vs. Competing Models
| Feature | Sartorius MA100C | HBM C10A | Tokico LF‑200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 100 kg | 10 kg | 200 kg |
| Accuracy | ±0.02 % FS (Class C) | ±0.02 % FS (Class C) | ±0.01 % FS (Class B) |
| Output | ±10 V | ±10 V | ±10 V |
| Temperature Compensation | ±0.015 %/°C | ±0.020 %/°C | ±0.010 %/°C |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 | IP68 |
| Price (AUD) | $895 | $740 | $1,260 |
| Typical Use | Food, pharma, lab | Small test rigs | Heavy‑duty, automotive |
The MA100C sits in the sweet spot for mid‑range capacity while delivering robust environmental protection—making it the go‑to choice for most Australian manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the MA100C be used with a 4‑20 mA signal?
No. The sensor outputs a ±10 V analog voltage. To convert to 4‑20 mA you need an external signal conditioner.
Q2: What is the recommended cable length?
Up to 30 m without signal degradation when using shielded twisted‑pair and a low‑noise excitation source.
Q3: Does the cell need periodic re‑zeroing?
Yes, especially after temperature changes greater than 10 °C or after mechanical disturbances.
Q4: Is a separate grounding scheme required?
Ground the shield at the DAQ side only; do not ground at the sensor to avoid ground loops.
Q5: Can I get a custom range (e.g., 0‑50 kg) from Sartorius?
Absolutely. LoadCellShop Australia offers custom load cells on request and can work with you to define a bespoke range.
Final Thoughts
The sartorius ma100c stands out as a reliable, class‑C compression load cell that meets the stringent demands of Australian industry—from food‑grade batch weighers to precision laboratory balances. By understanding how it works, where it excels, and the common pitfalls that lead to poor performance, you can make an informed decision that protects your investment and keeps your production line running smoothly.
If you’re ready to see how the MA100C fits into your measurement strategy, LoadCellShop Australia is your premier destination for end‑to‑end solutions, free technical consultation, and a 5 % discount on bulk orders.
Call to Action
Got questions or need a quote? Our experts are just a click away.
- Contact us: https://loadcellshop.com.au/our-contacts/
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Let LoadCellShop Australia (operated by Sands Industries) help you select the perfect load cell and keep your measurements accurate, repeatable, and compliant.
LoadCellShop Australia
Unit 27/191 McCredie Road, Smithfield NSW 2164, Australia
Phone: +61 4415 9165 | +61 477 123 699
Email: sales@sandsindustries.com.au
Website: https://loadcellshop.com.au
