Description
The M3 Series is a scientific marine scale for weighing small samples accurately at sea, on research vessels and other ships. It has three platform sizes, 120×120 mm, 145×145 mm and 270×270 mm, and five capacities: from 300 g with 0.1–0.2 g readability up to 6000 g with 2–5 g readability.
Precision on a moving deck
Vessel motion disturbs every reading, and with small samples that disturbance is large compared with the resolution you need. The M3 is motion-compensated: it adjusts automatically for the fluctuations in force caused by waves and vibration, so the displayed value stays usable at sea. Why ordinary scales fail at sea explains the physics and how motion compensation works explains what compensation achieves. If your cruises cover a wide range of latitudes, read gravity, latitude and calibration as well.
Built in 316L stainless steel
The M3 is made of stainless steel 316L, a low-carbon grade chosen for harsh marine environments. The construction is waterproof and robust enough for daily use on deck and in a wet laboratory. For the difference between steel grades and what enclosure ratings mean, see stainless steel 304, 316 and 316L compared and IP67, IP68 and IP69K explained.
Options for fieldwork
The M3 can be configured for the way your team works:
- Windcover (120×120 and 145×145 mm platforms): shields the pan and sample from air movement, which matters when you read to tenths of a gram on an open deck.
- Carrying case and battery: for moving the scale between sampling stations or vessels.
- Bluetooth LE and USB: for sending readings to a tablet, laptop or data system.
- WeightControl IOT module: automatic logging of every weighing, with export and an API.
Reporting and data
The M3 can be connected to the R10 range of indicators, which adds built-in reporting, statistics and printing that can be customised to your sampling protocol. With WeightControl, readings are logged automatically and exported as CSV or JSON. See weighing data logging and connecting a scale through an API.
Typical applications
- Biological sampling on fisheries research vessels: individual specimens and sub-samples.
- Weighing small quantities of sample material during scientific surveys, as described in precision weighing of small samples at sea.
- Any task on board where a bench scale in kilograms is too coarse.
The research vessels hub brings together articles on sampling, data handling and scale selection.
Verified versions for trade use
Selected M3 models are available as a verified version for trade use in the EU and in countries that follow OIML recommendations. For research work a calibration certificate is usually sufficient, but a verified scale is needed when the weighing result determines a price or an invoice. A verified scale carries the metrological markings and is sealed after verification, so its adjustment cannot be changed unnoticed. Which platform and capacity combinations can be supplied as a verified version depends on the model, so state in your quote request that you need the scale for trade use. NAWI and MID directives explained and OIML R51 vs R76 describe the rules, and the legal metrology hub covers verification and re-verification.
Calibration certificate
Every M3 scale can be supplied with an EURAMET cg-18 calibration certificate as an option. The certificate records the repeatability, eccentricity, errors of indication and measurement uncertainty of the scale, which quality systems and audits often ask for. Calibration is not the same as legal verification; EURAMET cg-18 calibration explained sets out the difference.
Choosing the right configuration
Choose the platform first, then the capacity. The 120×120 mm platform (M3-S) is available with all five capacities (300, 600, 1500, 3000 and 6000 g). The 145×145 mm platform (M3-M) takes 600 to 6000 g. Both can have a windcover. The 270×270 mm platform (M3-L) takes larger samples or containers and is available with 1500, 3000 and 6000 g.
A lower capacity gives finer readability, so size the scale to your heaviest sample plus any container. Choosing a scientific marine scale and capacity and readability explained walk through the decision. Then choose your model in the models table or request a quote.