Precisa PBM Moisture Analyzers – Swiss-Made Precision, PHASTbloc® Technology and 115V Options for North America

Professional Thermogravimetric Moisture Analysis for Laboratories, Manufacturing and Quality Control

The Precisa PBM Series 530 moisture analyzers combine Swiss precision weighing technology with practical features for reliable loss-on-drying analysis in laboratory and industrial environments.

Designed for professional users who require consistent analytical procedures, efficient sample handling and dependable measurement performance, the PBM range offers four models with different weighing capacities, resolutions and temperature ranges.

The series includes the Precisa PBM 50, PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66, covering applications from routine moisture testing to high-resolution analysis of demanding materials.

With weighing capacities from 52 g to 220 g, readability down to 0.1 mg and drying temperatures up to 230 °C, the range provides solutions for many different analytical requirements.

A defining feature of the PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 is Precisa's proprietary PHASTbloc® weighing technology, developed to combine the benefits of monolithic and conventional weighing cells.

These models also feature automatic lid opening, LED status indication and storage for up to 30 drying methods.

For international laboratories, the Precisa PBM series offers another important advantage: dedicated 115V and 230V configurations, including factory-specified 115V versions for the United States and other compatible North American installations.

This makes the PBM range particularly suitable for international procurement projects where electrical compatibility must be established before delivery.

Key Features of the Precisa PBM Series

• Swiss-Made precision weighing technology

• Four models for different laboratory requirements

• Weighing capacities from 52 g to 220 g

• Readability of 1 mg or 0.1 mg

• Moisture display resolution of 0.01% or 0.001%

• Drying temperatures up to 230 °C

• PHASTbloc® technology on PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66

• Halogen, infrared or dark infrared heating configurations

• Standard, Boost and Smooth heating programs

• Storage for up to 30 drying methods on selected models

• Automatic lid opening on PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66

• LED operating status indication on selected models

• Backlit LCD display

• Defined automatic shut-off criteria

• USB and RS-232 connectivity

• GLP-format measurement reporting

• Tool-free heating chamber disassembly on selected models

• 115V and 230V versions for international markets

• Suitable for professional laboratory and production environments

Precisa PBM 50, PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 – Technical Comparison

The available heating technologies are alternative factory configurations. The selected voltage and heating source determine the corresponding manufacturer part number.

Precisa PBM 50 – Reliable Moisture Analyzer for Routine Testing

Practical Moisture Determination for Standard Laboratory Procedures

The Precisa PBM 50 is the entry-level model in the Series 530 range.

It offers a maximum weighing capacity of 52 g, readability of 1 mg and moisture display resolution of 0.01%.

Its drying temperature range extends from 50 °C to 170 °C.

The PBM 50 is designed for laboratories performing routine moisture measurements using a limited number of analytical procedures.

Its straightforward operation makes it attractive for repeated testing of similar materials.

Typical PBM 50 Applications

• Routine moisture determination

• Food ingredient testing

• Powder and granule analysis

• Raw material inspection

• Production quality control

• Standardized loss-on-drying procedures

The PBM 50 is an appropriate choice when simple operation and dependable routine performance are more important than extensive method storage or advanced sample-handling automation.

PBM 50 for the US Market

The PBM 50 is available in dedicated 115V configurations for compatible North American laboratory installations.

The appropriate version must be selected according to the required heating technology.

Precisa PBM 60 – Versatile Moisture Analyzer with PHASTbloc®

Swiss Precision for Industrial and Laboratory Applications

The Precisa PBM 60 combines a 124 g weighing capacity with 1 mg readability and 0.01% moisture display resolution.

Its temperature range extends from 50 °C to 230 °C.

The instrument incorporates PHASTbloc® weighing technology and supports storage of up to 30 drying methods.

Automatic lid opening and LED status indication make the PBM 60 particularly attractive for laboratories performing frequent measurements.

Typical PBM 60 Applications

• Industrial quality assurance

• Food processing laboratories

• Chemical raw materials

• Technical powders

• Plastic pellets

• Incoming goods inspection

• Production batch testing

For laboratories requiring a versatile moisture analyzer with multiple stored procedures, the PBM 60 provides a balanced combination of capacity, resolution and operational convenience.

Precisa PBM 60-HR – High-Resolution Moisture Analysis with 0.1 mg Readability

Designed for Demanding Samples and Small Mass Changes

The Precisa PBM 60-HR is the high-resolution model of the Series 530.

It combines a maximum weighing capacity of 124 g with weighing readability of 0.1 mg.

Its moisture display resolution reaches 0.001%.

Compared with the PBM 60 and PBM 66, the PBM 60-HR provides ten times finer weighing readability.

This is particularly valuable when analyzing suitable samples that exhibit relatively small mass changes during drying.

Precisa highlights the PHASTbloc® technology for demanding materials with low moisture content, including certain polymers.

Typical PBM 60-HR Applications

• Plastic pellets and polymer materials

• Technical plastics

• Chemical specialty materials

• Research and development

• High-resolution loss-on-drying testing

• Industrial quality control

• Evaluation of small sample mass changes

High display resolution does not automatically guarantee equivalent analytical accuracy.

For very low water contents, the selected thermogravimetric method must be evaluated for sensitivity, repeatability and suitability.

Precisa PBM 66 – Extended Weighing Capacity up to 220 g

Greater Sample Capacity for Industrial Testing

The Precisa PBM 66 offers the highest weighing capacity in the PBM range.

With a maximum capacity of 220 g, readability of 1 mg and moisture resolution of 0.01%, it provides additional flexibility for applications requiring higher sample weights.

The temperature range extends from 50 °C to 230 °C.

Like the PBM 60 and PBM 60-HR, the PBM 66 incorporates PHASTbloc® technology, automatic lid opening and storage for up to 30 drying methods.

Typical PBM 66 Applications

• Industrial raw material inspection

• Larger sample quantities

• Powders and granules

• Mineral materials

• Building material testing

• Animal feed

• Production quality assurance

The higher capacity is particularly useful when additional sample mass is necessary.

However, the sample must still be distributed appropriately across the sample pan to ensure suitable drying conditions.

Precisa PHASTbloc® – Advanced Swiss Weighing Technology

Combining Precision, Serviceability and Robust Construction

A major distinguishing feature of the PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 is Precisa's proprietary PHASTbloc® technology.

According to Precisa, PHASTbloc® combines advantages of monolithic weighing cells with those of conventional weighing systems.

The design aims to provide high measurement performance while supporting improved repairability.

This approach is particularly relevant for professional laboratories and industrial environments where equipment reliability and long-term serviceability are important.

Advantages of PHASTbloc® Technology

High measurement resolution

Supports precise mass measurement throughout the drying process.

Robust construction

Designed for demanding laboratory and production environments.

Service-oriented design

Precisa emphasizes improved repairability compared with fully monolithic weighing cell designs.

Performance with critical samples

Particularly relevant for suitable materials with low moisture content.

Reduced air-lifting effects

The instrument design aims to minimize disruptive air movement during moisture determination.

Three Alternative Heating Technologies

Halogen, Infrared and Dark Infrared Heating

The Precisa PBM series is available with different heating sources.

These are selected as part of the instrument configuration.

Halogen Heating

Halogen heating provides rapid temperature development and is suitable for many routine loss-on-drying applications.

Potential applications include food ingredients, powders, granules and chemical raw materials.

Infrared Heating

Infrared heating transfers thermal energy to the sample through radiation.

Its effectiveness depends partly on the material's optical and thermal properties.

Dark Infrared Heating

Dark infrared heating provides another thermal radiation option.

It may be advantageous for particular materials or specialized drying procedures.

The three heating technologies are alternative configurations, not interchangeable operating modes installed simultaneously.

Standard, Boost and Smooth Heating Programs

Standard Heating

Suitable for many routine moisture measurements performed at a defined temperature.

Boost Heating

Provides an accelerated initial heating phase.

For suitable heat-resistant materials, this can help reduce overall analysis time.

Smooth Heating

Offers a gentler temperature progression.

This is particularly relevant for samples sensitive to rapid heating.

The selected heating program should always be matched to the material and analytical method.

Drying Temperatures up to 230 °C

Flexible Thermal Conditions for Different Materials

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 operate between 50 °C and 230 °C.

The PBM 50 operates between 50 °C and 170 °C.

Temperature settings can be adjusted in increments of 1 °C.

The extended temperature range supports a wide variety of applications, including suitable:

• Plastics

• Chemical raw materials

• Mineral substances

• Building materials

• Ceramic powders

• Industrial intermediate products

Excessive heating can cause oxidation, decomposition or other unwanted changes.

Drying temperatures must therefore be selected according to the material's thermal properties.

Storage for up to 30 Drying Methods

Efficient Management of Repeated Testing Procedures

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 allow up to 30 drying methods to be stored and recalled.

This is particularly useful when different materials require different analytical settings.

Typical applications include:

• Incoming material inspection

• Batch testing

• Production monitoring

• Raw material analysis

• Quality assurance

• Standardized laboratory procedures

The PBM 50 is intended for simpler workflows with more limited method management.

Automatic Lid Opening and LED Status Indication

Faster Sample Handling in Busy Laboratories

The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 feature automatic lid opening at the end of a measurement.

This allows the heating chamber to begin cooling immediately.

It can also help reduce waiting time between successive analyses.

LED status indicators provide visual feedback on the instrument's operating condition.

This is particularly valuable in production laboratories performing repeated measurements throughout the working day.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Designed for Practical Laboratory Operation

Precisa has designed the PBM Series 530 with particular attention to cleaning and maintenance.

On the relevant models, the heating chamber can be disassembled without tools.

This facilitates cleaning and helps laboratories maintain appropriate sample-handling conditions.

Depending on the component and manufacturer's instructions, cleaning may be performed manually or using suitable cleaning equipment.

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and ensure all components are fully dry before reassembly.

USB and RS-232 Connectivity

Electronic Results and Laboratory Data Management

The Precisa PBM series provides communication interfaces for transferring measurement data.

Depending on the model and configuration, connections include USB and RS-232.

Potential applications include:

• Electronic measurement reports

• Data archiving

• Compatible printer connections

• Quality control documentation

• Laboratory workflow integration

Compatibility with specific software or laboratory information management systems should be verified before implementation.

GLP-Format Reporting and Quality Documentation

Supporting Traceable Analytical Procedures

The Precisa PBM series supports measurement reporting in a GLP-oriented format.

These functions can contribute to consistent documentation and traceability.

Potential applications include:

• Quality control laboratories

• Manufacturing environments

• Research institutions

• Standardized analytical testing

• Documented production procedures

GLP-format reporting does not itself establish regulatory compliance.

The complete analytical procedure must meet the applicable requirements.

Thermogravimetric Moisture Determination

Measuring Mass Loss During Controlled Heating

The Precisa PBM moisture analyzers use the thermogravimetric measurement principle.

First, the initial mass of a representative sample is determined.

The sample is then heated under defined conditions.

During drying, water and other volatile substances may evaporate.

The integrated weighing system measures the resulting reduction in mass.

Moisture content relative to the initial sample mass is commonly calculated as:

Moisture (%) = [(Initial Mass − Final Mass) / Initial Mass] × 100

Example:

Initial mass: 10.000 g

Final mass: 8.750 g

Loss on drying: 12.5%

Remaining dry matter: 87.5%

Loss on Drying Is Not Always Water-Specific

Thermogravimetric moisture analysis measures total mass loss under the selected conditions.

This may include water, solvents and other volatile substances.

Where water-specific determination is required, Karl Fischer titration or another selective analytical method may be more appropriate.

Precisa PBM for Plastic Pellets and Polymer Processing

Residual Moisture Testing for Industrial Plastics

Residual moisture can influence the processing characteristics of certain polymer materials.

Hygroscopic plastics often require controlled drying before manufacturing operations.

The PHASTbloc® technology used in the PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 is particularly interesting for suitable materials with low moisture content.

The PBM 60-HR offers the highest weighing resolution within the series.

Potential applications include:

• Plastic pellet inspection

• Technical polymer testing

• Raw material batch comparison

• Evaluation of drying processes

• Incoming goods inspection

• Industrial quality assurance

For extremely low water contents, the suitability of thermogravimetric determination must be verified carefully.

Precisa PBM in Food and Feed Laboratories

Moisture and Dry Matter Analysis

Moisture content influences numerous properties of food and feed products.

These include consistency, processing characteristics, storage stability and quality.

The Precisa PBM series can be used with suitable samples such as:

• Flour

• Cereals

• Coffee

• Tea

• Spices

• Milk powder

• Dried food ingredients

• Animal feed

Precisa also offers a special glass-free configuration for certain food industry applications.

The appropriate instrument version should be selected according to the laboratory's operational requirements.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Controlled Loss-on-Drying Testing

In chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories, loss-on-drying determination is used for suitable raw materials and intermediate products.

The Precisa PBM series offers:

• High-resolution weighing

• Selectable heating programs

• Configurable measurement endpoints

• Stored analytical methods

• Measurement documentation

• Robust construction

For regulated applications, the analytical methods must be qualified or validated as required.

Building Materials, Minerals and Ceramics

Moisture Determination for Technical Raw Materials

The PBM series can be used to examine many technical materials when they are compatible with thermogravimetric analysis.

Potential applications include:

• Mineral raw materials

• Ceramic powders

• Building material samples

• Industrial granules

• Technical fillers

The PBM 66, with its 220 g weighing capacity, may be particularly attractive when larger sample quantities are required.

Environmental Laboratories and Wastewater Treatment

Moisture and Dry Matter Determination

Thermogravimetric moisture determination can also be useful in environmental laboratories and wastewater treatment facilities.

Suitable applications may include:

• Wastewater sludge

• Dewatered sludge

• Filter cakes

• Sediments

• Soil samples

• Organic residues

Appropriate sample preparation, drying temperature and endpoint selection are essential for repeatable results.

Precisa PBM Moisture Analyzers – 115V Versions for the USA and North America

Factory-Configured 115V Instruments for Compatible North American Electrical Systems

For customers in the United States and other locations using compatible 115V laboratory power supplies, Precisa offers dedicated 115V versions of all four PBM moisture analyzer models.

The manufacturer also offers corresponding 230V configurations for other electrical installations.

The voltage version must be selected when ordering the instrument.

The 115V and 230V versions are not interchangeable simply by replacing the power cord or using a plug adapter.

The heating system is configured for the ordered voltage. Any voltage conversion requiring a heating-unit replacement must be performed by authorized Precisa service personnel.

Electrical Specifications

Electrical compatibility, supplied power cord, local plug requirements and any applicable certification requirements should be verified before ordering.

Precisa PBM – Official 115V Manufacturer Part Numbers

The following part numbers identify the 115V versions according to the selected heating technology.

These manufacturer item numbers include the moisture analyzer with the corresponding heating source.

Precisa PBM – Official 230V Manufacturer Part Numbers

For comparison, the corresponding 230V configurations are:

Why Voltage Selection Matters

Selecting the correct voltage configuration is essential for safe operation and proper heating performance.

For US customers, the 115V configuration is generally the relevant choice when the laboratory provides a compatible nominal 120V supply.

However, laboratories with dedicated 208V, 220V or 240V circuits should verify the appropriate configuration with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Voltage compatibility must not be assumed solely from the country of installation.

Precisa PBM vs. Precisa EM – Which Series Is Right for Your Laboratory?

Both the PBM Series 530 and the EM Series 365 belong to Precisa's professional moisture analyzer portfolio.

However, they are designed around different operational priorities.

When Should You Choose Precisa PBM?

The PBM range is particularly attractive when:

• Robust construction is required

• Standardized analytical methods are used

• Higher sample capacity up to 220 g is needed

• PHASTbloc® technology is preferred

• Automatic lid opening supports frequent testing

• Storage for up to 30 methods is sufficient

When Is Precisa EM More Suitable?

The EM series may be more appropriate when:

• More extensive method management is required

• Up to 100 drying methods are needed

• Automatic internal adjustment is a priority

• Advanced graphical analysis is important

• More extensive laboratory functionality is required

Both series provide Swiss precision, but they address different analytical workflows.

Which Precisa PBM Model Should You Choose?

PBM 50: For routine moisture testing with 52 g capacity and temperatures up to 170 °C.

PBM 60: For versatile laboratory and production applications with 124 g capacity and PHASTbloc® technology.

PBM 60-HR: For demanding high-resolution applications requiring 0.1 mg readability and 0.001% moisture display resolution.

PBM 66: For applications requiring a higher sample capacity of up to 220 g.

For international installations, the selected model must also be matched to the appropriate 115V or 230V configuration and heating source.

Frequently Asked Questions About Precisa PBM Moisture Analyzers

What is the Precisa PBM Series 530?

The Precisa PBM Series 530 is a range of professional thermogravimetric moisture analyzers designed for laboratory and industrial quality control.

Which models are available?

PBM 50, PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66.

Which model offers the highest resolution?

The PBM 60-HR, with 0.1 mg weighing readability and 0.001% moisture display resolution.

Which model has the largest weighing capacity?

The PBM 66, with a maximum capacity of 220 g.

What is the maximum drying temperature?

The PBM 50 reaches 170 °C. The PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66 reach 230 °C.

What is PHASTbloc® technology?

PHASTbloc® is Precisa's proprietary weighing technology combining advantages of monolithic and conventional weighing cell designs.

Which PBM models feature PHASTbloc®?

PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66.

How many drying methods can be stored?

Up to 30 methods on PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66.

Which heating technologies are available?

Halogen, infrared and dark infrared heating, depending on the selected configuration.

Are all three heating sources installed simultaneously?

No. They are alternative instrument configurations.

Which heating programs are available?

Standard, Boost and Smooth.

Which models feature automatic lid opening?

PBM 60, PBM 60-HR and PBM 66.

Are 115V versions available for the USA?

Yes. Precisa offers dedicated 115V configurations for all four PBM models.

Are 230V versions also available?

Yes. Corresponding 230V versions are available.

Can a 230V Precisa PBM be operated on 115V using a plug adapter?

No. A plug adapter does not change the instrument's electrical rating. The correct voltage configuration must be selected.

Can the voltage be changed later?

A voltage conversion requiring a different heating unit must be carried out by authorized Precisa service personnel. It is not a user-selectable voltage switch.

Are 115V versions available with infrared heating?

Yes. The manufacturer's catalog lists 115V versions with halogen, infrared and dark infrared heating.

Is the PBM series suitable for plastic pellets?

Yes, provided the material and analytical method are suitable for thermogravimetric moisture determination.

Which model is most suitable for low moisture content?

The PBM 60-HR is particularly interesting because of its high resolution. Analytical suitability must still be established for the specific material.

Can the instruments be used in wastewater treatment laboratories?

Yes, for suitable moisture and dry matter applications with appropriately prepared samples.

Are the instruments suitable for GLP-oriented laboratory workflows?

They support GLP-format reporting. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements depends on the complete analytical process.

Buy Precisa PBM Moisture Analyzers at SMI

At SMI, laboratories, research institutions and industrial quality control departments can discover the Precisa PBM Series 530, a professional range of Swiss-Made moisture analyzers for reliable thermogravimetric testing.

Choose from four models:

• Precisa PBM 50 – Compact moisture analyzer for routine testing

• Precisa PBM 60 – Versatile moisture analyzer with PHASTbloc® technology

• Precisa PBM 60-HR – High-resolution moisture analyzer with 0.1 mg readability

• Precisa PBM 66 – Professional moisture analyzer with 220 g capacity

The range combines robust construction, straightforward operation and flexible heating programs with Swiss precision weighing technology.

For international customers, dedicated 115V and 230V configurations are available.

US and North American laboratories can select the appropriate 115V instrument with halogen, infrared or dark infrared heating, according to their analytical requirements and electrical installation.

Discover Swiss-Made moisture analyzers for research, manufacturing and professional quality assurance.

Precisa PBM – Swiss Precision Moisture Analysis for Laboratories Worldwide.