Water activity (aw) is not the same as moisture content. It quantifies the amount of water in a sample that is freely available for microbial growth, chemical reactions, and enzymatic activity. The Novasina LabMaster-aw neo is a benchtop instrument designed for routine water activity determination in quality assurance laboratories. All specifications listed below are based on factory testing under standard conditions.

Key Benefits for Quality Assurance Laboratories

The features of the LabMaster-aw neo translate into measurable improvements for day-to-day water activity testing. Each benefit below connects a specific instrument capability to a practical outcome in your laboratory.

Exceptional Accuracy and Repeatability for Confident Decisions
The electrolytic measuring principle delivers ±0.003 aw accuracy and ±0.001 aw repeatability. A food safety manager evaluating the water activity of a new formulation can make batch-release decisions with full confidence. A pharmaceutical QC laboratory measuring excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients meets regulatory requirements without the need for repeat testing.

Full Thermostatisation Eliminates Ambient Temperature Effects
Chamber-integrated thermal control spans 0–60°C, ensuring the sample is measured at the set temperature rather than at room temperature. A warehouse manager testing incoming materials obtains results identical to those from the QC laboratory, regardless of seasonal temperature variations. There is no need for sample transport and no risk of temperature-related errors.

Fast Mode Delivers Results Within 10 Minutes
The fast mode guarantees stable readings in 10 minutes or less. A production line running 20 batches per day can complete water activity testing without delaying packaging. A minimum read time of approximately 60 seconds supports rapid troubleshooting during process upsets.

RFID-Equipped Salt Standards Eliminate Identification Errors
All 11 adjustment points (4–100% rH) are equipped with RFID chips. The instrument identifies each standard automatically when it is placed in the chamber. Quality control technicians no longer need to manually select standard values. The result is zero misidentification and zero incorrect adjustments.

21 CFR Part 11 Compliant Audit Trail and User Management
The built-in audit trail and user management system meets FDA data integrity requirements. A pharmaceutical QC laboratory preparing for a regulatory inspection can export complete audit trails for every analytical batch. User access is controlled and fully documented. Regulatory compliance becomes straightforward.

Over 2,000 Scientific Citations
The LabMaster series is cited in more than 2,000 scientific publications spanning basic research and industrial applications. Researchers worldwide rely on it for precise water activity measurement. A research laboratory developing new formulations can trust an instrument with a proven, well-documented track record.

Common Frustrations with Water Activity Measurement — and How This Instrument Solves Them

Inconsistent results from different operators or shifts.
Manual methods and indirect sensors often produce variable readings depending on operator technique and environmental conditions. The LabMaster-aw neo uses an electrolytic sensor with ±0.003 aw accuracy and ±0.001 aw repeatability, delivering the same result regardless of who runs the test. Automated RFID standard identification eliminates operator selection errors entirely. A quality manager comparing results from multiple shifts will see consistent data across the entire team.

Time-consuming measurements that cause production delays.
Traditional methods can take 30 minutes or more per sample. The LabMaster-aw neo’s fast mode delivers stable results within 10 minutes. A production line running multiple batches per day can complete water activity testing without holding up packaging. The fast mode also supports rapid troubleshooting during process upsets.

Samples must be transported to a controlled laboratory for testing.
Without internal temperature control, measurements are affected by ambient conditions, and samples must be tested in a controlled environment. The LabMaster-aw neo is fully thermostatised across 0–60°C, allowing it to deliver accurate results in virtually any location. A warehouse supervisor can test incoming raw materials at the receiving dock. A field technician can measure samples in a storage facility. No sample transport is necessary, and there are no temperature-related errors.

No audit trail or data export for regulatory compliance.
Regulated industries require documented evidence of each measurement. The LabMaster-aw neo includes a built-in 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit trail and user management system. A pharmaceutical QC laboratory can export measurement data directly to a LIMS via XML. The audit trail records sample ID, water activity value, temperature, and timestamp. Audit files are complete and defensible.

Sensor contamination from volatile samples.
Volatile compounds from certain samples can contaminate sensors, degrading accuracy and demanding frequent cleaning. The LabMaster-aw neo uses a mechanical protection filter with simple magnet-fixing handling. Chemical protection filters are also available for samples containing volatiles or acids. The sensor stays protected from contamination, maintenance intervals are extended, and measurement accuracy is maintained.

Technical Specifications

Which Laboratories Choose the LabMaster-aw neo

Food and Beverage Quality Control
Measure the water activity of finished products, raw ingredients, and in-process materials. The ±0.003 aw accuracy supports shelf-life prediction and microbial safety decisions. The instrument conforms to AOAC and ISO standards.

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
Determine the water activity of excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and finished dosage forms. Full thermostatisation (0–60°C) supports testing at specified temperatures. The 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail and user management system supports data integrity for regulatory submissions. The instrument conforms to USP and ICH standards.

Research and Development Laboratories
Characterise new formulations, optimise drying processes, and study water sorption behaviour. The 0.0001 aw resolution captures subtle differences between formulations. Fast mode supports high-throughput screening. Over 2,000 scientific citations demonstrate the instrument’s reliability in the research community.

Cosmetics and Personal Care
Measure the water activity of creams, lotions, and other formulations. The electrolytic sensor handles a wide variety of sample types. RFID salt standards ensure accurate and repeatable calibration.

Industrial Manufacturing
Test raw materials, intermediates, and finished products across multiple production lines. The robust hybrid steel and PUR housing withstands factory floor conditions. At approximately 10 kg, the instrument can be moved between lines as needed.

Physical Configuration and Daily Operation

Installation
Place the instrument on a stable, level bench or table capable of supporting 10 kg. The 423 × 260 × 186 mm footprint fits comfortably on a standard laboratory bench. Connect the instrument to a 90–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz power outlet. No additional setup is required — the instrument is ready for use immediately.

Sample Preparation
Fill a sample cup (diameter 40 mm × height 13 mm, 12 mL capacity) approximately half full. Do not overfill. Place the cup into the measuring chamber.

Measurement
Close the chamber. The instrument equilibrates the sample to the set temperature (anywhere from 0 to 60°C). The electrolytic sensor then measures the water activity. Results are displayed on the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. Fast mode guarantees results within 10 minutes.

Verification and Adjustment
Insert an RFID-equipped salt standard into the chamber. The instrument automatically identifies the standard via the embedded RFID chip. The user selects either verification or adjustment. The entire process is error-free and straightforward.

Data Export
Connect a PC via RS-232 or USB 2.0. Export data to a LIMS via XML. Insert an SD card for data backup. Connect a printer (Epson TM-U220D) via RS-232 for printed reports. The 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit trail records all actions automatically.

Maintenance
The mechanical protection filter uses a simple magnet-fixing system that allows filter changes in seconds. The included regeneration kit restores sensor performance when needed. Routine maintenance takes only a few minutes.

Standard Accessories Included

• LabMaster-aw neo water activity measuring instrument
• 40 sample cups (diameter 40 mm × height 13 mm)
• 7 SAL-T reference salts (11%, 33%, 58%, 75%, 84%, 97%, 100% rH) with RFID chips
• Factory calibration certificate
• Regeneration kit for sensor recovery

Items Not Included

• Printer (RS-232 compatible printer available as an optional accessory)
• Chemical protection filters (available as optional accessories)
• External PC or data management software

Pre-Installation Requirements

• A stable, level bench or laboratory table capable of supporting 10 kg
• Ambient temperature between 5°C and 40°C
• An AC power outlet (90–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
• Adequate clearance for ventilation and cable connections

Ordering Information

The LabMaster-aw neo ships as a complete kit containing:

• LabMaster-aw neo water activity measuring instrument
• 40 sample cups (diameter 40 mm × height 13 mm)
• 7 SAL-T reference salts (11%, 33%, 58%, 75%, 84%, 97%, 100% rH) with RFID chips
• Factory calibration certificate
• Regeneration kit for sensor recovery

When placing an order, the customer must specify:

1. Sensor type — ENS (for regular samples) or ELS (for samples containing more than 0.1 vol% ethanol)
2. Any optional accessories required

Optional Accessories Available:

• RS-232 compatible printer (Epson TM-U220D)
• Chemical protection filters (acid filter, volatile filter, redox filter)
• Additional sample cups
• Additional SAL-T reference salts
• Extended warranty