KERN & SOHN GmbH is a medium-sized German family enterprise with a legacy spanning eight generations, headquartered in Balingen-Frommern. Founded in 1844 by Gottlieb Kern, the company is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of precision balances and scales in the world. KERN’s mission is to provide "Precision and Professionalism," delivering high-accuracy weighing and optical technology that supports scientific progress in laboratories, hospitals, and industrial plants. The brand is globally recognized for its commitment to technical perfection, being one of the first German manufacturers to achieve DKD (German Calibration Service) accreditation. Today, KERN & SOHN continues to set industry benchmarks with a vast portfolio—ranging from milligram-accurate analytical balances to high-resolution digital microscopes—ensuring that researchers in over 150 countries can rely on the legendary accuracy and durability of "Made in Germany" engineering.
The KERN & SOHN range at LabFriend features professional analytical measurement and testing solutions, headlined by their high-performance analytical and precision balances. These instruments are essential for the accurate weighing of chemical reagents and samples in pharmaceutical and research settings. For materials analysis, the brand provides advanced heating and drying support through their moisture analyzers, which combine precision weighing with halogen heating for rapid dry-matter determination. Their portfolio also encompasses essential microscopy and optical tools, featuring a wide array of compound microscopes, stereo microscopes, and digital refractometers for liquid analysis. To support industrial workflows, KERN offers robust platform scales and pallet scales designed for high-capacity weighing. By choosing KERN & SOHN through LabFriend, you benefit from competitive pricing and fast shipping on premium instrumentation designed for absolute reliability and certified accuracy.
Why Choose KERN & SOHN for Your Laboratory?
- Centuries of Weighing Expertise: As one of the world's oldest scale manufacturers, KERN combines traditional mechanical knowledge with cutting-edge digital sensor technology for unmatched stability.
- DAkkS Calibration Excellence: KERN operates its own DAkkS-accredited calibration laboratory, ensuring that your balances and test weights meet international ISO and GLP/GMP requirements.
- Comprehensive Optical Portfolio: Beyond weighing, KERN's optical division provides high-quality microscopes and refractometers with superior lens coatings and ergonomic designs.
- Robust & Intuitive Design: KERN instruments are known for their user-friendly interfaces and "Easy-Touch" software, making complex data logging and percentage determination simple for any technician.
- Excellent Value for Money: KERN offers professional-grade precision at accessible price points, making them a top choice for both academic institutions and industrial quality control labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between internal and external calibration?
Internal calibration uses a built-in motor-driven weight to adjust the balance automatically, which is ideal for environments with temperature fluctuations. External calibration requires a separate OIML-certified test weight to manually verify the balance's accuracy.
2. Can KERN balances be connected to a PC or LIMS?
Yes, most KERN laboratory balances feature RS-232, USB, or Bluetooth interfaces. With the KERN BalanceConnection software, you can transfer weighing data directly into Excel or a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
3. Why should I use a KERN moisture analyzer instead of a drying oven?
A moisture analyzer provides results in minutes rather than hours. It continuously weighs the sample while heating, calculating the moisture content in real-time, which is essential for rapid quality control in food or chemical production.
4. Are KERN microscopes suitable for digital documentation?
Absolutely. KERN offers a range of digital microscopes and C-mount adapters that allow you to connect specialized cameras or tablets for capturing high-resolution images and videos of your specimens.