The PCE-WAM 60 Water Activity Meter is a high-performance laboratory aw analyzer designed for food and beverage QA/QC, product development, cosmetics, pharmaceutical research, scientific laboratories and other applications requiring precise water activity measurement and advanced data management.
The PCE-WAM 60 measures from 0.0000 to 1.0000 aw with 0.0001 aw resolution and ±0.01 aw accuracy from 10 to 30°C. Measurements are typically completed within approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Unlike single-channel portable water activity meters, the PCE-WAM 60 platform supports up to four independent aw sensors. Samples can be measured separately or simultaneously, making the system particularly useful for laboratories that need to increase sample throughput.
A large 7-inch touchscreen, real-time measurement curves, 1- to 6-point calibration, extensive internal memory, USB and RS232 connectivity, PC software, password-protected user profiles and an integrated printer provide the documentation and workflow tools required for more demanding laboratory environments.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 includes one aw sensor and one sample holder.
The instrument can operate with up to four channels, but additional PCE-WAM 60-SENS sensors and corresponding connection bases / sample holders are required to use additional channels. PCE also offers a separate PCE-WAM 60-KIT supplied with four sensors and four sample holders.
One of the most important differences between the PCE-WAM 60 and conventional water activity meters is its ability to support up to four aw measurement channels.
With additional sensors installed, laboratories can run multiple samples at the same time instead of waiting for one test to finish before starting the next.
This can be particularly valuable for:
Each channel can be used independently, so laboratories can start and monitor samples according to their own workflow rather than requiring all four measurements to begin at the same time.
Water activity (aw) describes how much water within a product is available to support microbial growth and participate in chemical, enzymatic and physical changes.
It differs from moisture content, which measures the total quantity of water present.
Moisture content tells you how much total water is present in the sample.
Water activity describes how available that water is. Two products can have similar moisture content but different water activity values and therefore different microbial, chemical and physical stability.
PCE specifies a water activity measurement range of 0.0000 to 1.0000 aw and display resolution of 0.0001 aw.
Published accuracy is ±0.01 aw when the sample temperature is between 10 and 30°C.
The combination of high display resolution and improved measurement accuracy makes the WAM 60 suitable for applications where relatively small differences between samples, formulations or production batches need to be monitored.
The PCE-WAM 60 displays results to 0.0001 aw, but its published measurement accuracy is ±0.01 aw from 10 to 30°C. The additional displayed digits are useful for observing changes and trends, but they should not be interpreted as ±0.0001 aw measurement accuracy.
PCE specifies typical measurement times of approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Faster measurements combined with the ability to operate multiple sensors can significantly improve throughput compared with testing samples sequentially on a single-channel instrument.
Actual equilibration time may vary depending on the sample matrix, temperature, preparation technique and selected measurement mode.
The PCE-WAM 60 provides three measurement modes for different laboratory requirements.
Normal mode is designed for routine water activity measurements where the instrument determines the result using its standard measurement process.
Quick mode is useful when faster screening or routine production decisions are required.
Continuous mode allows users to observe changes in water activity over time and view the measurement curve in real time.
This can be useful for product-development studies, challenging samples or applications where the stabilization behaviour itself provides useful information.
The 7-inch touchscreen displays water activity, temperature and measurement curves in real time.
Instead of seeing only a final number, users can monitor how a sample approaches equilibrium.
Saved results, graphs and previous measurements can also be recalled directly on the instrument for review.
The PCE-WAM 60 supports one- through six-point calibration.
Multi-point calibration allows laboratories to check or adjust instrument response across the portion of the water activity range most relevant to their products.
Cambridge supplies Water Activity Standards at multiple reference values for calibration and routine verification.
For routine QA/QC, consider standards that bracket the normal operating range of your products. A facility routinely testing products around 0.60–0.80 aw, for example, should consider reference points around that working range rather than relying only on a standard near 1.00 aw.
The PCE-WAM 60 is particularly well suited to higher-volume food production laboratories where water activity is routinely measured as part of product release, process control, formulation or shelf-life programs.
Potential applications include:
Water activity is an important intrinsic factor affecting microbial growth in food.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency notes that most pathogens do not grow when water activity is below approximately 0.85 aw. Different microorganisms have different minimum aw requirements, however, and some yeasts and moulds can grow at substantially lower values.
A water activity result below 0.85 aw should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a product is shelf stable or microbiologically safe. Product formulation, pH, process, packaging, storage temperature, microorganisms of concern and applicable regulatory requirements must also be considered.
The WAM 60's high resolution, real-time measurement curves and multi-channel capability make it particularly useful for R&D and shelf-life studies.
Multiple channels can help development teams compare:
Water activity should be combined with appropriate microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory information when establishing product shelf life.
PCE specifically identifies cosmetic quality control as an application for the PCE-WAM 60.
Water activity can provide useful formulation information for suitable powders, creams, pastes, dry products, raw materials and other cosmetic formulations where available water may influence microbial or physical stability.
Water activity does not replace required preservation testing, microbiological testing or other product-specific regulatory requirements.
PCE also identifies biological and pharmaceutical research, research institutes and scientific laboratories as applications for the WAM 60.
The instrument may be useful for research involving powders, ingredients, dry formulations and other suitable samples where water activity is an important material property.
Regulated laboratories should confirm that the instrument, method, software, calibration documentation and data controls satisfy their specific quality-system requirements.
PCE also identifies paper manufacturing among the applications for the WAM 60.
Water activity measurements can provide useful information in research involving hygroscopic materials where moisture exchange with the surrounding environment affects product behaviour or stability.
The WAM 60 provides extensive internal measurement storage.
PCE specifies up to 65,535 stored data records per measurement channel.
This capacity can support high-volume environments where measurements need to be retained for later review rather than manually transcribed after every test.
The PCE-WAM 60 includes USB and RS232 interfaces along with PC software.
Software functions include real-time control and display of both water activity and temperature.
PCE also provides data output options including:
This makes the WAM 60 a substantially more capable data-management platform than basic handheld aw meters.
The PCE-WAM 60 includes an integrated printer for producing hard-copy measurement documentation directly from the instrument.
This can be useful for QA/QC laboratories that attach results to batch records, production documents, laboratory worksheets or other internal documentation.
Replacement printer paper is available as PCE-WAM 60-PP.
The PCE-WAM 60 supports password-protected user profiles, helping laboratories control access to instrument functions and separate users within shared testing environments.
Password protection can support laboratory workflow control, but it should not automatically be interpreted as compliance with a specific electronic-record regulation or data-integrity standard unless all requirements of that regulation and the laboratory's validated system have been independently confirmed.
The PCE-WAM 60 measures temperature from -10 to 50°C with 0.01°C resolution and ±0.1°C accuracy.
Temperature is important in water activity testing because aw changes with temperature.
For meaningful comparisons, samples and calibration standards should be measured under stable and comparable temperature conditions whenever possible.
PCE specifies the ±0.01 aw accuracy when the sample temperature is between 10 and 30°C. The meter can display temperature outside this range, but the same ±0.01 aw accuracy should not automatically be assumed outside PCE's specified conditions.
| Configuration | Standard PCE-WAM 60 | PCE-WAM 60-KIT |
| Available Channels | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
| aw Sensors Included | 1 | 4 |
| Sample Holders Included | 1 | 4 |
| Sample Cups | 20 | 20 |
| Best Fit | Start with one channel and expand as needed | Immediate four-sample throughput |
The Cambridge listing on this page is for the standard PCE-WAM 60 configuration with one sensor, unless otherwise specified in the quotation or order.
Both systems provide high-resolution water activity measurement, but they are intended for different workflows.
| Feature | PCE-WAM 20 | PCE-WAM 60 |
| Best Fit | Single-channel production QA/QC and R&D | High-throughput / multi-channel laboratory testing |
| aw Resolution | 0.0001 aw | 0.0001 aw |
| Published Accuracy | ±0.015 aw at 10–30°C | ±0.01 aw at 10–30°C |
| Channels | 1 | Up to 4 |
| Calibration | 1–4 points | 1–6 points |
| Memory | 5,030 records | Up to 65,535 records per channel |
| Display | 2.8" colour TFT | 7" touchscreen |
| Integrated Printer | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB + RS232 |
Choose the PCE-WAM 20 when you need a portable single-channel instrument with 0.0001 aw resolution, ±0.015 aw published accuracy, multi-point calibration and USB-C data transfer.
Choose the PCE-WAM 60 when sample throughput, tighter ±0.01 aw accuracy, up to four simultaneous measurement channels, greater calibration flexibility, integrated printing and extensive laboratory data management are important.
| Model | PCE-WAM 60 |
| Order Number | PCE-WAM 60 |
| GTIN / EAN | 4250348735126 |
| Water Activity Range | 0.0000 to 1.0000 aw |
| Water Activity Resolution | 0.0001 aw |
| Water Activity Accuracy | ±0.01 aw from 10 to 30°C |
| Typical Measurement Time | Approximately 3–5 minutes |
| Measurement Channels | Up to 4 |
| Sensors Included with Standard Unit | 1 |
| Sensor Type | Capacitive |
| Measurement Modes | Standard, Quick and Continuous |
| Calibration | 1 to 6 points |
| Temperature Range | -10 to +50°C / 14 to 122°F |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.01°C / 0.018°F |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.1°C / ±0.18°F |
| Display | 7-inch LCD touchscreen |
| Measurement Curve | Real-time display |
| Internal Memory | Up to 65,535 data records per channel |
| Interfaces | USB and RS232 |
| PC Software | Included / available from PCE download area; Windows 10 or higher |
| Integrated Printer | Yes |
| User Profiles | Password protected |
| Menu Languages | English, French, Spanish and Chinese |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Power Supply | 110–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz via supplied 12 V / 5 A mains adapter |
| Operating Conditions | -10 to 40°C / 14 to 104°F, 20–60% RH |
| Storage Conditions | -10 to 40°C / 14 to 104°F, 20–60% RH |
| Dimensions | 265 × 220 × 135 mm |
| Weight | 2.94 kg |
The PCE-WAM 60 has an IP20 protection rating. Keep the instrument, sensors, electrical connections and printer protected from water, washdown, condensation and direct contact with sample liquids.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 does not include four aw sensors. Additional sensors and connection bases are required to expand the system beyond the supplied single measurement channel.
| Accessory | Purpose |
| PCE-WAM 60-SENS | Additional water activity sensor for expanding the WAM 60 to additional measurement channels |
| PCE-WAM 20-60-BASE | Additional sensor connection base / sample holder for an additional measurement channel |
| PCE-WAM 20-60-CUP | Replacement sample cups for WAM 20 / WAM 60 systems |
| PCE-WAM 60-PP | Replacement paper for the integrated printer |
Additional aw sensors and connection bases can be added as testing volume increases, allowing a laboratory to purchase the standard single-sensor WAM 60 initially and expand toward four-channel operation later.
The answer primarily depends on sample throughput.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 is a good choice when you want the WAM 60's touchscreen, ±0.01 aw accuracy, integrated printer, data management and advanced calibration features but only need to measure one sample at a time initially.
The PCE-WAM 60-KIT includes four aw sensors and four sample holders, allowing the system's four measurement channels to be used immediately.
Both configurations use the same WAM 60 instrument platform.
If your laboratory routinely receives several finished-product samples at the same time, expanding the WAM 60 to multiple channels allows separate samples to equilibrate and measure simultaneously rather than waiting for each measurement to finish before beginning the next one.
Routine verification using known water activity reference standards can help confirm instrument performance between calibration intervals.
Cambridge supplies water activity standards at multiple aw reference points.
When selecting standards, choose values that are relevant to your normal product range. Using reference points around the range where the instrument is routinely operated can provide a more useful performance check than relying exclusively on a standard far above or below normal sample values.
PCE also offers a separate PCE-WAM 60-ICA configuration supplied with an ISO calibration certificate.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 listing should not be assumed to include that certificate.
If your quality system requires a calibration certificate, traceability documentation or a specific calibration standard, confirm those requirements before ordering so Cambridge can quote the appropriate PCE configuration.
PCE specifies water activity accuracy of ±0.01 aw when the sample temperature is between 10 and 30°C.
The meter displays water activity with 0.0001 aw resolution.
The PCE-WAM 60 measures water activity from 0.0000 to 1.0000 aw.
PCE states that results are typically obtained in approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Actual equilibration time can vary with the sample, temperature and measurement conditions.
The WAM 60 platform supports up to four independent measurement channels, allowing up to four samples to be monitored simultaneously when four sensors and sample holders are installed.
No. The standard PCE-WAM 60 includes one aw sensor and one sample holder. Additional sensors and connection bases are purchased separately. The PCE-WAM 60-KIT is the configuration supplied with four sensors and four sample holders.
Yes. Additional PCE-WAM 60-SENS sensors and compatible connection bases can be added to expand the standard instrument toward four-channel operation.
The WAM 60 supports 1- to 6-point calibration.
Yes. A printer is integrated into the WAM 60 for printing measurement results directly from the instrument. Replacement printer paper is available separately.
PCE specifies internal storage for up to 65,535 data records per measurement channel.
Yes. The WAM 60 provides USB and RS232 interfaces and supports PC software for real-time control, measurement display and data handling.
PCE documents software functions that include data output in formats such as PDF and Excel-compatible files, along with screenshots and real-time measurement display.
Yes. It measures temperature from -10 to 50°C with 0.01°C resolution and ±0.1°C accuracy.
No. The instrument is rated IP20 and should be protected from water, washdown, condensation and sample spills.
Yes. Its ±0.01 aw published accuracy, high resolution, multi-channel capability, multi-point calibration, integrated printer and extensive data storage make it particularly suitable for higher-volume food QA/QC and product-development laboratories.
Yes. Water activity measurements can provide important information during shelf-life and formulation studies. Results should be considered together with appropriate microbiological, chemical, physical, sensory, packaging and storage information.
No. Moisture content measures the total amount of water in a sample, while water activity describes how available that water is for microbial growth and other chemical or physical processes.
Both provide 0.0001 aw resolution. The WAM 20 is a portable single-channel meter with ±0.015 aw published accuracy, while the WAM 60 improves published accuracy to ±0.01 aw, supports up to four channels, provides up to six-point calibration, greatly expanded internal memory, a 7-inch touchscreen and an integrated printer.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 delivery scope does not list an ISO calibration certificate. PCE offers a separate PCE-WAM 60-ICA configuration that includes an ISO calibration certificate.
The standard PCE-WAM 60 package includes 20 sample cups.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies the PCE-WAM 60 Water Activity Meter in Canada along with additional sensors, sample holders, sample cups, printer paper, water activity standards and other aw measurement equipment for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, research and QA/QC laboratories.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies water activity meters, reference standards, sensors, sample consumables and related QA/QC equipment across Canada.
If you are considering the PCE-WAM 60, tell us your sample type, expected water activity range, number of samples tested per day, required accuracy, number of channels, calibration requirements and data-documentation needs.
Cambridge can also help determine whether it makes more sense to start with the standard single-sensor WAM 60 and expand later or purchase a four-sensor configuration for immediate higher-throughput testing.
The WAM 60 can be configured as a single-channel instrument or expanded to as many as four water activity sensors, so the best configuration depends on your daily sample volume and laboratory workflow.
Send Cambridge your expected sample throughput and application and we can help determine how many sensors, sample holders, cups, reference standards and other accessories you need.
