RWD 68202 Universal Clamp for Stereotaxic Instruments

Overview

The RWD 68202 Universal Clamp is a precision-engineered mechanical fixture designed for integration with stereotaxic frames and manipulators used in preclinical neuroscience research. It operates on a lateral clamping principle using a V-groove jaw mechanism to secure cylindrical instruments—such as microinjection syringes, cranial drills, electrodes, and handheld surgical tools—within defined outer diameter ranges. The clamp interfaces directly with standard 8 mm vertical support rods (e.g., via RWD V-connector 68207) and mounts securely onto stereotaxic manipulator arms, enabling repeatable, stable positioning during intracranial procedures including stereotactic injection, electrophysiological recording, and craniotomy. Its mechanical design prioritizes rigidity, minimal axial play, and tool-centerline alignment to ensure spatial fidelity consistent with Bregma/Lambda-based coordinate systems defined in the Paxinos & Watson rat brain atlas (5th edition). This ensures compatibility with GLP-aligned experimental workflows requiring traceable instrument placement.

Key Features

• V-groove jaw geometry engineered for uniform radial force distribution across cylindrical objects, minimizing slippage or torsional deformation during manipulation
• Lateral actuation mechanism with calibrated knurled knob for controlled clamping pressure—optimized to hold instruments without damaging polymer components or metal surfaces
• Clamping range: 6–12 mm outer diameter, accommodating standard syringe barrels (e.g., Hamilton 10 µL–1 mL), cranial drill handles (e.g., RWD 78001), and macroelectrodes
• Modular interface compatible with RWD stereotaxic systems, including models equipped with digital micromanipulators or motorized Z-axis drives
• Stainless steel construction with black oxide finish for corrosion resistance and compatibility with autoclaving (up to 121°C, 20 min) and ethanol/isopropanol disinfection protocols
• Zero-backlash mounting interface ensures positional repeatability within ±0.05 mm over repeated attachment/detachment cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 68202 clamp supports a broad spectrum of rodent neurosurgical tools, including but not limited to: Hamilton gas-tight syringes (10 µL–1000 µL), RWD handheld cranial drills (78001), wireless microdrills (87001), headstages (e.g., TBSI, Plexon), and custom-fabricated electrodes. It complies with mechanical safety requirements outlined in ISO 13485:2016 for laboratory instrumentation used in regulated biomedical research environments. While not a medical device per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its design adheres to engineering controls referenced in AAALAC International accreditation standards for animal procedure reproducibility and operator ergonomics. Documentation includes material certifications (RoHS-compliant stainless steel 304), dimensional inspection reports, and assembly torque specifications traceable to NIST-calibrated tools.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical component, the 68202 clamp does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, it is fully interoperable with RWD’s digital stereotaxic platforms—including the RWD DS-2000 series—where clamp-mounted instruments inherit positional metadata (X/Y/Z coordinates, angle, depth) logged via integrated encoders and synchronized to acquisition software (e.g., Spike2, OpenEphys, or custom MATLAB/Python pipelines). All position logs generated during experiments are timestamped and exportable in CSV/JSON formats, supporting audit trails required under GLP Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems.

Applications

• Stereotactic intracerebral microinjection of viral vectors, tracers, or pharmacological agents in rats and mice
• Secure fixation of cranial drilling assemblies during precise skull thinning or burr hole creation
• Stable mounting of high-impedance electrodes or optrodes for chronic in vivo electrophysiology
• Integration with RWD 68606 manual microinfusion pump for coordinated syringe advancement and depth control
• Use with 68397 cranial leveling calibrator to verify horizontal plane alignment prior to coordinate-based targeting
• Adaptation for ex vivo slice electrophysiology rigs requiring rigid probe stabilization

FAQ

Is the 68202 clamp compatible with non-RWD stereotaxic frames?
Yes—it accepts any 8 mm diameter vertical support rod; adapter sleeves (sold separately) enable use with 10 mm or metric-threaded posts.
Can it be sterilized between animal subjects?
Yes—autoclavable at 121°C for 20 minutes; avoid prolonged exposure to acidic or alkaline disinfectants to preserve surface finish.
Does it support dynamic load during motorized Z-axis movement?
Yes—rated for static loads up to 2.5 kg; compatible with RWD motorized manipulators operating at ≤5 mm/s linear speed.
How does it differ from model 68206?
Model 68206 features an extended lower clamping limit (3 mm OD), optimized for smaller-diameter electrodes and capillary needles, while retaining identical upper limit (12 mm) and mounting interface.
Is calibration documentation provided?
A dimensional verification certificate (including V-groove angle tolerance ±0.5° and jaw parallelism <0.02 mm/m) is included with each unit and available upon request in English.