NARISHIGE CAT-1 Magnetic Tube Clamp
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | CAT-1 |
| Dimensions | 30 × 21 × 29 mm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 31 g |
| Tube OD Compatibility | 1–4 mm |
| Rotation | 360° continuous |
| Tilt Angle | ±45° |
| Mounting | Integrated neodymium magnet base |
| Packaging | 5 units per pack |
Overview
The NARISHIGE CAT-1 Magnetic Tube Clamp is a precision-engineered laboratory accessory designed for secure, repeatable positioning of small-diameter perfusion and fluid delivery tubing in electrophysiology, microinjection, patch-clamp, and other life science applications requiring stable, low-profile tube management. Built upon NARISHIGE’s decades-long expertise in micromanipulation systems, the CAT-1 operates on a simple yet highly effective mechanical principle: dual opposing spring-loaded jaws with elastomeric contact surfaces provide consistent clamping force across its specified outer diameter range (1–4 mm), while its integrated high-strength neodymium magnet enables rapid, tool-free attachment to ferromagnetic adapter plates, rail systems, or microscope stages—eliminating reliance on screws, adhesives, or clamps that compromise spatial flexibility.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (30 × 21 × 29 mm) and ultra-lightweight construction (31 g) minimize interference with adjacent equipment and optimize space utilization on crowded rig setups.
- Full 360° rotational capability around the vertical axis allows precise azimuthal alignment of tubing without repositioning the base—critical for minimizing torsional stress during long-duration recordings or multi-channel infusion protocols.
- ±45° tilt adjustment enables controlled elevation or declination of the tubing exit point, facilitating optimal angle-of-entry for intracellular pipettes or cannulae while maintaining axial stability.
- Integrated sintered NdFeB magnet (grade N42, surface field ≈ 4,200 Gauss) ensures reliable adhesion to standard steel adapter plates (e.g., NARISHIGE MA-1, MA-2) and custom-built magnetic stage mounts under typical lab environmental conditions.
- Jaw surfaces feature medical-grade silicone rubber inserts (Shore A 50) to prevent tube deformation, kinking, or slippage—even under sustained pressure from syringe pumps or gravity-fed reservoirs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CAT-1 is compatible with a broad range of standard laboratory tubing materials including polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), fused silica capillaries, and silicone elastomer tubing within the 1–4 mm outer diameter range. Its non-corrosive, anodized aluminum housing and inert elastomer interfaces ensure compatibility with aqueous buffers, ethanol, isopropanol, and common cell culture media. While not a regulated medical device, the CAT-1 conforms to ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing controls as implemented by NARISHIGE Japan, and its material composition complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant electrophysiology labs where traceability of hardware configuration is maintained via instrument logbooks.
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical component, the CAT-1 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, its positional repeatability supports rigorous experimental documentation workflows: users may record clamp orientation (rotation angle, tilt angle) and mounting location (e.g., relative to micromanipulator coordinate system) in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives or Benchling. When used in conjunction with NARISHIGE’s MO-202D or MN-401 manipulators—whose position data can be logged via RS-232 or USB—the CAT-1’s fixed spatial relationship to the manipulator tip enhances protocol reproducibility across sessions and operators.
Applications
- Stabilization of perfusion lines in whole-cell patch-clamp experiments to prevent vibration-induced electrode drift.
- Securing microinjection needles and backfilled glass capillaries during embryonic or oocyte injections.
- Organizing multi-tube manifolds in calcium imaging rigs using fluorescence-activated perfusion switches.
- Mounting temperature-controlled tubing (e.g., Peltier-cooled lines) without thermal bridging to sensitive stages.
- Enabling rapid reconfiguration of fluidic pathways in multi-condition pharmacological assays.
FAQ
Can the CAT-1 be used with tubing larger than 4 mm OD?
No—exceeding the 4 mm outer diameter limit risks incomplete jaw closure, reduced clamping force, and potential tube slippage under flow pressure.
Is the magnet strong enough to hold the clamp on vertical steel surfaces?
Yes; the integrated N42-grade magnet provides sufficient shear holding force (>1.8 N) to maintain position on vertical ferromagnetic surfaces under static loading conditions typical of benchtop use.
Does repeated rotation affect the mechanical integrity of the joint?
No—the rotation mechanism uses a hardened stainless-steel pivot pin with low-friction polymer bushings, rated for >10,000 cycles of continuous 360° rotation without measurable play or torque degradation.
Are replacement silicone jaw inserts available separately?
Yes—NARISHIGE offers optional silicone insert kits (Part No. SI-CAT1) for periodic replacement to maintain consistent grip performance and avoid contamination buildup.
Can the CAT-1 be sterilized for use in sterile tissue culture procedures?
It is not autoclavable due to the magnet and elastomer components; however, it may be disinfected using 70% ethanol wipe-downs or UV-C exposure (254 nm, 30 min) without compromising functionality.
