NARISHIGE URC-4 Precision Micrometer-Grade Threaded Rod
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | URC-4 |
| Thread Type | M3 |
| Diameter | Ø6 mm |
| Length | 45 mm |
| Weight | 8 g |
| Material | Stainless Steel (AISI 304 or equivalent) |
| Surface Finish | Passivated & Precision Ground |
| Thread Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Linear Displacement per Full Rotation | 0.5 mm |
| Typical Axial Resolution (with vernier-assisted operation) | ≤5 µm |
| Compliance | ISO 9001–certified manufacturing |
Overview
The NARISHIGE URC-4 is a high-precision, micrometer-grade threaded rod engineered for sub-millimeter linear positioning in life science and micro-engineering instrumentation. Designed according to NARISHIGE’s long-standing standards for mechanical stability and dimensional repeatability, the URC-4 operates on the principle of fine-pitch metric thread translation—converting controlled rotational input into highly predictable axial displacement. Its M3 × 0.5 mm thread geometry ensures consistent lead accuracy and minimal backlash, making it suitable for applications demanding deterministic motion control without hysteresis or stick-slip behavior. Unlike generic fasteners, the URC-4 undergoes precision grinding and passivation treatment to achieve surface roughness <0.4 µm Ra and dimensional tolerance within ±5 µm over its full 45 mm active length—critical for integration into vibration-sensitive platforms such as micromanipulator stages, microscope Z-axis adjusters, and patch-clamp electrode holders.
Key Features
- Precision-ground M3 × 0.5 mm right-hand metric thread with certified pitch deviation ≤±1.5 µm per turn
- Stainless steel (AISI 304-equivalent) construction offering corrosion resistance per ASTM A967 and compatibility with ethanol, isopropanol, and aqueous buffer environments
- Ø6 mm × 45 mm cylindrical body with concentricity maintained to <3 µm over full length—ensuring coaxial alignment during torque application
- Passivated surface finish meeting ISO 10993–biocompatibility screening requirements for incidental lab contact
- Low-friction rotational interface: torque consistency ≤±0.015 N·m across 10,000+ operational cycles under 2 N axial load
- Interchangeable with standard NARISHIGE UR-series mounts, Sutter MP-285 adapters, and Thorlabs KM100-compatible kinematic bases
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The URC-4 is not a standalone analytical instrument but a critical mechanical subsystem used in regulated experimental workflows. It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant electrophysiology rigs, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited cell imaging facilities, and FDA-audited preclinical device test benches. Its material composition and surface treatment comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and EU REACH Annex XVII restrictions on heavy metals. While no direct regulatory certification applies to passive mechanical components, the URC-4’s dimensional traceability (via NARISHIGE’s internal calibration logs, traceable to JCSS standards) supports audit readiness for 21 CFR Part 11–governed systems where positional metadata must be attributable and reproducible.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical positioning element, the URC-4 does not incorporate electronics, firmware, or embedded software. However, when integrated into motorized or encoder-equipped assemblies (e.g., NARISHIGE MN-4 manipulators or Sutter MP-285 controllers), its displacement output becomes quantifiable via external feedback loops. In such configurations, positional data derived from URC-4 actuation may be logged through vendor-supported APIs (e.g., Sutter’s MP-285 SDK or NARISHIGE’s UMP-2 serial protocol), enabling timestamped, audit-trail-capable records compliant with ALCOA+ principles. No proprietary drivers or cloud connectivity are required or provided.
Applications
- Z-axis fine-focus adjustment in upright and inverted research-grade microscopes (e.g., Nikon Eclipse Ni-E, Zeiss Axio Imager)
- Vertical positioning of micropipettes in manual and semi-automated patch-clamp setups
- Height calibration reference in atomic force microscopy (AFM) sample stage leveling routines
- Linear actuation core in custom-built microfluidic chip aligners requiring repeatable 1–10 µm step resolution
- Backlash-compensated feed screw in low-force tensile testers for hydrogel or tissue specimen loading
- Modular linkage component in ISO 80000-4–referenced biophysical force measurement rigs
FAQ
Is the URC-4 compatible with non-NARISHIGE manipulators?
Yes—its M3 thread and Ø6 mm shank conform to DIN 13–1 and ISO 228–1 standards, enabling mechanical interoperability with third-party stages using M3-threaded mounting bores.
Does NARISHIGE provide calibration certificates for individual URC-4 units?
No—calibration documentation is available only at batch level (Lot ID traceable to JCSS-accredited metrology labs); unit-level certification requires customer-initiated third-party metrology.
Can the URC-4 be sterilized using autoclaving?
No—autoclaving (121 °C, 15 psi, 20 min) may compromise passivation integrity and induce thermal expansion-induced pitch drift; ethanol wipe or UV-C exposure is recommended for decontamination.
What is the maximum recommended axial load for sustained operation?
2 N continuous load at 20 °C ambient; exceeding this may accelerate wear and reduce positional repeatability beyond ±10 µm over 5,000 cycles.
Are left-hand thread versions available?
Not as standard catalog items; custom orders for LH-threaded variants (M3LH × 0.5) require minimum order quantity ≥50 units and 12-week lead time.
