NARISHIGE P-1A Height Adjustment Plate
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | P-1A |
| Dimensions | 38 × 28 × 110 mm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 130 g |
| Adjustment Rod | Ø10 × 50 mm |
| Included Tool | Hex Key (Allen Wrench) |
Overview
The NARISHIGE P-1A Height Adjustment Plate is a precision-engineered mechanical mounting accessory designed for stable, repeatable vertical positioning of manual micromanipulators on the lateral side of microscope stages. It operates on a simple yet robust mechanical principle: rigid clamping combined with fine-threaded vertical translation via an integrated adjustment rod. Unlike motorized or piezoelectric height controllers, the P-1A relies on passive mechanical stability and tactile feedback—making it ideal for applications where electromagnetic interference must be avoided, power sources are unavailable, or long-term positional retention without drift is required. Its compact form factor and low mass (130 g) minimize stage loading and vibration coupling, preserving optical alignment integrity during high-magnification microscopy workflows. The plate is not a standalone instrument but a critical interface component within NARISHIGE’s ecosystem of manual micromanipulation systems—including models such as the MO-101, MN-151, and MM-101—ensuring compatibility with standard microscope stage rails and side-mounting configurations.
Key Features
- Compact monolithic aluminum alloy construction with black anodized finish for corrosion resistance and dimensional stability
- Integrated M4 threaded vertical adjustment rod (Ø10 × 50 mm) with fine-pitch threading for sub-millimeter repeatability
- Side-mounting bracket geometry optimized for standard microscope stage profiles (e.g., Nikon Eclipse, Olympus BX series, Zeiss Axio)
- Included hex key (2.5 mm) enables tool-assisted tightening without slippage or thread damage
- Zero-play clamping mechanism ensures no lateral or rotational shift during height adjustment
- Weight-optimized design (130 g) prevents sagging or torque-induced misalignment on cantilevered stage mounts
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The P-1A is compatible exclusively with NARISHIGE manual manipulators requiring lateral-stage attachment and vertical offset adjustment. It supports manipulators with standard M4 or M5 mounting threads and accommodates rod-based height tuning across a nominal range of ±15 mm relative to the base mounting plane. While the P-1A itself carries no active sensing or regulatory certification, its mechanical design conforms to general laboratory equipment safety principles outlined in ISO 13857 (safety distances to prevent hazard zones) and aligns with GLP-compliant setup documentation requirements when used in regulated environments (e.g., electrophysiology core facilities, developmental biology imaging labs). As an imported component from Japan, it complies with JIS B 0001 (technical drawings) and JIS H 4000 (aluminum alloy specifications), ensuring material traceability and thermal expansion consistency (CTE ≈ 23.6 µm/m·K).
Software & Data Management
The NARISHIGE P-1A is a purely mechanical device with no embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interface. Consequently, it does not require driver installation, calibration software, or data logging capabilities. Its operation is fully manual and independent of computer control—making it suitable for use in Faraday-caged electrophysiology rigs, cleanroom microinjection stations, or educational lab settings where IT infrastructure is limited. All positional adjustments are recorded manually in lab notebooks or integrated into broader experimental metadata via external tracking systems (e.g., LabArchives ELN, OpenLab Notebook). No FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is applicable, as the device generates no electronic records.
Applications
- Vertical positioning of patch-clamp or intracellular electrodes relative to fixed-stage objectives in upright or inverted patch-clamp rigs
- Height alignment of glass micropipettes during embryonic microinjection or CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in zebrafish or mouse oocyte studies
- Stabilized mounting of force transducers or custom-built probes on side-mounted microscope platforms
- Adjustment of laser delivery optics height in confocal or multiphoton setups where beam path elevation must match objective working distance
- Teaching laboratories requiring durable, intuitive height control for student-operated micromanipulation tasks
FAQ
Can the P-1A be used with motorized manipulators?
No—the P-1A is engineered specifically for manual NARISHIGE manipulators and lacks the structural reinforcement or mounting interface required for motorized units such as the MMO-202 or MN-403.
Is the adjustment rod replaceable or available as a spare part?
Yes—NARISHIGE offers the adjustment rod (Part No. P-1A-R) and replacement hex keys (Part No. P-1A-K) through authorized distributors; contact technical support for ordering.
Does the P-1A provide locking at intermediate heights?
Yes—tightening the clamping screw secures both the base plate and adjustment rod simultaneously, preventing creep or unintended movement under static load.
What is the maximum load capacity supported by the P-1A?
The plate is rated for static loads up to 500 g when mounted correctly; exceeding this may compromise thread integrity or cause micro-shifts during fine manipulation.
Can the P-1A be sterilized for use in sterile cell culture procedures?
It is not autoclavable due to anodized surface treatment; however, it can be wiped with 70% ethanol or isopropanol and air-dried—validated for Class II biosafety cabinet workflows.
