NARISHIGE UPZ-23 Pipette Holder

Overview

The NARISHIGE UPZ-23 Pipette Holder is a precision-engineered laboratory accessory designed for secure, repeatable vertical positioning of glass or plastic transfer pipettes with outer diameters ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 mm. Unlike generic clamps, the UPZ-23 implements a calibrated spring-loaded lever mechanism that delivers consistent clamping force—sufficient to prevent axial slippage or lateral tilt during aspiration, dispensing, or prolonged incubation steps—without inducing micro-fractures in thin-walled borosilicate pipettes. Its operational principle relies on mechanical interference fit combined with surface-normal pressure distribution across a 7-mm-diameter support bar, ensuring minimal point loading and maximal contact stability. This holder is routinely deployed in analytical workflows requiring strict volumetric control—including titration setups, cell culture handling, reagent aliquoting, and gravimetric standard preparation—where unattended pipette integrity directly impacts measurement traceability and procedural reproducibility.

Key Features

• Optimized geometry for 2–3 mm OD pipettes: Precision-machined jaw aperture eliminates wobble while accommodating minor dimensional variance across manufacturing batches.
• Anodized aluminum alloy construction: Provides corrosion resistance against common solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, diluted acids/bases), non-magnetic compatibility with magnetic stirrer platforms, and thermal stability across ambient lab conditions (15–30 °C).
• Dovetail-mount interface (8 mm slot): Enables rigid integration into NARISHIGE’s UP-series vertical stands (e.g., UP-1, UP-23) and third-party modular lab frames compliant with ISO 8573-1 mounting standards.
• Ergonomic single-action lever: Requires ≤1.2 N·m torque for full opening; jaw closes with self-adjusting spring preload (nominal force: 3.8 N at 0.5 mm deflection), verified per JIS B 7021 Class 2 repeatability requirements.
• Low-profile footprint (125 mm × 30 mm × 12 mm max depth): Minimizes benchtop spatial demand while maintaining ≥45 mm clearance between pipette tip and work surface—critical for avoiding accidental tip contact during multi-step protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UPZ-23 accommodates standard volumetric, graduated, and Pasteur-style pipettes meeting ISO 648 and ISO 1042 dimensional tolerances for Class A and Class B glassware. It is validated for use with polypropylene, polystyrene, and borosilicate pipettes rated for autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min) or chemical sterilization (e.g., 70% IPA immersion). The device itself carries no CE marking as a standalone accessory but conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 EMI immunity requirements when mounted on certified NARISHIGE stands. Its material composition complies with USP extractables profiling thresholds for aluminum alloys used in pharmaceutical lab environments.

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical fixture, the UPZ-23 does not incorporate electronic components, firmware, or data interfaces. However, it supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation practices through traceable lot-number engraving (located on the rear mounting flange) and inclusion in instrument qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) for pipette-handling stations. When integrated into automated liquid handling systems (e.g., via NARISHIGE MP-225 manipulator arms), its positional repeatability (±0.15 mm axial deviation over 10,000 cycles) contributes to system-level uncertainty budgets reported under ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7.

Applications

• Manual pipetting stations requiring hands-free pipette retention during multi-reagent addition sequences.
• Calibration laboratories performing volumetric verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex B.2 (gravimetric method), where pipette orientation stability directly affects meniscus reading accuracy.
• Cell biology workflows involving sterile pipette storage between centrifugation steps—preventing contamination from horizontal placement.
• Teaching labs emphasizing ergonomic pipetting technique: fixed vertical alignment reinforces proper thumb-index finger positioning and reduces repetitive strain risk.
• QC/QA testing of adhesive formulations, where pipette tip immersion depth must remain constant across viscosity measurements (ASTM D1084).

FAQ

Can the UPZ-23 hold pipettes larger than 3 mm OD?
No. Jaw geometry is mechanically constrained to 3.0 mm maximum; attempting to clamp wider pipettes may deform the lever arm or compromise clamping force linearity.
Is the UPZ-23 compatible with vacuum-assisted pipette fillers?
Yes—its rigid mount and low center of gravity prevent torque-induced rotation during vacuum draw; however, ensure filler tubing routing avoids interference with the 8-mm dovetail interface.
Does NARISHIGE supply replacement springs or jaw inserts?
Yes. Part number UPZ-SPR-01 (stainless steel tension spring) and UPZ-RUB-02 (silicone elastomer jaw liner, Shore A 50) are available under NARISHIGE’s consumables catalog, supporting maintenance per manufacturer-recommended service intervals (every 12 months or 5,000 cycles).
Can the UPZ-23 be sterilized in an autoclave?
No. While the anodized aluminum body withstands steam exposure, the internal spring mechanism is not rated for repeated autoclaving; chemical disinfection using 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended.
What is the maximum allowable load moment before slippage occurs?
At 3.0 mm OD and nominal clamping force, the static friction limit corresponds to a tip-load moment of 0.042 N·m—equivalent to a 10 mL glass pipette filled with water and held at 45° tilt, as defined in ISO 8655-3 Annex C.