NARISHIGE GJ-2 Magnetic Base
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | GJ-2 |
| Pillar Diameter | 14 mm |
| Pillar Length | 175 mm |
| Mounting Rod Compatibility | Ø12 mm (standard), Ø14 mm (optional) |
| Magnet Dimensions | 50 mm (W) × 95 mm (D) × 55 mm (H) |
| Total Height | 230 mm |
| Weight | 2.3 kg |
| Base Adhesion Surface | Ferromagnetic steel plates (e.g., IP-grade steel, not included) |
Overview
The NARISHIGE GJ-2 Magnetic Base is an engineered mechanical positioning accessory designed for precision laboratory and micro-manipulation applications. It operates on the principle of high-intensity permanent magnetic adhesion—utilizing a robust neodymium-based magnet assembly housed in a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy body—to deliver reliable, repeatable fixation on flat ferromagnetic surfaces such as IP-grade steel plates. Unlike electromagnets or vacuum-based mounts, the GJ-2 requires no external power supply, eliminating electrical interference risks and enabling operation in EM-sensitive environments including electrophysiology rigs, optical tables, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) chambers. Its primary functional role is to serve as a rigid, vibration-damped anchor point for Ø12 mm support rods—commonly used with micromanipulators, electrode holders, fiber optic positioners, and custom-built experimental stages. The base’s 230 mm total height and low center-of-gravity geometry provide mechanical stability under lateral loading conditions typical during manual micro-adjustments or motorized actuation.
Key Features
- High-strength permanent magnet assembly (50 mm W × 95 mm D × 55 mm H) delivering >120 N holding force on 10 mm-thick mild steel (ASTM A36 equivalent)
- Aluminum alloy housing with anodized surface finish for enhanced wear resistance and non-magnetic compatibility
- Precision-machined Ø14 mm vertical pillar (175 mm length) with M4 threaded top for secure rod coupling
- Dedicated Ø12 mm mounting slot (165 mm usable length) accommodating standard manipulator arms per ISO 80000-4 mechanical interface conventions
- Integrated leveling foot with ±1.5° tilt adjustment range to compensate for minor surface irregularities
- Weight-optimized design (2.3 kg) balancing portability with inertial stability during fine-positioning tasks
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GJ-2 is compatible with all standard Ø12 mm and Ø14 mm support rods conforming to NARISHIGE, Sutter Instrument, and Scientifica mechanical interface specifications. It is intended for use on clean, unpainted, and unmachined ferromagnetic substrates with minimum thickness ≥8 mm and surface roughness Ra ≤3.2 µm. While the device itself carries no CE marking or FDA classification (as it is a passive mechanical component), its material composition complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. For GLP/GMP-aligned laboratories, the GJ-2 supports traceable setup documentation when paired with calibrated micromanipulators and documented substrate certification (e.g., ASTM E1157-22 for steel plate grade verification).
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical mounting solution, the GJ-2 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or data interfaces. It requires no driver installation, calibration software, or network connectivity. However, it integrates seamlessly into digitally controlled experimental workflows—serving as a stable reference platform for devices that do generate data (e.g., patch-clamp amplifiers, laser Doppler vibrometers, or piezo-driven nanopositioners). Its dimensional consistency enables reproducible coordinate mapping across repeated experimental sessions, supporting audit-trail requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used in conjunction with compliant data acquisition systems.
Applications
- Electrophysiology: Fixation of patch pipette holders and recording electrodes on vibration-isolated optical tables
- Neuroscience: Stabilization of multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) and optogenetic fiber cannulae during in vivo recordings
- Materials Science: Positioning of nanoindenters or AFM probe holders on magnetic chucks during thin-film characterization
- Micro-optics: Alignment of collimators, mirrors, and photodetectors in free-space laser beam paths
- Education Labs: Modular mounting system for undergraduate physics and biophysics experiments requiring reconfigurable mechanical rigidity
FAQ
Does the GJ-2 require power or batteries?
No. It relies solely on permanent magnetic adhesion and contains no electronic components.
Can it be used on stainless steel surfaces?
Only on ferritic or martensitic stainless steels (e.g., AISI 430, 410). Austenitic grades (e.g., 304, 316) are non-magnetic and incompatible.
Is the IP-grade steel plate included with purchase?
No. The IP-grade ferromagnetic mounting plate must be procured separately and meets JIS G 3101 SS400 or equivalent specifications.
What is the maximum permissible temperature exposure?
Continuous operation is rated up to 80 °C; prolonged exposure above this threshold may cause irreversible demagnetization.
How often does the magnet require maintenance or recalibration?
None. The magnet retains >99% of its coercivity over 10 years under normal lab conditions (IEC 60068-2-1/2 environmental testing profile).
