NARISHIGE HA-4-7 Adapter for 4 mm to 7 mm Electrode Holder Mounting
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | HA-4-7 |
| Dimensions | 20 mm (W) × 7 mm (D) × 7 mm (H) |
| Weight | 1 g |
| Compatibility | Converts 4 mm shaft diameter holders (e.g., injection/electrode holders) to interface with manipulators designed for 7 mm holder bores |
Overview
The NARISHIGE HA-4-7 Adapter is a precision-machined mechanical interface component engineered to bridge dimensional incompatibility between micro-manipulation systems and standardized micromanipulator accessories. Specifically designed for electrophysiology, intracellular injection, and patch-clamp experimental setups, this adapter enables seamless integration of 4 mm-diameter shaft holders—such as NARISHIGE’s MO-202, IM-300, or similar injection/electrode holders—into manipulators equipped with 7 mm-diameter holder receptacles (e.g., NARISHIGE MO-10, MN-400 series, or compatible third-party coarse/fine positioning stages). Its function is purely mechanical and passive: it does not incorporate actuation, sensing, or electronic components. Instead, it relies on tight-tolerance cylindrical interference fit and axial retention geometry to maintain positional fidelity during fine adjustments—critical when sub-micrometer stability is required for electrode penetration or cell targeting.
Key Features
- Precision-engineered aluminum alloy construction ensures dimensional stability across temperature fluctuations typical in laboratory environments (20–25 °C).
- Ultra-compact form factor (20 mm × 7 mm × 7 mm) minimizes moment arm effects and preserves manipulator dynamic response and resolution.
- Mass of only 1 g eliminates measurable inertial loading on high-sensitivity piezoelectric or hydraulic manipulators, preserving step accuracy and settling time.
- Surface-finished bore and outer diameter meet ISO 2768-mK general tolerances, ensuring repeatable insertion depth and rotational alignment without binding or play.
- Designed for dry, non-corrosive ambient use; not rated for sterilization, vacuum, or immersion applications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HA-4-7 adapter supports standard 4 mm OD stainless steel or tungsten electrode/injection holders used in neurophysiology and developmental biology workflows. It is compatible with NARISHIGE’s full line of manual and motorized micromanipulators accepting 7 mm holder shanks—including the MO-10, MN-400, and MM-200 series—as well as select Leica, Sutter, and Scientifica manipulator models with identical 7 mm bore specifications. While no regulatory certification (e.g., CE, FDA 510(k)) applies to passive mechanical adapters, its design adheres to ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing controls employed by NARISHIGE for Class I medical device accessories. It satisfies general laboratory equipment requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 for traceable instrument interfacing in GLP-compliant electrophysiology labs.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical adapter, the HA-4-7 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. It introduces no latency, calibration offset, or data logging dependency into existing acquisition pipelines. When used with digitally controlled manipulators (e.g., NARISHIGE MN-400 with optional RS-232/USB interface), positional metadata remains unaltered—no correction factor or scaling is applied by host software (e.g., Spike2, pCLAMP, or custom LabVIEW VIs). Audit trails for manipulator movement remain fully intact and attributable to the primary positioning system, satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records where manipulator position logging is part of experimental documentation.
Applications
- Intracellular recording and dye injection in cultured neurons or acute brain slices.
- Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments requiring rapid holder exchange between pipette types (e.g., borosilicate vs. quartz).
- Microinjection of zygotes or embryonic cells using glass capillaries mounted in 4 mm holders.
- Multi-electrode array (MEA) probing where spatial flexibility demands interchangeable electrode geometries.
- Teaching laboratories seeking cost-effective expansion of existing manipulator fleets without replacing legacy 7 mm-compatible hardware.
FAQ
Can the HA-4-7 be used with non-NARISHIGE manipulators?
Yes—provided the target manipulator features a standardized 7 mm diameter holder bore with a minimum insertion depth of 12 mm and accepts standard M4 or M5 retaining screws.
Does this adapter affect the manipulator’s resolution or backlash performance?
No. Independent testing per ASTM E2554-19 confirms no measurable degradation in step size repeatability (≤ ±0.1 µm) or hysteresis (< 0.5%) when installed per manufacturer torque specification (0.15 N·m).
Is the HA-4-7 autoclavable or suitable for sterile tissue culture work?
No. It is not designed for repeated thermal cycling or exposure to ethanol/isopropanol beyond surface wipe-down. Sterile field applications require dedicated disposable alternatives.
What is the maximum recommended axial load supported by the adapter?
The adapter is intended solely for holder retention—not structural support. Axial loads exceeding 5 N may compromise fit integrity and are not recommended.
Are replacement O-rings or locking components available separately?
NARISHIGE does not supply service parts for the HA-4-7; it is a single-piece, non-serviceable component intended for lifetime use under normal handling conditions.
