NARISHIGE UX-6-10 X-Block
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | UX-6-10 |
| Material | Anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 29 × 12 × 31 mm |
| Weight | 12 g |
| Rod Diameter Configuration | 6 mm × 10 mm |
| Mounting | Standard M3 and M4 threaded holes + precision dowel pin holes |
| Surface Finish | Hard-anodized (Type II, 15–20 µm thickness) |
Overview
The NARISHIGE UX-6-10 X-Block is a precision-engineered mechanical mounting component designed for modular optical, electrophysiological, and micro-manipulation setups in life science and physics laboratories. Unlike generic brackets or adaptors, the UX-6-10 functions as a structural node—enabling orthogonal, co-planar, or offset alignment of rods, stages, micromanipulators, and sensor housings with sub-millimeter repeatability. Its geometry follows NARISHIGE’s standardized UX-series dimensional architecture, ensuring full mechanical interoperability across the UX-6-6, UX-4-10, UX-10-10, and related blocks. Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and finished with hard anodization per MIL-A-8625 Type II specifications, the block delivers high stiffness-to-weight ratio (E ≈ 69 GPa), thermal stability (CTE ≈ 23.6 µm/m·°C), and resistance to oxidation, organic solvents, and mild acids commonly encountered in wet-lab environments.
Key Features
- Precision-machined orthogonal interface: Two perpendicular through-holes—6 mm and 10 mm diameter—allow rigid, coaxial mounting of compatible support rods while maintaining zero angular deviation.
- Integrated fastening system: Features eight M3 threaded holes (depth 6 mm) and two M4 tapped holes (depth 8 mm), arranged on ISO-standard 25 mm pitch grids for compatibility with industry-wide breadboard and rail systems.
- Dowel-pin registration: Two 2.0 mm precision ground locating holes (±0.005 mm positional tolerance) ensure repeatable, tool-free reassembly of multi-block assemblies without iterative alignment.
- Hard-anodized surface: Provides a uniform, non-reflective matte finish with Vickers hardness ≥ 350 HV, enhancing wear resistance during repeated clamping and disassembly cycles.
- Low-mass, high-rigidity design: At only 12 g mass and optimized ribbed internal geometry, the UX-6-10 minimizes inertial loading on vibration-sensitive platforms such as piezoelectric stages or inverted microscopes.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UX-6-10 is not a standalone measurement instrument but a certified mechanical interface component within NARISHIGE’s ISO 9001:2015–certified manufacturing ecosystem. It complies with JIS H 8601 (aluminum alloy specifications) and JIS H 8602 (anodizing quality standards). When integrated into larger systems—such as patch-clamp rigs, laser trapping setups, or custom optomechanical cages—the block contributes to overall system conformance with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom handling protocols due to its non-particulating surface and absence of lubricants or adhesives. No RoHS exemptions apply; lead-free anodizing electrolytes and hexavalent chromium–free sealing are used throughout production.
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical element, the UX-6-10 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or software interfaces. However, it is fully documented in NARISHIGE’s publicly accessible CAD library (STEP/IGES format), which integrates natively with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and ANSYS SpaceClaim for finite-element modeling of load distribution and modal analysis. Dimensional tolerances (±0.02 mm on hole positions, ±0.05 mm on external faces) are traceable to JCSS-accredited calibration certificates issued at time of manufacture. For GLP/GMP-aligned labs, batch-specific material certifications—including alloy lot numbers, anodizing thickness reports, and CMM inspection summaries—are available upon request.
Applications
- Electrophysiology rig assembly: Securing headstages, electrode carriers, and perfusion manifolds onto fixed-stage microscope platforms with minimal cantilever deflection.
- Optical table sub-structures: Serving as a junction point between kinematic mounts, translation stages, and fiber launch assemblies in confocal or multiphoton imaging systems.
- Custom microfluidic interfacing: Aligning PDMS chip holders, pressure controllers, and syringe pump manifolds with micron-level positional fidelity.
- Education lab kits: Used in undergraduate physics and biomedical engineering courses to teach principles of mechanical constraint, degrees of freedom, and modular system design.
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration fixtures: Acting as a stable base for positioning reference sensors during metrology-grade verification of displacement transducers or force gauges.
FAQ
Is the UX-6-10 compatible with Thorlabs or Newport rails and posts?
Yes—the M3 and M4 thread patterns align with standard 25 mm grid spacing used by both Thorlabs and Newport mechanical components. Adapter plates are not required for direct mounting.
Can the anodized surface be re-anodized after machining modifications?
No. Post-fabrication anodizing is not recommended, as localized heat and stress from secondary machining may compromise coating integrity and dimensional accuracy. NARISHIGE advises ordering custom variants directly.
What is the maximum static load rating for the 6 mm and 10 mm rod bores?
Based on ASTM E8/E8M tensile testing of 6061-T6 alloy and bore wall thickness analysis, the UX-6-10 supports up to 180 N axial load on the 10 mm bore and 75 N on the 6 mm bore under static, non-cyclic conditions.
Does NARISHIGE provide 3D-printed or polymer alternatives to the UX-6-10?
No. All UX-series blocks are exclusively machined from certified aluminum billet. Polymer versions are not offered due to insufficient thermal and creep stability for long-term scientific use.
Are replacement dowel pins included with purchase?
No. Precision-ground 2.0 mm stainless steel dowel pins (DIN 7, grade 4H) must be sourced separately and installed using standard press-fit procedures (interference fit of +0.002 mm to +0.006 mm).
