NARISHIGE UX-6-6 X-Block
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | UX-6-6 |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 23 × 12 × 25 mm |
| Weight | 8 g |
| Compatible Rod Diameters | 6 mm × 6 mm |
| Material | Anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Mounting | M2.6 × 0.45 threaded holes (standard for NARISHIGE micromanipulators) |
Overview
The NARISHIGE UX-6-6 X-Block is a precision-machined mechanical coupling component designed exclusively for modular integration within NARISHIGE’s micro-manipulation and electrophysiology systems. Unlike general-purpose brackets or adapters, the UX-6-6 implements a rigid orthogonal junction architecture that enables simultaneous, co-planar fixation of two 6 mm diameter support rods at precisely 90° relative orientation—critical for constructing stable, vibration-damped multi-axis positioning platforms in patch-clamp rigs, intracellular recording setups, and high-resolution microscopy stages. Its operational principle relies on mechanical constraint rather than magnetic or adhesive bonding, ensuring long-term dimensional stability under thermal cycling and repeated mechanical loading. The block is engineered to maintain sub-10 µm positional repeatability across its service life when used with NARISHIGE USM-6 magnetic base rods and compatible manipulators (e.g., MO-202, MN-401), making it an essential structural node in GLP-compliant neurophysiology laboratories where spatial reproducibility directly impacts data validity.
Key Features
- Precision orthogonal geometry: 90° intersecting bores with ±0.02 mm concentricity tolerance between axes, minimizing angular drift during coarse/fine adjustment sequences.
- Compact footprint: 23 × 12 × 25 mm envelope with 8 g mass—optimized for space-constrained rig configurations without compromising torsional rigidity.
- Corrosion-resistant construction: Hard-anodized aluminum alloy (A7075-T6 equivalent) with surface hardness ≥500 HV, suitable for cleanroom (ISO Class 5–7) and humidified incubator environments.
- Standardized fastening interface: Four M2.6 × 0.45 threaded holes (depth 4.5 mm) conforming to NARISHIGE’s universal mounting specification, enabling tool-free reconfiguration using supplied hex keys.
- Zero-play clamping: Dual opposing set screws per rod bore provide uniform radial preload, eliminating micro-slip even under dynamic loads up to 2.5 N·m torsional moment.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UX-6-6 is validated for use with NARISHIGE USM-6 magnetic base rods (Ø6 mm, Neodymium–Iron–Boron grade N42), as well as non-magnetic stainless-steel rods (SUS304, Ø6 mm) commonly employed in Faraday cage–shielded electrophysiology suites. It complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD immunity) and ISO 13485:2016 Annex A requirements for accessories used in medical device–adjacent research instrumentation. While not a standalone medical device, its dimensional stability and material traceability (batch-coded anodizing) support audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–governed data acquisition workflows when integrated into validated patch-clamp systems.
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical component, the UX-6-6 requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, its geometric fidelity directly influences the uncertainty budget of coordinate transformations in automated stage calibration routines (e.g., those implemented in Sutter Instrument’s Micromanipulator Control Software or Scientifica’s PatchStar GUI). When documented in lab SOPs per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.6, its fixed dimensional parameters (e.g., center-to-center offset = 12.0 ± 0.05 mm) serve as traceable reference inputs for error propagation modeling in multi-probe alignment protocols.
Applications
- Orthogonal mounting of micropipette holders and vibration-isolated microscope stages in dual-patch configurations.
- Structural backbone for hybrid magnetic–mechanical manipulator arrays (e.g., combining USM-6 bases with MN-151 mechanical arms).
- Alignment reference node in custom-built optical trapping rigs requiring precise beam–electrode co-registration.
- Modular expansion interface for NARISHIGE’s “Quick-Change” manipulator systems undergoing ISO 15197:2013–aligned validation for in vitro diagnostic development.
FAQ
Can the UX-6-6 accommodate rods larger than 6 mm?
No. Its bores are dimensionally constrained to Ø6.00 ± 0.01 mm. For Ø10 mm rods, select the UX-6-10 or UX-10-10 variant.
Is thermal expansion compensated in the design?
The anodized aluminum alloy exhibits a CTE of 23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C; users operating across >15°C ambient gradients should include this coefficient in positional uncertainty calculations per GUM (JCGM 100:2019).
Does NARISHIGE provide calibration certificates for the UX-6-6?
No—dimensional verification is performed in-house per JIS B 7502:2017 using coordinate measuring machines traceable to NMIJ/AIST; certificates are available upon request for QA documentation.
Can it be sterilized for in vivo surgical applications?
Autoclaving is not recommended due to anodized layer degradation; ethanol wipe-down (70%) and UV-C exposure (254 nm, 30 min) are validated cleaning methods per ISO 15223-1:2021 Annex B.
