RWD 68102 AP Micro-Drive for Stereotaxic Instruments

Overview

The RWD 68102 AP Micro-Drive is a precision mechanical positioning accessory engineered for integration with stereotaxic frames used in preclinical neuroscience research. Designed specifically to support anterior–posterior (AP) axis adjustments during intracranial instrumentation—such as electrode, cannula, or optical fiber insertion—the device operates on a calibrated manual translation principle. It employs a high-ratio gear-and-screw mechanism to convert rotational input from an ergonomically positioned knob into linear displacement along a rigid, low-backlash guide rail. This mechanical architecture ensures sub-micron repeatability in incremental motion control without reliance on electronic feedback or motorized actuation, making it suitable for environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) must be minimized—including MRI-compatible stereotaxic setups and shielded electrophysiology suites.

Key Features

• Precision AP-axis adjustment over a 25 mm total travel range, with discrete 10 µm step resolution per full knob rotation increment.
• Direct-mount compatibility with standard RWD large-animal stereotaxic frames (e.g., 68000-series) and MRI-compatible stereotaxic rails via standardized T-slot or dovetail interface profiles.
• Machined aluminum housing with anodized surface finish for dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with autoclaving (up to 121°C, 20 min, non-submerged).
• Zero-backlash lead screw assembly with stainless steel nut and PTFE-coated threads to ensure consistent torque transmission and long-term positional retention under static load.
• Integrated scale indicator with dual-unit engraving (mm and µm) adjacent to the adjustment knob for real-time visual confirmation of absolute position relative to reference zero.
• No external power supply or controller required—fully manual operation enables use inside Faraday cages, MRI bores, and Class II biosafety cabinets without signal contamination or regulatory compliance concerns.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 68102 AP Micro-Drive is intended for use with rodent and large-animal (e.g., non-human primate, porcine, ovine) stereotaxic procedures requiring high-fidelity spatial registration. It supports standard neurosurgical accessories including microelectrodes (0.5–500 µm diameter), bilateral infusion cannulas (26–33 G), optogenetic ferrules (1.25 mm or 2.5 mm OD), and chronic recording drives. The device conforms to ISO 13485:2016 design control principles for medical device accessories and meets biocompatibility requirements per ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity) and ISO 10993-10 (irritation/sensitization) when used with sterilized components. While not a standalone medical device, its mechanical design supports GLP-compliant experimental workflows involving longitudinal neural intervention studies.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical positioning module, the 68102 AP Micro-Drive does not incorporate embedded firmware, digital interfaces, or software dependencies. Positional metadata must be manually recorded in laboratory notebooks or integrated into electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems such as LabArchives or Benchling via user-entered annotations. For traceability in regulated studies, researchers are advised to document initial zero-point calibration, cumulative displacement values, and instrument lot numbers alongside procedural timestamps—practices aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for audit-ready data integrity in preclinical pharmacology and neurodevice development.

Applications

• Gradual advancement of tetrode arrays or silicon probes during chronic electrophysiological recordings in awake, behaving primates.
• Fine-tuning of injection cannula depth during multi-site AAV delivery in porcine models of neurodegenerative disease.
• Stepwise repositioning of fiber photometry implants across layered cortical or subcortical targets in longitudinal fMRI-correlated behavioral paradigms.
• Calibration alignment of laser ablation tips within MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) stereotaxic platforms.
• Integration with closed-loop optogenetic stimulation rigs where EMI-free mechanical positioning prevents artifact coupling into analog neural signal acquisition chains.

FAQ

Is the 68102 compatible with non-RWD stereotaxic frames?
Yes—mechanical interface dimensions follow ANSI/ISO 8015 geometric tolerancing standards; adapters are available for Kopf, David Kopf Instruments, and Stoelting frames upon request.
Can this micro-drive be sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO)?
Yes; all structural materials (6061-T6 aluminum, 304 stainless steel, PTFE) are EtO-compatible per ISO 11135. Validation reports available under NDA.
What is the maximum axial load rating?
Rated for continuous static loads up to 2.5 kg at full extension; dynamic load limit is 1.2 kg during active adjustment.
Does RWD provide calibration certificates?
Traceable calibration documentation (per ISO/IEC 17025) is available as an optional service, including uncertainty budgets for positional accuracy across the full 25 mm range.
Is there a version with lateral (ML) or vertical (DV) adjustment capability?
RWD offers the 68103 ML and 68104 DV variants as part of the same modular drive family, enabling orthogonal three-axis fine positioning when combined with the 68102 AP unit.