RWD 68213 Side-Mount Standard Electrode Holder

Overview

The RWD 68213 Side-Mount Standard Electrode Holder is a precision-engineered mechanical fixation device designed for stable, repeatable positioning of cylindrical micro-tools—including glass micropipettes, metal electrodes, tungsten needles, and stainless-steel injection cannulae—within electrophysiology rigs, stereotaxic frames, and in vivo microinjection setups. Unlike the base-mounted 68201 variant, the 68213 features a lateral mounting interface that enables orthogonal integration into compact or multi-axis instrument configurations where vertical space is constrained or where coaxial alignment with other components (e.g., manipulators, microscope objectives, or pressure systems) is required. Its clamping mechanism operates on a dual-screw collet principle, delivering uniform radial force distribution across the full 0.4–4.0 mm diameter range without slippage or deformation—even under sustained mechanical load or thermal drift during long-duration recordings or infusions.

Key Features

• Side-mount configuration with standardized 8-32 UNC threaded base for direct attachment to RWD MP-100/MP-200 series micromanipulators, Stoelting stereotaxic adapters, and custom aluminum breadboard mounts.
• Two independent M3 adjustment screws with knurled brass knobs provide tactile, backlash-free torque control for precise grip tuning—optimized to prevent electrode fracture while maintaining ≥5 N holding force at 4.0 mm diameter.
• High-purity anodized aluminum housing (6061-T6) ensures dimensional stability across ambient temperature fluctuations (15–30 °C) and resists corrosion from saline, ethanol, and standard neural recording solutions.
• Integrated 360° rotational lock ring allows angular repositioning of the clamped tool without loosening the primary collet—enabling rapid orientation adjustments during craniotomy alignment or multi-site probe insertion.
• Interchangeable collet inserts (sold separately) support extended compatibility with non-cylindrical shanks (e.g., square-section patch pipettes) via optional adapter sleeves compliant with ISO 8030-1 geometric tolerances.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 68213 accommodates a broad spectrum of neuroscientific and cellular instrumentation: patch-clamp electrodes (borosilicate, quartz, filamented), extracellular recording wires (25–125 µm bare/dielectric-coated), microdialysis probes (0.22–0.5 mm OD), and nanoliter-range Hamilton syringe needles (e.g., 7000 series, 33–26 gauge). All materials comply with ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity) and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The design supports GLP-aligned experimental workflows through traceable serial-number engraving and documented mechanical repeatability (±0.02° angular deviation over 500 insertion cycles per specification sheet RWD-DOC-68213-Rev.D).

Software & Data Management

While the 68213 is a passive mechanical component, it integrates seamlessly with RWD’s digital ecosystem: its mounting geometry is pre-calibrated in the RWD NeuroControl Suite v4.2+ for automated coordinate mapping when paired with MP-200 motorized manipulators. Positional metadata—including clamping diameter setting, rotational angle, and mount orientation—is logged alongside electrophysiology data streams (via TTL-synced HDF5 export) to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements. Firmware updates for compatible manipulators include updated kinematic models referencing 68213-specific offset vectors.

Applications

• Intracellular and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices and cultured neurons.
• Stereotaxic delivery of viral vectors, dyes, or pharmacological agents into rodent hippocampus, cortex, or thalamus.
• Chronic implantation of tetrodes or silicon probes requiring precise entry-angle control during craniotomy.
• Combined optogenetics-electrophysiology experiments where optical fiber alignment must be co-registered with electrode trajectory.
• High-throughput screening platforms using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) where modular, tool-agnostic holder interchangeability reduces setup time.

FAQ

Is the 68213 compatible with non-RWD manipulators?
Yes—its 8-32 UNC base and 22 mm circular footprint conform to ANSI/ISO 2768-mK general tolerances, enabling integration with Sutter MP-285, Scientifica PatchStar, and Luigs & Neumann SM-15 manipulators using appropriate adapter plates.
What is the maximum recommended torque for the clamping screws?
Do not exceed 0.35 N·m per screw; over-torquing may deform the collet sleeve and reduce clamping repeatability beyond ±0.05 mm positional error.
Can the 68213 be autoclaved?
No—thermal cycling above 60 °C compromises anodization integrity and aluminum grain structure; clean with 70% ethanol or isopropanol and dry under laminar flow.
Does RWD supply calibration certificates for individual units?
Upon request and subject to additional lead time, NIST-traceable dimensional verification reports (per ASME B89.1.10M) are available for batch-certified orders of ≥10 units.