Narishige's MF2 is a versatile tool to fabricate pipettes of your preference. The MF2 Microforge offers a wide range of functions for making many different kinds of microtools by processing the microneedle tips. The MF2 fabricates various kinds of pipettes by micro-works of cutting, fire-polishing, bending or forming a spike. Being able to view the tip of the pipette in the microscope ensures efficiency in producing the pipette tip of your preference. The microscope is designed as a compact yet robust unit which reduces the risk of pipette breakage during handling. All of the fine controls are performed by reliable knobs installed on the microscope. The focusing knob can be switched to the left side of the microscope if needed. The readout of the heater level, which is essential for the work, is indicated on display. The heater can be turned on and off with a foot switch. The LED lamp as the light source allows brightness adjustment from low to high.
* Eyepiece/objective lens are sold separately. Please select one best suits your needs from designated sets.
Here is a video that shows how to set up the MF2 for first use (it is similar to the MF-900 shown):
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
Here is a video that shows how to use a microforge for cutting, polishing, bending, and spiking a pulled glass micropipette :
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
** HIC-1.2 is required separately to use glass capillary with 1.2mm O.D. HIC-1.5 is required for glass capillary with 1.5mm O.D.
†
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Microforge
MF3:
$12,024.86
†
Narishige's MF3 ienables seamless pipette customization while observing the tip of a micropipette. The MF2 Microforge enhances microscope performance, offering brighter, higher-resolution observation compared to previous models. The microscope has been designed to be compact yet robust. It is engineered to easily position the pipette within the field of view, thus minimizing the risk of pipette breakage. The customization process is facilitated by operating the control knobs located near the microscope. The pipette's tip can be customized to suit specific applications thanks to the technique of cutting, bending, polishing, and spike creation. The critical heater settings for each technique are displayed on the screen, and the heater on/off is controlled via a foot switch. The brightness of the LED lamp is adjustable from low to high intensity.
Here is a video that shows how to set up the MF3 for first use (it is similar to the MF-900 shown):
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
Here is a video that shows how to use a microforge for cutting, polishing, bending, and spiking a pulled glass micropipette :
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
** HIC-1.2 is required separately to use glass capillary with 1.2mm O.D. HIC-1.5 is required for glass capillary with 1.5mm O.D.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here to change your payment method.
Micropipette Grinders
Micropipette Grinder
EG-45:
$3,944.86
†
Minimizes irregular movements on the grinding plane for greater precision.
Narishige's EG-45 micropipette grinder replaces the [page EG-44]EG-44 and minimizes irregular movements on the grinding plane for greater precision.
This grinder is ideal for grinding micropipette tips, thanks to its employment of a special motor which is designed to minimize irregular movements of the grinding plane. In addition, this model provides stable performance at all revolution speeds -- low speeds emphasize greater precision and high speeds for faster grinding. It is equipped with an easily operable coarse and fine movement coaxial manipulator for vertical operation of the micro needle, allowing for extremely precise grinding. A protractor is mounted on the needle holder affixing section, making it easy to set the required grinding angle, and an adaptor is attached for vertical grinding. New water filling and drainage mechanisms are installed to prevent clogging or the accumulation of shavings, making the apparatus easier to use than the previous version.
Specification
Accessories included
Dedicated Pipette Holder Adaptor for Vertical Grinding Diamond Wheel Cleaner Power Cord Hex Wrench
Q: Is the EG-45 suitable for beveling pulled borosilicate and aluminosilicate microcapillary needles with ~.5-1um diameter tips for insect embryo injections?
A: Yes, that is exactly the purpose of the EG-45 (to bevel the tips of glass microinjection needles).
Q: How can I observe the microgrinding process?
A: Since this model that doesn't have a built-in microscope (as compared with [page EG-402]EG-402, you can position a dissecting stereomicroscope with sufficient working distance, mounted horizontally or diagonally, so you can monitor the microgrinding process. Our [page SMT1]SMT1 stereomicroscope with the boom-stand base option can work for this.
Q: Are there different grinding surfaces available?
A: There is only one surface available with a very fine diamond-impregnated grinding disk. It can do extremely fine polishing. To use it, you will need a long-working-distance microscope to monitor the process. Alternatively, you can order the [page EG-402]EG-402, which has a built-on microscope to help.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here to change your payment method.
Precision Beveling for Microinjection Needles, Patch Clamp Pipettes, and Microtools
The EG-T2D Microgrinder System from Tritech Research is a next-generation micropipette beveler and precision microgrinder designed for beveling pulled glass microinjection needles, opening patch clamp pipettes, and shaping fine glass or metal microtools under direct microscopic observation.
The EG-T2D was developed as a modern alternative to older-style micropipette bevelers and microgrinders from companies such as Narishige, Sutter Instrument, and World Precision Instruments. Researchers searching for systems comparable to the Narishige EG-45, EG-400 / EG-401 / EG-402, Sutter BV-10, or other traditional microelectrode beveling systems will find that the EG-T2D introduces substantial improvements in visibility, positioning control, abrasive replacement, and operational flexibility.
Unlike legacy microgrinders that use fixed whetstones, limited positioning control, and cumbersome conventional microscopes, the EG-T2D combines precision X-Z micromanipulator positioning, an integrated digital microscope with LCD display, interchangeable magnetic abrasive disks, adjustable bevel geometry, wet grinding capability, and a compact laboratory footprint.
Applications for Modern Microinjection / Electrophysiology Labs
Microinjection needle beveling
Patch clamp pipette polishing
Making intracellular recording micropipettes
Oocyte injection needles for IVF and transgenic production
Cell / embryo manipulation pipettes
Fine polishing of metal probes and microtool fabrication
Glass needle opening
Precision Micropipette Beveling w/ Direct Visual Control
The EG-T2D allows the user to position a glass micropipette or microtool directly above a rotating abrasive disk while observing the grinding process in real time using the integrated long-working-distance microscope.
The operator can precisely adjust:
X position using the micromanipulator X-axis
Z position using the micromanipulator Z-axis
Y position by rotating the manipulator on its mounting pole
Grinding angle by rotating the pipette holder mounting bracket
This geometry provides significantly greater control compared with traditional single-axis micropipette positioners. Researchers can optimize bevel angle, contact pressure, grinding location, magnification, focus geometry, and tip opening characteristics for a wide variety of experimental applications.
Integrated Digital Microscope with LCD Display
The integrated long-working-distance digital microscope eliminates the need for a separate, difficult-to-position dissecting microscope, or the cumbersome, costly optical microscopes integrated with old-fashioned units.
Features
Integrated LCD screen
Digital zoom capability
Long working distance optics
Rechargeable cordless operation
USB-powered continuous operation
Adjustable viewing geometry
Fine aiming controls
The optical geometry was specifically designed for micropipette beveling and microtool grinding applications. Maximum magnification is achieved when the pipette tip is positioned approximately 5-10 mm from the front edge of the abrasive disk while still maintaining sharp focus.
Interchangeable Magnetic Abrasive Disks
Unlike older whetstone-based microgrinders that require periodic resurfacing and difficult, costly replacement, the EG-T2D uses lower-cost, interchangeable, magnetically-backed abrasive disks that mount to its stainless steel platen.
Benefits
Fast tool-free disk replacement
Lower consumable cost
No stone redressing required
Multiple abrasive grades available
Easier maintenance
Each EG-T2D system includes one abrasive disk of your choice:
3 µm abrasive disk (standard for fine bevels and polishing)
6 µm abrasive disk (more aggressive)
9 µm abrasive disk (for aggressive grinding)
Additional replacement disks are available for only $65 each. The magnetic mounting system allows the user to simply peel off the old disk and place a new one onto the stainless steel support platen in seconds. Some laboratories use multiple grit sizes sequentially for shaping and fine polishing.
Optimized Wet Grinding for Cleaner Micropipette Tips
The EG-T2D uses wet grinding to improve bevel quality and reduce debris accumulation.
Applying distilled water to the abrasive disk:
Produces a polishing slurry
Reduces electrostatic particle attraction
Improves bevel smoothness
Extends abrasive disk life
An integrated drain port allows wastewater collection when larger amounts of water are used. Unique feature: Positive pressure can be applied through the special pipette holder during grinding to prevent water from entering ultrafine pipette tips by capillary action.
The system accommodates a broad range of bevel geometries and grinding conditions, making it useful for both routine laboratory workflows and advanced custom microtool development.
Why Researchers Upgrade from Older Microgrinders
Researchers familiar with older systems such as the Narishige EG-401, EG-402, or similar microelectrode bevelers often encounter:
Expensive fixed grinding stones
Limited positioning control
Difficult abrasive replacement
Lack of integrated imaging
Limited grit options
Complex water delivery systems
The EG-T2D addresses these limitations with:
Precision X-Z control
Integrated LCD microscope
Magnetically mounted abrasive disks
Multiple grit options
Simplified wet grinding
Faster setup and maintenance
Lower consumable cost
Here is a video that shows the EG-T2D beveling a needle:
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
FAQ's
Q: How do I open the tip of a pre-pulled needle without compromising the sharpness of the needle or using razor blades to cut the tip?
A: There are three methods. One of the most straightforward to to bevel the needle with microgrinder like the EG-T2D. The result is a hypodermic-style tip that is open, but has an extremely sharp leading edge. Other methods include using hydrofluoric acid to etch the needle tip or a microforge, like the [page MF3]MF3 to very precisely break the tip using thermal shock.
Q: How easily can I change the abrasive disk?
A: The abrasive disks are magnetically backed and require no tools for replacement. Simply:
Lift the old disk from the edge
Remove it
Center the new disk
Lower it onto the stainless steel platen
Q: What is the purpose of wetting the grinding disc and why should I bother?
A: There are several reasons why it's a good idea to perform microgrinding with a wet grinding disc. Microscopic diamond particles dislodge from the disc and, in the presence of water, these form a slurry that contributes to the grinding and polishing process. This allows for faster grinding and gives a smoother result compared with using the disc dry. The grinding process generates static electricity, and this will cause debris to adhere to the needle tip; water drastically reduces this. Finally, if the disc is used wet, it will last many times longer than if it's used dry. Note: use double-distilled de-ionized water or equivalent to prevent the build up of minerals as the water evaporates.
Q: What types of glass and objects are compatible with the EG-T2D and why should I choose one type of glass over another?
A: The system is commonly used with:
Borosilicate glass
Aluminosilicate glass
Quartz glass (fused silica)
Fine metal probes
Microtools
Aluminosilicate and quartz glass typically flex less than borosilicate glass during grinding and thus can produce sharper bevels by not bowing as much under pressure.
Specification
Accessories included
X-Z micromanipulator with angle plate Dedicated Pipette Holder w/ pressure control Water application brush Power Adapter USB cable
Movement range
Z-axis fine movement: 15 mm X-axis fine movement: 15 mm
Magnifications
~5x - ~200x
Glass capillary
O.D. 0.5mm - 2.0mm
Working voltage
AC100V - AC240V, 50/60Hz
Power consumption
24W
Moter speed
Approx. 100 - 1,200 rpm
Dimensions/Weight
W180 x D180 x H230mm, 1 kg
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here to change your payment method.
Micropipette Pullers
Multi-use Glass Micropipette Puller
P-1000:
$3,135.14
†
Tritech's P-1000 needle puller provides a lower-cost alternative to units from Sutter, WPI, RWD, Campden, and the Narishige [page PN-31]PN-31, [page PE-22]PE-22, and [page PC-100]PC-100. As a heavy user and reseller of micropipette pullers, we realized that horizontal pullers are unnecessarily complicated, expensive, and less robust than vertical pullers. Even Narishige's venerable pullers presented a pricey overkill for preparing microinjection needles, microelectrodes used in patch clamp studies (intracellular recording), and microperfusion. We decided to produce the P-1000 in response.
The P-1000 incorporates several key features that make it an ideal choice for producing microinjection needles and pipettes for patch clamp experiments:
The built-in power source is specially designed to deliver a stable, uniform amount of power to the heating coil each time and make uniform glass needles and micro-capillary pipettes. Heater levels can be varied in 1000 steps (0.1% precision) and are shown on a highly-visible digital display.
Finely adjustable pulling force is provided by the earth's gravity via 50 small incremental weights — you can't get much more stable or reliable than that! There are no electromagnetic coils to burn out. The force can be varied by adding or removing the included weight discs.
Settings for normal heating, stand-by heating, and timed pre-heating allow for a wide variety of needle tip geometries that traditionally required complicated mechanics in competing pullers.
A variety of optional heating coils and holders allow for pulling 1.0-1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and even 5mm multi-bore glass tubes.
Full heating range for borosilicate and aluminosilicate glass. Optional heaters for fused silica (quartz glass) pipettes.
Also included are spare heater coils(PC-10H).
We now offer the P-1000 along side Narishige's dual-stage [page PC-100]PC-100 to replace the old PC-10, PP-830, PP-83, and even older model PB-7. These models serve as lower-cost and more robust alternatives to Sutter's P-30. We use the P-1000 here at Tritech Research to pull our pre-pulled microcapillary needles (see [page MINJ-PP]MINJ-PP) that we sell for C. elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus, Zebrafish, and transgenic mouse work.
Here is a video that shows how the P-1000 works:
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
Here is a Narishige video that shows how pulling force and heat level parameters affect needle tip length and taper. The P-1000 works the same way. Note: This video also demonstrates a two-stage automated pull. If this is critical for your work, you can order the [page PC-100]PC-100.
Specifications
Accessories included
Spare PC-10H Heaters, Power Cord
Power source
100VAC-240VAC
Power consumption
< 100W
Heater levels
1000 increments
Pulling Weights
Set of 50 weights
Dimensions/Weight
W150 x D290 x H290mm, 4.3kg
Consumables
Model
Product
Description
[page PC-10H]PC-10H
Heater
Kanthal wire
Model
Product
Description
[page GD-1]GD-1
Glass Capillary Tubes
1.0 mm O.D. w/ internal filament
FAQ's
Q: Why is the P-1000 considerably less expensive than other needle pullers?
A: Tritech Research took a first-principles deep dive into what is important to pull a variety of different types of glass tubing into a variety of shapes. We found that it's not as complicated as traditional units made it. We applied the temperature control circuitry already developed for our incubators to robust, simplified mechanics to create the P-1000, and now you can have it, too!
Q: After recently replacing the heater coil, my pipettes have tips that are not coaxial. What could be the issue?
A: If the heating coil is not positioned so that the glass goes through its center, the glass will heat and melt asymmetrically and produce an asymmetric tip.
Q: How can I set the parameters of the P-1000 to achieve a specific type of needle resistance or tip shape?
A: There are many variables to get a particular size needle opening equivalent to a particular resistance and also effecting tip geometry. These include not only the settings of the puller, but also the type of glass used (composition and diameter), the exact geometry of the heating element, its condition, etc. One suggestion is to contact a lab that is doing similar experiments and try to replicate their protocol when preparing your pipettes.
Generally speaking, a higher heater setting will give a longer thinner tip, and a lower setting will give a shorter, more stubby tip that goes from the full size to a point over a shorter distance. Using all of the weights makes the tip get fine and be sharp quickly, and using less weights makes the tip longer and the taper more gradual.
The tip may come out of the puller with the right size opening, or tips may come out completely sealed, and you will have to perform a secondary operation to open the end of the pipette to the size desired. For example, you can use the acid etching protocol described in the FAQ section at the bottom of this [page MINJ-PP]page.
Q: Our P-1000 isn't working right and seems to be overheating. What are some troubleshooting tips?
A: The first thing we recommend is checking the heating element itself. Make sure that it is not bent or touching back on itself between coils. Also make sure that it is still perfectly centered around the pipette, and not nicked or thinned. Be certain that it is making secure contact and not loose in any way on either side by tightening the screws that hold it in place. Call us for live troubleshooting help.
Q: How often does one need to replace the heating coil on the P-1000? How do we do it?
A: If the P-1000 is used carefully and at moderate heat settings, a heating coil can last for many years (almost indefinitely) and pull tens of thousands of needles. However, if it gets more than orange hot or gets banged into, bent, etc., then it can degrade or heat unevenly and fail quickly.
Fortunately, it's quite easy to change: First make sure the unit is unplugged / off, because the heater might be pre-heated even between pulls, depending on your OffHeat setting, even if it's not visibly hot. The copper clamps hold the heater on each side. You loosen them to remove the old heater (but note the orientation so you can replicate it), and insert the new heater. The tedious part is that, when you install the new coil, you have to carefully position it so that the capillary tube will go right through its center. This is done best by having a piece of glass in the unit before the final tightening of the clamps. It is also permissible to bend the heater slightly, using fine forceps to aid in centering.
Q: Can the P-1000 produce sharp electrodes needed for patch clamp recording purposes with a resistance in the 50 MegaOhm range?
A:Yes, the P-1000 is great for pulling very sharp pipettes with sub-micron openings.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here to change your payment method.
Narishige's PC-100 glass micropipette puller is a dual-stage vertical pipette puller system that provides reliable and consistent production of micropipets / glass needles with tip sizes ranging from 10 microns (10µm) to tenths of a µm.
The PC-100 incorporates several key features that make it an ideal choice for producing microinjection needles and pipettes for patch clamp experiments. The built-in power source is specially stabilized to deliver a uniform amount of current to the heating coil each time to make uniform glass needles and pipettes. The pulling force is provided by the earth's gravity, so you can't get much more stable or reliable than that. There are no electromagnetic coils to burn out. The force can be varied by adding or removing the included weight blocks (all of which are shown installed in the photo).
Heater levels for both single and double pull operations can be adjusted, and the heater level is shown by a highly-visible digital display.
During the pulling process, micropipettes are shielded from air currents by the use of an acrylic shroud. This excludes external drafts that might otherwise affect the shape and size of the micropipette.
Two pairs of weights (two light and two heavy) are provided for adjustment of the pulling force. Also included are a spare heater coil ([page PC-10H]PC-10H), and a sample of 1.0mm I.D. glass microcapillary tubes with internal glass fiber ([page GD-1]GD-1).
Narishige now offers the more automatic and full-featured PC-100 to replace the old PC-10, PP-830, PP-83, and even older model PB-7. It serves as a lower-cost and more robust alternative to Sutter's P-30. In fact, we use the PC-100 here at Tritech Research to pull our pre-pulled microcapillary needles (see [page MINJ-PP]MINJ-PP) that we sell for C. elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus, Zebrafish, and transgenic mouse work.
Here is a video that shows how PC-100 parameters affect needle tip length and taper:
To watch the video larger, Click the full-screen arrows. To watch in a separate window with captions, Click on "Watch on Youtube"
Specification
Accessories included
GD-1 Glass Capillary with filament sample pack, Spare PC-10H Heater, Power Cord
Power source
100VAC-240VAC
Power consumption
Approx. 70W
Heater level
100 = heater voltage 2.5V
Pulling Weights
25g x 2, 100g x 2
Dimensions/Weight
W205 x D190 x H185mm, 3.5kg
Consumable
Model
Product
Description
[page PC-10H]PC-10H
Heater
Kanthal wire (x5)
FAQ's
Q: How can I troubleshoot my broken PC-100 to find out what the issue is? For example, if the display only reads 0.0 and will not increase nor will the coil heat when the red button is pushed.
A: First, for doing your testing, we suggest using the "Heater" setting on the selector switch, rather than the Step setting, so that the heater will be on all the time and not be dependent on the button push, carriage position, etc. A blown fuse would result in no display at all. You can see what happens by removing the fuse and comparing to see if the fuse is currently "working". Checking / changing the heating coil is a great place to start. If it isn't making good contact on both sides or is broken or nearly broken, that would definitely cause a problem and it might be intermittent at first.
Q: After recently replacing the coil and adjusting the heaters, my PC-100 is still having issues. I am not able to pull any decent pipettes. What could be the issue?
A: In general, higher temperatures will give a longer, finer tip and lower temperatures will give a more blunt tip. Please also check that the new heater is positioned so that the glass tube goes exactly down the middle of the coil (for even heating).
Q: How can I set the parameters of the PC-100 to achieve a specific type of needle tip?
A: There are many variables to get a particular size needle opening equivalent to a particular resistance. These include not only the settings of the puller, but also the glass used, the type of heater used in the puller, its condition, etc. Our main suggestion is that you contact a lab that is doing similar experiments and try to replicate their protocol for preparing your pipettes. The PC-100 can do both single and double pulls, so I'd start by finding out with is better / more typical. Generally speaking, a higher heater setting will give a longer thinner tip, and a lower setting will give a shorter tip that goes from the full size to a point over a shorter distance. Using all of the weights makes the tip get fine and be sharp quickly, and using less weights makes the tip longer and more gradual. The tip may come out of the puller with the right size opening, or sometimes the tips will come out completely sealed, and you will have to perform a secondary operation to open the end of the pipette to the size desired. For example, you can use the acid etching protocol described in the FAQ section at the bottom of this [page MINJ-PP]page.
Q: Our PC-100 has stopped working and seems to be overheating. What are some troubleshooting tips?
A: The first thing we recommend is checking the heating element itself. Make sure that it is not bent or touching back on itself (if you have the coil type). Also make sure that it is still perfectly centered around the pipette, and not nicked.
Q: How can I replace the coil on the PC-100?
A: First make sure the unit is unplugged / off, because the heater is pre-heated even between pulls, it's just not orange-hot. There are little metal bars that hold the heater on each side. You loosen / remove them to change the heater. The tedious part is that when you put the new coil in, you have to carefully position it so that the capillary tube will go right through the center. This is done best by having a piece of glass in the unit before the final tightening of the bars.
Q: Can the PC-100 produce sharp electrodes needed for purposes with resistances around 50 MegaOhms?
A:Yes, the PC-100 is great for pulling very sharp pipettes with a sub-micron opening.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here to change your payment method.
