Minimizes irregular movements on the grinding plane for greater precision.
Narishige's EG-45 micropipette grinder replaces the 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 EG-402, you can position a dissecting stereomicroscope with sufficient working distance, mounted horizontally or diagonally, so you can monitor the microgrinding process. Our 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 EG-402, which has a built-on microscope to help.
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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 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 and see the lower prices.
