Micropipette Beveler Basic System (110V only) by AutoMate Scientific Inc.

Complete Micropipette Beveler Basic System includes micromanipulator, reference wick, reference wick holder, pedestal oil, degreaser, manual, and two abrasive plates of your choice.

Elegant and simple to use, the BV-10 offers precision beveling of micropipette tips between 0.1 and 50µm. The unique abrasive plate drive system is vibration free for greater control of the beveling process. Beveling can be accomplished very rapidly and produces consistent tip diameters using the techniques as described by Brown and Flaming, Science, August 1974, Vol. 185.

Intracellular recording electrodes can benefit from beveling because of 1) a reduction in the tip diameter by creation of the sharp point on the electrode and 2) a lowered electrical resistance of the electrode due to the larger cross sectional area of the lumen. This greatly facilitates penetrating and holding very small or difficult cells. Microinjection needles also benefit from beveling by promoting entry into cells with minimal damage while at the same time enhancing the flow of material through the needle.

The basic beveling system consists of a stationary pedestal, optically flat to a half wave (250nm), surface mounted on a heavy baseplate. This serves as a bearing for an abrasive coated glass grinding plate, which is also flat to half a wave. The flat abrasive plate is coupled to a low vibration, slow-speed motor by means of magnetic fields to provide a wobblefree flat grinding surface. The abrasive plates are fabricated with a proprietary process which insures a consistent abrasive coating.