WPI MF200 Instruction Manual
Instrumenting scientific ideas
WORLD
PRECISION
INSTRUMENTS
MF200
Microforge with 40× long working distance objective
Serial No._____________________
www.wpiinc.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
030716
MF200
World Precision Instruments i
Copyright © 2016 by World Precision Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or translated into any language, in any form, without prior written permission of
World Precision Instruments, Inc.
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 2
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................ 3
Parts List ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Unpacking ................................................................................................................................... 3
Description ................................................................................................................................. 4
Optics ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Positioning and Focus ........................................................................................................ 5
Heating Filaments................................................................................................................ 5
Microscope ........................................................................................................................... 6
Power Controller (Control Unit) ....................................................................................... 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 8
Setting up the MF200 .............................................................................................................. 8
Mounting the LWD to the Microscope ........................................................................... 8
Mounting the Filament Adjustment Assembly to the Microscope .......................... 9
Positioning the Micropipette Holder ............................................................................ 10
Mounting the Heating Filament ..................................................................................... 10
Basic Operations for Using the MF200 .............................................................................11
Applications .............................................................................................................................. 14
Fire Polishing the Patch Clamp Pipette ........................................................................ 14
Fire Polishing a Pipette Tip ............................................................................................. 15
Tip Size Reduction ............................................................................................................. 16
Fire Polishing Large Bore Pipettes ............................................................................... 16
Tip Reduction of Large Bore Pipettes .........................................................................17
Reducing Overall Filament Expansion .......................................................................... 17
Microforging Beveled Injection Pipettes ...................................................................... 17
INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................... 19
ACCESSORIES.................................................................................................................................19
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX A: MICROSCOPE OBJECTIVE INFORMATION ......................................................20
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................... 21
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .............................................................................................. 22
WARRANTY .....................................................................................................................................23
Claims and Returns ................................................................................................................23
Repairs ....................................................................................................................................... 23
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MF200
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ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The following symbols are used in this guide:
This symbol indicates a CAUTION. Cautions warn against actions that can cause
damage to equipment. Please read these carefully.
This symbol indicates a WARNING. Warnings alert you to actions that can cause
personal injury or pose a physical threat. Please read these carefully.
NOTES and TIPS contain helpful information.
Fig. 1—MF200 System
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INTRODUCTION
The MF200 Microforge is a versatile device designed specically for the fabrication of
glass micropipettes and other related tools. Originally designed by Dr. Ming Li of the
Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama, it has been extensively
improved to provide greater accuracy and ease of use. It is simple, durable and
reliable. Ideal for patch pipette polishing, it can also be used for other fabrication
procedures such as pipette tip size reduction, contact stretching to sharpen large
bore pipettes, carbon ber electrode sealing and the production of a variety of pipette
congurations including those for in vitro fertilization. Its simplicity and ease of use
result from two key features:
• Utilization of a microscope to manipulate the pipette
• Unique design of the lament holder that permits attachment of the heating
element directly to the microscope objective.
These features enable precise fabrication specications to be easily met.
CAUTION: The Microforge Control Unit (power) and the heating laments have
been carefully matched to provide rapid lament response at optimum heat
intensity. Use of either of these components with alternate power units or
heating laments may result in severe damage to any or all of these components.
Fig. 2—MF200 Startup Kit
MF200
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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Parts List
After unpacking, verify that there is no visible damage to the instrument. Verify that all
items are included:
MF200-1/2 Complete Microforge 110V/220V (includes microscope):
(1) W30S Microscope (See W30S Instruction Manual included for set-up, assembly
and operating instructions.)
(1) MF200 Microforge (See parts list below.)
MF200-M1/M2 Microforge 110V/220V (microscope not included):
(1) MF200 Microforge Control Unit
(1) 14470 AC to 12VDC converter with power cord (USA only)
(1) Man-MF200 MF200 Instruction Manual
(1) 75006 MF-200 Start-Up Kit, including:
(1) 800292 40× long-working distance objective
(1) 75050 Lucite and glass pipette holder
(1) 75090 Filament Adjustment Assembly for 40× and 25× LWD objectives
(1) 75040 One pair of heating lament connecting cables
(1) 800003 3/16 hex wrench
(1) MF200-H2 H2 Heating Filament
(1) MF200-H3 H3 Heating Filament
(1) MF200-H4 H4 Heating Filament
(1) 503513 Eyepiece with Linear Reticle
(1) 300497 Spacer Ring for mounting on the 10X objective with 22mm OD
(1) 75027 Spacer Ring for mounting on the 10X objective with 21mm OD
NOTE: The spacer ring (WPI #300497 may not be necessary for objectives with
larger outside diameters. It is use with objectives smaller than 23.0mm.
Unpacking
Upon receipt of this instrument, make a thorough inspection of the contents and
check for possible damage. Missing cartons or obvious damage to cartons should be
noted on the delivery receipt before signing. Concealed damage should be reported
at once to the carrier and an inspection requested. Please read the section entitled
“Claims and Returns” on page 23 of this manual. Please contact WPI Customer
Service if any parts are missing at 941.371.1003 or customerservice@wpiinc.com.
Returns: Do not return any goods to WPI without obtaining prior approval (RMA
# required) and instructions from WPI’s Returns Department. Goods returned
(unauthorized) by collect freight may be refused. If a return shipment is necessary,
use the original container, if possible. If the original container is not available, use a
suitable substitute that is rigid and of adequate size. Wrap the instrument in paper or
plastic surrounded with at least 100mm (four inches) of shock absorbing material. For
further details, please read the section entitled “Claims and Returns” on page 23 of
this manual.
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Description
The complete MF200-1 (110V) and MF200-2 (220V) systems include both the
Microforge and matched microscope (WPI Model W30S); the MF200–M1 (110V) and
MF200-M2 (220V) include the Microforge only.
Optics
The MF200 is the only commercial microforge that includes a 40X long-working
distance objective (LWD). This LWD objective is the most powerful currently available
on any commercially produced microforge. Its 40X magnication is essential when
polishing pipettes as small as half a micron (0.5mm) in diameter. A linear eyepiece
reticle is provided with this system for measureing pipette tip dimensions. An optional
angular reticle is available. See page 19 for details. Optional accessories (including
a 25X LWD objective for the W30S microscope) further expand the MF200 system
functionality.
Fig. 3— MF200 System (not shown: 12 V DC power converter for Microforge Control
Unit).
MF200
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Positioning and Focus
Finding and moving the pipette tip under the microscope objective is simple. With a
conventional microforge, it is dicult and time-consuming to position both the heating
lament and pipette in the viewing area using independent micromanipulators.
A unique feature of the MF200 is the heating lament, inserted into the Filament
Adjustment Assembly, which is directly attached to the microscope’s objective
and (using the horizontal and vertical adjustment knobs of the assembly) can be
easily maneuvered to any position within the viewing area. Once the correct focus
is obtained, the lament will remain xed and within focus, and attention can be
turned towards positioning the pipette that rests on the microscope stage. The X-Y-Z
movements of the microscope stage adjustment controls its position relative to the
heating lament. This design makes the positioning and microforging of pipettes
extremely easy. The stage of the MF200 W30S microscope has a high quality rail
that ensures precise, smooth and stable control of the pipette’s movement. The
MF200 system conguration eliminates the need and expense of an additional
micromanipulator to control pipette movement.
Heating lament
Horizontal
adjustment
Vertical adjustment
Filament
Clamp
10X
objective
Ring
Mounting
screw
Fig. 4—Filament Adjustment Assembly
Heating Filaments
Low heat capacity and low thermal expansion of the laments are key design features
of the MF200 Microforge. The low heat capacity of the lament allows it to reach
re-polishing temperatures without excessive heat. This permits the pipette tip to be
brought close to the lament during polishing without fear of collapsing the pipette tip
and eliminates the need for an auxiliary air cooling system. The low thermal expansion
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