Microgrippers have substantially reduced the size of objects that can be precisely manipulated by several orders of magnitude. The M-2 and MG-1000 Microgrippers are evolutionary products designed to provide high accuracy manipulation of microscopic specimens with precise and predictable control of the direction and force applied to any object. This new level of control allows you to selectively handle even the smallest samples such as cells, insects, bacteria, fine wire, optical elements, and electronic microcircuits without causing damage to the object.
The key characteristics of these Microgrippers are:
• Variable and controlled gripping forces to insure a delicate "touch" when handling sensitive specimens
• Interchangeable gripper tips for microgripping applications
• Precise directional control of the Microgripper at any axis and angle when used in conjunction with commercially available micromanipulators
• Manual or computer driven controllers with resolution up to 1.0 micron for high accuracy use

The M-2 incorporates a 7-volt DC motor encoder assembly with variable speed control which precisely open and close attached stainless steel tips to grip and release specimens. The MG-1000 utilizes a piezoelectric polymer film as the basic component in the gripper assembly for activating the precise movement of the "tweezer-like" stainless steel tips. Because of its micron-thin thickness and its transducer properties, the film's response to electrical inputs is instantaneous and directly proportional to the applied electrical field, thus providing the precise control for delicate manipulation.
The Microgripper Systems are comprised of the Microgripper assembly with interchangeable Gripper Tips, and a Controller. The system is fully compatible with any available micromanipulator.

The MC was designed for precise position control of the M-2 Microgripper Control Stage. The MC Micro positioning Controller is an open-loop position controller with an encoder. The term "open-loop" means that operation is not dependent on positional feedback. The MC will control any 6 -12 volts, DC brush type motor. A 6-digit LCD display provides the user with positional information which is relative to the grip force being applied to the specimen.
The C-2 Controller is provided with a 15 volt DC Power Adapter.
The MG-1000 utilizes a Model 750 Controller which provides a linear grip/release control of the gripper tips of the MG-1000 Microgripper via manually turning the control knob. One complete turn of the knob provides 200 microns of tip displacement. This high resolution enables the MG-1000 Microgripper to gently hold even the smallest of microscopic specimens. The Model 750 Controller allows both manual control of the MG-1000 Microgripper as well as the ability to utilize a foot actuated variable speed pedal for truly "hands-off" gripping while viewing the specimen under a microscope.

The M-2 and MG-1000 Microgripper systems have a broad array of stainless steel gripper tip options for the most demanding microgripping applications. The MG-1000 tips range from a length of either 1 or 2 inches with tip diameters from 5 microns to up to 1900 microns (75 mils).
The Microgripper has been applied to a broad range of applications where precise movements and, more importantly, specific force control is required. These applications span the life science fields, industrial research and production areas. The life science fields represent an ideal area for high precision manipulation with an added requirement for very delicate handling capabilities. Recent developments in physiology, histology, genetic engineering technology, electron microscopy and a host of other biological sciences have demanded the superior control capabilities of the Microgripper. The Microgripper System has been applied to the following life science applications such as cellular microbiology, microsurgical dissection, cytology and histological studies, entomology, botanical, and electron microscope sample preparation.

The Microgripper System consists of the M-2 or MG-1000 Microgripper, Gripper Tips and Controller. A micromanipulator is required to complete the system. The Microgrippers are compatible with most commercially available micromanipulators.