Sutter Instrument
BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler
Code BV-10
The BV-10 is Sutter Instrument's precision microelectrode beveler — elegant, vibration-free, and capable of beveling micropipette tips from 0.1 to 100 µm. Features a 2-axis micromanipulator, adjustable bevel angle (5–90°), integrated LED lamp, and optional analog electrode impedance meter (0–500 MΩ) and 40× stereo microscope.
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Features
BV-10 — Precision Microelectrode Beveler
The BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler from Sutter Instrument offers precision beveling of micropipette tips between 0.1 and 100 µm. Using the vibration-free abrasive plate drive system and techniques described by Brown and Flaming (Science, August 1974, Vol. 185), the BV-10 produces consistent tip diameters rapidly and reliably.
Why Bevel Your Pipettes?
Beveling offers significant advantages for both intracellular recording and microinjection:
- Intracellular recording electrodes: Beveling reduces tip diameter (creating a sharper point) while simultaneously lowering electrode resistance through the larger cross-sectional area of the lumen — greatly facilitating penetration and stable holding of very small or complex cells
- Microinjection needles: Beveling promotes smooth cell entry with minimal damage and enhances material flow through the needle
Key Features
- Vibration-free abrasive plate drive (magnetically coupled) — maximum control of the beveling process
- Abrasive surface optically flat to half a wave (250 nm); finest abrasive surface commercially available
- Synchronous clock motor — stable 60 RPM rotation rate for consistent beveling
- 7-pound steel baseplate for additional vibration dampening
- 2-axis micromanipulator (course: 0.075 in/revolution; fine: 0.0004 in/revolution) — controls bevel angle and advancement onto abrasive surface
- Bevel angle range: 5–90° (continuously adjustable)
- Integrated LED lamp with gooseneck — sharp illumination of abrasive plate and pipette
- Wet beveling support: includes wick with holder
- Optional analog electrode impedance meter — 3 ranges (0–10, 0–100, 0–500 MΩ); measurements at 12 Hz minimize capacitive contributions; rapid 50/60 Hz roll-off allows operation without electromagnetic screening
- Optional 40× stereo microscope — swing mounted for viewing advancement onto the abrasive plate
- RoHS certified; dual voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz
Applications of BV-10 Beveler
- Intracellular recording electrode preparation
- Microinjection needle sharpening (ICSI, embryo injection, C. elegans)
- Patch clamp pipette tip refinement
- Any application requiring precise control of micropipette tip geometry and resistance
Specifications
- Beveling range: 0.1–100 µm (finished electrode, abrasive plate dependent)
- Grinding surface variation: < 1.0 µm (optically flat to 250 nm / half wave)
- Grinding speed: 60 RPM (synchronous motor)
- Bevel angle range: 5–90° (adjustable)
- Micromanipulator: 2-axis; coarse drive: 0.075 in/revolution; fine drive: 0.0004 in/revolution
- Impedance meter (optional): Analog; 3 ranges: 0–10, 0–100, 0–500 MΩ; measurement frequency 12 Hz; 50/60 Hz roll-off
- Microscope (optional): 40× stereo, swing-mounted
- Electrical: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 48 × 22 × 20 cm (19 × 9 × 8 in)
- Weight: 20 kg (45 lb)
- Certification: RoHS
Components
Standard system components
- BV-10-B BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler basic system (includes 2-axis micromanipulator, 2 abrasive plates of choice, reference wick with holder, pedestal oil, degreasing fluid, manual)
- BV-10-C BV-10-B with BVM-CE Electrode Impedance Meter
- BV-10-D BV-10-B with 40× Stereo Microscope
- BV-10-E BV-10-B with BVM-CE Electrode Impedance Meter and 40× Stereo Microscope
Models
| Product name | |
|---|---|
| BV-10-B BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler — Basic System | |
| BV-10-C BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler with Electrode Impedance Meter | |
| BV-10-D BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler with 40× Stereo Microscope | |
| BV-10-E BV-10 Microelectrode Beveler with Impedance Meter and 40× Stereo Microscope |