Metal microdrives are essential tools for neuroscientists, particularly for silicon probe recordings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, utilizing, and acquiring metal microdrives, with a special focus on leveraging Microdrive 3d Print technology for advanced research. Whether you are looking to assemble your own microdrive or purchase a fully assembled system, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need.
Recoverable microdrive
Ordering and Assembling Your 3D Printed Microdrive
For researchers seeking a hands-on approach, 3D printing offers a cost-effective and customizable solution for creating metal microdrives. The design files provided here are specifically optimized for high-resolution 3D printing using materials like stainless steel 316L and aluminum AlSi10Mg. These files are compatible with professional printing services such as Proto Labs (https://www.protolabs.com/), ensuring high-quality components for your microdrive 3D print project.
To get started with your microdrive 3D print, download the necessary .step files from our GitHub repository. This repository contains all the design files for the drive_v09 and arm_v09_aluminum components.
Optimizing your Proto Labs Order for Microdrive 3D Print:
When ordering from Proto Labs, ensure optimal printing results by including these specific notes with your file submissions:
- For drive_v09: “Use orientation as in quote 9301-742” – This ensures the correct orientation for printing the drive component, crucial for its mechanical functionality.
- For arm_v09_aluminum: “Use orientation as in quote 2379-080” – This applies the same principle to the aluminum arm, guaranteeing the best possible print quality and structural integrity for your microdrive 3D print.
Customization and Material Considerations for Microdrive 3D Print:
While these instructions are tailored for Proto Labs and the specified materials, the design files can be adapted for other 3D printers, materials, and printing services. Depending on your chosen technology and materials for your microdrive 3d print, modifications to the design files may be necessary to ensure successful printing and assembly. Consider factors like material strength, printing resolution, and post-processing requirements when customizing your microdrive 3D print project.
Purchasing Fully Assembled Microdrives
For researchers who prefer ready-to-use solutions, fully assembled metal microdrives are available for purchase through our production partner, 3Dneuro. 3Dneuro specializes in producing high-quality neuroscience tools, including these meticulously assembled microdrives. Purchasing from 3Dneuro ensures you receive a fully functional and tested microdrive, built to the exact specifications of the Buzsáki lab design, saving valuable time and resources in your research. This is an excellent option if you need reliable microdrive 3d print technology without the in-house fabrication process.
Microdrive 3D Print Assembly Instructions
Detailed assembly instructions are crucial for successfully building your microdrive 3D print. We provide comprehensive guides for both the metal microdrive itself and the implantation tool required for precise application. These instructions are available as PDF documents:
To further assist in the assembly process, a video tutorial is available on YouTube:
This video provides a visual walkthrough of the assembly steps, making it easier to follow along and ensure correct construction of your microdrive 3D print. Additionally, for information on attaching Neuropixels probes or other silicon probes to your microdrive, refer to this video:
These resources provide complete guidance for each step of the microdrive 3D print assembly, from component preparation to final probe integration.
Materials for Microdrive 3D Print v9 (1/2”)
The following tables list all the necessary materials for assembling the Metal Microdrive v9 (1/2”). These components are readily available from reputable vendors like McMaster-Carr and DigiKey, ensuring the reliability and quality of your microdrive 3D print.
Metal Microdrive v9 (1/2”) Components:
| Qty | Name | Vendor | Item number/Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 00-90 nut | McMaster | 92736A112 |
| 1 | 00-90 screw 1/2” | McMaster | 92482A235 |
| 3 | 00-90 screw 1/4” | McMaster | 93701A005 |
| 1 | 2-56 nylon screw 1/4” | McMaster | 95868A132 |
| 1 | 000-120 screw 1/8” | McMaster | 90910A600 |
| 1-3 | male header pin | DigiKey | SAM1067-40-ND |
Additional Tools Required for Microdrive 3D Print Assembly:
| Qty | Name | Vendor | Item number/Link | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T2 screwdriver | McMaster | 52995A31 | ||
| 1 | T1 screwdriver | McMaster | 52995A31 | ||
| 1 | 00-90 Tap | McMaster | 2504A14 | Or similar 00-90 tap. | |
| 1 | 000-120 Tap | McMaster | 2504A12 | Or similar 000-120 tap. | |
| 1 | 2-56 Tap | McMaster | 2522A713 | Or similar 2-56 tap. | |
| 1 | Ball-End | McMaster | 5497A24 | ||
| Hex Screwdriver | |||||
| 1 | 1.2 mm drill bit | McMaster | 2958A29 | Or similar drill bit. |
Having a complete and accurate materials list is essential for a smooth microdrive 3D print assembly process. Ensure you have all listed items before beginning the assembly.
Citations
When utilizing these designs in your research, please cite the following publications:
-
Metal microdrive and head cap system for silicon probe recovery in freely moving rodent: Mihály Vöröslakos, Peter C. Petersen, Balázs Vöröslakos, György Buzsáki doi: doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.20.423655
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Micro-drive and headgear for chronic implant and recovery of optoelectronic probes: Jinho Chung, Farnaz Sharif, Dajung Jung, Soyoun Kim & Sebastien Royer Scientific Reports, volume 7, Article number: 2773 (2017) doi:10.1038/s41598-017-03340-5
The microdrive designs are distributed under the GNU GPLv3 license, promoting open science and collaborative innovation in neuroscience through microdrive 3D print technology.
