Create your quote

Please note:

We currently have a few limited pre-release units of the new R2 metal implantation system available. This version has been in use in the first labs for a few months now, and we plan to release and add it to our regular lineup soon. To indicate the current limited availability, we marked the product as “available on backorder”, but will make the pre-release units available for immediate purchase.

Until now, researchers using R2drives and R2rails have had to improvise their own solutions for handling and storing probe assemblies between experiments. The R2 Metal Implantation System closes that gap by providing an all-in-one solution for handling, storing, and implanting your probes, built around a new precision-machined metal holder that replaces the 3D-printed drive holder of the original R2 system.

Micromachined R2 metal holder
Better alignment, stronger grip, and a smaller footprint than the 3D-printed version.
Storage & assembly case
Protects probe-drive assemblies and aligns them precisely for probe attachment.
Stereotactic adapter
Accepts the metal holder directly for implantation surgery.

Features

  • Smaller footprint than the 3D-printed holder
  • Stronger grip and improved alignment of the R2drive/R2rail in the holder
  • Easy transfer of the metal holder between the storage case and the stereotax attachment (not included)
  • Micromachined aluminium case allows precise alignment of the holder on a lab bench or in a vise for precise attachment of Neuropixels and silicon probes to the carrier system (R2drive or R2rail)
  • Removable transparent window at the back of the case gives access to R2rail screws so probes can be fastened or released without taking the R2rail out of the case
  • Modular basket system for high-density connectors and EIBs

A better holder

The 3D-printed drive holder and stereotax adapter have always been the most fragile parts of the R2 system. They are bulky and require careful handling to keep drives in alignment and to avoid breaking the holder. The new R2 metal holder is a precision-engineered, micromachined replacement with better alignment, stronger hold, and a smaller footprint.

Comparison between the 3D printed holder and the R2 metal holder
3D-printed holder (left) compared with the new metal holder (right)
Rendering of the R2 Metal Implantation System
Rendering of the R2 Metal Implantation System

A streamlined workflow to protect your precious probes

The R2 system is designed to protect your probes during experiments and let you recover them reliably. The Metal Implantation System extends that protection to (almost) every step between experiments:

  1. The heavy-duty storage & assembly case holds and aligns your new R2drive or R2rail while you attach a silicon probe or Neuropixels probe.
  2. After loading the probe, the R2drive-probe assembly stays protected in the case until your experiment.
  3. The R2 metal holder transfers directly to the stereotax adapter for implantation surgery.
  4. Your experiment happens here.
  5. The recovered and cleaned R2drive-probe assembly — with a new base — transfers back to the case for storage between experiments.
Research is individual, and while we have aimed for a complete solution, some experimental requirements may include steps where the system cannot be used.

The storage & assembly case

The novel R2 storage & assembly case is built around a solid, custom-machined, heavy-duty aluminium base. Silicone rubber non-slip pads keep it stable on a lab bench, and it is also designed to be clamped into a vise. An easily removable transparent lid at the back gives access to R2rail screws for fastening and releasing Neuropixels probes while the rail is in the case.

The system ships with a generic clamp for Omnetics connectors and EIBs. The clamp is part of a modular carrier system designed to accept user-printed adapters for other connector types — see Modular clamps below.

Modular clamps

Coming soon: print your own connector holders
The clamp interface is modular by design, and we plan to release the source files so users can print and adapt their own clamps for non-standard connectors.

Compatibility

Carrier system Compatible probes Notes
R2drive S Most silicon probes with smaller footprint; Neuropixels probes with smaller footprint (e.g. NP 2.0) Full compatibility with case, holder, and stereotax adapter
R2drive L Most silicon probes, with smaller and larger bases; Neuropixels probes (NP 1.0 & NP 2.0) Full compatibility with case, holder, and stereotax adapter
R2rail Neuropixels probes with the 2.0 metal cap (e.g. NP2004, NP2014 and NP2021) The removeable window at the back of the case allows access to the R2rail mounting screws, enabling fastening of the metal cap while the R2rail is mounted in the case.

What’s in the box

  • New micromachined R2 metal holder
  • Storage & assembly case with aluminium base and removable transparent lid
  • Modular carrier clamp for high-density connectors and EIBs (Omnetics-compatible)

Add-ons

The stereotax adapter is sold separately.
Spare cases give you the peace of mind to never having look for safe storage when you want to focus on a batch of surgeries or probe recovery.

Weight 0,5 kg