Wobble Stick with Pincer Grip for Precision Sample Handling in Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)

The Wobble Stick with Pincer Grip combines a magnetically driven Dual-Shaft Wobble Stick with a precision Pincer Grip for controlled gripping, positioning and transfer of Flag Style Sample Holder Plates in Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems.

Designed for surface science, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and other UHV applications, this combination allows researchers to securely grip, move and release sample holders between preparation, analysis and storage positions without breaking vacuum.

The Swiss-made Ferrovac magnetic drive provides smooth, nearly force-free linear movement, continuous 360° shaft rotation and controlled angular deflection. The Dual-Shaft mechanism enables active operation of the Pincer Grip through the relative axial movement of two concentric shafts.

Standard configurations are available from UHV Store of Switzerland, with selected combinations kept in stock for fast worldwide delivery.

Magnetic Dual-Shaft Wobble Stick with Pincer Grip

The magnetically coupled drive minimizes the influence of atmospheric pressure on shaft movement, providing smooth and precise manipulation without the need for long bellows assemblies.

The Dual-Shaft Wobble Stick combines linear travel, continuous rotation and angular deflection of up to ±20° with a suitable mounting flange.

Unlike a Single-Shaft Wobble Stick with a Grabber, the Dual-Shaft configuration provides an additional mechanical degree of freedom for actively opening and closing the Pincer Grip.

The controlled relative axial movement of the two concentric shafts allows sample holder plates to be gripped, transferred and released precisely inside the vacuum chamber.

Pincer Grip Configurations

Straight Pincer Grip for Wobble Stick

The Straight Pincer Grip provides an inline gripping arrangement for handling compatible Flag Style Sample Holder Plates.

It increases the axial Y-dimension by 27 mm (Y +27 mm).

This configuration is suitable for conventional sample transfer applications where sufficient axial clearance is available.

Orthogonal Pincer Grip for Wobble Stick

The Orthogonal Pincer Grip provides a 90°-oriented gripping arrangement for applications requiring a different sample holder orientation or more compact installation geometry.

It increases the Y-dimension by only 9 mm (Y +9 mm).

This configuration is particularly useful when the available space inside the vacuum chamber is limited.

Standard Clearance (OM)

Both Pincer Grip configurations feature the Standard Clearance (OM) interface with ±8° angular play between the Pincer Grip and the sample holder plate.

This additional clearance allows the sample holder to compensate for minor misalignment during insertion into a receiver, particularly when the Wobble Stick is tilted.

The OM configuration is therefore recommended for Wobble Stick applications, where angular movement is inherent to the manipulation process.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Manipulator Type	Magnetically driven Dual-Shaft Wobble Stick
Mounting Flange	DN40CF (2.75" OD)
Linear Travel	100–700 mm, depending on configuration
Linear Force	30 N
Rotational Torque	0.4 Nm
Angular Deflection	±20° with suitable mounting flange
Shaft Rotation	Continuous 360°
Gripping Mechanism	Dual-Shaft, actively operated
Pincer Jaw Opening	26°
Sample Holder Angular Clearance	±8° (OM)
Straight Pincer Extension	Y +27 mm
Orthogonal Pincer Extension	Y +9 mm
Maximum Bakeout Temperature	200 °C
Operating Pressure Range	1 × 10⁻¹¹ to 1000 mbar
Materials	UHV-compatible
Country of Origin	Switzerland

Applications in Ultra-High Vacuum

The Wobble Stick with Pincer Grip is particularly suitable for precision sample handling in surface science, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), thin-film deposition, surface analysis and other UHV research systems.

The actively operated gripping mechanism allows researchers to pick up, securely transport and release Flag Style Sample Holder Plates at different positions inside the vacuum chamber.

The combination of linear travel, continuous rotation, angular deflection and controlled gripping provides flexibility for transferring samples between preparation stages, measurement positions and storage locations.

The Standard Clearance (OM) interface facilitates reliable sample transfer even when minor angular misalignment occurs during insertion into a sample receiver.

Delivery & Assembly

The Wobble Stick and Pincer Grip are supplied as a complete combination but delivered in two separate packages. Assembly instructions and the required mounting clip are included.

The Pincer Grip is not pre-assembled. Final assembly is performed by the customer.

Different linear travel lengths and Straight or Orthogonal Pincer Grip configurations are available. Stock availability and delivery times depend on the selected combination.

Looking for Other Wobble Stick Configurations?

For applications requiring a spring-loaded gripping mechanism operated through shaft rotation, explore our Wobble Stick with Grabber.

The Standard Wobble Stick and compatible Pincer Grips are also available separately.

For customized configurations requiring High Torque, Wide Angle, Fine Control or alternative support structures, see our XR Wobble Stick.

If you need assistance selecting the appropriate Wobble Stick and Pincer Grip combination for your UHV system, please contact UHV Store of Switzerland.