Titanium Headbars for Head-Fixed Mice
Our titanium headbars / head plates are implanted on the skull with dental cement and lock into the Mouse Head Fixation System for awake imaging, electrophysiology and behavior. Square and flat models, sold in packs of 25.
0.5–1.1 g
About half the weight of a comparable stainless steel bar, with the same rigidity. Less load on the skull and neck between sessions.
Compatible With Home Cage Housing
The compact, smooth shape does not catch on the cage lid, bedding or enrichment, so implanted mice can be group- or single-housed as usual.
Fits Our Rigs
Designed for our head fixation holder, used on the spherical treadmill, the Janelia belt treadmill and the virtual reality system, and under the OiS200 widefield imaging system.
Titanium Headbar Models
One square bar and eight flat designs, with different widths and openings over the skull. Choose the model above.
| Model | Profile | Width | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard #1 | Square bar, 3.2 × 3.2 mm | 25 mm | 25 units |
| Flat #2 to #9 | Flat plate, 1.0 mm thick, with different openings and arms (see drawing) | 17–29.5 mm | 25 units |
| Custom | Made from your drawing | Your dimensions | 25 units |
| Custom 3D design | Three-dimensional plate made from your drawing | Your dimensions | 10 units |
Need a larger head plate, for example for a wide cranial window? Contact us with a drawing for a quote.
Which Titanium Headbars Fit Your Holder
Both models of the Mouse Head Fixation System take the square bars. Flat bars fit the U-Shaped holder directly and the Standard holder with a free adapter. The spherical treadmill and the VR system use the U-Shaped holder, so every headbar fits them.
- Mouse Head Fixation System: Standard or U-Shaped holder
- Spherical Treadmill: U-Shaped holder, all headbars fit
- Low-Friction Belt Treadmill with the Head Fixation Add-On: Standard or U-Shaped holder
- Virtual Reality System: U-Shaped holder, all headbars fit
Free Headbar Implantation Protocol
Our surgical protocol covers skull preparation, adhesive application and headbar placement step by step, with photos and videos. We also provide training and habituation protocols for head fixation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why titanium rather than stainless steel?
Titanium is about half as dense as stainless steel for similar rigidity, so the headbar weighs 0.5–1.1 g depending on the model. It is also biocompatible and does not corrode.
Should I choose a square or a flat headbar?
The square Standard #1 bar fits both head fixation models. Flat bars are thinner over the skull and leave more room around a cranial window; they fit the U-Shaped model directly and the Standard model with a free adapter. The adapter is included when you buy the flat headbars with the Standard model. If you buy them separately, ask for it in the order notes.
How are the headbars attached to the skull?
With dental adhesive, without screws or extra tools. Our free surgical protocol describes skull preparation, adhesive application and placement step by step.
Can you make a custom headbar?
Yes. Choose "Custom, provide drawing" (pack of 25) or "Custom 3D design" (pack of 10) and send us your drawing. For larger head plates, contact us for a quote.
Are the headbars reusable?
Each headbar is meant for one animal. Packs of 25 cover a typical cohort.
