Leica RM2125RTS User manual

Leica RM2125 RTS
Rotary Microtome
Instructions for Use
Leica RM2125 RTS
V2.1, English - 10/2012
Order No. 14 0457 80101 RevB
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.

3
Leica RM2125 RTS
The information, numerical data, notes and val-
ue judgments contained in this manual repre-
sent the current state of scientific knowledge
and state-of-the-art technology as we under-
stand it following thorough investigation in this
field.
We are under no obligation to update the pres-
ent manual periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical devel-
opments, nor to provide our customers with
additional copies, updates etc. of this manual.
To the extent permitted in accordance with
the national legal system as applicable in each
individual case, we shall not be held liable for
erroneous statements, drawings, technical
illustrations etc. contained in this manual.
In particular, no liability whatsoever shall be
accepted for any financial loss or consequen-
tial damage caused by or related to compliance
with statements, instructions or other informa-
tion in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other
information as regards contents or technical
details of the present Instructions for Use are
not to be considered as warranted characteris-
tics of our products.
These are determined only by the contract pro-
visions agreed between ourselves and our cus-
tomers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical
specifications as well as manufacturing pro-
cesses without prior notice. Only in this way is
it possible to continuously improve the technol-
ogy and manufacturing techniques used in our
products.
This document is protected under copyright
laws. All copyrights to this documentation are
held by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text or illustrations (or of
any parts thereof) by means of print, photo-
copy, microfiche, web cam or other methods –
including any electronic systems and media –
requires express prior permission in writing by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of
manufacture, please refer to the nameplate on
the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
NOTE
Published by:
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com

4Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
Table of Contents
1. Important Information ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings ..........................................................................................6
1.2 Qualification of personnel........................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Intended use of instrument......................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Instrument type............................................................................................................................. 6
2. Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Safety Notes.................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Warnings........................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Integrated safety devices............................................................................................................ 9
3. Instrument Components and Specifications..................................................................................... 11
3.1 Overview — instrument components ..................................................................................... 11
3.2 Instrument specifications.......................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Technical Data............................................................................................................................ 13
4. Startup...................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Installation site requirements................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................ 14
4.3 Unpacking and installation........................................................................................................ 15
4.4 Inserting the specimen clamp.................................................................................................. 16
4.5 Direct mounting of the specimen clamp on the specimen holder fixture......................... 17
4.6 Attaching the knife holder base, non-orientable .................................................................. 18
4.7 Inserting the knife holder, non-orientable.............................................................................. 18
5. Operation................................................................................................................................................. 19
5.1 Clamping the specimen ............................................................................................................. 19
5.2 Clamping the knife / disposable blade .................................................................................... 19
5.3 Adjusting the clearance angle ................................................................................................. 20
5.4 Specimen retraction (specimen orientation)......................................................................... 21
5.5 Orienting the specimen (only a directional specimen holder fixture) ............................... 22
5.6 Cutting (trimming) the specimen.............................................................................................. 23
5.7 Sectioning.................................................................................................................................... 26
5.8 Changing specimens.................................................................................................................. 26
5.9 Accessories................................................................................................................................. 27
5.9.1 Standard specimen clamp (optional) ...................................................................................... 27
5.9.2 Vee insert (optional) .................................................................................................................. 28
5.9.3 Foil clamp Type 1 (optional) ...................................................................................................... 29
5.9.4 Foil clamp Type 2 (optional) ...................................................................................................... 30
5.9.5 Universal cassette clamp (optional)........................................................................................ 31

5
Leica RM2125 R TS
Table of Contents
5.9.6 Round specimen holder (optional)........................................................................................... 32
5.9.7 Knife holder base........................................................................................................................ 33
5.9.8 Knife holder N/NZ....................................................................................................................... 34
5.9.9 Knife holder E/E-TC..................................................................................................................... 36
5.9.10 Knife holder E .............................................................................................................................. 37
5.9.11 Overview – accessories............................................................................................................ 40
6. Cleaning and Maintenance.................................................................................................................. 41
6.1 Cleaning the instrument............................................................................................................. 41
6.2 Maintenance instructions......................................................................................................... 44
7. Optional accessories ............................................................................................................................ 45
8. Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 57
8.1 Possible faults............................................................................................................................. 57
8.2 Instrument malfunctions............................................................................................................ 58
9. Warranty and Service ........................................................................................................................... 59

6Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
1. Important Information
Notes,
i.e. important information for the user,
are highlighted in gray and marked by
the symbol.
Dangers, warnings and cautions
appear in a gray box and are marked
by a warning triangle .
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings
(5)
1.3 Intended use of instrument
The Leica RM2125 RTS is a manually operated
rotary microtome for creating thin sections of
specimens of varying hardness for use in rou-
tine and research laboratories in the fields of
biology, medicine and industry.
It is designed for sectioning soft paraffin speci-
mens as well as harder specimens, as long as
they are suitable for being cut manually.
Any other use of the instrument is considered
improper!
1.4 Instrument type
All information provided in these Instructions
for Use applies only to the instrument type indi-
cated on the title page.
An identification label with the serial number is
fastened to the left side of the instrument (this
figure is only symbolic).
Fig. 1
1.2 Qualification of personnel
• TheLeicaRM2125 RTSmaybeoperatedby
trained laboratory personnel only.
• Alllaboratorypersonneldesignatedtoop-
erate the Leica instrument must read these
Instructions for Use carefully and must be
familiar with all technical features of the
instrument before attempting to operate it.
Numbers in parentheses refer to item
numbers in illustrations.
Manufacturer
Observe the Instructions for Use!
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) medical
device
This product fulfills the requirements of
the Council's Directive 98/79/EC con-
cerning in vitro diagnostics (IVD) medi-
cal devices.

7
Leica RM2125 RTS
The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times.
Be sure to read these notes even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other
Leica products.
2. Safety
2.1 Safety Notes
These Instructions for Use include important
information related to the operating safety and
maintenance of the instrument.
The instruction manual is an important part of
the product, which must be read carefully prior
to setup and use and must always be kept near
the instrument.
These Instructions for Use must be ap-
propriately supplemented as required
by the existing regulations on acci-
dent prevention and environmental
safety in the operator‘s country.
This instrument has been built and tested in ac-
cordance with the safety requirements for elec-
trical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use.
For current information about applicable stan-
dards, please refer to the CE Declaration of
Conformity on our Internet site:
www.LeicaBiosystems.com
To maintain this condition and ensure safe op-
eration, the user must observe all notes and
warnings contained in these Instructions for
Use.
The protective devices located on the instrument and the accessories must not be removed or
modified. Only service personnel qualified by Leica may repair the instrument and access the
instrument's internal components.
2.2 Warnings
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis
for accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the
owner, as well as the designated personnel who operate, service or clean the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.

8Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
2. Safety
Warnings – Markings on the instrument itself
• Safetynotesontheinstrumentitselfmarkedwithawarningtriangleindicatethatthecorrect
operating instructions (as defined in these instructions for use) must be followed when operat-
ing or replacing the item marked.
Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in an accident, personal injury, damage to
the instrument or accessory equipment.
Warnings – Transport and installation
• Onceunpacked,theinstrumentmaybetransportedonlyinanuprightposition.
• Donottransporttheinstrumentbyholdingitbythehandwheelgrips,coarsedrivingwheelor
the knob for setting the section thickness.
• Theprotectivedevicesonbothinstrumentandaccessoriesmustneitherberemovednormodified.
Warnings – Operating the instrument
• Takecarewhenhandlingmicrotomeknivesanddisposableblades.Thecuttingedgeisextremely
sharp and can cause serious injuries! It is strongly recommended that you wear cut-resistant
safety gloves (see Optional Accessories).
• Alwaysremovetheknife/bladebeforedetachingtheknifeholderfromtheinstrument.Always
put the knives back into the knife case when not in use!
• Neverplaceaknifeanywherewiththecuttingedgefacingupwardsandnevertrytocatcha
falling knife!
• AlwaysclampthespecimenblockBEFOREclampingtheknife.
• Priortomanipulatingtheknifeandspecimen,orchangingthespecimenorknife,andduring
breaks, always lock the handwheel and cover the cutting edge with the knife guard!
• Alwayswearsafetygoggleswhensectioningbrittlespecimens!Specimensmaysplinter!
• Ensurethatliquidsdonotentertheinterioroftheinstrumentduringwork!
• Immediatelypickupanddisposeofwaxthathasfallenonthefloor.Itposesaslippinghazard,
and therefore a risk of injury!
• Whenthespecimenretractionisactivated,thespecimenMUSTNOTbeorientedorbrought
closer to the knife in the retraction phase. The same applies to the "rocking mode". If a block
isorientedduringretraction,theblockwilladvancebytheretractionvaluePLUStheselected
section thickness before the next section. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife!
• Priortosectioning,checkthatthespecimenissecurelyclampedinthespecimenclamp–failure
to observe this poses the risk of damaging the specimen.

9
Leica RM2125 RTS
Warnings – Maintenance and Cleaning
• Onlyauthorizedandqualifiedservicepersonnelmayaccesstheinternalcomponentsofthe
instrument for service and repair!
• DoNOTcatchaccessoriesthatarefallingdown–thereisariskofinjury!
• Lockthehandwheelbeforecleaning!
• Donotuseanysolventscontainingacetoneorxyleneforcleaning!
• Ensurethatnoliquidsentertheinterioroftheinstrumentwhencleaning!
• Whenusingdetergentspleasecomplywiththesafetyprecautionsofthemanufacturer.
2.3 Integrated safety devices
The instrument is equipped with the following safety devices:
2. Safety
Handwheel lock
The handwheel (15) can be locked in the
12 o'clock position (Fig. 2).
As soon as the handwheel handle (1) is pushed
in to the left, the handwheel engages the next
time it reaches the 12 o'clock position, which
locks it mechanically.
Functional test:
• Toactivatethelock,pressthehandwheel
handle (1) to the left. The handwheel is now
mechanically locked in the 12 o'clock posi-
tion and can no longer be rotated.
• Todeactivatethelock,pulloutthehand-
wheel handle (1) to the right.
Handwheel brake
Using the lever (2) on the right side of the mi-
crotome base plate, the handwheel brake can
be activated with the handwheel in any posi-
tion. If the lever is pressed upwards, the hand-
wheel cannot be moved any more. The two le-
ver positions are marked by corresponding dots
on the microtome base plate (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
Lever in position = handwheel locked
Lever in position = handwheel released

1
2

10 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
Knife guard on the knife holder
Each knife holder is equipped with a tightly mounted knife guard (3, 5).
This makes it possible to cover completely the cutting edge in every knife
or blade position.
Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard
prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, as well as prior to
changing specimens and during all work breaks!
2. Safety
Knife holder N
The knife guard (3) of the knife holder N can be
easily positioned via the two handles (4) (Fig. 3).
To cover the knife edge, push both cover strips
of the knife guard to the center.
Knife holder E
The knife guard on knife holder E consists of a
foldaway handle (5).
To cover the cutting edge, fold the knife guard
handle (5) upwards as illustrated in Fig. 4.
4
4
3
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
5

11
Leica RM2125 R TS
3.1 Overview — instrument components
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Adjusting knob
for setting
the section
thickness
LeicaRM2125RTS(fromtheright)
Window for
displaying the
section thickness
Specimen holder
fixture,
directional
Clamping lever for
Knife holder base
Handwheel
Lever for
activating the
handwheel brake
Handwheel
handle with
locking function
Lever for activating
the mechanical
trimming function
Coarse feed
wheel
LeicaRM2125RTS(fromleft)
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Knife holder N
Knife holder E
Knife holder
base with lateral
movement
Universal
cassette clamp
Specimen
retraction
ON/OFF
Knife holder base,
non-orientable
Select the running
direction for the
coarse feed wheel

12 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
3.2 Instrument specifications
The Leica RM2125 RTS is a manually operated rotary microtome.
• Thespecimenfeedsystemandstrokemechanismareequippedwith
slack-free and maintenance-free cross roller bearings. They are
housed in a polymer housing and protected against dust just like the
coarse feed system.
• Thehandwheelcanbelockedintoplaceintheupperpositionviathe
handwheel handle. In addition, it is possible to lock the handwheel in
any position via the clamping lever on the baseplate.
• Sectioningisdonemanuallybyrotatingtheeasy-to-movehandwheel,
which is accurately balanced by means of a counterweight.
• Thecoarsefeedisactuatedviathecoarsefeedwheelontheleftside
of the instrument. The user can select the coarse feed wheel direction
of rotation depending on the requirements (clockwise or counterclock-
wise).
• Thesectionthicknessissetviaarotaryknobandcanbereadaccu-
rately in the viewing window.
Section thickness setting of 0.5 to 60 µm.
• Theinstrumenthasaslotcoverthatpreventssectionwastefrom
ingressing into the interior of the instrument.
• Theinstrumenthasamechanicaltrimmingfunctionthatisactivatedby
a key lever. Steps are possible from 10 µm and 50 µm.
• Anotheradditionalfunctionisthespecimenretraction,whichprotects
the knife and specimen. The user can switch the retraction function
ON or OFF.
When retracted, the specimen is drawn back 40 µm into the upper
end position after the sectioning stroke during the return movement.
Before the feed motion of the new section thickness, first it advances
by the retraction value.

13
Leica RM2125 R TS
3.3 Technical Data
Installation site requirements
Operating temperature range: 10 °C- 35 °C
Temperature range during storage: 5 °C - 55 °C
Relative humidity: max. 80 %, non-condensing
Storage humidity: < 80 %
General
Section thickness range: 0.5 - 60 µm
Section thickness settings: from 0 - 2 µm in 0.5 µm increments
from 2 - 10 µm in 1 µm increments
from 10 - 20 µm in 2 µm increments
from 20 - 60 µm in 5 µm increments
Object feed: 25 mm
Vertical stroke: 59 mm
Specimen retraction: ON/ OFF
Dimensions and weight
Width 438 mm
Depth 472 mm
Height 265 mm
Working height (knife blade) 105 mm
Weight (without accessories) 29 kg
Optional equipment and optional accessories
Specimen orientation (option)
Horizontal: 8 °
Vertical: 8°
Angle of rotation: ± 90°
Trimming stages: 10 µm 50 µm
Repositioning of knife holder base
with lateral movement
North-south: ± 25 mm
East-west movement: ± 20 mm
without lateral movement
North-south: ± 25 mm
3. Instrument Components and Specifications

14 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
4. Startup
4.2 Standard delivery
4.1 Installation site requirements
- The instrument requires an installation area of approx. 438 x 472 mm.
- Room temperature consistently between +10 °C and +35 °C
- Relative humidity 80 % maximum - non-condensing
- Ambient pressure from 740 hPa to 1100 hPa
- Elevation: up to a maximum of 2000 m above sea level
- The instrument is designed for indoor use only.
- Obstruction-free access to the handwheel.
- For smooth function, also make sure that no other instruments that cause vibrations are
standing in the immediate vicinity of the instrument.
-The counter top must be largely vibration-free and have sufficient load capacity and rigid-
ity for the weight of the instrument.
- Avoid vibrations, direct sunlight, and large temperature fluctuations.
- The chemicals to be used are easily inflammable and hazardous to health. Therefore the
installation location must be well ventilated, and must contain no sources of ignition of
any kind.
1 Leica RM2125 RTS basic instrument ............................................................................14 0457 46960
The basic instrument includes the following:
1 specimen holder fixture, directional.............................................................................14 0457 46961
with quick change system for specimen clamps (installed on the instrument)
1 tool set - consisting of:
1 Allen key with handle, No. 3.....................................................................................14 0194 04764
1 Allen key with handle, No. 4.....................................................................................14 0194 04782
1 Allen key, No. 8...........................................................................................................14 0222 04143
1 bottle (50 ml) of oil for drives, type 405 ...................................................................14 0336 06086
1 dust cover (104 R).......................................................................................................14 0212 04091
1 set of Instructions for Use RM2125RTS (+ language CD)..........................................14 0457 80002
You will find this, as well as other accessories you may have ordered, packed in the top of the
carton (see Fig. 7).
Compare the delivered components with the parts list and your order.
Should there be any discrepancy, please contact the Leica selling unit handling your
order.

15
Leica RM2125 RTS
• Openthepackaging.
• Takeoutallaccessories(1) and the Instruc-
tions for Use.
• RemovetheAllenkeyNo.8andlayitoffto
the side.
• Removethecardboardtray(2).
• Removeallfoammaterial.
• Removethecartonbridge(3).
• Usebothcarryingstraps(4) at the front and
rear to remove the instrument on the wooden
pallet from the carton.
Do not transport the instrument by
holding it by the handwheel grip,
coarse feed wheel, or rotary knob for
setting the section thickness!
• Setthewoodenpalletwiththeinstrumenton
a stable table.
• Slightlyliftthewoodenpalletinfrontfrom
below.
• Loosenthesafetyscrew(6) with washer
under the wooden pallet using the provided
Allen key No. 8 (7).
• Cutopenandremovetheprotectivesleeve
(5).
• Tolifttheinstrument,graspthefrontand
rear of the baseplate and lift it from the
wooden pallet.
• Placetheinstrumentonastablelaboratory
table. The two sliding elements (8) located
on the rear of the base plate make it easier
to move the instrument on the table.
• Tomovetheinstrument,holditbythefront
of the base plate, lift it up gently and slide it
on the sliding elements.
4. Startup
4.3 Unpacking and installation
Fig. 7
1
3
2
4
5
7
6
8

16 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
4. Startup
There are two versions of the specimen holder
fixture – with and without specimen orientation.
Specimen orientation must be replaced only by
service (see p. 50).
The specimen orientation allows for simple po-
sition correction of the specimen surface when
the specimen is clamped into place.
You can use the specimen holder fixture (10) to
hold all available accessory specimen clamps
(see Chapter 5.9.11 "Operation").
The basic instrument is equipped
at the factory with a directional
specimen holder fixture and a quick
change system for specimen clamps.
To do so, proceed as follows:
• Movethespecimenholderfixture(10) to the
upper end position by turning the handwheel
(15) and engage the handwheel lock.
• Toreleasetheclamp,turntheAllenscrew
(11) counterclockwise.
• Pushtheguide(13) of the specimen clamp
(12) from the left into the dovetail receptacle
(14) as far as it will go.
• Toclampthespecimenclamp(12) turn the
Allen screw (11) clockwise as far as it will go.
Fig. 8
4.4 Inserting the specimen clamp
10
15
14
11
13
12

17
Leica RM2125 RTS
4. Startup
The specimen clamps (standard or
universal cassette clamps) can also
be fastened directly to the specimen
holder fixture.
4.5 Direct mounting of the specimen clamp on the specimen holder fixture
• Attachthespecimenclamp(12) to the speci-
men holder fixture as shown (Fig. 9.3) and
fasten it using the two screws (17).
• Toremovethedovetailguide(13) from the
specimen clamp (12), unscrew the two
screws (17) from the dovetail guide (Fig. 9.2).
Again, use the Allen key No . 3.
• Thenremovethedovetailreceptacle(14)
from the specimen holder fixture (Fig. 9.1).
To do so, loosen and unscrew the four
screws (16) using an Allen key No. 3 (18).
• Movethespecimenholderfixture(10) to the
upper end position by turning the handwheel
and engage the handwheel lock.
To do so, proceed as follows:
Fig. 9
17
16
14
10
18 12



12
13

18 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
4. Startup
• Releasetheclampinglever(20) by rotating it
counterclockwise.
(Position = released)
• Inserttheuniversalknifeholderbase(21)
using the notch (22) on the bottom into the
T-piece (19) of the microtome base plate
(23).
• Tosecuretheknifeholderbase,turnthe
clamping lever (20) clockwise.
(Position = locked)
• LoosentheAllenscrew(24) by turning it
counterclockwise.
• Slidethenotchoftheknifeholder(25) onto
the T-piece (26) of the knife holder base (21).
• Toclamp,turntheAllenscrew(24) clock-
wise.
Fig. 10
4.6 Attaching the knife holder base, non-orientable
Fig. 11
4.7 Inserting the knife holder, non-orientable
19
20
21
26
25
22
23
24
21

19
Leica RM2125 R TS
5.1 Clamping the specimen
AlwaysclampthespecimenblockBEFOREclampingtheknifeor
the blade.
Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard
prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, prior to changing
the specimen block and during all work breaks!
5. Operation
• Rotatethehandwheeluntilthespecimenclampisintheuppermost
position.
• Activatethehandwheellockbyallowingthehandwheelhandletolock
in place.
• Insertaspecimenintothespecimenclamp.
A detailed description for inserting the specimen into various
specimen clamps and specimen holders is provided in Chapter 5.9
"Operation".
5.2 Clampingtheknife/disposableblade
Take care when handling microtome knives and disposable
blades. The cutting edge is extremely sharp and can cause serious
injuries!
• Carefullyinsertknifeordisposablebladeintotheknifeholderand
clamp.
A detailed description for inserting the blade or knife into the
individual knife holders is provided in Chapter "Operation" in
5.9.8, 5.9.9, 5.9.10.

20 Instructions for Use, V 2.1 – 10/2012
5. Operation
• Theindexmarks(0°,5°and10°)foradjust-
ment of the clearance angle (27) are located
on the right side of the knife holder (25).
• Thereisalsoanindexmark(28) on the right
side of the knife holder base (21) which
serves as a reference point when adjusting
the clearance angle.
• Whenusingtheknifeholderbase(non-
orientable), loosen the Allen screw to
release the clamp by turning Allen key No. 4
(24) counterclockwise.
• Whenusingtheknifeholderbase(with
lateral movement), rotate the lever on the
right side of the knife holder base counter-
clockwise.
• Movetheknifeholderuntiltheindexmarkof
the desired clearance angle coincides with
the reference line on the knife holder base.
Example:
Enlarged detail showing a clearance angle
setting of 5°.
The recommended clearance angle
setting for knife holder E is approx.
1° - 3°.
• Firmlyholdtheknifeholderinthisposi-
tion and rotate the lever (24) or Allen screw
(depending on the knife holder base used)
clockwise to clamp it.
5.3 Adjusting the clearance angle
Fig. 12
21 24
25
27
28
Enlarged detail:
Index marks for
clearance angle
setting