Leica RM2235 User manual

/HLFD50
Rotary Microtome
Instruction Manual
Leica RM2235
V1.4; Rev B, English – 02/2010
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.

3
Leica RM2235
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
present manual periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical develop-
ments, nor to provide our customers with addi-
tional copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical
illustrations etc. contained in this manual we
exclude liability as far as permissible according
to the national legal system applicable in each
individual case.
In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted
for any financial loss or consequential damage
caused by or related to compliance with state-
ments or other information in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other
information as regards contents or technical
details of the present manual are not to be con-
sidered as warranted characteristics of our
products.
These are determined only by the contract
provisions agreed between ourselves and our
customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical
specifications as well as manufacturing pro-
cesses without prior notice. Only in this way is it
possible continuously to improve the technolo-
gy and manufacturing techniques used in our
products.
This document is protected under copyright
laws. Any copyrights of this document are re-
tained by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of
any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods – includ-
ing 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 name plate at
the back of 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.leica-microsystems.com

4Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Table of contents
1. Important notes ........................................................................................................................... 6
2. Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Safety notes ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Warnings ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Integrated safety devices ........................................................................................................ 10
3. Instrument components and specifications ....................................................................... 12
3.1 Overview – instrument components ...................................................................................... 12
3.2 Instrument specifications ........................................................................................................ 13
3.3 Technical data ........................................................................................................................... 14
4. Startup ........................................................................................................................................ 15
4.1 Standard delivery ...................................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Installation site requirements.................................................................................................. 15
4.3 Unpacking and installation ...................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Assembling the handwheel .....................................................................................................18
4.5 Inserting the universal cassette clamp ................................................................................. 19
4.6 Inserting the knife holder ......................................................................................................... 20
5. Operation ................................................................................................................................... 21
5.1 Operating elements and their functions ................................................................................ 21
5.1.1 Section thickness setting ......................................................................................................... 21
5.1.2 Coarse driving wheel ................................................................................................................ 21
5.1.4 Mechanical trimming function ................................................................................................ 22
5.1.3 Specimen retraction ................................................................................................................. 22
5.1.5 Specimen holder with precision orientation ......................................................................... 23
5.2 Adjusting the clearance angle ................................................................................................24
5.3 Fine adjustment of the force balance .................................................................................... 25
5.4 Clamping the specimen ............................................................................................................ 26
5.5 Clamping the knife / disposable blade ................................................................................... 26
5.6 Sectioning ................................................................................................................................... 27
5.7 Changing the specimen or interrupting sectioning ............................................................. 28
5.8 Finishing daily routine ............................................................................................................... 28
6. Optional accessories .............................................................................................................. 29
6.1 Assembly for fixture for specimen clamps ............................................................................ 29
6.1.1 Rigid fixture for specimen clamps ..........................................................................................29
6.1.2 Directional fixture for specimen clamps ............................................................................... 29
6.1.3 Fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps ....................................................................... 30

5
Leica RM2235
Table of contents
6.1.4 Quick clamping system ............................................................................................................. 31
6.2 Specimen clamps and holders ................................................................................................ 32
6.2.1 Standard specimen clamp ....................................................................................................... 32
6.2.2 Vee insert .................................................................................................................................... 32
6.2.3 Foil clamp type 1 ........................................................................................................................ 33
6.2.4 Foil clamp type 2 ........................................................................................................................ 34
6.2.5 Universal cassette clamp......................................................................................................... 35
Universal cassette clamp, ice-cooled ................................................................................... 35
6.2.6 Super mega-cassette clamp ................................................................................................... 36
6.2.7 Holder for round specimens .................................................................................................... 37
6.3 Knife holder base and knife holder ......................................................................................... 38
6.3.1 Knife holder base, without lateral movement feature ......................................................... 38
6.3.2 Knife holder E/E-TC ................................................................................................................... 39
6.3.3 Knife holder N/NZ ...................................................................................................................... 42
6.4 Section waste tray .................................................................................................................... 44
6.5 Backlighting................................................................................................................................ 44
6.6 Tray .............................................................................................................................................. 45
6.7 Freezer pack ............................................................................................................................... 45
6.8 Universal microscope carrier .................................................................................................. 46
6.9 Magnifying lens ......................................................................................................................... 48
6.10 Ordering information ................................................................................................................. 49
7. Customized solutions .............................................................................................................. 51
7.1 Possible faults ............................................................................................................................ 51
7.2 Instrument malfunctions .......................................................................................................... 51
8. Cleaning and maintenance .................................................................................................... 52
8.1 Cleaning the instrument ........................................................................................................... 52
8.2 Maintenance instructions ........................................................................................................ 54
8.3 Lubricating the instrument ....................................................................................................... 55
9. Warranty and service .............................................................................................................. 56

6Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Notes, i.e. important user information
appear in a gray box and are marked
by an information symbol .
Dangers, warnings and cautions ap-
pear in a gray box and are marked by
a warning triangle .
Symbols in the text and their meanings
1. Important notes
(5)
Intended use of instrument
The Leica RM2235 is a manually operated rota-
tion microtome for creating thin sections of
specimens of varying hardness for use in rou-
tine and research laboratories in the fields of bi-
ology, 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!
Instrument type
All information provided in this manual applies
only to the instrument type indicated on the
cover page.
An identification label indicating the instrument
serial number is attached at the left side of the
instrument.
Fig. 1
Qualification of personnel
• The Leica RM2235 may be operated by
trained laboratory personnel only.
• All laboratory personnel designated to oper-
ate the Leica instrument must read this in-
struction manual carefully and must be fa-
miliar with all technical features of the
instrument before attempting to operate it.
Numbers in parentheses refer to item
numbers in illustrations.

7
Leica RM2235
Be sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings provided in this chapter.
Be sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and use
of other Leica products.
2. Safety
2.1 Safety notes
This instruction manual contains important
instructions and information regarding the op-
erational safety and maintenance of the instru-
ment.
The instruction manual is an important part of
the product, which must be read carefully prior
to startup and use and must always be kept
near the instrument.
If additional requirements on accident
prevention and environmental protec-
tion exist in the country of operation,
this instruction manual must be sup-
plemented by appropriate instructions
to ensure compliance with such
requirements.
This instrument is built and inspected according
to the Safety requirements for laboratory instru-
ments.
For current information about applicable stan-
dards, please refer to the CE declaration of con-
formity on our Internet site:
www.leica-microsystems.com
In order to maintain this condition and ensure
safe operation, the operator must observe all
the instructions and warnings contained in this
instruction manual.
The protective devices on both instrument and accessories may neither be removed nor modi-
fied. Only service personnel qualified by Leica may repair the instrument and access the in-
strument’s internal components.
2.2 Warnings
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis
for accident prevention. Primarily responsible for accident-free operation is above all the own-
er of the instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who operates, services or
cleans the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.

8Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Warnings – Working at the instrument
• Take care when handling microtome knives and disposable blades. The cutting edge is
extremely sharp and can cause severe injury!
• 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.
Warnings – Safety instructions / warning labels attached to the instrument
• Safety instruction labels on the instrument marked with a warning triangle indicate that the
correct operating instructions (as described in this manual) must be followed when operating
or replacing the instrument component bearing the label.
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 removed from the crate, the instrument may only be transported 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 mod-
ified.
2. Safety

9
Leica RM2235
Warnings – Working at the instrument
• 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 turn the handwheel clockwise; otherwise, the brake will not work properly.
• Always wear protective glasses when sectioning brittle specimens. Specimen may splinter!
• Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase! 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!
Warnings – Cleaning and maintenance
• Always 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. Safety

10 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
• To lock the handwheel, press the lever (5)
outwards and continue to turn the hand-
wheel slowly until it locks exactly in the
12 o'clock position.
When using both brake systems at the
same time, always move the lever (3)
to position cfirst.
Otherwise, it may be not be possible
to release the lever (5).
2. Safety
2.3 Integrated safety devices
Locking the handwheel
There are two ways of locking the handwheel
(12):
Using the lever (3) on the right side of the micro-
tome base plate, the handwheel can be braked
in almost any position.
• To brake, rotate the lever in a counterclock-
wise direction to position z.
Caution!
The braking lever (3) must be exactly
in position z, so that the handwheel
brake is applied correctly.
If the lever is moved beyond this point,
it is possible that the handwheel is no
longer braked.
• To unlock the handwheel brake turn the
lever (3) back to its original position.
Position c.
Fig. 2
3
5
12

11
Leica RM2235
2. Safety
Knife guard on the knife holder
Each knife holder is equipped with a tightly
mounted knife guard (8, 9). This makes it possi-
ble to cover completely the cutting edge in
every knife or blade position.
Knife holder N/NZ
The knife guard (8) of the knife holder N/NZ can
be easily positioned via the two handles (7)
(Fig. 3).
To cover the knife edge, push both cover strips
of the knife guard to the center.
Knife holder E/E-TC
The knife guard on knife holder E/E-TC consists
of a red foldaway handle (9). To cover the
cutting edge, fold the knife guard handle (9)
upwards as illustrated in Fig. 4.
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
7
7
8
910
11
The clamping levers on the knife hold-
er E are not interchangeable.
The two clamping levers (10, 11) must
remain in the position shown at all
times, as otherwise isolated malfunc-
tions of the knife holder can occur.
Clamping lever for the blade (10) at
the right, clamping lever for the later-
al displacement (11) at the left.
9
Knife holder E-TC
Knife holder E
Knife holder N

12 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
3.1 Overview – instrument components
3. Instrument components and specifications
Adjusting knob
for setting the
section
thickness
Window for
displaying the
section
thickness
Tray
Removable section
waste tray
Smooth-
turning
handwheel
Lever for
activating the
handwheel brake
Handwheel
locking
mechanism
Lever for
activating the
mechanical
trimming function
Directional
fixture for specimen
clamps
Coarse driving
wheel
Fig. 5
Knife holder E
Knife holder base,
without lateral
movement feature
Clamping lever for
lateral movement
function of knife
holder
Universal
cassette clamp
Clamping lever
of the knife
holder base

13
Leica RM2235
3. Instrument components and specifications
3.2 Instrument specifications
Basic instrument with mechanical trim function, lateral coarse drive
The Leica RM2235 rotary microtome is equipped with a low-maintenance,-
slack-free micrometer drive, with vertical and horizontal specimen feed
realized via low-maintenance cross roller bearings.
The instrument is equipped with two independent handwheel locking
systems for even greater operating safety.
Leica's patented, user-adjustable force balance system compensates
centrifugal forces arising while cutting via a pretensioned spring for
extremely light handwheel action.
Benefit: a heavy counterweight in the handwheel is no longer needed. The
spring tension is individually adjustable, corresponding to the weight of
the respective attached specimen clamp or specimen.
The patented specimen retraction system can be switched on and off by
the user. The instrument thus offers all of the advantages of specimen
retraction while supporting work in "rocking mode", i.e. without a full
handwheel rotation.
We recommend disabling specimen retraction when working in "rocking
mode".
The coarse drive wheel is ergonomically positioned.
(For more information on the rotating direction, see chapter 5.1.2)

14 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
3.3 Technical data
General
Approvals: The instrument-specific marks are located on the
rear panel of the instrument next to the name plate.
Operating temperature range: +10 °C to +35 °C
Temperature range during storage: +5 °C to +55 °C
Relative humidity: max. 80 % non-condensing
Humidity during storage: < 80 %
Section thickness range: 1.0 - 60.0 µm
Section thickness settings: from 1.0 - 10.0 µm in 1.0 µm increments
from 10.0 - 20.0 µm in 2.0 µm increments
from 20.0 - 60.0 µm in 5.0 µm increments
Specimen feed: approx. 24 mm, ± 2 mm
Vertical stroke: 70 mm
Max. sectioning range without retraction: 69 mm (without specimen orientation at 1 µm)
Max. sectioning range with retraction: 62 mm
The specimen retraction can be turned
off manually: 200 µm
Dimensions and weight
Width (including handwheel): 413 mm
Depth (including waste tray): 618 mm
Height (total): 305 mm (with tray on the hood)
Working height (knife blade): 168 mm (measured from the table)
Weight (without accessories): approx. 37 kg
Optional equipment and optional accessories
Object orientation (option)
horizontal: 8°
vertical: 8 °
Rotating range: ± 90°
Trimming increments: 10 µm, 50 µm
Repositioning of knife holder base
north-south: ± 25 mm
3. Instrument components and specifications

15
Leica RM2235
4. Startup
4.1 Standard delivery
The Leica RM2235 standard delivery includes:
1 Leica RM2235 basic instrument
1 handwheel, complete ................................................................. 14 0500 38181
1 section waste tray ....................................................................... 14 0502 37931
1 tool set – consisting of: .............................................................. 14 0500 38600
1 Allen key with handle, size 5 ................................................ 14 0194 04760
1 Allen key with handle, size 4 ................................................ 14 0194 04782
1 Allen key, size 3 ...................................................................... 14 0222 04138
1 screwdriver 3x50, 186 long ................................................... 14 0170 11568
1 bottle (50 ml) of oil for drives, type 405 ............................... 14 0336 06086
1 brush w/magnet ..................................................................... 14 0183 40426
1 dust protective cover.................................................................. 14 0212 30350
1 operating manual D/E + language CD ...................................... 14 0500 80001
4.2 Installation site requirements
• Stable, vibration-free laboratory bench with
horizontal and even stage plate; practically
vibration-free floor.
• No other instruments nearby which might
cause vibrations.
• Room temperature permanently between
+10°C and +35 °C.
• Obstruction-free access to the handwheel.
Never operate the instrument in rooms
with explosion hazard.
The accessories ordered are included
in a separate box.
Carefully check the delivery against
the packing list and the delivery note.
Should there be any discrepancy,
please contact the Leica selling unit
handling your order.

16 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
4.3 Unpacking and installation
When the instrument is delivered, check the tilt indicators on the
packaging.
If the arrowhead is blue, the shipment was transported laying flat,
was tilted at too great an angle or fell over during transport.
Note this on the shipping documents and check the shipment for
possible damage.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
11
11
1
22
22
2
33
33
3
44
44
4
44
44
4
44
44
4
44
44
4
55
55
5
•Loosen and unscrew the six upper
screws (2).
• Remove the cover (1).
• Take the accessory carton (optional
accessories) (3) and the cartons (4)
from the standard scope of delivery.
The transport crate and includ-
ed retaining elements should
be kept in case a return ship-
ment is necessary later.
4. Startup

17
Leica RM2235
66
66
6
55
55
5
4.3 Unpacking and installation (cont.)
Fig. 8
77
77
7
88
88
8
9
• Take out the fixing module (5). To do so,
hold it by the top edge of the module and in
the recessed grip (6) and pull it out by pull-
ing upwards.
• Lift the instrument (7) by holding it by the
base plate and under the instrument on the
back and lift it out of the formed cushion
(8).
Never hold the instrument for
transport by the handwheel or the
rotary knob for section thickness
adjustment.
Observe the correct resting angle
to the table to avoid pinching
your fingers.
• Place the instrument on a stable laboratory
table.
The two sliding elements (9) 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 its slides.
4. Startup

18 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
4. Startup
The feather key (4) is loosely
placed in the handwheel shaft (1)
and fixed in place with a tie-rap
during transport.
• Remove the cable tie (3).
Caution!
Make sure not to lose the
feather key!
• Place the handwheel (2) on the
handwheel shaft (1) as shown.
• Tighten the screw (2a) located
in the center hole of the hand-
wheel with an Allen key size 4
(5).
• Remove the cover foil from the
self-adhesive cover disk and
fix the cover disk on the hand-
wheel.
4.4 Assembling the handwheel
Fig. 9
The handwheel has to be assembled before attempting
to use the instrument.
The necessary parts and tools can be found in the tool-
kit supplied in the delivery.
1
3
2
2a
5
4

19
Leica RM2235
4. Startup
There are two versions of the specimen holder,
one with and one without specimen orientation,
which are interchangeable.
The object orientation allows for simple position
correction of the specimen surface when the
specimen is clamped into place.
You can use the quick clamping system (64) to
hold all available accessory specimen clamps
(for more information, see Chapter 6 "Optional
accessories").
To do so, proceed as follows:
• Move the object head (60) to the upper end
position by turning the handwheel (12) and
engage the handwheel lock.
• To release the clamping system, turn the
screw (61) of the quick clamping system (64)
counterclockwise using an Allen key size 4
(71).
• Push the guide (63) of the universal cassette
clamp (62) from the left into the quick clamp-
ing system (64) as far as it will go.
• To clamp the cassette clamp turn the screw
(61) clockwise as far as it will go.
Fig. 10
4.5 Inserting the universal cassette clamp
71
63
62
60
12
61
64
60
Since all stage clamps available as accessories are equipped with the same kind of guide on
the back, they are inserted in the same way described here using the example of the cassette
clamp.

20 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
4. Startup
Setting up the knife holder base
• Release the clamping lever (50) by rotating it
counterclockwise.
• Insert the knife holder base (51) with the
notch (52) on the bottom into the T-piece (55)
of the microtome base plate (53).
• To secure the knife holder base, turn the
clamping lever (50) clockwise.
The knife holder base (51) can be moved back
and forth on the microtome base plate. This
allows bringing the knife holder to optimal sec-
tioning position in relation to the specimen.
There is a scale (54) on the right side of the mi-
crotome base plate. This enables faster and
better positioning of the knife holder at the
specimen if various combinations of standard
specimens and specimen holders are used. The
rear edge of the knife holder base (51) functions
as the scale reference.
Fig. 11
55
50
51
52
53
4.6 Inserting the knife holder
Inserting the knife holder
• Loosen the screw (58) using an Allen key
size 4 (71) until the knife holder (57) can be
moved.
• Place the knife holder (57) with the under-
side groove onto the T-piece (56) of the knife
holder base (51).
• To clamp, retighten the screw (58).
Fig. 12
56
57
58
Enlarged detail:
Scale for better
repositioning of the
knife holder for
varying specimen
heights. 54
71