Leica VT1200 User manual

Instructions for Use
VT1200 / VT1200 S
Vibrating-blade
microtome
Leica VT1200/VT1200 S V 1.5, English - 07/2016
Order No. 14 0481 80101 RevH
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.

1
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
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 to continuously improve the technol-
ogy and manufacturing techniques used in our
products.
This document is protected under copyright laws.
Any copyrights of this document are retained by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and 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 back of the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
The information, numerical data, notes and value
judgments contained in this manual represent
the current state of scientific knowledge and
state-of-the-art technology as we understand it
following thorough investigation in this field. We
are under no obligation to update the present
manual periodically and on an ongoing basis ac-
cording to the latest technical developments, 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 illus-
trations etc. contained in this manual. In particu-
lar, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any
financial loss or consequential damage caused
by or related to compliance with statements or
other information 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 characteristics of
our products.
Note
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17-19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Assembly contracted to Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai

2Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
Contents
1 Important Information ................................................................................................................4
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings.................................................................................... 4
1.2 Qualification of personnel........................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Intended use/improper use......................................................................................................... 5
2. Safety ............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 General safety notes.................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Warnings........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.3 Transport, unpacking and setting up......................................................................................... 7
3. Instrument characteristics........................................................................................................8
3.1 Technical data for the VT1200 ................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1 Technical data for the VT1200 S ................................................................................................ 9
3.2 General overview – VT1200/VT1200 S..................................................................................... 10
3.3 VT1200 Control Panel ................................................................................................................. 12
3.3.1 VT1200 S control panel .............................................................................................................. 13
4. Installation .................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Standard scope of delivery for the VT1200............................................................................. 14
4.1.1 Standard scope of delivery for the VT1200 S......................................................................... 15
4.2 Packing and setting up the instrument ................................................................................... 16
4.3 Before commissioning the instrument.................................................................................... 17
5. Working with the Instrument..................................................................................................18
5.1 Description of the typical application ..................................................................................... 18
5.2 Control elements on the VT1200 control panel...................................................................... 19
5.2.1 Moving the specimen receptacle vertically........................................................................... 19
5.2.2 Fine-adjusting the blade-to-specimen proximity and feeding to the section thickness .....20
5.2.3 Moving the blade........................................................................................................................ 20
5.2.4 Selecting the sectioning parameters...................................................................................... 21
5.3 Control elements on the VT1200 S control panel .................................................................. 22
5.4 Installing the accessories......................................................................................................... 32
5.4.1 Installing the ice tray and buffer tray...................................................................................... 32
5.4.2 Installing the double-walled buffer tray.................................................................................. 33
5.4.3 Preparing a specimen................................................................................................................ 33
5.4.4 Installing and removing the blade holder............................................................................... 34
5.4.5 Inserting the blade...................................................................................................................... 35
5.4.6 Adjusting the clearance angle ................................................................................................. 35
5.5 Routine daily maintenance and switching off the instrument – VT1200/VT1200 S.......... 36

3
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
Contents
6. Operating the VibroCheck...................................................................................................... 37
6.1 Using the VibroCheck with the VT1200 ................................................................................... 37
6.2 Using the VibroCheck with the VT1200 S................................................................................ 39
7. Malfunctions: Meaning and Troubleshooting.................................................................... 41
7.1 Error messages and troubleshooting...................................................................................... 41
7.2 Replacing the main fuse............................................................................................................ 46
8. Cleaning and Maintenance.................................................................................................... 47
8.1 Cleaning the instrument............................................................................................................. 47
9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts.........48
9.1 Extension accessories for standard specimens .................................................................. 49
9.1.1 Buffer trays.................................................................................................................................. 49
9.1.2 Specimen plate ........................................................................................................................... 50
9.1.3 VibroCheck................................................................................................................................... 51
9.1.4 Blades........................................................................................................................................... 52
9.1.5 Microscope, assembly............................................................................................................... 52
9.1.6 Magnifier, assembly................................................................................................................... 52
9.1.7 Installing the magnifier support or microscope support .................................................... 53
9.1.8 Fiber-optic illumination, cold light source.............................................................................. 54
9.1.9 Cyanoacrylate adhesive............................................................................................................ 55
9.1.10 Foot switch .................................................................................................................................. 55
9.1.11 Julabo FL300 – recirculating cooler/chiller............................................................................ 55
10. Warranty and Service ..............................................................................................................56
11. Decontamination Certificate (Master)..................................................................................57

4Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
1 Important Information
Numbers in parentheses refer to item
numbers in illustrations or to the illustra-
tions themselves.
(5)
(Fig. 5)
Environmental protection symbol of
the China RoHS directive.
The number in the symbol indicates
the "Environment-friendly Use Period"
of the product in years.
The symbol is used if a substance
restricted in China is used in excess
of the maximum permitted limit.
Symbol for labeling electrical and
electronic equipment in accordance
with Section 7 of the German Elec-
trical and Electronic Equipment Act
(ElektroG).
ElektroG is the law on the bringing
into circulation, return and environ-
mentally compatible disposal of elec-
trical and electronic equipment.
The CSA test mark means that a
product has been tested and fulfills
the applicable safety and/or per-
formance standards, including the
relevant standards defined or ad-
ministered by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), Under-
writers Laboratories (UL), the Cana-
dian Standards Association (CSA),
the National Sanitation Foundation
International (NSF) and others.
Manufacturer
The CE labeling shows that the product
corresponds to one or more applicable
European directives.
Observe the Instructions for Use
Order No.
Serial number
Date of Manufacture
Warnings
appear in a gray box and are marked by
a warning triangle .
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings
Useful tips,
i.e. important user information, appear
in a gray box and are marked by an .
Instrument
model:
All information provided in these Instructions for Use applies only to the instrument
type indicated on the title page.
A nameplate is attached to the rear side of the instrument. The series and REF num-
bers are attached to a separate label (Fig. 1a) on the right side of the instrument.
Fig. 1 and 1a are provided as an example only and show a valid nameplate for this
instrument.
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
indicates a device’s compliance with
applicable ACMA technical standards of
New Zealand and Australia - that is, for
telecommunications, radio communica-
tions, EMC and EME.

5
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
1. Important Information
Fig. 1
Fig. 1a
1.2 Qualification of personnel
1.3 Intended use/improper use
The VT1200/VT1200 S may be used for research purposes only. Sec-
tions made using the VT1200/VT1200 S must NOT be used for diag-
nostics.
The instrument must be used exclusively according to the instructions con-
tained in these Instructions for Use.
Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.
The Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S are used for sectioning in the fields of medi-
cine, biology and industry, and are especially designed for sectioning fixed
or unfixed fresh tissue in buffer.
The Leica VT1200 and the VT1200 S may be operated by trained laboratory
personnel only.
All laboratory personnel designated to operate this instrument must read
these Instructions for Use carefully and must be familiar with all technical
features of the instrument before attempting to operate it.

6Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
2. Safety
These Instructions for Use includes important information related to the
operating safety and maintenance of the instrument.
The Operating Manual is an important part of the product, and 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 pro-
tection apply in the country of operation, these Instructions for Use must
be supplemented by appropriate instructions to ensure compliance with
such requirements.
Make sure to read all of these Instructions for Use before you work on or
operate the instrument.
2.1 General safety notes
These instruments have been built and tested in accordance with the safety
regulations for electrical measuring, control, regulating and laboratory
devices.
In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user
must follow the instructions and warnings contained in this operating man-
ual.
The current EC Declarations of Conformity can be found on the Internet:
www.LeicaBiosystems.com
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 per-
sonnel 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.

7
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
2. Safety
Proper handling
• Extremely sharp blades pose risk of injury when touched!
• Fresh tissue poses risk of infection!
• Fire hazard from uncovered magnifier! Cover the magnifier during work breaks!
Always be exceptionally careful when handling the blades!
Do not leave open blades lying around after removal.
Always make sure to handle the blade in a way that will not cause you injury.
All appropriate safety precautions must be met to avoid the risk of infection.
Wearing safety gloves, a mask and safety goggles—in accordance with the "Working with Sub-
stances that Pose a Health Risk" guidelines—is absolutely mandatory.
The instrument may be opened by authorized service personnel only.
Always disconnect the power plug before opening the instrument.
Always switch off the instrument using the power switch and disconnect the power plug before
replacing the fuse. The use of fuses other than those installed at the factory is not permitted.
2.3 Transport, unpacking and setting up
• When unpacking the instrument, compare the parts received with the
parts ordered. If the parts received do not match your order, contact the
sales company responsible for your order immediately.
• Before connecting to the power supply system, please observe "Techni-
cal Data"!
• Never connect the instrument to a power socket that does not have a
protective conductor terminal.
Because the weight of the instrument is approx. 56 kg, carrying the instrument requires 2 persons
(1 carrying handle per person).
The instrument must be set up so that the main power switch on its right side (item 7 in Fig. 14) is
easily accessible at any time.
The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket. Use only a provided power
cable that is intended for the local power supply.

8Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
3. Instrument characteristics
3.1 Technical data for the VT1200
General data:
Sectioning frequency (±10 %) ........................................................................................................... 85 Hz (± 10%)
Amplitude.................................................................................................... from 0 - 3 mm, in 0.05 mm increments
Sectioning speed (± 10 %)................................................................................................................ 0.01 - 1.5 mm/s
Return speed (± 10 %)..................................................................................................................................2.5 mm/s
Total vertical specimen stroke .................................................................................................20 mm (motorized)
Cutting range ..............................................................................................................................45 mm (adjustable)
Maximum specimen size:
With standard blade holder .............................................................................................................33 x 50 mm
Specimen orientation, rotating....................................................................................................................360°
Specimen plate, swiveling ....................................................................................................................... 0 - 10°
Section thickness adjustment.................................................................................. manual, in 1 µm increments
Ambient conditions:
Operating temperature range: ........................................................................................... min. 10 °C - max. 35 °C
Relative humidity:.......................................................................................................................................max. 60 %
Storage temperature: ................................................................................................................................... 5 - 55°C
Storage humidity: ............................................................................................................................................. < 60 %
Height:........................................................................................................................ up to 2000 m above sea level
Electrical data:
Rated voltage range (± 10 %):....................................................................................................................... 100 V - 240 V
Nominal frequency (±10 %):.................................................................................................................................. 50/60 Hz
Power consumption:...................................................................................................................................................35 VA
Protective class:...................................................................................................................................................................I
Power fuse:...................................................................................................................................................... T 1 A L 250 V
Pollution degree:..................................................................................................................................................................2
Overvoltage category: ....................................................................................................................................................... II
Electrical overload protection:..................................................................................................................................... Yes
Internal current limit for the electronics: ................................................................................................................... Yes
Dimensions:
L x W x H:............................................................................................................................... 600 mm x 250 mm x 230 mm
Height with magnifier support............................................................................................ 600 mm x 250 mm x 320 mm
Height with microscope: ..................................................................................................... 600 mm x 250 mm x 490 mm
L x W x H control unit (when the bases are folded in): ................................................... 165 mm x 120 mm x 72 mm
Weight:
Without magnifier support and control unit.............................................................................................................56 kg
VT1200 control unit.........................................................................................................................................................1 kg
Magnifier support...........................................................................................................................................................2 kg
Microscope support with stereomicroscope............................................................................................................4 kg

9
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
3.1.1 Technical data for the VT1200 S
General data:
Sectioning frequency (± 10 %): ...................................................................................................................85 Hz (± 10 %)
Amplitude: ....................................................................................................... from 0 - 3 mm, in increments of 0.05 mm
Sectioning speed (± 10 %): ........................................................................................................................0.01 - 1.5 mm/s
Return speed (± 10 %): ....................................................................................1.0 - 5 mm/s, in increments of 0.5 mm/s
Total vertical specimen stroke: ......................................................................................................... 20 mm (motorized)
Sectioning range: ..................................................................................................................................................... 45 mm
Sectioning window: .................................................................................................................................. 0.5 mm - 45 mm
Specimen retraction: .............................................................................. 0 - 100 µm (adjustable; can be deactivated)
Maximum specimen size:
with standard blade holder: ..................................................................................................................... 33 x 50 mm
Specimen orientation, rotating: ........................................................................................................................... 360°
Specimen plate, swiveling: ...............................................................................................................................0 - 10°
Sectioning thickness setting: ............................................manual in 1 µm increments or automatic max. 1000 µm
Ambient conditions:
Operating temperature range: .....................................................................................................min. 10 °C - max. 35 °C
Relative humidity: ............................................................................................................................................... max. 60 %
Storage temperature: .............................................................................................................................................5 - 55°C
Storage humidity: .......................................................................................................................................................< 60 %
Height: .................................................................................................................................up to 2000 m above sea level
Electrical data:
Rated voltage range (± 10 %): ...................................................................................................................... 100 V - 240 V
Nominal frequency (± 10 %): ................................................................................................................................ 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: ..................................................................................................................................................35 VA
Protective class: ..................................................................................................................................................................I
Power fuse: ..................................................................................................................................................... T 1 A L 250 V
Pollution degree: .................................................................................................................................................................2
Overvoltage category: ...................................................................................................................................................... II
Electrical overload protection: .................................................................................................................................... Yes
Internal current limit for the electronics: .................................................................................................................. Yes
Dimensions:
L x W x H: .............................................................................................................................. 600 mm x 250 mm x 230 mm
Height with magnifier: ......................................................................................................... 600 mm x 250 mm x 320 mm
Height with microscope: .................................................................................................... 600 mm x 250 mm x 490 mm
Control unit (when the bases are folded in): ..................................................................... 190 mm x 150 mm x 72 mm
Weight:
Without magnifier support and control unit: ...........................................................................................................56 kg
VT1200 S control unit: ...................................................................................................................................................1 kg
Magnifier support: .........................................................................................................................................................2 kg
Microscope support with stereomicroscope: ..........................................................................................................4 kg
3. Instrument Characteristics

10 Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
Fig. 8,
Control panelm
VT1200 Smm
Blade holder
3. Instrument characteristics
3.2 General overview – VT1200/VT1200 S
Cutting head
Fig. 2, Basic instrument
Fig. 7,
VT1200 control
panel
Fig. 3, Magnifier
Fig. 4, Microscope
Fiber
optic
light guide
Fig. 5
Cold light
source
Fig. 6,
Foot switch

11
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
Specimen plate
for specimens 1 c m
in height
for specimens 2 cm
in height
Directional
3. Instrument Characteristics
Attachments on dovetail receptacle
Ice tray
Buffer tray
Buffer tray,
plastic
Buffer tray,
metal
Double-walled buffer tray VibroCheck
Specimen plate
for specimens 1 c m
in height
for specimens 2 cm
in height
Directional
Cyanoacrylate adhesive
Julabo FL300
(recirculating
cooler/chiller)
Cyanoacrylate adhesive
Fig. 9
Blades for the blade holder
Sapphire blade

12 Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
3. Instrument characteristics
LED for feed rate
LED on, for enabled ampli-
tude adjustment
Sets the current specimen
position between 0 (lower) and
20,000 µm (upper) or - after zero,
totals the section thicknesses
Toggles between SPEED (blade
feed rate) and AMPL (amplitude)
Pressing this button toggles
between µm and ∑µm (ac-
tively illuminated).
Moves the blade to-
wards the specimen
Moves the blade away
from the specimen
Quickly moves the specimen
downwards (press once to
adjust to the lowest position)
Immediately starts or stops
the sectioning process
Setting dial 1, for blade feed
rate and amplitude
Setting dial 2, for section
thickness and moving the
specimens vertically
Selection of the step size,
1 µm,10 µm or 100 µm steps
Fig. 10
Resets the totalized section
thickness display ∑µm to zero.
Press this button
(for approx. 3 sec.) to save a
frequently used feed value
(pressing it more than once
feeds by the saved section
thickness multiple times).
Section thickness
LED display for section
thickness and
section thickness totalizing
LED display for blade feed
rate and amplitude
ON/OFF lamp
3.3 VT1200 Control Panel
Quickly moves the speci-
men upwards (press the
button until the desired
position is reached)
Caution: Keep it pressed down until the desired
position is reached. When the end position is
reached, the LED lights up.
1
2
The Leica VT1200 is a semiautomatic microtome with a vibrating blade. Before each cut, a man-
ual feed to the desired section thickness must be carried out using the setting dial for section
thickness. The VT1200 does not include an automatic specimen retraction; however, retraction
can be performed manually.

13
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
Sets the blade feed rate.
Select the values using set-
ting dial 1.
Sets the amplitude.
Select the values using
setting dial 1.
Moves the speci-
men into the lowest
position, (LED is
illuminated when the
lowest position is
reached)
Starts or stops the section-
ing process. In semiautomatic
mode, the sectioning process
stops immediately; in automatic
mode, the sectioning process is
finished completely.
Setting dial 1, for blade
feed rate (SPEED),
AMPLitude or section
thickness for automatic
mode (AUTO FEED)
Setting dial 2, for section
thickness and moving the
specimens vertically
Selection of the step size,
1 µm, 10 µm or 100 µm steps
Fig. 11
Sets the totalized section
thickness display åµm to "0".
Interrupts the sectioning
process in automatic mode.
Pressing the button again
reactivates the sectioning
process.
ON/OFF lamp
Possible in automatic sectioning
mode only. Select the desired sec-
tion thickness for the automatic
feed using setting dial 1.
Toggles in and out of the
menu. Memory for 8 param-
eter sets.
Toggling between single
stroke (SINGLE) and continu-
ous stroke (CONT) in automatic
mode is possible. In semiauto-
matic mode, only single stroke
(SINGLE) is possible.
First cutting window edge,
LED illuminates when the
window edge is set
Second cutting window
edge, LED illuminates when
the window edge is set
3. Instrument Characteristics
3.3.1 VT1200 S control panel
Toggles between automatic (AUTO) and
semiautomatic (MAN) sectioning mode
Moves the specimen up-
wards (as long as the button
is pressed). When the up-
permost position is reached,
the LED lights up.
Moves the
blade towards
the specimen
Moves the blade
away from the
specimen
Caution: Keep it pressed
down until the desired posi-
tion is reached. When the
end position is reached, the
LED lights up.
The Leica VT1200 S is a fully automatic microtome with vibrating blade. It can be operated in automatic as well as
semiautomatic sectioning mode.
In semiautomatic sectioning mode, a manual feed to the desired section thickness must be carried out before
each cut. There is no automatic specimen retraction in this mode; however, retraction can be performed manually.
In automatic mode, an automatic feed (AUTO FEED) to the selected section thickness is carried out before each
cut, and the specimen is lowered to the desired retraction value after each cut to prevent the specimen surface
and the blade from coming into contact while the blade is being retracted.

14 Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
4. Installation
4.1 Standard scope of delivery for the VT1200
VT1200 basic instrument ............................................................... 14 0481 42065
1 control panel ................................................................................ 14 0481 43395
1 toolset:
- 1 Allen key, size 3.0 ................................................................. 14 0194 04764
- 1 Allen key, size 6.0 ................................................................. 14 0222 04141
- 1 cryo-manipulator.................................................................. 14 0462 28930
- 1 replacement fuse T 1 A ....................................................... 14 6943 01000
1 dust cover (basic instrument), small......................................... 14 0212 43742
1 bottle of cyanoacrylate adhesive, contents 10 gr................... 14 0371 27414
1 Instructions for Use printed (German/English,
with Language CD 14 0481 80200) ........................................... 14 0481 80001
VT1200 configuration....................................................................... 14 912000001
The above scope of delivery, plus:
Ice tray, assembly ........................................................................... 14 0481 42010
Buffer tray (metal), assembly ........................................................ 14 0481 42084
When ordering additional accessories, compare the parts received
with the parts ordered. If the parts received do not match your order,
contact the sales company responsible for your order immediately.
The country specific power cord needs to be ordered separately. Please
find a list of all power cords available for your device on our website www.
LeicaBiosystems.com within the product section.

15
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
4.1.1 Standard scope of delivery for the VT1200 S
VT1200 S basic instrument............................................................. 14 0481 42066
1 control panel ................................................................................ 14 0481 43396
1 toolset:
- 1 Allen key, size 3.0 ................................................................. 14 0194 04764
- 1 Allen key, size 6.0 ................................................................. 14 0222 04141
- 1 cryo-manipulator.................................................................. 14 0462 28930
- 1 replacement fuse T 1A ........................................................ 14 6943 01000
1 dust cover (basic instrument), small......................................... 14 0212 43742
1 bottle of cyanoacrylate adhesive, contents 10 gr................... 14 0371 27414
1 Instructions for Use printed (German/English,
with Language CD 14 0481 80200) ........................................... 14 0481 80001
VT1200 S configuration ...................................................................14 91200S001
The above scope of delivery, plus:
Ice tray, assembly ........................................................................... 14 0481 42010
Buffer tray (metal), assembly ........................................................ 14 0481 42084
4. Installation
When ordering additional accessories, compare the parts received
with the parts ordered. If the parts received do not match your order,
contact the sales company responsible for your order immediately.
The country specific power cord needs to be ordered separately. Please
find a list of all power cords available for your device on our website www.
LeicaBiosystems.com within the product section.

16 Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
4.2 Packing and setting up the instrument
4. Installation
1. Have 2 people grab the instrument by the transport handles (1), place it
on the wooden pallet and screw it to the pallet using the 4 size 6 Allen
screws (2).
2. Pull the transparent protective hood (3) over the instrument. Place the
wooden box (4) on the baseplate. Insert the inner carton ring (5).
3. Insert the accessories box (6– contains accessories) and fill it with
packing material (7).
4. Attach the cover (8) and screw it into place using 8 Phillips screws (9).
1
1
2
2
Packing the instrument

3
5
4


67
8
9
9
Fig. 12
Before each transport, the handles must be screwed onto the instrument using the
provided screws (see Fig. 13). Check to ensure that the handles are firmly in place
and will hold reliably!
Ensure that the instrument is standing on a work surface that is as free
of vibrations as possible.

17
Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S
4. Installation
4.3 Before commissioning the instrument
1
1
Fig. 13
Once the instrument is in its final location, un-
screw the transport handles (1) from the instru-
ment using the size 6 Allen key provided and
store them, along with the screws, in a safe
place.
1. Set the power switch (7) on the right side of
the instrument to OFF ().
2. Make sure the power cable is correctly con-
nected in the power socket (2) on the right side
of the instrument.
3. Connect the control panel to the socket (3).
4. Install the ice tray (4).
5. Install the buffer tray (5).
6. Install any optional. accessories, such as the
magnifier, microscope, foot switch, etc. ac-
cording to p. 49.
7. Use the power switch (7) to switch on the
instrument.
2
7 (AN)
5
3
4
6
Fig. 14
To make it easier to insert the speci-
men, adjust the specimen receptacle to
its lowest position, and adjust the blade
holder to its rearmost position during
the first reference run.

18 Instructions for Use V 1.5 RevH – 07/2016
5. Working with the Instrument
5.1 Description of the typical application
The Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S is a microtome with a vibrating blade and is
predominately used for sectioning fixed and unfixed specimens during
neurological research.
• To simplify the process of inserting the speci-
men, you can quickly move the specimen re-
ceptacle to the lowest position by pressing the
DOWN button.
• To prepare high-quality sections, especially
for unfixed tissue, Leica suggests using the
optional VibroCheck measuring instrument to
determine the height amplitude of the blade
after each blade change, and then to minimize
it using the setting screw on the blade holder.
To perform the aforementioned process, install
the VibroCheck instrument (see p. 37 for the
VT1200 or p. 39 for the VT1200 S), install the
blade and adjust the clearance angle to the
desired position. Then take the measurement
and make the appropriate adjustments to the
placement of the blade holder.
Remove the VibroCheck according to the in-
structions, and turn the blade 90° toward the
top to ensure that the ice tray and buffer tray
can be installed safely.
• Insert the buffer tray into the ice tray and cover
it with the lid. Fill the ice tray with crushed ice.
• Remove the cover and fill the buffer tray with
pre-cooled physiological buffer.
• Push the ice tray and buffer tray onto the
dovetail guide and clamp them down.
• Use cyanoacrylate adhesive to adhere the
specimen to the specimen plate and use a
manipulator to place it in the buffer tray. Insert
the hose for gassing the buffer into the hose
clamp.
• Use the UP button to lift the specimen to the
sectioning level of the blade quickly. Fine-
adjusting the blade-to-specimen proximity can
be performed using the desired step size 1, 10
or 100 µm.
• Advance the blade toward the specimen using
the "Blade forward" key.
• After sectioning the specimen, use the setting
dial to feed to the desired section thickness
using the selected step size (1, 10 or 100 µm).
This raises the specimen receptacle to the
desired value.
• Start the sectioning process by pressing the
RUN/STOP key. The process can be stopped
again by pressing this key after the cut has
been completed. Use the "Blade back" key to
move the blade in front of the specimen. Select
the section thickness for the next cut and start
the sectioning process again.
• After completing the sectioning process,
remove the blade, dispose of the specimen
receptacle by pushing the DOWN key into its
lowest position, and unclamp, empty and clean
out the ice tray and buffer tray.