Leica CM1100 User manual

Instructions for use
Leica CM1100 V1.3 RevB English – 09/2012
Order-No.: 14 0469 80101, RevB
Always keep this manual near the instrument!
Read carefully prior to operating the instrument!
Leica CM1100
Cryostat

3
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
1. Important information
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17-19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: 0 62 24/143-2 68
web: http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Serial No. .....................................................................
Year of manufacture: .................................................
Manufactured: ........ Federal Republic of Germany
Until the ratification of the guideline for in-vitro di-
agnostic instruments this product is categorized
according to the MedGV (National Regulations for
Medical Appliances) as a Class 3 equipment.
The information, numerical data, notes and value judg-
ments contained in this manual represent the current
state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art tech-
nology as we understand it following thorough investi-
gation in this field. We are under no obligation to up-
date the present manual periodically and on an ongo-
ing basis according to the latest technical develop-
ments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical illus-
trations etc. contained in this manual we exclude li-
ability as far as permissible according to the national
legal system applicable in each individual case. In par-
ticular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any fi-
nancial loss or consequential damage caused by or
related to compliance with statements or other infor-
mation in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other informa-
tion as regards contents or technical details of the
present manual are not to be considered as warranted
characteristics of our products. These are determined
only by the contract provisions agreed between our-
selves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifi-
cations as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continu-
ously improve the technology and manufacturing tech-
niques 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, photocopy, microfiche,
web cam or other methods – including any electronic
systems and media – requires express prior permis-
sion in writing by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manu-
facture, please refer to the name plate at the back of
the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH

4Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
2. Table of contents
1. Important information ....................................................................................................................................................3
2. Table of contents ............................................................................................................................................................4
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument........................................................................................................5
3.1 Safety features ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1.1 Locking the handwheel .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.2 Knife guard ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 General hazards .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Technical data ................................................................................................................................................................8
5. General description .......................................................................................................................................................9
5.1 Leica CM 1100 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 Product description .................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.3 Standard delivery range ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Unpacking and installation .................................................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Site requirements ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Transport to the installation site ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
7. First use of the instrument ....................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Connection to mains power .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.2 Installing the accessories........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
7.3 Switching on .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.4 Functions of the control unit ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.4.1 LEDs ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.4.2 Function keys ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
7.4.3 Setting user definable parameters ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
7.4.4 Starting and terminating a manual defrost cycle ............................................................................................................................... 15
7.5 Temperature selection chart (in minus °C) .......................................................................................................................................... 16
8. Daily operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1 Specimen discs ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1.1 Specimen freezing.................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1.2 Fixing the specimen disc in the specimen head ................................................................................................................................. 17
8.2 Knife holder CE .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
8.2.1 Changing the rear pressure plate .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
8.2.2 Adjusting the rear pressure plate .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
8.2.3 Adjusting the front pressure plate .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
8.2.4 Inserting the blade .................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
8.2.5 Lateral displacement ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
8.2.6 Adjusting the anti-roll plate ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
8.2.7 Replacing the glass anti-roll plate ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
8.3 Coarse feed wheel.................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
8.4 Trimming .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
8.5 Sectioning .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
8.6 Section transfer ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
8.7 Defrosting ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
8.7.1 Programming an automatic defrost cycle ............................................................................................................................................ 24
8.7.2 Starting a manual defrost cycle ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
9. Trouble sh ooting ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
10. Cleaning and disinfection ....................................................................................................................................... 28
10.1 Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
10.2 Spray disinfection with Leica Cryofect ................................................................................................................................................. 28
10.3 Removal of the microtome ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29
10.4 Reassembly of the microtome ................................................................................................................................................................ 30
11. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
11.1 General maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................................... 31
11.2 Fuse replacement ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
12. Optional accessories ............................................................................................................................................... 32
12.1 Mobile heat extractor ............................................................................................................................................................................... 32
12.2 Thermal block ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
13. Warranty and service ............................................................................................................................................... 33
14. Decontamination Certificate (master) ...................................................................................................................... 34
16. Information for the People´s Republic of China ................................................................................................ 35

5
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
3.1 Safety features
The instrument design incorporates the following
safety features: handwheel lock, glass anti-roll guide
of the knife holder CE that has the protective function
of a knife guard.
3.1.1 Locking the handwheel
Prior to manipulating the knife holder and
specimen, or changing the specimen or knife,
and during breaks, always lock the
handwheel!
The handwheel can be locked in the upper turning
point.
Fig. 5.1
1
2
3.1.2 Knife guard
Prior to manipulating the knife holder and
specimen, or changing the specimen or knife,
and during breaks, always cover the cutting
edge with the anti-roll guide!
The knife holder CE for disposable blades has a glass
anti-roll guide which is positioned over the knife edge
while sectioning to prevent injury thus acting as a knife
guard.
3.2 General hazards
Despite the safety features provided for operator
safety, the use of the instrument and the applications
for which is designed involve certain risks that cannot
be totally eliminated:
• The handling of disposable blades involves a con-
siderable risk of injury.
• Extended skin contact with cold parts of the instru-
ment can cause frostbite!
• Sectioning infectious and/or radioactive materials
constitutes a hazard.
• Rotate the handwheel until the handle (1) is posi-
tioned in the upper turning point.
• To lock, push the lever (2) towards the housing.
• To unlock, pull the lever (2) away from the housing.

6Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
Connection to mains power
• Please refer to the 'Technical data'!
• The instrument must be connected to a
grounded mains power outlet socket.
• During the start-up of the compressor the
nominal voltage must not drop below the
values specified in the 'Technical data'.
Please note that the compressor requires
a start-up current between 10 and 25 A.
Therefore, the electric circuit at the instal-
lation site must be inspected by an elec-
trical engineer to ensure that it meets the
requirements for a smooth operation of the
instrument.
A constant adequate power supply to the
instrument must be ensured at all times.
Failure to comply with the above will
cause severe damage to the instrument.
• Caution:
240 V units may be operated only with the
step-up transformer supplied with the in-
strument!
Failure to comply with this will cause se-
vere damage to the instrument!
• After transporting, wait at least 4 hours be-
fore turning the instrument on.
This waiting period is necessary to allow
the compressor oil, which may have been
displaced during transport, to return to its
original position.
Failure to comply with this can cause se-
vere damage to the instrument.
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Transport and installation
• The instrument must be transported in an
upright position only, or at an angle of max.
30 °!
• Do not carry or reposition the instrument
by holding it at parts of the housing or at
the handwheels! Only use the carrying
handles at the front and rear for carrying!
• Prior to transporting the instrument, pull
out the retractable handles of the hand-
wheel and coarse feed wheel and place
them in the depression provided in the
center of the wheel!
• Do not operate in rooms with explosion
hazard!
• To ensure an adequate cooling capacity,
the instrument must be set up with at least
10 cm distance from walls and furniture!
• Do not place anything next to the compres-
sor ventilation grids to ensure adequate
ventilation at all times!

7
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Sectioning
• Take care when handling disposable
blades.
The cutting edge is extremely sharp and
can cause severe injury!
• Never leave the knife holder with a blade
mounted lying around!
• Dispose of used blades by inserting them
into the receptacle provided at the bottom
of the disposable blade dispenser!
• Always clamp the specimen before the
blade!
• Take care when removing the section - the
cutting edge is exposed!
• Prior to manipulating the knife holder and
specimen, or changing the specimen or
blade, and during breaks, always lock the
handwheel and cover the cutting edge
with the anti-roll guide!
• Avoid extended skin contact with cold
parts of the instrument as this can cause
frostbite!
Cleaning and disinfection
• Do not use organic solvents or any other
aggressive substances for cleaning and
disinfection!
We strongly recommend the use of Leica
Cryofect disinfectant spray!
Only use alcohol or common disinfectants
based on alcohol!
• For spray disinfection follow the instruc-
tions for use supplied with the disinfec-
tant!
• Do not use external heaters for drying the
cryochamber. This can cause damage to
the slot cover!
Removal of the microtome
• Before removing the microtome, turn the
instrument off with the mains switch!
• Wear appropriate protective gloves to re-
move the cold microtome from the cryo-
chamber! Risk of frost bite!
Or wait until the microtome has reached
room temperature.
• The microtome must be completely dry be-
fore reinstallation. Humidity inside will
condense and freeze in the cold cryostat
and thus may cause malfunctions or dam-
age.
Maintenance
• Only qualified and authorized service per-
sonnel may access the internal compo-
nents of the instrument for service and re-
pair.
Fuse replacement
• Only use a fuse of the same specification!
For the required value, please refer to
Chapter 4. 'Technical data' or to the fuse
specification label at the rear of the instru-
ment.

8Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
4. Technical data
Operating temperature range: 18 °C to 35 °C.
All specifications related to temperature are valid only for an ambient temperature up to 22 °C and for an air
humidity lower than 60%!
Type CM 1100-1 CM 1100-3 CM 1100-11
Nominal voltage 230 V AC ±10% 120 V AC ±10% 100 V AC ±10%
Nominal frequency 50 Hz 60 Hz 50/60 Hz
Power draw
during refrigeration 170 VA 170 VA 170 VA
during defrosting for 10 min. 320 VA 400 VA 650 VA
Maximum start-up current for 5 sec. 10 Aeff. 25 Aeff. 25 Aeff.
Protective class I I I
Mains fuse 2-pole, T 10 A 2-pole, T 10 A 2-pole, T 10 A
Pollution degree 2 2 2
Overvoltage installation category II II II
Heat output
during refrigeration 170 J/s 170 J/s 170 J/s
during defrosting for 10 min. 320 J/s 400 J/s 650 J/s
Transformer fuse protection F3 T 4 A T 4 A T 4 A
acc. to DIN-IEC 127-II UL-listed UL-listed
Refrigeration
Temperature range 0 °C to -30 °C ±10%
at an ambient temperature of 22 °C
and air humidity _<60% when lid is closed;
adjustable in 1 K increments
Defrosting automatic hot gas defrosting,
defrost time freely programmable; 1 defrost cycle/ 24 h,
manual defrosting
duration: 20 min.
Power draw 226 W 204 W 235 W /269 W
Refrigerating output 1) 193 W 185 W 190 W
Maximum nominal pressure 15 bar 15 bar 15 bar
Safety factor 3 3 3
Refrigerant 170 g ± 5 g R134a * 170 g ± 5 g R134a * 155 g ± 5 g R134a *
Compressor oil 0.4 l alpha 22, Kyodo * 0.4 l alpha 22, Kyodo * 0.4 l alpha 22, Kyodo *
1) Rating acc. to ASHRAE: Evaporating temperature -23.3 °C
Liquefier temperature 54.4 °C
Ambient temperature 32.2 °C
Microtome
Type Rotary microtome
Section thickness setting range 0 - 20 μm, continuously adjustable
Division of the scale 2 μm
Horizontal specimen feed 15 mm ± 1 mm
Vertical stroke 46 mm ± 1 mm
Maximum specimen size 36 mm
Cryocabinet
Dimensions (W x D x H) 570 x 780 x 380 mm
Weight (including microtome) 50 kg
* Refrigerant and compressor oil must be replaced by authorized service personnel!

9
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
5.1 Leica CM 1100 Overview
5. General description
Cryochamber
lid
Carrying
handles
Control unit
Handwheel
with retractable
countersunk handle
Mains switch
Fig. 9.1
Compressor
ventilation
grids
Coarse feed
wheel with
retractable
countersunk
handle
Cryochamber
Fig. 9.2
Lever
for locking the handwheel

10 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
5. General description
5.2 Product description
The Leica CM1100 is a portable compact cryostat for rapid freezing and manual sec-
tioning of tissue specimens.
Two carrying handles on the front and rear of the housing make it easy for two persons
to transport the instrument. The counterbalanced handwheel is lockable in the top po-
sition of the handle.
The corrosion-proof cryochamber is easy to clean and easily accessible after remov-
ing the lid. The cryochamber temperature is selectable between 0°C and -30°C.
The stainless steel rotary microtome is virtually maintenance-free in operation. It is de-
signed for sections in a range of 3μm or 4μm up to 20μm.
All push button controls and the display are integrated in the control unit.
Important parameters such as set temperature and defrost time can be programmed.
Cryochamber defrosting takes 20 minutes. It is possible to program an automatic de-
frost cycle for a certain time of the day and to activate a manual defrost cycle when re-
quired.
5.3 Standard delivery range
Standard delivery includes:
1 Basic instrument
1 Accessory-kit consisting off:
1 Brush, fine .....................................................................................................................................................14 0183 28642
1 Leica-brush ...................................................................................................................................................14 0183 30751
1 Bottle of OCT-compound, mounting medium for cryosectioning, 125ml ............................................14 0201 08926
1 Allen key, size 4 ............................................................................................................................................14 0222 04139
1 Bottle of cryostat oil, type 407, 50 ml ......................................................................................................... 14 0336 06098
1 Replacement glass anti roll guide for CE-holder, 70mm wide .............................................................. 14 0419 33813
2 Specimen discs, 20mm ...............................................................................................................................14 0370 08636
1 Section waste tray, large............................................................................................................................ 14 0469 31779
1 Section waste tray, smal ............................................................................................................................14 0469 31780
1 Freezing shelf ...............................................................................................................................................14 0469 31782
1 Knife holder CE for low profile blades ......................................................................................................14 0504 33996
1 Pressure plate for high profile blades, 22° ..............................................................................................14 0504 32199
2 Fuses 5x 20 T 4.0A ........................................................................................................................................14 6943 04000
1 Pair of cut resistant gloves, size S ............................................................................................................14 0340 40859
1 Instructions for use "Leica CM1100" -G/E/F/S .................................................................................... 14 0469 80101

11
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
6. Unpacking and installation
6.1 Unpacking
Check the transport crate for external dam-
age on arrival of the shipment.
If damages are obvious, please make a com-
plaint to your carrier.
• Remove 2 screws (1) at the top and bottom on all of
the four sides of the crate (2).
• Remove the lid (3).
• Lift the body of the crate (2) straight up.
• Take the accessory box (4) from the pallet (5).
• Remove the foam plate (6).
• Remove the inner cardboard box (7) by lifting it up-
wards.
• Unscrew the 4 angle brackets (8) by loosening 2
screws each.
Do not carry or reposition the instrument by
holding it at parts of the housing or at the
handwheels!
Only use the carrying handles at the front and
rear for carrying!
• Hold the instrument at the carrying handles (9) at
the front and rear and lift it from the pallet.
• Take the insert (10) out of the accessory box (4) and
remove all accessories.
Fig. 11
5
4
10
7
6
1
3
11
2
1
8
8
9

12 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
6.2 Site requirements
Do not operate in rooms with explosion haz-
ard!
To ensure an adequate cooling capacity, the
instrument has to be set up with at least 10
cm distance from walls and furniture.
Do not place anything next to the compressor
ventilation grids to ensure adequate ventila-
tion at all times!
The place of installation must meet the following re-
quirements:
• No direct sunlight,
• Mains power socket at a distance no greater than
the length of the power cord (length approximately
4 meters) - do not use an extension cord,
• No drafts (air condition outlets, etc.) directly over
the instrument,
• Even surface,
• Mainly vibration-free floor,
• Obstruction-free access to the handwheels,
• Room temperature always below 22 °C,
• Air humidity must not exceed 60%.
High room temperatures and excessive air
humidity affect the cooling capacity of the cry-
ostat.
6.3 Transport to the installation site
The instrument must be transported in an up-
right position only, or at an angle of max. 30 °!
Do not carry or reposition the instrument by
holding it at parts of the housing or at the
handwheels!
Only use the carrying handles at the front and
rear for carrying!
Prior to transporting the instrument, pull out
the retractable handles of the handwheel and
coarse feed wheel and place them in the de-
pression provided in the center of the wheel!
6. Unpacking and installation

13
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
7.2 Installing the accessories
• Remove the lid.
• To release, turn the clamping lever (1) of the micro-
tome base plate counterclockwise, fully insert the
knife holder (2) on the base plate from the right and
clamp by relocating the lever (1).
• Place the section waste tray (3) between the mi-
crotome and knife holder from the side.
• Place the section waste tray (4) between the mi-
crotome base plate and chamber wall at front.
• Place the quick-freeze shelf (5) over the handwheel
shaft between the microtome and right-hand cham-
ber wall.
• Place the brushes in the location holes (6) of the
quick-freeze shelf.
• Place all tools needed for specimen preparation in
the cryochamber for precooling.
• Replace the lid.
7.1 Connection to mains power
Please refer to chapter 4 'Technical data'!
During the start-up of the compressor the
nominal voltage must not drop below the val-
ues specified in the 'Technical data'.
Please note that the compressor requires a
start-up current between 10 and 25 A.
Therefore, the electric circuit at the installa-
tion site must be inspected by an electrical
engineer to ensure that it meets the require-
ments for a smooth operation of the instru-
ment.
A constant adequate power supply to the in-
strument must be ensured at all times.
Failure to comply with the above will cause
severe damage to the instrument.
The instrument must be connected to a
grounded mains power outlet socket.
• The electric circuit at the place of installation has
to be protected separately.
• Do not connect any other consumers to this elec-
tric circuit.
Caution:
240 V units may be operated only with the step-
up transformer supplied with the instrument!
Failure to comply with this will cause severe
damage to the instrument!
7. First use of the instrument
Fig. 13.1
2
1
Fig. 13.2
4
3
5
6

14 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
The control unit has a 3-digit display for actual and set
temperature and defrost time, with additional LEDs for
instrument status, and three function keys.
In normal operation, the display indicates the actual
temperature of the cryochamber.
7.4.1 LEDs
LED 1 Illuminates in the cooling mode.
LED 2 Illuminates for 10 minutes before defrosting ac
tually begins.
LED 3 Illuminates while defrosting takes place
7.4.2 Function keys
To program parameters
To increase the indicated value
To decrease the indicated value
7. First use of the instrument
7.3 Switching on
After transporting, wait at least 4 hours be-
fore turning the instrument on.
This waiting period is necessary to allow the
compressor oil, which may have been dis-
placed during transport, to return to its origi-
nal position.
Failure to comply with this can cause severe
damage to the instrument.
If transported correctly in a horizontal posi-
tion, the instrument can be switched on im-
mediately!
• Before connecting the instrument to the mains
power, please check if the local mains voltage com-
plies with the power rating indicated on the name-
plate.
7.4 Functions of the control unit
Fig. 14.2
• Connect the mains plug to the mains power outlet
at the wall.
The mains switch is located on the right side of the
cryocabinet. In the OFF position it is on 'O‘; in the ON
position it is on 'I‘.
The mains switch also has the function of an automatic
mains fuse.
• Turn the instrument on with the mains switch.
The display of the temperature control unit will read
the actual temperature of the cryochamber.
After turning on, it will take approximately 10
seconds until the compressor starts operat-
ing.
Fig. 14.1
P

15
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
7.4.4 Starting and terminating a manual defrost
cycle
• To activate manual defrosting, press 'P' and the
'Arrow-up' key simultaneously. Indication switches
from LED 1 to LED 3.
LED 3 illuminates for 10 minutes until the ac-
tual defrost cycle begins.
LED 2 goes on in addition when defrosting
starts.
The overall duration of the defrost cycles is
set to 20 minutes in the factory.
• To deactivate manual defrosting before completion
of a defrost cycle, press 'P' and the 'Arrow-up' key
simultaneously. LED 2 and LED 3 extinguish, LED 1
is illuminated.
7. First use of the instrument
7.4.3 Setting user definable parameters
• To access parameter programming, press the P-
button.
Any programming field can be accessed for 30 sec-
onds. After that time the display automatically resets
to actual temperature indication. Parameters can be
modified via the arrow keys.
• To adjust the set temperature, press 'P' and modify
the value via arrow key.
• To set the defrost time, press 'P' again and modify
the value via arrow key.
Fig. 15
The first two digits are used for hour indication, the
last digit is used for minute indication. Since there is
just one digit for the minute indication, the shown value
has to be multiplied by ten. The defrost time can be
adjusted in 10 minute steps. Fig. 15 shows defrost-
ing time set at 23:50 hours.
• To set the real time, press 'P' for hour indication
and modify the value via arrow key. Press 'P' again
for minute indication and modify the value via ar-
row key.
• When pressing 'P' once more the display shows
'00'. In this mode the entry of a code number is re-
quired. Since coded parameters are reserved for
service personnel only, press 'P' again to return to
set temperature indication, or wait 30 seconds un-
til the display resets to actual temperature indica-
tion.

16 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
Adrenals
Bone marrow
Brain
Bladder
Breast- fatty
Breast - little fat
Cartilage
Cervix
Fat
Heart and vessel
Intestine
Kidney
Laryngeal
Lip
Liver
Lung
Lymphoid
Muscular
Nose
Pancreas
Prostate
Ovary
Rectal
Skin with fat
Skin without fat
Spleen or bloody tissue
Testicular
Thyroid
Tongue
Uterus curettings
7. First use of the instrument
7.5 Temperature selection chart (in minus °C)
Tissue 10 - 15 15 - 25 25 - 30
❉❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉
❉❉
❉❉
❉
❉
❉
- Above temperature values are based on long-term experience but are only approximate values.

17
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
Specimen discs (1) are available in different sizes of
20 and 25 mm in diameter. The design of the surface
ensures firm contact with the specimen.
8.1.1 Specimen freezing
• Cut the sample to size. The specimen should be no
greater than 2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm.
• Apply enough cryocompound to a specimen disc
at room temperature.
• Place the specimen on the disc and orient.
• Place the specimen disc with the specimen in one
of the two holes of the quick-freeze shelf (2) and
freeze the specimen.
Specimen freezing can be accelerated by ad-
ditionally using a mobile heat extractor, which
is available as an optional accessory (see
Chapter 12. ‘Optional accessories‘).
• Once the specimen is frozen, fix the specimen disc
in the specimen head and start sectioning.
8. Daily operation
8.1 Specimen discs 8.1.2 Fixing the specimen disc in the specimen
head
Always clamp the specimen before the blade!
Prior to manipulating the knife holder and
specimen, or changing the specimen or blade,
and during breaks, always lock the hand-
wheel and cover the cutting edge with the
anti-roll guide!
• Lock the handwheel.
• Loosen the screw (3) on the specimen head.
• Insert the shaft of the specimen disc (1) with the
frozen specimen in the location hole of the speci-
men head and tighten the screw (3).
Make sure that the shaft of the specimen disc is fully
inserted. The entire rear surface must have a good
contact with the specimen head.
3
2
1
Fig. 17

18 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
Fig. 18.1
8.2 Knife holder CE
The knife holder CE is equipped with a pres-
sure plate for low profile blades on delivery.
A pressure plate for high profile blades is sup-
plied separately.
If you wish to use high profile disposable
blades, it is necessary to change the rear pres-
sure plate (see 8.2.1).
After changing, the rear and front pressure
plates need to be readjusted (see 8.2.2 and
8.2.3).
8.2.1 Changing the rear pressure plate
8.2.2 Adjusting the rear pressure plate
The rear pressure plate (5) sits on two screws which
permit height an parallel adjustment of the pressure
plate. The two screws can be accessed through cor-
responding openings on the underside of the knife
holder and can be adjusted with an Allen key, size 2.
• To remove the blade, rotate the clamping lever (2)
forward.
• Carefully remove the blade.
• Remove the clamping lever (2).
8. Daily operation
3
7
5
Fig. 18.2
4
5
7
2
10 910
• Loosen the 4 screws (4) on the back of the knife
holder by using an Allen key size 4.
• Remove the pressure plate (5).
• Fix the new pressure plate with the 4 screws (4).
Tighten the screws only lightly, since the next step
will be to adjust the plate in height and parallelism.
• Adjust height and parallelism of the pressure plate
(5) such that the bearing surface for the blade is at
a level approximately 0.1 mm higher than the base
of the cheeks of the knife holder.
• Tighten the screws (4).

19
Leica CM1100 – Cryostat
8. Daily operation
8.2.4 Inserting the blade
Take care when handling disposable blades.
The cutting edge is extremely sharp and can
cause severe injury!
Never leave the knife holder with a blade
mounted lying around!
Avoid extended skin contact with cold parts
of the instrument as this can cause frostbite!
All components of the cryostat as well as the
knife or blade and the tools for specimen
preparation should be precooled in the cry-
ostat before starting sectioning!
7
5
3
Fig. 19.1
8.2.3 Adjusting the front pressure plate
• Place the pressure plate (7) in its correct position,
insert the clamping lever (2) and slightly fasten the
pressure plate by tightening the clamping lever just
a bit.
The screws (10) on the underside of the knife holder
are used to adjust the height of the pressure plate.
• Adjust the height of the pressure plate (7) with
screws (10). The upper edges of both pressure
plates (5) and (7) have to be at the same height and
parallel to each other.
The clearance angle of the pressure plate (7) is ad-
justed with screw (9) which can be accessed at a slant
angle from behind, through an opening in the under-
side of the knife holder.
• Insert the blade with the cutting edge facing down-
wards in order to minimize the risk of injury and fas-
ten it slightly with clamping lever (2).
• Adjust the pressure plate (7) with screw (9) in such
a way that only the upper edge of the pressure plate
actually exerts pressure on the blade. A visible gap
must remain. When the pressure plate is clamped
tightly, this gap will disappear.
4
3
Fig. 19.2
2
• Release the lever (3) by turning it counterclockwise.
• Turn the anti-roll guide (2) to the left.
• Insert the blade (4) carefully either from above or
from the side, so that it fits in between the pressure
plate and the knife support. Make sure that the blade
is in central position.
• Tighten the lever (3) by turning it clockwise.
• Reposition the anti-roll guide on the blade.

20 Instructions for use V1.3 RevB – 09/2012
8. Daily operation
8.2.5 Lateral displacement
If the sectioning results start lacking quality, the knife
holder can be displaced laterally to use another blade
position.
Fig. 20.1
1
Proceed as follows:
• Release the clamping lever (1) by turning it coun-
terclockwise and move the knife holder including
the blade laterally to the desired position.
• Retighten the clamping lever (1) by turning it clock-
wise
8.2.6 Adjusting the anti-roll plate
Parallel adjustment of the anti-roll plate and blade
It may be necessary to align the front edge of the anti-
roll plate parallel to cutting edge of the blade.
Proceed as follows:
• Loosen screw (10), hold the anti-roll guide at the
grip (8) and align the front edge of glass plate par-
allel with the cutting edge of the blade.
• Retighten screw (10) after alignment.
10
7
9
8
Fig. 20.2