Leica IP C User manual
Instructions for use
Leica IP C -
Automated printing system
for tissue cassettes
Leica IP C, V 1.9, English – 03/2017
Order No.: 14 0602 80101, RevH
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.
3
Leica IP C
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 pres-
ent manual according to the latest technical
developments, nor to provide our customers with
additional copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical
illustrations etc. contained in this manual we
exclude liability as far as permissible accord-
ing 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 statements 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
considered 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 process-
es without prior notice. Only in this way is it pos-
sible to continuously improve the technology and
manufacturing techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws.
All 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 name plate at
the back of the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
NOTE
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)62 24 143-0
Fax: +49 (0)62 24 143-268
Internet: http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
4Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
Table of contents
1. Important Information ............................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings........................................................................................6
1.1.1 Symbols on the transport packaging and their meanings..................................................... 7
1.2 Qualification of personnel........................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Intended use of instrument......................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Instrument type............................................................................................................................. 8
2. Safety ........................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Safety instructions........................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Warnings...................................................................................................................................... 10
3. Instrument Components and Specifications....................................................................... 12
3.1 Overview—instrument............................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Technical data............................................................................................................................. 14
3.3 Print specifications..................................................................................................................... 16
3.3.1 Requirements for cassettes...................................................................................................... 16
3.3.2 Print specifications..................................................................................................................... 18
3.3.3 Printing bar code ........................................................................................................................ 19
3.3.4 Resistance against reagents.................................................................................................... 21
4. Instrument Setup...................................................................................................................... 22
4.1 Site requirements ....................................................................................................................... 22
4.2 Unpacking the Instrument......................................................................................................... 22
4.2.1 Installing the printer................................................................................................................... 24
4.3 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................ 25
4.4 Installing the manual unload station ....................................................................................... 26
4.5 Automated unload station (optional)....................................................................................... 27
4.6 Installing/exchanging the flash bulb ....................................................................................... 28
4.7 Filling and inserting the magazines ......................................................................................... 30
4.8 Electrical connection................................................................................................................. 33
4.9 Exchanging the cartridge.......................................................................................................... 34
4.10 Installing the printer driver........................................................................................................ 38
5
Leica IP C
Table of contents
5. Operation................................................................................................................................... 41
5.1 Control panel functions.............................................................................................................. 41
5.2 Display indications ..................................................................................................................... 46
5.3 Alarm functions........................................................................................................................... 48
5.4 Printer driver settings ................................................................................................................ 49
6. Cleaning and Maintenance.................................................................................................... 52
6.1 Cleaning the instrument............................................................................................................. 52
6.2 Cleaning the print head.............................................................................................................. 54
6.3 General maintenance................................................................................................................. 55
6.4 Storing the printer....................................................................................................................... 56
7. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................... 60
7.1 Malfunctions................................................................................................................................ 60
7.2 Status messages......................................................................................................................... 61
7.3 Error messages........................................................................................................................... 62
7.4 Changing the flash bulb............................................................................................................. 65
7.5 Power failure............................................................................................................................... 65
7.6 Replacing the secondary fuses................................................................................................ 66
8. Warranty and Service ............................................................................................................. 67
9. Decontamination Certificate ................................................................................................. 68
6Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
(5)
LOAD
Warnings
appear in a gray box and are marked by
a warning triangle .
1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings
Notes,
i.e. important user information appear
in a gray box and are marked by an in-
formation symbol .
Numbers in parentheses refer to item
numbers in illustrations.
Function keys to be pressed on the
touch screen are written in bold-print
capital letters.
Manufacturer.
Observe the Instructions for Use!
CE labeling shows that the product
corresponds to one or more appli-
cable European directives.
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.
Warning – Dangerous electrical
voltage.
Instrument surfaces which become hot
during operation are marked with this
symbol.
Avoid direct contact with these surfac-
es - they may cause burns.
Inflammable solvents and reagents are
identified using this symbol.
Symbol for alternating current
Symbol for labeling electrical and elec-
tronic equipment in accordance with
Section 7 of the German Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). Ele-
ktroG is the law regarding the sale, re-
turn and environmentally sound disposal
of electrical and electronic equipment.
1. Important Information
The Regulatory Compliance Mark
(RCM) indicates a device’s compli-
ance with applicable ACMA techni-
cal standards of New Zealand and
Australia - that is, for telecommuni-
cations, radio communications, EMC
and EME.
7
Leica IP C
Indicates the correct upright position of the package.
The package contents are fragile and must be handled with care.
The package must be kept in a dry environment.
Order number for standard delivery or accessories.
Designates the serial number of the instrument.
Example of labeling in accordance with IPPC
IPPC symbol
Country code in accordance with ISO 3166, e.g. DE for Germany
Regional identifier, e.g. HE for Hessen
Producer/treatment provider code, unique assigned number starting
with 49
Treatment code, e.g. HT (heat treatment), MB (methyl bromide), and
possibly DB (debarked)
Tip-n-Tell indicator to monitor whether the shipment has been transported
and stored in upright position according to your requirements. With a
pitch of 60° or more, the blue quartz sand flows into the arrow-shaped
indicator window and sticks there permanently. Improper handling of the
shipment is immediately detectable and can be proven definitively.
1.1.1 Symbols on the transport packaging and their meanings
Package labeling in accordance with German Hazardous Freight Ordinance Road and
Rail (GGVSE)/European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous
Goods by Road (ADR) for transporting hazardous goods.
Class 3: "FLAMMABLE LIQUID" - Flammable liquid substance.
1. Important Information
8Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
1.3 Intended use of instrument
Leica IP C printer system for standard histology
cassettes.
• Theinstrumenthasbeendesignedforusein
pathology, histology, cytology, toxicology and
similar laboratories, and there only for printing
tissue cassettes.
• Imprintsofadequatequalityandresistanceto
subsequent processing in tissue processors
can only be guaranteed when using the cas-
settes and reagents specified in Chapter 3.3.
• Theinstrumentmustbeusedexclusivelyac-
cording to the instructions contained in these
Instructions for Use.
1.4 Instrument type
All information provided in these Instructions for
Use applies only to the instrument type indicated
on the cover page.
A name plate indicating the instrument serial
number is attached to the back of the instrument.
Fig. 1
1.2 Qualification of personnel
• TheLeicaIPCmaybeoperatedonlybytrained
laboratory personnel.
• Alllaboratorypersonneldesignatedtooperate
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.
Fig. 1 is provided as an example only
and shows a valid nameplate for this
instrument with the necessary in-
formation about instrument type and
power requirement. The precise data
for the various versions is specified in
Chapter 3.2, "Technical data".
1. Important Information
Proper and intended use includes the
observance of all instructions in the
operating manual and compliance with
all inspection and maintenance in-
structions.
Any other use of the instrument is considered
improper!
9
Leica IP C
2. Safety
2.1 Safety instructions
These Instructions for Use include important
instructions and information related to the oper-
ating safety and maintenance of the instrument.
The Instructions for Use are an important part of
the product, and must be read carefully prior to
startup and use and must always be kept near
the instrument.
This instrument has been built and tested in
accordance with the safety regulations for elec-
trical measuring, control, regulating and labora-
tory devices.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe
operation, the user must observe all notes and
warnings contained in these Instructions for Use.
The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times.
Make sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and
use of other products.
These Instructions for Use must be appropriately supplemented as required by the existing
regulations on accident prevention and environmental safety in the operator's country.
The protective devices on both instrument and accessories may neither be removed nor modi-
fied. Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access and repair the internal com-
ponents of the instrument.
For current information about applicable guidelines, please refer to the CE declaration of
conformity and on our Internet site at:
http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Use only the provided power cable - this must not be replaced with a different power cable. If
the power plug does not fit in your socket, contact our service.
Residual risks
The instrument has been designed and constructed with the latest state-of-the-art technology
and according to recognized standards and regulations with regard to safety technology. Op-
erating or handling the instrument incorrectly can place the user or other personnel at risk of
injury or can cause damage to the instrument or other property. The machine may be used only
as intended and only if all of its safety features are in proper working condition. Malfunctions
that impede safety must be remedied immediately.
10 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
2.2 Warnings
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for
accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the owner,
as well as the designated personnel who operate, service or repair the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.
Warnings—Transport and Installation
Warnings—Markings on the instrument itself
• Once unpacked, the instrument may be transported only in an upright position.
• Do not expose the instrument to direct light (window, bulbs with strong light)!
• Only connect the instrument to a grounded power socket. Do not interfere with the grounding
function by using an extension cord without a ground wire.
• Do not operate the instrument in rooms with explosion hazard.
• Condensation water may form in the instrument, if there is an extreme difference in tempera-
ture between the warehouse and the installation site and if air humidity is high at the same
time. If this is the case, wait at least two hours before switching on the instrument. Failure to
adhere to this waiting period may result in damage to the instrument.
• Markings on the instrument showing the warning triangle indicate that the correct operating
instructions (as defined in these Instructions for Use) must be followed when operating or
replacing the item marked.
• Failure to adhere to these instructions may lead to accidents causing personal injury and/or
damage to the instrument or accessories or destroyed, unusable slides.
• Some instrument surfaces become hot during operation. They are marked with this warning
label. Touching these surfaces may cause burns.
2. Safety
11
Leica IP C
Warnings—Instrument operation
Warnings—Cleaning and maintenance
• The instrument may be operated by trained laboratory personnel only. It must only be operat-
ed for the purpose of its designated use and according to the instructions contained in these
Instructions for Use.
• The instrument is de-energized after disconnection of the power supply through the power
cable (power supply circuit breaker) - in emergencies, disconnect the power plug.
• Do not touch the chute during operation. Risk of injury.
• Do not open the reflector flap of the flashlight while the instrument is ON—risk of burns and
blinding.
• The device operator is obligated to conform to the local workplace limit values and to docu-
ment them.
• Before any maintenance, switch off the instrument and unplug it from power supply.
• To clean the exterior surfaces, use a mild and ph-neutral commercial household cleaner.
You may NOT use: Alcohol, cleaning materials containing alcohol (glass cleaner!), abra-
sives, or solvents containing acetone or xylene! The painted surfaces and the control panel
of the instrument are not resistant to xylene or acetone!
• While working and during cleaning, no liquid may get into the interior of the instrument.
2. Safety
12 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Fig. 2
3.1 Overview—instrument
1 - Basic instrument
2 - Cassette magazines
2.1- Magazine no. 1
3 - Control panel
4 - Lid
5 - Cover—cartridge slot
6 - Unload station (manual)
2.1
3
5
1
4
6
2
13
Leica IP C
Fig. 4
21 19 18 20
Fig. 3
9
Rear panel and electrical connectionsFront view without lid
2.1-2.6- Magazine receptacles nos. 1 - 6
7 - Drying module
8 - Cover—flash bulb
9 - Cassette carrier
10 - Print head
11 - Magazine holder
12 - Feeding chute with cover
13 - Transfer point: chute --> cassette
carrier, with sensor
14 - Location plate
15 - External alarm jack
16 - Socket for printer cable
17 - DIL switch
18 - Power supply connection
19 - Power switch
20 - Cleaning cartridge
21 - Secondary fuses
12
7 8 10 13
2.1 -2.6
14
63
2
1
5
4
16
15
17
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
11
Attention for pos. 20.
The instrument is delivered with the
storage cartridge installed!
Prior to operation, the cleaning car-
tridge must be exchanged for an
ink cartridge - See "Exchanging the
cartridge".
14 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
3.2 Technical data
General
Approvals: The instrument-specific approval marks are located at the rear panel
of the instrument, next to the name plate.
Nominal supply voltages: 100 to 120 V ~ +/- 10 %
200 to 240 V ~ +/- 10 %
Nominal frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Power fuse: 2x T 3.15 A L250 V
Maximum power draw at 100 - 120 V: 4.0 A
Maximum power draw at 200 - 240 V: 2.8 A
Leakage current at 240 V/50 Hz: ca. 2.4 mA
Nominal power: 700 VA
IEC 1010 classification: Protection class 1, pollution degree 2
Overvoltage installation category II
Operating elevation: up to max. 2000 m NN
A-weighted noise level: < 70 dB (A)
IP protection class (IEC 60529) IP20
Climatic conditions for the operation of the instrument:
Temperature: +15 °C to +30 °C
Relative humidity: 20 - 80 % - non-condensing
Climatic conditions for the storage and transport of the packaged instrument:
Storage temperature range: +5 °C to +40 °C
Transport temperature range: -29 °C to +40 °C
Relative humidity: 10 - 85 % - non-condensing
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions of basic instrument
Width x depth: 475 x 650 mm
Height with magazine: 895 mm
Dimensions with unload station connected
Width x depth: 548 x 650 mm
Height with magazine: 655 mm
Basic instrument empty weight: approx. 28 kg
Weight, packed: approx. 65 kg
Unload station empty weight: approx. 14 kg
Weight, packed: approx. 32 kg
15
Leica IP C
Performance
Load capacity: up to 6 magazines,
up to 80 cassettes per magazine
Printing speed 1:
Printing batch jobs: 15 cassettes/minute
Single-cassette printing: 10 s per cassette
Ink cartridge capacity 2: approx. 60,000 printouts or 3.5 months
Flash bulb lifetime: approx. 150,000 flashes
Printing
Print resolution 3: 360 x 360 dpi / 180 x 180 dpi, adjustable
Printing medium: Standard histology cassettes
max. 28.9 x 80.0 mm (with lid)
max. 6.2 mm high
Print formats: Cassette 35°, cassette 45°
Pressure surfaces: Cassette 35°: max. 28.2 x 8.0 mm
Cassette 45°: max. 28.2 x 7.1 mm
PC system requirements
IBM-compatible PC
Processor clock frequency: min. 800 Mhz
Main memory (RAM): min. 256 MB
Hard disk: min. 6 GB
CD-ROM drive
1 free serial port
Operating system: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP
Windows VISTA, Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit)
1)Average value—exact speed in each individual case depending on system configuration and
software used.
2) Average values are given; the exact number depends on the print density.
3) Measured in addressable dots per inch
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
16 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
3.3 Print specifications
Only standard histology cassettes that are reli-
ably inserted into the magazines can be used in
the Leica IP C.
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Fig. 5 3.3.1 Requirements for cassettes
A wide variety of standard cassettes may be
used in the IP C; however, the following restric-
tions must be observed:
• Suitableforprintingareallstandardcassettes
without lids, of the following dimensions:
Length without lid x Width = max. 41.3 x
28.9 mm
Length with lid x Width = max. 80.0 x 28.9 mm
(Refer also to Technical Data, p. 11)
• Cassetteswithlidsattachedhavetobeone-
piece units (23); the lids must not just be linked
to the body by a hinge.
• Cassetteswithaflexiblehingecannotbeused
unless the lid is detached (25) or closed.
• Cassettes witha closed lid(26) must be
checked to ensure that all four corners of the
lid are firmly closed and flat.
• Cassetteswithtop-mountedlids(24) cannot
be processed.
• Fordetailson howto correctlyinsertthe
cassettes into the magazines, please refer to
chapter 4.7.
Fig. 7
22
22 23
24
25
26
26
Fig. 6
17
Leica IP C
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Cassette type Imprinting in Leica IP C
Leica Jet I * without lid only
Leica Jet II * with closed lid only
Leica Jet III * with closed lid only
Leica Jet IV ok
Leica Jet V without lid only
Leica Jet Bx with closed lid only
Leica Jet I Bx with closed lid only
Leica Jet II Bx ok
Leica Jet III Bx ok
Leica Jet IV Bx ok
Leica Jet V Bx ok
Sakura Tissue
Tek MESH
without lid only
Sakura Tissue
Tek II
ok
Sakura Tissue
Tek III
ok
Cassette type Imprinting in Leica IP C
Simport M 480 without lid only
Simport M 492 with closed lid only
Simport M 493 with closed lid only
Simport M 502 ok
Simport M 503 without lid only
Simport M 505 ok
Simport M 506 without lid only
Simport M 507 with closed lid only
Cellpath
System II Hex * without lid only
* Recommended for printing barcodes.
Recommended print media for the Leica IP C
The use of other print media may result in unsatisfactory print quality and/or jamming of slides/
cassettes during the printing process!
If the slides/cassettes you are currently using are not listed above, please contact your local
Leica Microsystems’ representative.
The following cassettes have been successfully tested with the Leica IP C.
Cassettes of other manufacturers must be tested before use. The test must include the follow-
ing steps:
Mechanical compatibility with the instrument. Imprint quality.
Resistance of the ink against the reagents with which the imprinted cassettes come into con-
tact in the subsequent processes (refer also to Chapter 3.3.4).
Important!
Leica Biosystems assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any damages suffered as a conse-
quence of imprints of poor quality or imprints made with non-reagent-resistant ink.
18 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
3.3.2 Print specifications
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
35°
45°
Fig. 9
Print resolution
The print head of the instrument has a preset
resolution of 360 dpi in both directions (vertical
and horizontal).
Each printed line has a maximum height of
128 dots.
This corresponds to a value of 9.03 mm.
In horizontal direction, the printable surface is
limited only by the size of the object to be im-
printed (Fig. 8).
The above values must be taken into consider-
ation when defining the print area ("paper size")
in the application you are going to print from.
Print quality
Quality and resolution of the imprints depend on:
• thecassettematerial andthedyes usedto
color the cassette material.
• thesurfacefinishofthecassetteimprintfield
(26).
The final resolution of the imprints is not deter-
mined only by the resolution of the print head.
If the cassette surface is not capable of 360 dpi
resolution, "running" ink will lead to poor printing
results. In such cases it is better to work at a
lower resolution.
The printer driver allows you to change the reso-
lution from 360 dpi to 180 dpi.
(For more information, refer to Chapter 5.4).
Printing area
The printing area parameters listed in the table
below are defined in the printer driver.
26
Fig. 8
Cassette type
There are two different cassette types, which
have a different angle, and therefore a different
printable area.
The angle (Fig. 9), measured from the bottom, can
be 35° or 45°.
This must be taken into account in the settings
for the printer driver (Chapter 5.4).
Width Height
Format Dots mm Dots mm
Cassette 35° 400 28,2 114 8,0
Cassette 45° 400 28,2 100 7,1
19
Leica IP C
3.3.3 Printing bar code
Printing readable bar codes depends on various factors that need to be
taken into consideration in order to achieve results suitable for reliable and
durable archiving. The main factors influencing the bar code results are:
• printertechnology
• howthebarcodeiscreated
• thetypeofobjectbeingprintedon
• thetypeofscannerusedtoreadthebarcode
Printer technology
• Asadotmatrixprinter,thisdevicecanhandleinformationonlyinthe
form of dots printed or not printed. It is not possible to transmit bar code
data or to select specific bar code types or use the printer to create and
print the bar code required.
Creating bar codes
• Sincethereisonlylimitedprintingspaceonthecassettes,thebarcode
should not contain more information than necessary.
• Youshoulduseanerror-checkingcode,whichmakesiteasierforthe
bar code scanners to recognize possible errors. Some codes even sup-
port error correction.
• Whencalculatingandcreatingbarcode,alwaysbearinmindtheresolu-
tion of the printer.
The module size is the width of the smallest element of a bar code. Wider
bars and spaces are calculated in multiples of the module size.
The module size always has to be an entire divisor of the printer resolu-
tion, as, due to the technology applied, only 'whole' dots can be printed.
Reading errors may occur (even if the print appears to be crisp and cor-
rect), if, due to conversion, module width and resolution do not match
any longer.
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Data should never be printed as bar code only, but also as text (line
of optical characters above or below the bar code), to ensure that
no information is lost for the above reasons.
20 Instructions for Use V 1.9 RevH – 03/2017
Requirements for bar code printing
The quality and readability of printed bar codes will depend on several fac-
tors that include:
• Textureandqualityoftheprintablesurfaceofthecassettes.
• Coloroftheselectedcassetteorslide
• Barcodestyle(2D).
• Thenumberandtypesofcharactersrequiredinthebarcode.
• Thequalityandresolutioncapabilitiesofthebarcodereader
As always, using Leica recommended print media will produce the highest
quality print. However, it is highly recommended that any bar code solution
be tested prior to implementation. Please check with your local represen-
tative for details on achieving the maximum number of characters with
2 D bar codes.
Bar code scanners
The scanning results obtained not only depend on the correct bar code
creation and on the quality of the cassettes but also on the features of the
bar code scanner used.
Features to bear in mind are:
• Readingtolerance:
difference between actual bar width and nominal module size.
• Lightcolor:
the light color of the bar code scanner should be opposite (highly
contrasting) to the color of the cassettes being used.
• Opticalresolution:
must be better than the module size.
Depending on the application, the following features should also be
considered:
• Maximumreadabledistance
• Maximuminclinationangle
Leica has successfully tested the following readers:
Symbol DS 6707 Bar code Scanner
3. Instrument Components and Specifications
Fig. 10
Other manuals for IP C
2
Table of contents
Other Leica Printer manuals
