Microm HM 325 User manual

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
ROTARY MICROTOME
HM 325
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
CERTIFICATION
MICROM GmbH certifies that this instrument has been tested and checked
carefully. Its technical data was verified before shipment to be in accordance
with the published specifications.
The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations.
WARRANTY
This MICROM product is warranted against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 1 year. Parts which prove to be defective during
the warranty period will be repaired or replaced free of charge by MICROM
International GmbH. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Unauthorized modification or repair by third party persons will void the
warranty. The warranty will expire in case of improper or wrong use of the
instrument and in case the warning and precautionary messages are not
observed. MICROM International GmbH is not liable for any occurring
damage.
Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement
without further notice.
This instruction manual will be supplied together with each instrument.
Further copies can be ordered at the nearest MICROM sales office by giving
the serial number of the instrument, the number of the instruction manual
and the date of issue.
This instruction manual is available in the following languages:
Cat.no.
German: 387820
English: 387821
French: 387822
Spanish: 387823
Italian: 387824

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
Dear Customer,
Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these operating
instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its proper operation and
functions. To avoid risks for the operator and technical damage to the
instrument, it must only be used in accordance with its intended use (see
part 1-2).
Any other use of the instrument is considered improper! All warranties and
guarantees would then be null and void.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the microtome, i.e.
clamping the specimen, trimming and first-cuts, sectioning and transferring
sections onto a slide. The listed and marked safety measures as well as the
regulations and hygiene measures of your respective lab must strictly be
observed.
MICROM serial number: .......................................................................
Please check the MICROM Ser. No. on the type plate, which is placed on
the rear side of your instrument and enter this number here. This way,
questions and service can be handled faster.
Instruction manual no. 387821
Issued: March 28, 2006
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Strasse 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Telefon: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
Table of contents
EC certificate of conformity
PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-1 Warning signals and symbols
1-2 Intended use
PART 2 Introduction
2-1 Description Rotary Microtome HM 325
2-2 Accessories
2-2-1 Standard equipment
2-2-2 Additional equipment (optional)
2-3 Technical data Rotary Microtome HM 325
PART 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 Setting up the microtome
3-2 Cutting movement and retraction
3-3 Locking and unlocking the handwheel
3.4 Section thickness setting
3-5 Section counter
3-6 Specimen feed
3-6-1 Trimming and first cuts
3-6-3 Fine feed
3-7 Acoustic signal for the front end position of the specimen movement
3-8 Adapters for specimen clamping
3-8-1 Adapter, non-orienting
3-8-2 Adapter, orienting, specimen orientation
3-8-3 Clamping and/or changing specimen clamps
3-8-4 Readjusting specimen clamps

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
3-9 Specimen clamping
3-9-1 Universal cassette clamp
3-9-2 Universal cassette clamp, adjustable
3-9-3 Standard specimen clamp
3-9-4 Insert for round specimens, V insert and V distance piece
3-9-5 Foil clamp
3-10 Knife carrier
3-10-1 Disposable blade carrier ER
3-10-2 Disposable blade carrier E
3-10-3 Knife carrier C
3-10-4 Readjusting the knife carriers
3-11 Section waste tray
3-12 Large field magnifier
PART 4 WORKING WITH THE MICROTOME
4-1 Sectioning instructions
4-2 How to avoid malfunctions
4-3 Possible source of errors – cause and removal
PART 5 MAINTENANCE AND CARE
5-1 Cleaning and care
5-2 Maintenance
5-3 Replacement work
PART 6 CONDITIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE INSTRUMENT
6-1 Returning the instrument for repair and routine maintenance
6-2 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
EC Certificate of Conformity
Name and address of MICROM International GmbH
the manufacturer: Robert-Bosch-Straße 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Product designation: Rotary Microtome
Type reference: HM 325 -2
Notification to Competent Authorities:
These medical devices have been registered with the German authority as
“Microtomes” under the EDMA-classification code: 23-06-02
The designated product complies with the laid down regulation:
DIRECTIVE 98/79/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 27 October 1998
on in vitro diagnostic medical devices
The designated product complies with the EC regulations by strictly observing the
following norms:
DIN EN ISO 14971:2001-03
Medical devices - Application of risk management to medical devices (ISO 14971:2000).
DIN EN ISO 9001:2000
Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO 9001:2000)

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
Hans Heid Walldorf, 16 June 2005
Managing Director

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-1 WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS
The installation and routine use of the HM 325 is easy and safe if the instructions in this manual are being
observed.
Note:
Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument.
Warning:
Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment. For a long lifetime of the
equipment, please observe these instructions carefully.
Caution – general danger spot:
The instruction manual must strictly be observed whenever this symbol is visible on the
instrument.
Hazard of hand injuries:
Due to moving parts in connection also with the microtome knife, a danger area arises, which
might lead to hand injuries in case of non-compliance with the safety features of the microtome
and when disregarding the instruction manual.
Biohazard:
Warning of biological danger.
Radioactivity:
Warning of radioactive danger.

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
C A U T I O N !
The operator's safety is affected, when the instrument is not operated in accordance with this
instruction manual.
Please observe the following general precautions during operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions violates safety standards and the intended use of the instrument.
MICROM International GmbH is not liable for misuse of the instruments and failure to comply with
basic safety requirements.
CARE IN USING MICROTOME KNIFE
To diminish the danger of being injured by the knife or blade, use the knife guard when adjusting specimen
and knife. If possible, the specimen should be clamped in before the knife is inserted into the knife holder.
Before changing the knife holder, always remove blade or knife! Unused knives should always be kept in a
knife case. Never place the knife with the cutting edge upwards. Never try to catch a dropping knife!! Never
check the sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers. The cutting edge is extremely sharp!
HAZARD OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION
When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures. When working
with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be carried out.
According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of radioactive contaminated material of the
respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn.
Radioactive contaminated waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
HAZARD OF INFECTION
Use the appropriate safety and disinfection measures when working with infectious specimens.
According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of infectious/radioactive contaminated
material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must
be worn.
Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be infectious. For this
reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning protection against
danger of infection.
Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application can be read in
the Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984 of the World Health Organization.
WASTE DISPOSAL
All debris, waste as well as infectious and radioactive contaminated material from operation must be
disposed of in accordance with the respective regulations of the lab. Section waste must be disposed of
according to the respective regulations for special waste.
HAZARD OF MALFUNCTION
To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only be operated in a controlled electromagnetic
environment. This means, that transmitters such as mobile phones must not be operated in their close
vicinity.
In case of malfunctions and/or service work, please turn off the instrument and contact your local dealer.
DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases.

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
1-2 INTENDED USE
The Rotary Microtome HM 325 from MICROM International GmbH is a highly efficient instrument which can
be used for paraffin sectioning in biology, medicine and industry.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operated the microtome, i.e. clamping the specimen,
trimming, sectioning and taking off the sections from the instrument. The listed and marked safety measures
as well as the regulations of your respective lab must be strictly observed.
Note:
This instruction manual is part of the product. Keep it always close to the instrument!

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
2 INTRODUCTION
2-1 DESCRIPTION ROTARY MICROTOME HM 325
The Rotary Microtome HM 325 from MICROM International GmbH is a highly efficient instrument which can
be used for paraffin sectioning in biology, medicine and industry.
The HM 325 will cut sections in a range from 0,5 µm up to 60 µm. For the protection of knife and specimen,
the instrument retracts the specimen at the end of the cut.
Forward and backward travel is carried out by the coarse feed wheel. This way, specimen and knife edge
distance can be adjusted quickly.
An additional trimming function with two defined steps permits the fine adjustment up to the first cuts and
results in larger section thicknesses when trimming.
The knife carriers are designed so the knives can be easily clamped in place and adjusted.
The section counter with LC-display shows the number of the sections made.

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
Total overview
Fig. 1

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
2-2 ACCESSORIES
2-2-1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The microtome HM 325 is supplied with the following accessories:
1 Hex head wrench 6 mm
1 Cover
1 Para Gard, 100 ml
1 Instruction manual
2 Cover plates
2-2-2 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT (OPTIONAL)
2-2-2-1 KNIFE CARRIER Cat. No.
Standard knife carrier N 705670
Disposable blade carrier E 705640
Disposable blade carrier ER 705650
2-2-2-2 SPECIMEN CLAMPS
Standard specimen clamp 715010
Universal cassette clamp 715020
Adjustable universal cassette clamp 716130
Foil clamp 715030
Sandwich supporting material 176010
Insert for round specimens, Ø 6 mm 715070
Insert for round specimens, Ø 15 mm 715080
Insert for round specimens, Ø 19 mm 715280
Insert for round specimens, Ø 25 mm 715090
V-insert 715100
V-distance piece 715320

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
2-2-2-3 OPTICAL ACCESSORIES Cat. no.:
Large field magnifier, 220 V 760160
Large field magnifier, 120 V 760170
Stereomicroscope Stemi 2000 755210
Adapter for Stemi 2000 532090
KL 1500 with ring illumination
230 V, 50 - 60 Hz 760280
120 V, 50 - 60 Hz 760290
2-2-2-4 MICROTOME KNIVES
Steel knives, type c
12 cm 152010
16 cm 152020
18,5 cm 152270
22 cm 152030
Steel knives, type d
12 cm 152060
16 cm 152070
22 cm 152080
Tungsten carbide knive, 16 cm, d 152120
Knife cases
12 cm 152220
16 cm 152230
18,5 cm 152280
22 cm 152240
Disposable blades for paraffin
SEC 35 152200
SEC 35e 152210

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
2-2-2-5 ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
Fast freezing unit K 34
100 V/50 - 60 Hz
115 V/60 Hz
230 V/50 Hz
240 V/50 Hz
Section transfer system STS
100 V/50 - 60 Hz
115 V/60 Hz
230 V/50 Hz
240 V/50 Hz
Lubricating oil, 100 ml 350110
Lubricating oil, 250 ml 350120
Paraffin repellent, PARA GARD, 100 ml 350170

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
2-3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS HM 325
Microtome: Section thickness range ............................................ 0,5 - 60 µm
Resolution: .................................................. 0,5 µm for 0,5 - 2 µm
..........................................................................1 µm for 2 - 10 µm
....................................................................... 2 µm for 10 - 20 µm
....................................................................... 5 µm for 20 - 60 µm
Retraction during return travel ............................... approx. 60 µm
Horiz. feed range .......................................................max. 28 mm
Vertical specimen stroke ...........................................max. 64 mm
Trimming stage 1 ................................................................ 10 µm
Trimming stage 2 ................................................................ 30 µm
Section counter: Battery powered, four-digit LC-display
with reset ..............................................................................4-digit
Specimen size: Standard .....................................................................55 x 50 mm
Specimen orientation: x - and y - axes: ......................................................... universal 8°
z - axis: ........................................................................ up to 360°
Cutting drive: ................................... manual by means of handwheel, right side
Coarse feed: ..................................... manual by means of handwheel, left side
Storage
temperature range: ......................................................................... -20°C up to +50°C
Operating conditions:
............................... +5°C to +35°C (at max. rel. humidity of 60%)
......................................................... altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.
......................................................................... for indoor use only
Floor loading requirements:.............................................................................................. 98 kg
Dimensions: ...............................................420x490x280 mm (wide/deep/high)
Weight: .............................................................................................. 23 kg

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 SETTING UP THE MICROTOME
Note:
The kind of the used examination
materials and all special conditions for
their processing, pre-treatment and, if
necessary, storage as well as instrument controls
for correct and safe operation is in the
responsibility of the operator.
The operator is also responsible for special
equipment and materials and/or reagents for the
operation of the instrument.
• Cut through the bands around the carton.
• Open the carton.
• Remove the accessories.
• On the lower rear side of the instrument, there
is a recessed grip to lift or carry the
microtome.
• Lift the microtome out of the carton.
Note:
Do not use the handwheel handles to
lift or carry the instrument.
• Place the microtome on a stable and vibration
free table, as sectioning can be influenced by
nearby instruments which generate vibrations.
• Handwheel and coarse feed wheel must be
free and accessible in a comfortable way.
• Remove the separately packed section waste
tray and install it at the base plate from the
front side.
• In the rear part of the instrument, there are
sliding feet for an easy moving of the
microtome.
• Slightly lift the base at the front end only and
slide the microtome.

Rotary Microtome HM 325
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387821 - English
Note:
Remove the section waste tray to
move or carry the instrument. The
section waste tray can be pulled out of
its proper position.
• Before starting section, instrument, knife
carrier and section waste tray should be
treated with a commercially available paraffin
repellent.
Note:
This medium considerable reduces the
adhesive force of paraffin sections on
the individual parts (see part 2-2-2-5,
optional accessories).