Microm HM 355 S User manual

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
ROTARY MICROTOME
HM 355 S-2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - 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 is part of the product and is 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: 387840
English: 387841
French: 387842
Spanish: 387843
Italian: 387844

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - 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. 387841
Issued: February 08, 2006
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Strasse 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: ( [phone]

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
Table of contents
EC Certificate of Conformity
PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-1 Safety precautions and symbols
1-2 Intended use
PART 2 INTRODUCTION
2-1 Description Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
2-2 Accessories
2-2-1 Standard equipment
2-2-2 Additional equipment (optional)
2-3 Technical data Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
PART 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 Setting up the microtome
3-2 Initial turn-on
3-2-1 Operating panel
3-3 Display and key functions
3-3-1 Setting the cutting window
3-3-2 Start and stop of the cutting drive
3-3-3 Handwheel brake
3-3-4 Emergency stop
3-3-5 Indication of cutting processes
3-3-5-1 Section counter
3-3-5-2 Section thickness sum
3-3-5-3 Remaining travel to front end position
3-4 Setting section thickness and trimming thickness
3-4-1 Trimming and first cuts
3-4-2 Fine feed
3-5 Cutting movement and retraction
3-6 Motorized cutting drive
3-7 Specimen feed
3-7-1 Specimen coarse feed and speed for coarse feed

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
3-8 Menu
3-8-1 Selection of operating modes
3-8-2 Date and time
3-8-3 Display mode
3-8-4 Turning off the function "Retraction"
3-8-5 Language selection for the display
3-9 Setting the cutting speed
3-10 Push-in handwheel handle
3-11 Adapters for specimen clamping
3-11-1 Adapter, non-orienting
3-11-2 Adapter, orienting, specimen orientation
3-11-3 Clamping and/or changing specimen clamps
3-11-4 Readjusting specimen clamps
3-12 Specimen clamping
3-12-1 Universal cassette clamp
3-12-2 Universal cassette clamp, adjustable
3-12-3 Standard specimen clamp
3-12-4 Insert for round specimens, V insert and V distance piece
3-12-5 Foil clamp
3-12-6 Segment arc and universal specimen holder
3-13 Knife carrier
3-13-1 Disposable blade carrier ER
3-13-2 Disposable blade carrier E
3-13-3 Knife carrier C
3-13-4 Readjusting the knife carriers
3-14 Section waste tray
3-15 Memory function
3-16 Large field magnifier
PART 4 WORKING WITH THE ROTARY 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

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
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 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - 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 355 S -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 61010-1:2002-08
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- Part 1:
General requirements (IEC 61010-1:2001).
DIN EN 61010-2-101:2003-09
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- Part 2-101: Particular requirements for In-Vitro-Diagnostic-(IVD)-Medical instruments.
DIN EN 61010-2-081:2002-12
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- Part 2-081: Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory
equipment for analysis and other purposes (IEC 61010-2-081:2001).
DIN EN 61326:2002-03
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC requirements
(IEC 61326-1:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2000); German version EN 61326:1997 + A1:1998 +
A2:2001
DIN EN ISO 9001:2000
Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO 9001:2000)

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
Hans Heid Walldorf, 16 June 2005
Managing Director

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-1 WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS
The installation and routine use of the HM 355 S 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.
Chemicals:
Warning of unhealthy or irritating substances.
Separate taking back of electrical and electronic instruments in the countries of the
European Union:
This is to be applied in the countries of the European Union and other European countries with a
separate collecting system within the waste management.
This product, being an electro and/or electronic instrument, must be treated separately within the
waste management process (WEEE).

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - 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.
INSTRUMENT GROUNDING
To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be connected with the protective earth. The
instrument is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to the protective
earth and must meet the International Electro technical Commission (IEC) regulations.
CAUTION: MAINS VOLTAGE
Never remove instrument covers during operation. Component replacements as well as adjustments must
only be made by trained service personnel. Only use original spare parts for replacement work. Unplug the
unit before removing or opening the covers.
EMERGENCY STOP
Cutting movement can be stopped immediately by pressing one of the two emergency stop devices.
The hand emergency stop button is placed on the right upper side of the hood. It is marked with a red
operating knob. The foot emergency stop device is integrated into the foot pedal.
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!

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
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.
HAZARD OF INFECTION
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.
When working with infectious specimens observe all applicable safety procedures. When working with
infectious material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be carried out. According to the rules
and regulations concerning the handling of infectious material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing
(e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn. Infectious waste must be disposed of
according to the respective regulations.
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 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
1-2 INTENDED USE
The Rotary Microtome HM 355 S from MICROM International GmbH is a universal heavy duty microtome for
especially sophisticated paraffin, and hard sectioning techniques in biology, medicine and industry.
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.
Note:
This instruction manual is part of the product. Always keep this manual near the instrument!

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
PART 2 INTRODUCTION
2-1 DESCRIPTION ROTARY MICROTOME HM 355 S
The Rotary Microtome HM 355 S from MICROM International GmbH is a universal heavy duty microtone for
especially sophisticated paraffin and hard sectioning techniques in biology, medicine, industry and research.
The HM 355 S sets new ergonomical standards concerning operation and comfort. The instrument is
equipped with a section waste tray with integrated arm rest. The waste tray is built around and under the
knife carrier for direct collection of section waste.
This model can be equipped with all specimen clamps and knife carriers of the Rotary Microtome series. In
addition, the stereomicroscope or the large field magnifier can be adapted.
The HM 355 S will cut sections in a range from 0,5 µm up to 100 µm. For the protection of knife and
specimen, the instrument retracts the specimen at the end of the cut. If desired, the function <retraction> can
be turned off.
A trimming function with defined steps from 5 µm to 500 µm permits the fine adjustment up to the first cuts
and results in larger section thicknesses when trimming.
The manual rotary movement of the handwheel of the Rotary Microtome HM 355 S is converted into a
vertical movement of the specimen clamping system.
Sectioning is carried out by knives or blades, which must be adjusted and fixed on the knife carrier.
The electronically controlled motor drive with precision tachogenerator guarantees an extremely fast
adjustment to section force variations and constant cutting speed. It also ensures optimal section quality in
each field of application. This results in a constant cutting speed over the entire cutting stroke.
The motorized coarse feed system allows the continuous specimen forward and backward travel with
variable speed settings. This way, specimen and knife edge distance can be adjusted quickly.
The operating panel is placed on the left side of the microtome. It can be removed and used separately, also
on the right side of the instrument. For this, the operating knobs can be removed and installed on the other
side of the operating panel. The touchpad keyboard is clearly arranged for easy and safe operation.
The selected section thickness, trimming thickness, section counter, sum of section thicknesses and
remaining travel to the front end position as well as speed of the cutting movement, the operating mode and
the current date and time are indicated on the display of the operating panel.
The number of the sections made can be shown on the section counter on the display. After each downward
movement of the specimen holder, the number on the section counter increases by 1. The sum of the
sections carried out can also be seen on the display. For this, trimming values and sectioning values are
added up. Section counter and sum of section thicknesses can be reset to zero at any time by means of the
RESET-button.
Moreover, the remaining travel to the front end position can also be shown on the display. The remaining
travel, which is still available for sectioning, is shown in microns. If the specimen holder is in the back end
position, the display shows 28 000 µm. This number decreases, the further the specimen holder is moved
towards the front.
The knife carriers are designed so the knives can be easily clamped in place and adjusted.
For the user's safety, the instrument is equipped with two emergency stop devices.
An electro-mechanical handwheel brake as well as a handwheel handle, which can be pushed in, are
installed for further safety.
The fast freezing unit K-34 allows frozen sectioning with the specimen temperature as low as -45°C.

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
Total overview
Start
Stop
Retraction
MEMO
MENU
Fig. 1

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
2-2 ACCESSORIES
2-2-1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The Rotary Microtome HM 355 S is supplied with the following accessories:
1 Standard section waste tray
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 Art. Nr.
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 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
Cat. no.
Segment arc 715050
Universal specimen holder 715060
2-2-2-3 OPTICAL ACCESSORIES
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 MIKROTOMMESSER
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 knife, 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 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - 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 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387841 - English
2-3 TECHNICAL DATE HM 355 S
Microtome: Section thickness range .......................................... 0,5 - 100 µm
Resolution................................................. 0,5 µm from 0,5 - 5 µm
...................................................................... 1 µm from 5 - 20 µm
.................................................................... 2 µm from 20 - 30 µm
.................................................................... 5 µm from 30 - 60 µm
................................................................ 10 µm from 60 - 100 µm
Trimming thickness range ............................................5 - 500 µm
Resolution......................................................5 µm from 5 - 10 µm
.................................................................10 µm from 10 - 100 µm
...............................................................20 µm from 100 - 200 µm
...............................................................50 µm from 200 - 500 µm
Specimen retraction during return travel ........................... 40 µm
Horizontal feed range ....................................................... 28 mm
Vertical specimen stroke .................................................. 64 mm
Section counter: ............................................................................5-digit, with reset
Section thickness sum: ............................................................................5-digit, with reset
Remaining travel
to front end position: ..............................................................................................5-digit
Specimen size: when using a standard specimen clamp ...........max. 55 x 50 mm
Specimen orientation: x - and y - axes........................................................... universal 8°
Rotation:................................................................................ 360°
Cutting drive: ............................................... motorized, electronically controlled
Modes of operation: .................................. interval, single, multi and continuous mode
Cutting speed: ..................................................................................0 – 430 mm/s
Coarse feed: ..............................................................motorized, variable speed
Storage
temperature range: ......................................................................... -20°C up to +50°C
Operating conditions: ........................+5°C up to +40°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)
..............................................................altitude up to 2000 M.S.L.
..........................................................................for indoor use only
Floor loading requirements:.............................................................................................110 kg
Power requirements: ............................................. 220...230 V 0,8 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz
..................................................... 240 V 0,8 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz
..................................................... 100 V 1,6 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz
..................................................... 115 V 1,6 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz
Pollution degree: ......................................................................................................2
Overvoltage category: ......................................................................................................II
Sound pressure: .........................................................................................42 dB(A)
Dimensions: ............................ 410 mm x 520 mm x 280 mm (wide/deep/high)
Weight: ...............................................................................................35 kg

Rotationsmikrotom HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 387840 - Deutsch
PART 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 SETTING UP THE MICROTOME
• 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.
• Choose the site of installation in a way that
the mains switch can be reached at any time.
• 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 feed for an easy moving of the
microtome.
• Slightly lift the base at the front end only and
slide the microtome.
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).