Microm HM 355 S User manual

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

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

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
CERTIFICATION
MICROM International 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 ommissions 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: 387 672
English: 387 673
French: 387 674

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

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
INTENDED USE
Dear Customer,
Before operating the instrument, please read these instructions carefully to
familiarize yourself with its proper operation and functions.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate 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.
MICROM-Ser. No.: .....................................................................
Please enter the serial number, which is placed on the type plate on the rear
side of the instrument. This way, questions and service can be handled
faster.
Instruction Manual No. 387673
Issued on Sept. 16, 2003
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Strasse 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Telefon: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Intended Use
Table of Contents
EC Certificate of Conformity
Safety precautions
Part 1 Introduction
1-1Description of the Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
1-2Technical specifications HM 355 S
Part 2 Operating instructions
2-1Setting up the microtome
2-2Initial turn-on
2-3Cutting movement and retraction
2-4Setting section thickness and trimming thickness
2-5Specimen feed
2-5-1Coarse feed and speed for coarse feed
2-5-2Trimming and first cuts
2-5-3Fine feed
2-6Motorized cutting drive
2-6-1Setting cutting window
2-6-2Selection of operating modes
2-6-3Setting cutting speed
2-6-4Push-in handwheel handle
2-6-5Start and stop of cutting drive
2-6-6Handwheel brake
2-6-7Emergency stop
2-7Indication of cutting processes
2-7-1Section counter
2-7-2Sum of section thicknesses
2-7-3Remaining travel to front end position
2-8Turning off the function <retraction>
2-9Selecting the indicated language
2-10 Specimen clamping
2-10-1Universal cassette clamp
2-10-2Standard specimen clamp
2-10-3Insert for round specimens, V-insert and V-distance piece
2-10-4Foil clamp
2-10-5Segment arc and universal specimen holder

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
2-11 Adapters for specimen clamping
2-11-1Adapter, non-orienting
2-11-2Adapter, orienting, specimen orientation
2-11-3Changing and/or clamping specimen clamps
2-11-4Readjusting specimen clamps
2-12 Knife carriers
2-12-1Standard knife carrier N
2-12-2Disposable blade carrier E
2-12-3Knife carrier C
2-12-4Knife carrier S
2-12-5Readjusting the knife carriers N, E and C
2-12-6Readjusting the knife carrier S
2-13 Section waste tray with integrated arm rest
2-14 Storage unit
2-15 Backlighting system
2-16 Specimen approach methods
2-16-1Memory function
2-16-2Automatic approach system
2-17 Large field magnifier
2-18 Standard equipment
2-19 Additional equipment (optional)
2-19-1Knife carriers
2-19-2Specimen clamps
2-19-3Optical accessories
2-19-4Microtome knives
2-19-5Additional accessories
Part 3 Theory of operation
3-1Cutting movement and retraction
3-2Specimen coarse feed and trimming function
3-3Operating panel and foot pedal
3-4Specimen clamping system and specimen orientation
3-5Knife carriers
3-6Microtome with freezing unit
3-7Automatic approach system
Part 4 Working with the microtome
4-1Preparation and orientation
4-2Coarse feed and trimming function
4-3Sectioning instructions

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
4-3-1Condition of the knife edge
4-3-2Clean knife surfaces

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
4-4How to avoid malfunctions
4-4-1Preparation of the specimen
4-4-2Temperature of the specimen
4-4-3Tightening the clamping screws
4-4-4Selection of the knife
4-4-5Adjustment of the knife
4-4-6Cutting speed
4-4-7Trimming
Part 5 Maintenance
Part 6 Cleaning and Care

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
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
The designated product complies with the laid down regulations:
73/23/EWG with amendments
89/336/EWG with amendments
The designated product complies with the EC regulations by strictly observing the following
norms:
"Guideline of the Council for the alignment of the legal instructions of the member
countries on electrical means of production for the use within certain voltage limits"
International Norm European Norm German Norm VDE-classification
IEC 1010-1:1990-09 EN 61010-1:1993 DIN EN 61010-1:1994-03 VDE 0411 Teil1:1994-03
+A1:1992-09 + A2:1995-06 +A2:1995 +A2:1996-05 +A1:1996-05
"Guideline of the Council for the alignment of the legal instructions of the member
countries on electro magnetic compatibility"
European Norm German Norm VDE-classification
EN 61326:1997 DIN EN 61326:1998-01 VDE 0843 Teil 20:1998-01
EN 61326:1997/A1:1998 DIN EN 61326/A1:1999-05 VDE 0843 Teil 20/A1:1999-05
The VDE Prüf-und Zertifizierungsinstitut (EU reference no. 0366), Merianstr. 28, D-63069
Offenbach has checked and certified the product. The marks licences entitle MICROM
International GmbH to use the VDE labels opposite.
Marks licence no.: 95308 G
Marks licence no.:95093 F
Hans Heid Walldorf, 01 July 2002
Managing Director

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

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION !
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 to the safety ground. The instrument
is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to the safety ground and must
meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulations.
CAUTION VOLTAGE
Never remove instrument covers during operation. Component replacement as well as adjustments must only
be made by trained service personnel. Unplug the unit before removing or opening the covers.
DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases.
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 carrier. Before changing the knife carrier, always remove
blade or knife! Unused knives should always be kept in a knife case. Never try to catch a
dropping knife! Never check the sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers. The
cutting edge is extremely sharp! Be careful when sectioning and/or removing sections.
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 side below the handwheel. The foot emergency stop
device is integrated into the foot pedal.

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
HAZARD OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION
When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures.
HAZARD OF INFECTION
Use the appropriate safety and disinfection measures when working with infectious specimens.
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.
HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER
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.

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Fig. 1

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
PART 1 INTRODUCTION
1-1DESCRIPTION OF THE ROTARY MICROTOME HM 355 S
The Rotary Microtome HM 355 S from MICROM International GmbH is a universal heavy duty microtome
for especially sophisticated paraffin, hard-and semi-thin sectioning techniques in biology, medicine and
industry.
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, which is built around 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
HM 300 series. This also includes segment arc, universal specimen holder and glass knife carrier S for glass
and diamond knives. In addition, the stereomicroscope, the large field magnifier, the Histo Collimator and the
backlighting system can be adapted.
Further additional equipment for the HM 355 S are the storage unit with cooling insert for cassettes, brushes
and tweezers as well as the automatic approach system.
The HM 355 S will cut sections in a range from 0,5 up to 100 microns. 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.
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 both the continuous and graduated specimen forward and
backward travel with three different speed settings. This way specimen and knife edge distance can be
adjusted quickly.
A trimming function with defined steps from 5 to 500 microns permits the fine adjustment up to the first cuts
and results in larger section thicknesses when trimming.
The operating panel is placed on the left side of the microtome. It can be removed and usedseparately, also
on the left 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 the speed of the coarse feed and the speed of the cutting movement are
indicated on the display of the operating panel.

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

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
1 -2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS HM 355 S
Microtome: Section thickness range .............................................................. 0,5 -100 µm
Resolution: ...................................................................... 0,5 µm for 0,5 -5 µm
............................................................................................... 1 µm for 5 -20 µm
............................................................................................. 2 µm for 20 -30 µm
............................................................................................. 5 µm for 30 -60 µm
......................................................................................... 10 µmfor 60 -100 µm
Trimming thickness range............................................................... 5 -500 µm
Resolution:........................................................................... 5 µm for 5 -10 µm
......................................................................................... 10 µm for 10 -100 µm
....................................................................................... 20 µm for 100 -200 µm
....................................................................................... 50 µm for 200 -500 µm
Specimen retraction during
return travel of the specimen.................................................................. 60 µm
Horiz. feed range.............................................................................max. 28 mm
Vertical specimen stroke ...............................................................max. 64 mm
Section counter: Five-digit LC display with reset
Sum of section
thicknesses: Five-digit LC display with reset
Remaining travel to front
end position: Five-digit LC display
Specimen size: Standard ...........................................................................................55 x 50 mm
Specimen orientation: x -and y-axes: ............................................................................. universal 8°
z -axis: ............................................................................................... up to 360°
Cutting drive: ................................................................ motorized, electronically controlled
Modes of operation: .................................................interval, single, multi and continuous stroke
Cutting speed: ........................................................................................................ 0 -430 mm/s
Coarse feed: ............................................................ motorized, graduated and continuous
Speed for coarse feed: .......................................................................................400, 800 and 1200 µm/s
Storage
temperature range: .....................................................................................................-20°C to +50°C
Operating conditions: .............................................. +5°C to +40°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)
..............................................................................altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.
.............................................................................................forindoor use only
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
Dimensions: .................................................................. 410x520x280 mm (wide/deep/high)
Weight: ..................................................................................................................... 35 kg

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1SETTING UP THE
MICROTOME
Unpack the microtome and remove the wrapping.
On the lower side of the instrument towards the
front and rear longitudinal axis, there are recessed
grips to lift or carry the microtome. Do not
transport the instrument on the handle of the
handwheel!
Sectioning can be influenced by nearby instruments
which generate vibrations. For this reason, the
microtome should be placed on a stable and
vibration free table. To move the unit on the table,
lift the base slightly at the front end only and slide
it.
NOTE!Remove the section waste tray to move or
carry the instrument. The section waste tray can
be pulled out of its proper position.
2-2INITIAL TURN-ON
CAUTION! Before turning on the instrument for
the first time, please check if the power
requirements indicated on the type plate correspond
to the power supply voltage being used.
The operating panel (fig. 4.1), which is separately
packed, can be attached to the instrument or used
freestanding. Firstly, connect the operating panel
with the instrument. A 37-lead control cable (fig.
2.1) is fixed on the back of the instrument. Connect
this cable with the connector at the back of the
operating panel.
Should the operating panel be attached to the
instrument, push the 37-lead connector through the
corresponding hole (fig. 2.2) on the back of the
microtome. Turn the connector 90° and push it
through the hole on the front of the instrument.
Plug the connector into the operating panel. Fasten
the cable on the panel with the two screws. To
clear away the cable, insert it into the
corresponding holders (fig. 2.3) on the back of the
microtome.
As above-mentioned, the operating panel can be
used freestanding. It can be placed on the left as
well as on the right side of the microtome. For this,
the operating knobs (fig. 4.3 and 4.4) can easily be
removed and placed on the other side of the
operating panel.
Fig. 2
Connect the 5-lead plug of the foot pedal cable into
the outlet (fig. 2.6) and tighten the swivel nut.
NOTE! If the foot pedal is not connected, there is
the operating mode emergency stop (see part 2-6-
7). This way, the handwheel brake is activated and
the cutting drive motor cannot be started. Always
connect the foot pedal!
Connect the power cord to the power socket (fig.
2.4) on the back of the instrument. Turn on the
power switch (fig. 2.5).
Then, the specimen holder moves to the rear end
position. This movement is always carried out
when the instrument is turned on. This way, the
instrument is calibrated.
The insert for the two fuses is placed beside the
power switch. The fuse for the motor supply is
placed on the left side of the mains plug unit.
(See part 5, exchange of fuses).
The terms shown on the display are available in
English, German and French. If desired, the user
can change the language. (see part 2-9, selecting
the indicated language).

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D-69190 Walldorf
2-3CUTTING MOVEMENT AND
RETRACTION
To start the cutting movement of the microtome,
turn the handwheel (or use the motorized cutting
drive). As the specimen moves down, sectioning is
carried out (cutting movement, fig. 3.2). Continue
turning the handwheel to bring the specimen back
up. To protect the knife and specimen during return
travel, the specimen is retracted (R). The yellow
LED RETRACT (fig. 5.1) lights up. If desired, the
function <retraction> can be turned off (see part 2-
8, turning off the function <retraction>). The
instrument is able to adjust the cutting range to the
size of the specimen. This is called the cutting
window (F).
X=selected section thickness
1=specimen
2=cutting movement
3=knife
4=return travel
R=retraction
Fig. 3