PFM Medical Slide 4005 E User manual

Operating Manual
pfm Slide 4005 E
Sliding microtome
Please read this operating manual
carefully before using the instrument
for the first time and make certain
that you are familiar with the method
of operation as well as the instrument’s
operating elements to ensure that it
is used in the correct way.
www.pfmmedical.com
Quality and Experience

2pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Note
Serial number:
Please enter the serial number of your instrument here.It can be found on the nameplate.
Dear Customer,

and make certain that you are familiar with the method of operation as well as the instru-
ment’s operating elements to ensure that it is used in the correct way.
All the information in this operating manual applies to the pfm Slide 4005 E.
Note

3pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Part 1 – Safety instructions 5
1.1 Key to symbols 5
1.2 Intended purpose 7
1.3 User group/user profile 7
1.4 Microtome safety devices 7
1.5 Operating the instrument 8
1.6 General precautions 9
Part 2 – Introduction 10
2.1 View of the pfm Slide 4005 E 10
2.2 Technical data for the pfm Slide 4005 E 11
2.3 Scope of delivery 11
Part 3 – Operating instructions 12
3.1 Transportation, unpacking and setting up the instrument 12
3.2 Assembling the accessories 13
3.3 Initial operation 16
3.4 Switching on the instrument 16
3.5 Operating display 17
3.6 Menu settings 17
3.7 Section movement/fine object adjustment 17
3.8 Setting the section thickness 17
3.9 Function and adjustment of the coarse feed and trimming modes 18
3.10 Retraction of sample 18
3.11 Sectioning the sample 18
3.12 Memo 19
3.13 Remaining feed indication 19
3.14 Section counter 19
3.15 Knife slide lock 19
3.16 Mounting the object 19
3.17 Universal cassette clamp 20
3.18 Standard object clamp 20
3.19 Object orientation 20
3.20 Exchanging the object mounting 21
3.21 Knife holder 21
3.22 Microtome blade holder 22
3.23 Adapter orientable 22
3.24 Section waste tray 22
Part 4 – Working with the microtome 23
4.1 Preparing, embedding and sectioning the object 23
4.2 Information about how to avoid problems 23
4.3 Troubleshooting 24
ContentsContentsContents

4pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Part 5 – Maintenance, cleaning and care 25
5.1 Maintenance 25
5.2 Cleaning and care 25
5.3 Cleaning and care of touchscreen/display 25
5.4 Returning the microtome for repair or maintenance 26
5.5 Decontamination 26
5.6 Instrument fuse 26
5.7 Warranty 27
5.8 Declaration of Conformity 27
Part 6 – Disposal of the microtome when put out of use 28
Part 7 – Accessories 29
ContentsContents

5pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Safety instructions
Part 1 – Safety instructions
Please read this operating manual carefully before working with the pfm Slide 4005 E. Make certain
that you are familiar with the instrument‘s controls and method of operation.Always observe
the following precautions during operation of the instrument.Failure to do so is contrary to the
recognised technical regulations and the intended use of the instrument.
If the above rule is violated, pfm medical ag shall assume no liability.
1.1 Key to symbols
Caution! This symbol indicates a possible danger to life and health.Failing to observe these instruc-
tions can result in severe health impacts, including life-threatening injuries.
Indicates useful information
Indicates a dangerous situation
NOTE
WARNING
Manufacturer
Date of manufacture
In vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device
IVD
Catalogue number
REF
Consult operating manual
PLEASE NOTE The up-to-date electronic operating manual can be found on our website:
http://www.pfmmedical.com/downloads

6pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Safety instructions
Serial number
CE marking
Biohazard warning
SN
The instrument must not be disposed of in normal domestic waste.
It must be collected separately.
Permissible temperature range at the place of use
+10°C - +40°C
Permissible temperature range for storage and transportation
-10°C - +50°C
Permissible humidity range for storage and transportation, and at the place of use
10% - 80% (non-condensing)
10°C
40°C
-10°C
50°C
10%
80%
Keep dry
Fragile, handle with care

7pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
1.2 Intended purpose
The pfm Slide 4005 E is a modern, electronic slide microtome
designed for preparation of thin sections of human and
animal tissue samples of varying hardness, as far as they
are suitable for cutting.The device can be used for all
applications in industry, research and medicine as a
diagnostic aid related to an in vitro examination within
the histopathological process. It may only be operated by
appropriately trained personnel.The sections obtained with
the product should assist the pathologist in the evaluation
of the physiological or pathological condition of the tissue
samples.
1.3 User group/user profile
The pfm Slide 4005 E may only be operated by appropriately

operation of the instrument.

manual must be read so that the user is familiar with the
method of operation and the operating controls.This is
essential to ensure proper handling.
NOTE
The operating manual should be accessible to everyone.

1.4 Microtome safety devices
Finger guard on the knife holder
Before manipulating the knife, microtome blade holder or
object, or changing the object, always cover the blade edge

Knife slide lock
When setting up the object and the knife, the knife slide
must be locked by the locking lever in order to avoid any
danger of injury during the setting up procedure.
1
1
Finger guard
1
Locking lever
1
WARNING
Caution! Protective devices must not be removed from the instrument or modified. The proper functioning
of the protective devices must be checked by the user before starting work.
Safety instructions

8pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Take care when handling knives and microtome blades;
the blade edge is very sharp and may cause severe injury.
When setting up the sample and the knife/blade holder,
the knife slide lock should be locked by the locking lever
to prevent injuries.The blade edge should be covered with

Select the correct blade holder for the microtome blade

When setting up the knife/microtome blade in the blade
holder, make sure that the blade edge is in the correct
position.The blade edge should always be pointing down.
The microtome blade should always be completely covered
by the pressure plate of the blade holder and not be
protruding.

knife/blade holder into the knife holder.

the sample and the knife/microtome blade.


Never try to catch a falling knife/blade holder.
Take care during sectioning and when removing sections;
the blade edge is very sharp and may cause severe injury.
When sectioning, always wear the necessary personal
protective equipment (PPE) (safety work shoes/protective
gloves/cut-resistant gloves/face mask/protective goggles).
After completing the work, always remove the knife/blade
holder from the instrument.For the blade holder, ensure
that the knife/microtome blade has been removed
beforehand.
A knife/blade holder that is not in use should always be
kept in a safe place (e.g. a knife box) for safety reasons. For
the blade holder, ensure that the knife/microtome blade is
removed beforehand.
Observe all warnings.
Warnings on the instrument must not be removed or
obscured.
Only use suitable accessories and connecting cables
recommended/supplied by pfm medical.
If the instrument fuse needs to be replaced, the param-

If unusual noises develop,please contact your responsible
pfm service technician or contact pfm medical ag directly.
The instrument may only be opened and repaired by
service technicians trained and authorised by pfmmedical.
No corrosive, acidic or alkaline solutions should be used in
the vicinity of the instrument.They could cause corrosion
and damage the instrument and accessories.
To prevent slip hazards, laboratory shoes should be worn

microtome and surrounding area.
1.5 Operating the instrument
Safety instructions

9pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Safety instructions
Please take special note of the following warnings:
Beware of explosive gases
The instrument must not be used if dangerous gas
concentrations could occur in the surrounding area.
Risk of infection
When working with infectious materials,appropriate
safety measures must be implemented.The samples used
may potentially be infectious.The general laboratory rules
regarding protection against infections must therefore be
observed.
Risk of radioactivity
When working with radioactive materials, the radiation
protection regulations must be followed. Protective clothing
must be worn in accordance with the rules and regulations
that apply in your laboratory for handling radioactively
contaminated materials.For the disposal of radioactive waste,
the applicable regulations will apply in each instance.
Risk of chemical substances
Some of the alloys used in the components of this instrument
contain small amounts of lead for improved machining.The

used as intended,the lead in the alloys is not released and
does not represent any risk to the user.As an additional
precaution,we recommend that you wear gloves when
changing the accessory parts.

the EU Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH) at:
http://www.pfmmedical.com/downloads
Avoiding malfunctions
To avoid malfunctions,the instrument must not be used
close to radio transmitters, e.g. mobile phones. If the

your dealer.
Caution

please check that the supply voltage/frequency at the place

Protective earthing of the instrument
To avoid the risk of electrocution, the instrument must be
properly connected to an earth conductor.The instrument
is equipped with a mains power plug with earth conductor.
It is very important to check that the mains power outlet
used is equipped with an earth conductor, and that it
complies with the regulations of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Mains voltage precautions
Never remove any part of the housing.The replacement of
components and alignment must only be carried out by
trained service technicians.
Electromagnetic interference
The electromagnetic environment should be assessed before
the microtome is operated. Do not use this instrument near
strong sources of electromagnetic radiation (for example,
unshielded, intentionally operated high-frequency sources)
because these can interfere with the proper operation of the

the standard IEC 61326-2-6 on immunity and emissions.
1.6 General precautions
WARNING
Caution! Switch off the instrument and pull out
the mains power plug before removing any part
of the housing.

10 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Part 2 – Introduction
Introduction
Knife holder
Finger guard
Universal cassette clamp
Protection tray
1
2
10
311
6
57
8
9
Adjustment screws for
X/Y object orientation
Operating display
Clamping lever
Section waste tray
Control wheel Settings
Control wheel Coarse
Feed/Trimming
Housing
2.1 View of the pfm Slide 4005 E
1
2
4
5
7
8
6
9
10
11
3
4

11pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Fine feed: automatically via sliding movement
Section thickness:
Setting range:


Coarse feed: automatically
Coarse feed speed: 1.0 mm/s
Trimming mode:
Retraction:
operation)
Remaining feed indication 1 mm horizontal: visual and
audible
Object orientation: x- and y-axes universal 12°,
z-axis up to 220° (with the exception of large object
clamps)
Vertical range: 30 mm
Horizontal range: 160 mm
Maximum sample size:



cassettes
Power supply: 100/120/230/240 V AC,50 - 60 Hz
Operating environment altitude: up to 2,000 m above
sea level
Pollution degree (according to IEC 61010-1): II
Overvoltage category (according to IEC 61010-1): II
Fluctuations in mains voltage: ±10% of the mains voltage
IP protection class: IP20
Dimensions (W/D/H): 300 x 420 x 300 mm
Weight: 22 kg
2.2 Technical data for the pfm Slide 4005 E
Introduction
2.3 Scope of delivery
pfm Slide 4005 E
REF: 400510
Scope of delivery
Base device
1 Protective cover
Without knife holder
Without object clamp
Without section waste tray
NOTE
The up-to-date electronic operating manual can be found
on our website: http://www.pfmmedical.com/downloads

12 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Part 3 – Operating instructions
Before unpacking the delivery, please check that it is
complete and undamaged.
Disassemble the packaging and remove the instrument
and accessories from the packaging.The accessories are
packaged separately.
Take care when unpacking the instrument.The instrument
is very heavy and should be removed from the packaging
and transported to the installation location by at least two
people for safety reasons.
When lifting the instrument out of the packaging and
during transportation, the instrument should only be
handled at the base plate.Do not carry or lift the instrument
at the handwheel, knife holder or knife slide.
Please read the operating manual carefully before using

When setting up or moving the instrument, make sure

set-up area.
The instrument should be placed on a stable,vibration-
free table or desk.

surface.
If other instruments in the vicinity of the microtome
generate vibrations, these can interfere with the sectioning
process.
Position the instrument so that the mains power plug is
always accessible.
Room temperature at the installation location of the
instrument between +10°C and +40°C.
Relative humidity at the installation location of the
instrument max.80% (non-condensing).
Ambient temperature during the transportation and
storage of the instrument: between -10° and +50°C.
Relative humidity during the transportation and storage
of the instrument: max.80% (non-condensing).
The operator is responsible for checking that the instrument is working properly and safely.The operator shall assume
responsibility for any use of special equipment and/or materials for operating the instrument.
NOTE
If possible, retain the original packaging for the entire lifetime of the instrument so that you can repackage the
instrument correctly if it needs to be sent for servicing.
3.1 Transportation, unpacking and setting up the instrument
Operating instructions

13pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructions
3.2 Assembling the accessories
Object orientation clamping lever
Object orientation adjustment screws
Orientable adapter
1
2
3
3
1
2
Adapter orientable
Assembling the object clamps with/without adapter
Universal cassette clamp,
orientable
Universal cassette clamp,non-
orientable (without adapter)
Release and remove the object orientation clamping lever.
Turn the two adjustment screws for object orientation to the tangible zero-point (marked in red).
Insert the object clamp with the adapter, paying attention to the position of the hole so that the clamping lever can later

Clamp the object clamp using the clamping lever.

NOTE
Some object clamps are optionally also available as a non-orientable version. For use on the instrument, the object clamp


14 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructions
Knife holder
2
Button (clearance angle adjustment)
Clamping screws
Finger guard
1
3
1
2
3
2
Pressure plate clamping lever
Finger guard
1
2
1
Fitting a FEATHER® microtome blade holder in the knife holder

Loosen the two clamping screws.
Insert the microtome blade holder into the knife holder from the side.
Clamp the microtome blade holder using the two clamping screws.

Assembling the knife holder
2
Knife holder
Knife holder clamping lever
1
2
1
Release and completely remove the clamping lever.
Insert the adapter on the knife holder into the microtome.Take note of the position of the hole, so that the clamping

Clamp the clamping lever.


15pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructions
Inserting the microtome blade into the FEATHER® microtome blade holder

Loosen the pressure plate screws.
Remove the microtome blade from the dispenser and carefully slide it under the pressure plate from the side.
Make sure that the microtome blade is positioned parallel to the pressure plate.
Now tighten the pressure plate screws again.

Feather® microtome blade S35
1 2
Pressure plate
Screw
1
2
Section waste tray
The section waste tray is only attached to the
pfm Slide 4005 E and can be removed at any time.
Inserting the microtome blade into the pfm blade holder

Release the clamping eccentric for the pressure plate.
Remove the microtome blade from the dispenser and carefully slide it under the pressure plate from the side.
Make sure that the microtome blade is positioned parallel to the pressure plate.
Clamp the pressure plate using the clamping lever.


16 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructions
3.3 Initial operation
Connection socket
Instrument fuse
Power switch
1
2
3
12
3.4 Switching on the instrument
After switching on the instrument,an audible signal can
be heard and “REFERENCING” is shown on the display The
reference run is started by pressing START .After this, the
display automatically goes back to the control panel display.
WARNING
Caution! Do not operate the instrument if the
display has no function, shows illogical or
incorrect values or is damaged.
3

must make sure that the supply voltage and frequency


Always connect the instrument to an earthed wall socket.
Plug the power cable into the socket on the back of the
instrument.
The insert for the instrument fuse (T2.0A) is situated next
to the connection socket.
Now switch on at the power switch on the instrument.
1=ON, 0=OFF
WARNING
Caution! Only use the mains power cable with
ferrite core supplied with the instrument.
Caution! Do not operate the instrument if the
mains power cable is damaged.
Caution! Do not use an extension cable.
Caution! If the instrument is not operated with
the mains power cable supplied, the user must
carry out a safety test with the new mains power
cable before using the instrument for the first
time.

17pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
3.5 Operating display
Operating instructions
1
2 3
4
5
6
87 9
Section thickness
Trimming
Trimming automatically/manually
Retraction
Counter
Remaining feed
Menu
Memo
Delete
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3.6 Menu settings
Press the MENU button to get to a submenu with the
following subfunctions:
Buzzer
Press the BUZZER 
Language
Press the LANGUAGE 
languages.
Brightness
Press the BRIGHTNESS button to adjust the brightness of
the display.There are three levels in total.
Reset/factory default settings
Press the RESET button to reset the instrument to
factory defaults.
3.7 Section movement/fine object adjustment
The cutting movement of the microtome is created by
moving the knife slide horizontally. In doing so,the blade/
knife that is clamped into the knife holder is pulled
horizontally over the clamped sample in the direction
of the operator.The section is created during this process.
This process is simplified by the ergonomically designed
handle on the knife slide.
Press the THICKNESS button to select the required section
thickness by turning the Settings control wheel.Press the
THICKNESS button again or press the Settings control wheel
to save the set value.
3.8 Setting the section thickness
Adjusting the section thickness during sectioning
It is also possible to change the preset section thickness
during the sectioning by turning the Settings control wheel.

18 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructions
By pressing the Trimming/Coarse Feed control wheel you
can switch between trimming and coarse feed.Press the
TRIMMING button to select the required value by
turning the Settings control wheel. Press the TRIMMING
button again or press the Settings control wheel to save the
set value.
Trimming function
The trimming function can be used to select either manual
or automatic sectioning of the sample.The required function
is activated by pressing the MAN or AUT button.
When the TRIMMING AUT function has been activated,
the AUT button blinks.
Adjusting the trimming thickness during the trimming
It is also possible to change the preset trimming thickness
during the trimming by turning the Settings control wheel.
Automatic trimming (Trimming AUT)

turning the Trimming/Coarse Feed control wheel forwards

If the function is deactivated,the infeed automatically
reverts to the preselected section thickness.
3.9 Function and adjustment of the coarse feed and trimming modes
WARNING
Caution! The advance via Trimming AUT is
interrupted only when the function is
deactivated again using the control wheel
(turning it forwards).
Manual trimming (Trimming MAN)
In manual trimming, infeed occurs only when the Trimming/
Coarse Feed control wheel is turned forwards during
sectioning. If the control wheel is released, the infeed
automatically reverts to the preselected section thickness.
Coarse feed functions
The coarse feed function is intended to quickly change the
distance from the sample to the knife or away from the
knife. In the coarse feed mode the advance feed only works
when the Trimming/Coarse Feed control wheel is turned
forward.
WARNING
Caution! The vertical lift is restricted upwards
and downwards.
Caution! Always adjust the trimming thickness
setting to the size of the sample.
The retraction function is activated by pressing the
RETRACTION button.Turn the Settings control wheel to
select the required value. Press the RETRACTION button on
the display again or press the Settings control wheel to save
the set value.The retraction serves to protect the sample
3.10 Retraction of sample
and the knife.At the front reversal point of the knife slide
movement stroke (where the knife slide is retracted), the
retraction is activated,and the object moves downwards in
accordance with the set value.If no retraction is to be set,
this value must be set to “zero”.
3.11 Sectioning the sample
Release the knife slide lock.
To coarsely advance the object towards the knife,select
the coarse feed mode using the Trimming/Coarse Feed
control wheel.
Feed the object in the direction of the knife using the
coarse feed setting.
Change to trimming mode (AUT/MAN) by pressing the
Trimming/Coarse Feed control wheel and trim the sample.
If automatic trimming is deactivated (TRIMMING AUT)
or if the Trimming/Coarse Feed control wheel is released
(TRIMMING MAN) the infeed automatically reverts to the
preselected section thickness.

19pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
By pressing the MEMO button (acoustic signal), the
sample’s present vertical position is saved.
By pressing the MEMO button again, the saved sample
position is restored.
3.12 Memo
The remaining feed is indicated acoustically and optically.

on the display. In the reference position “Rear” the value
3.13 Remaining feed indication
30000 is shown on the display. In the end position “Front”
the value 0 is shown.An acoustic signal sounds between
the positions 29000 and 30000 and between 1000 and 0 to

REMAINING FEED 00000
A section counter is used to add up the sections performed.
After each forward movement of the slide, the counter
increases by one.By pressing the DEL button, the
section counter is set to zero.
3.14 Section counter
Locking lever
1
3.15 Knife slide lock
Operating instructions
1
1
The slide can be locked in the back, middle and front
positions by pulling out the locking lever on the knife slide.
This device should be used when handling the knife/
microtome blade holder and/or object in order to reduce the
danger of injury.
WARNING
Caution! Operation of the locking lever is
possible outside the front, middle and rear
end positions; however, the slide is not solidly
locked, only lightly positioned.
3.16 Mounting the object

In connection with the adapter orientable, the object can
be easily aligned to the sectioning level. Using the adapter

in order to use a rigid connection without object orientation.
WARNING
Caution! It is imperative that the knife slide be
locked when working in the object orientation
area.
Object mounting
1

20 pfm Slide 4005 E Rev. 2022-03-31
Operating instructionsOperating instructions
3.17 Universal cassette clamp
3.18 Standard object clamp
3.19 Object orientation
X/Y adjustment screws
Clamping lever
1
2
1
2
The universal cassette clamp,which is operated via the
clamping lever, is used for mounting standard embedding
cassettes.The clamping lever must be pulled upward to
insert or withdraw an embedding cassette.
WARNING
Caution! The contact surfaces on the cheeks of
the object clamps must be free of any residual
paraffin. Otherwise proper clamping cannot be
guaranteed.

blocks which are square or rectangular in shape.The object

place with the clamping screw over the movable jaw.
WARNING
Caution! The contact surfaces on the cheeks of
the object clamps must be free of any residual
paraffin. Otherwise proper clamping cannot be
guaranteed.
In order to move the object to the required position, the

Movement of the object along the x- and y-axes is possible
using the coaxial adjusting screws.The clamping lever is
set to the clamp position as soon as the required position is
