Precisionary RF-600 User manual

PRECISIONARY INSTRUMENTS
ROTARY MICROTOME RF-600
For Research & Clinical Studies
User Manual

2
Table of Contents
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Instrument)Type)&)Use)..................................................................................................................................................)4!
Intended)Use)of)the)Instrument).................................................................................................................................)4!
Safety)Devices)....................................................................................................................................................................)4!
Model!Description!...............................................................................................................................!5!
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Technical)Specifications)................................................................................................................................................)5!
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RF-600)Rotary)Microtome)Anatomy)........................................................................................................................)7!
RF-600)Specimen)Head)Clamp)Anatomy)...............................................................................................................)8!
RF-600)Knife)Holder)Base)Anatomy)........................................................................................................................)9!
Installation!...........................................................................................................................................!10!
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Operation!..............................................................................................................................................!14!
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Step%1.%Learn%the%components%of%the%knife%holder%block%............................................................................................%14!
Step%2.%Install%the%knife%holder%to%the%microtome%base%...............................................................................................%16!
Step%3.%Select%and%install%the%specimen%head%clamp%.....................................................................................................%17!
Step%4.%Insert%a%cassette%or%tissue%block%into%the%specimen%head%clamp%..............................................................%17!
Step%5.%Install%a%rotary%microtome%cutting%blade%...........................................................................................................%18!
Step%6.%Use%the%coarse%handwheel%........................................................................................................................................%19!
Step%7.%Adjust%the%tissue%slice%thickness%and%begin%slicing%........................................................................................%20!
Cleaning!&!Maintenance!..................................................................................................................!21!
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Troubleshooting!.................................................................................................................................!22!
Warranty!&!Services!.........................................................................................................................!23!
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Thank You!
Thank you for choosing the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600!
At Precisionary Instruments, we are thrilled to help you get started with your new rotary
microtome, and we take great pride in quality customer service. Please read the following manual
to help you get started with the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600.
Safety
This user manual is a key part of the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600, therefore make
sure to keep it on hand and as close as possible to the instrument itself for future reference.
Specifically, this user manual contains crucial instructions and guidance regarding the safety
and service of the rotary microtome. As a responsible user, it is important to carefully read all of
the materials in the manual before attempting to use the rotary microtome.
The Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600 is in line with the safety requirements for electrical
equipment regarding measurement, control, and laboratory use. Following all of the instructions
and warnings in this user manual. This helps to ensure your safety as the user and helps
prolong the condition of the rotary microtome.
Note
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgements contained in this manual
represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology. We aim to
update the present manual regularly according to the latest technical developments. Please
contact us or visit our website to find the latest versions of this user manual.
Contact [email protected] or call 617-682-0586 for updated information.
Website: http://www.precisionary.com
Dangers, warnings, and cautions appear in a box and are marked by the warning
triangle.
Important information for the user, such as disclaimers, appear in a box and are
marked by the information symbol.
Caution! Follow the accompanying documentation.

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Instrument Type & Use
The information (technical specifications, instructions, and handling of this rotary microtome)
provided in this user manual applies only to the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600 model.
Please only refer to this user manual when handling the Precisionary RF-600 rotary microtome.
The Precisionary RF-600 is meant to be used by trained laboratory personnel only, and is
intended only for professional use. Please read this manual thoroughly and understand all
instructions BEFORE operating this instrument. For your safety and for obtaining the best
possible tissue slicing results, please familiarize yourself with the technical details explained in
this user manual.
Intended Use of the Instrument
We advise that the safety regulations found in this user manual are maintained in good practice
to prevent accidents and/or personal injuries from occurring. Any other use of this instrument,
not in a laboratory nor research setting, is considered improper use.
Safety Devices
Before you begin working with your instrument, it is important that you become familiar with all
devices that provide safety with your machine. Your instrument is equipped with the following
safety devices: a hand wheel lock system, safety guard on the blade and knife holder, and a
blade ejector.
The RF-600 can be easily cleaned with chemical disinfectant (i.e., isopropyl alcohol,
ethanol, etc.). This instrument can be safely cleaned under a UV lamp. Be sure to
wear safety goggles, gloves, a laboratory coat and mask to protect yourself from
contaminants and UV light when cleaning
• Please do not adjust or remove the accessories or protective devices located on
or inside the rotary microtome. It should only be opened and repaired by
Precisionary Instrument engineers.
• Only original accessories and spare parts authorized by Precisionary Instruments
can be used with the RF-600.
• Only Precisionary Instruments-approved power cords should be used, please do
not attempt to replace with any other type. Make sure to contact customer service
if the power plug does not fit.

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Model Description
RF-600 Rotary Microtome General Information
The Precisionary RF-600 rotary microtome is a manual model that is ideal for routine histology
tissue sectioning. This microtome provides high precision cutting and stability, which gives you
reproducible, high-quality wax-embedded and fixed tissue sections.
Key Features:
• High precision specimen feed control
• Compatible with low-profile and high-profile blades
• Specimen clamp is compatible with multiple cassette sizes
• Hand wheel can be locked in any position
• Cutting stage has finger protection guard for increased safety
• Blade ejector is built-in for easy and safe removal of blades
• Spacious waste tray is removeable to allow for easy cleaning
Technical Specifications
Basic Information
Dimensions
22 in (L) x 16 ¾ in (W) x 11 ½ in (H)
Weight
54 lb
Cutting Specifications
Section Thickness Range
0µm – 60µm adjustable as follows:
0µm – 2µm (in 0.5µm increments)
2µm – 10µm (in 1µm increments)
10µm – 20µm (in 2µm increments)
20µm – 60µm (in 5µm increments)
Specimen Vertical Stroke
58 mm
Specimen Horizontal Stroke
23 mm
Specimen Retraction
None
Maximum Specimen Size
38 mm (L) x 28 mm (W); universal cassette size
Sample Orientation
7° along the X-Y axis

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RF-600 Rotary Microtome Components
The Precisionary RF-600 is delivered with everything you need to get started right away to use
your new rotary microtome for cutting experiments. The following items are included with your
RF-600 rotary microtome:
Item Name
Quantity
Part Number (Catalog Number)
RF-600 Manual Rotary Microtome (Mounted
with Specimen Head Cassette Clamp)
1
RF-600
Specimen Head Universal Clamp
1
RF-600-UNIVERSAL-CLAMP
Removable Waste Tray
1
RF-600-WASTE-TRAY
Microtome Knife Block Set (with Low-Profile
Blade Holder)
1
RF-600-KNIFE-BLOCK
High-Profile Blade Holder
1
RF-600-HIGH-HOLDER
Tissue Brush
1
RF-TISSUE-BRUSH
Specimen Metal Molds
4
RF-METAL-MOLDS
Tissue Forceps
1
RF-TISSUE-FORCEPS
Rotary Microtome Low-Profile Cutting Blades
3
RF-BLADES
RF-600 User Manual
1
RF-600-MANUAL
*Please compare the delivered components with this part list and your order. Should you
have any questions about your RF-600 delivery, please contact us at
[email protected]or by phone at [phone]. We are here to help!

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RF-600 Rotary Microtome Anatomy
#
Name
Function
1
Course Feed Wheel
Allows for manual rapid fast forward and fast
backward movement of the specimen head.
2
Specimen Head Rotation
Locking Lever
When loosened, allows for X- and Y- axis rotation
adjustments of the specimen head.
3
Release Knob for Cassette
Clamp
Allows for changing different types of cassette
clamps (universal or standard).
4
Specimen Head X-Axis
Adjustment Knob
Allows for changing the specimen head angle in the
X-axis.
5
Section Thickness Display
Window
Shows the section thickness selected for cutting.
6
Adjustment Knob for Section
Thickness
Adjusts the section thickness for cutting.
7
Handwheel
Used for manual operation of cutting tissue sections.
8
Removable Waste Tray
Collects tissue and waste debris.
9
Locking Lever for Knife Holder
Base
Allows the knife holder base to be locked into place.
10
Locking Lever for Handwheel
Allows for stability of the handwheel anywhere in the
360° during cutting and stopping.

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RF-600 Specimen Head Clamp Anatomy
#
Name
Function
1
Specimen Head Rotation Locking
Lever
When loosened, allows for X- and Y- axis rotation
adjustments of the specimen head.
2
Cassette Clamp Level
Allows cassettes to be inserted and tightly clamped
for slicing.
3
Cassette Holder
Front holder of the specimen head for cassettes.
4
Specimen Head Y-Axis Adjustment
Knob
Allows for changing the specimen head angle in the
Y-axis.
5
Release Knob for Cassette Clamp
Allows for changing different types of cassette
clamps (universal or standard).
6
Specimen Head X-Axis Adjustment
Knob
Allows for changing the specimen head angle in the
X-axis.
7
Groove for Cassette Holder
Groove guide for universal or standard cassette
clamp holders.
8
Universal Cassette Holder
Allows for holding paraffin blocks or cassettes of
non-standard sizes.

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RF-600 Knife Holder Base Anatomy
#
Name
Function
1
Blade Ejector
Safety feature to help easily eject cutting blades for
safe removal.
2
Blade Guard
Safety feature to cover the cutting blade.
3
Clamping Knob for Cutting Blade
Loosens/tightens the cutting stage slot to allow for
insertion and removable of cutting blade.
4
Clamping Knob for Cutting Stage
(Rotation Movement)
Allows for knife holder to be adjusted at different
angles for cutting.
5
Insertion Groove onto Rotary
Microtome Base
Allows for stable insertion onto the rotary microtome
unit base.
6
Clamping Knob for Cutting Stage
(Horizontal Movement)
Allows for knife holder to be adjusted horizontally
(lateral movement).

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Installation
Installation General Information
The following restrictions apply:
• The instrument is for indoor use only.
• Keep the machine in a location with a vibration-free floor that has sufficient load capacity
and rigidity for the weight of the instrument (30 kg).
• The instrument should not be in direct sunlight as to avoid excessive temperature
fluctuations. In addition, this instrument should not be operated directly under the outlet
of an air-conditioning system.
• Chemicals used with the instrument may be flammable and hazardous. Keep the
installation location well ventilated without sources of ignitions of any kind.
• Keep the installation location protected against electrostatic charge.
Do not operate the instrument in rooms with an explosion hazard.
For optimal use of the instrument, make sure that a minimum distance of 12 inches
from walls and furniture is obtained as to avoid heat dissipating appliances within the
vicinity of the instrument.

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Delivery of the Rotary Microtome RF-600
The Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600 is delivered with all safety precautions using freight
shipment. Your rotary microtome will be delivered in a secure wooden crate that will require
disassembly before installation of the instrument. Upon receipt of your rotary microtome
delivery, please complete the following steps:
• Transport the instrument to the desired location. The instrument can be transported with
a forklift or pallet jack.
• The wooden crate containing the rotary microtome must be transported in an upright or
slightly inclined position.
At the final installation location of the uncrated rotary microtome, remove all adhesive tape,
plastic dust wrappers, and accessories.
To ensure safe transport with a forklift, we recommend that 3 people are required: one
operating the forklift, and the other 2 holding the instrument on either side to prevent it
from sliding down.
• When tilting the instrument, ensure that there is at a minimum of 2 people
assisting from the front side to prevent damage to the instrument and injury to
transport personnel.

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Unpacking & Installing the Rotary Microtome RF-600
Begin by unpacking the wooden crate containing the rotary microtome for freight shipment.
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• Using%the%included%uncrating%tool,%shown%below,%loosen%and%remove%the%metal%screws.%
• Lift%off%the%top%wooden%lid%and%set%aside.%%
The rotary microtome will be carefully packaged inside the wooden crate:
• Remove%the%top%foam%cushion.%
• Carefully%lift%out%the%rotary%microtome%with%the%bottom%foam%cushion.%%
• Remove%the%rotary%microtome%from%the%bottom%foam%cushion,%and%unpack%all%accessories.%

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When you receive the rotary microtome, the handwheel will already be installed for you!
• The handwheel is “locked” when it is at the 12 o’clock position (top-most position).
• To unlock the handwheel, pull the handle out to the right. This will allow the handwheel to turn
freely.
Install the waste tray by inserting it in front of the microtome base. The waste tray is removable for easy
clean up.
You’re now done installing the basics of the rotary microtome! Let’s get you started on operating
the rotary microtome. Additional questions? Need assistance? We have multiple ways for you to
contact us, including:
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.precisionary.com
Phone: [phone]

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Operation
Working with the Rotary Microtome RF-600
This section covers the operational procedures of the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-600.
Microtome knives
• Take extreme caution when handling microtome knives/disposable blades as
mishandling sharp objects may cause serious injury.
• Remember to always keep knives/disposable blades accounted for in secured areas.
• Never place a knife/disposable blade on a surface with its cutting edge facing upward.
• Do not attempt to catch a falling knife/disposable blade.
• Always remember to lock the handwheel and ensure that the knife/disposable blade is
covered by the safety guard before handling or changing the specimen.
Step 1. Learn the components of the knife holder block
The knife holder base is composed of three (3) separate components that interlock together:
Always remember to wear safety gloves while operating the instrument.

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Starting from the bottom-most piece, here is what each component does:
Base Component
The base component has a groove opening on the bottom that allows it to slide onto the
microtome unit. The handle on the right side of the base component allows the angle of the
knife holder base to be adjusted for cutting.
Middle Component
The middle component allows for horizontal (or lateral) movement of the cutting stage. This is
advantageous because it allows users to be able to access the entire length of the microtome
cutting blade during slicing. The handle on the left side of the middle component allows the
cutting stage to move horizontally/laterally.
Top Component (Cutting Stage & Blade Holder)
The top component functions as a cutting stage for collection of sectioned tissue slices. It also
contains the knife blade holder. We include two cutting blade safety features on the top
component:
1. Blade guard: This guard covers the entire length of the cutting blade, to protect users.
2. Blade ejector: This piece helps eject the cutting blade for easy removal.

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Step 2. Install the knife holder to the microtome base
Match the grooves on the microtome base (1 and 2 in the image below) to the openings on the
knife holder base (4). Once the knife holder base is installed, lock it securely in place by turning
the handle (3) clockwise.

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Step 3. Select and install the specimen head clamp
We include two types of specimen head clamps for the RF-600:
1. Specimen head clamp for standard sized cassettes.
2. Specimen head clamp for paraffin blocks (called “universal size”).
To switch between the different specimen head clamps, loosen the release knob for the
cassette clamp (3 in the left image below), then slide the specimen head horizontally to remove
it (right image).
Insert the specimen clamp you want until it reaches the right edge of the specimen head holder
(5 in the left image above). After installing the specimen head you desire, tighten the release
knob for the cassette clamp (3 in the left image above).
You can adjust the X-axis (4) and Y-axis (2) angles of the specimen head by loosening the
specimen head rotation locking lever, and adjusting the orientations using the knobs (3 in the
left image above).
Step 4. Insert a cassette or tissue block into the specimen head clamp
Begin by pushing the specimen clamp lever (1 in the left image below) towards you, then
inserting the cassette block into the empty space (2 in the left image below). Once your cassette
is inserted, let go of the specimen clamp lever. The cassette will be securely and firmly held in
place, ready for cutting (right image).

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Step 5. Install a rotary microtome cutting blade
First, loosen the clamping knob for cutting blade (1 in the image below). Then insert a
microtome knife (2 in the image below). Finally, tighten the clamping knob.
You can choose to use either low-profile or high-profile cutting blades with the RF-600 rotary
microtome. Please select the correct cutting stage and knife holder for each type of blade.
Please note the safety guards located on the knife holder.
The knives are very sharp! Handle with care! Never attempt to catch a falling knife!
Always lock the hand wheel and cover the cutting edge with a safety guard before
making any changes to the knife and specimen or when taking a break.

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Step 6. Use the coarse handwheel
To get your tissue sample close to the blade to begin cutting, first use the coarse feed wheel to
rapidly fast forward the specimen head.
• Turning the coarse handwheel clockwise = moves the specimen closer to you.
• Turning the coarse handwheel counter-clockwise = moves the specimen away from you.
As your samples gets closer to the knife, use the normal large handwheel to advance the
specimen head. When you receive the rotary microtome, the handwheel will already be installed
for you!
• The handwheel is “locked” when it is at the 12 o’clock position (top-most position).
• To unlock the handwheel, pull the handle out to the right. This will allow the handwheel
to turn freely.
There is a handwheel lever below the main handwheel. The level allows resistance to be added to the
turning of the handwheel, which provides increased stability when turning anywhere in the 360° turn.

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Step 7. Adjust the tissue slice thickness and begin slicing
Using the tissue thickness dial, select your desired tissue thickness by turning the knob (3 in the
image below). The tissue thickness will be shown in the thickness display window (1 and 2 in
the image below).
You can then begin to cut and collect samples as your reach the region of interest in your
cassette block.