Thermo Scientific HM 450 User manual

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
1
Thermo Scientific
Sliding Microtome
Microm HM 450
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
2

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
3
CERTIFICATION
Thermo Scientific 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 Thermo Scientific 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 Thermo
Scientific. 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.
Thermo Scientific is not liable for any occurring damage.
Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement
without further notice.
This instruction manual will be supplied together with each instrument.
Further copies can be ordered at the nearest Thermo Scientific 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: 387759
English: 387760
French: 387761
Spanish: 387762

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
4
INTENDED USE
Dear valued customer,
Thank you for buying a Thermo Scientific instrument.
Before operating the instrument, please read these instructions carefully to
familiarize you with its proper operation and functions.
The Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450 is a highly efficient
sliding microtome for paraffin sectioning in routine.
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.
Serial No. ...................................................................................
Please check the serial no. on the type plate of your instrument and enter
this number here.
Instruction Manual no. 387760
Issue: March 02nd,2011
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf –Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: in[email protected]
Internet: www.thermoscientific.com

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
5
Intended use
Table of contents
Safety Precautions
Part 1 Introduction
1-1 Description Sliding Microtome HM 450
1-2 Technical Data HM 450
Part 2 Operating Instructions
2-1 Setting up the microtome
2-2 Initial turn-on
2-3 Cutting movement and retraction
2-4 Locking the sledge
2-4-1 Additional Ballast for Sledge
2-5 Setting section thickness and trimming thickness
2-6 Specimen feed
2-6-1 Coarse feed
2-6-2 Trimming and first cuts
2-6-3 Fine feed, manual
2-6-4 Fine feed, automatic
2-6-5 Retract function for compensating the thermal extension
2-7 Operating panel
2-8 Keyboard
2-8-1 Scroll button
2-8-2 Reset button
2-8-3 Memory button
2-8-4 Menu button
2-8-4-1 Automatic/Manual
2-8-4-2 Retraction on/off
2-8-4-3 Speed for coarse feed
2-8-4-4 Language selection
2-8-4-5 Selecting the display mode
2-8-4-6 Time and date
2-8-4-7 Service menu
2-9 Specimen clamping
2-9-1 Standard specimen clamp
2-9-2 Standard specimen clamp
2-9-3 Universal cassette clamp
2-10 Changing the specimen clamp
2-11 Knife carrier
2-11-1 Blade holder for disposable blades

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
6
2-12 Standard equipment
2-13 Additional equipment (optional)
2-13-1 Disposable blade holder
2-13-2 Specimen clamps
2-13-3 Height adjustment plates
2-13-4 Microtome knives
2-13-5 Additional accessories
Part 3 Theory of operation
3-1 Cutting movement
3-2 Specimen coarse feed and trimming function
3-3 Specimen clamping and specimen orientation
3-4 Knife carrier
3-5 Microtome with fast freezing unit
Part 4 Working with the microtome
4-1 Preparation and orientation
4-2 Coarse feed and trimming function
4-3 Sectioning instructions
4-3-1 Condition of the knife edge
4-3-2 Clean knife surfaces
4-4 How to avoid malfunctions
4-4-1 Preparation of the specimen
4-4-2 Specimen temperature
4-4-3 Tightening the clamping screws
4-4-4 Selection of the knife
4-4-5 Adjustment of the knife
4-4-6 Cutting speed
4-4-7 Trimming
Part 5 Maintenance
Part 6 Cleaning and care
Part 7 Conditions for the transportation of the instrument
7-1 Taking back the instrument for repair or routine maintenance
7-2 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
7
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS
The installation and routine use of the Sliding Microtome HM 450 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.
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).

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A T T E N T I O N !
The operator's safety is affected, when the instrument is not operated in accordance with
the 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. Thermo Scientific 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 Electrotechnical 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.
DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases. Moreover, the instrument must
not be exposed to conditions whereby dangerous gas concentrations can occur.
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.

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
9
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.
CARE IN USING MICROTOME KNIFE
To diminish the danger of being injured by the knife or blade, use the knife guard when adjusting specimen
and knife. If possible, the specimen should be clamped in before the knife is inserted into the knife holder.
Before changing the knife holder, always remove blade or knife! Unused knives should always be kept in a
knife case. Never place the knife with the cutting edge upwards. Never try to catch a dropping knife!! Never
check the sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers. The cutting edge is extremely sharp!
HAZARD OF 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.

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
10
Fig. 1

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
11
PART 1 INTRODUCTION
1-1 DESCRIPTION OF THE SLIDING MICROTOME HM 450
The sliding microtome HM 450 from Thermo Scientific is a highly efficient instrument with specimen
retraction during return travel. It can be used for sectioning paraffin in the routine lab. The main applications
are in human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, the sliding microtome can be used for the specimen
preparation in the medical and industrial research. Large and hard specimens from pharmaceuticals industry
or from quality assurance labs can also be sectioned.
The cross roller bearings on sledge and block allow non-tiring working and a smooth sliding movement with
optimal stability.
The HM 450 will cut sections from 0 µm to 100 µm. The specimen clamping can be moved up and
downwards via the two arrow-shaped coarse feed buttons on the left side of the instrument. This way,
specimen and knife edge distance can be adjusted quickly.
The knife carrier is designed so the knives can be easily clamped in place and adjusted.
The coaxial specimen orientation allows orientation with one hand.

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
12
1-2 TECHNICAL DATA HM 450
Microtome: Section thickness range:..........................................0,5 -100 µm
Resolution: .................................................0,5 µm for 0,5...3 µm
.......................................................................1 µm for 3...10 µm
.....................................................................2 µm for 10...20 µm
.....................................................................5 µm for 20...60 µm
.................................................................10 µm for 60...100 µm
Retract function for compensating
thermal extension: ...............................................................2 µm
Trimming section thickness:.....................................10... 500 µm
Resolution: ...............................................10 µm for 10…100 µm
......................................................................20 µm for…200 µm
...............................................................50 µm for 200…500 µm
Specimen retraction during return travel.............................40 µm
Vertical feed range .......................................................... 40 mm
Horizontal knife stroke....................................................190 mm
Cutting drive: ............................................................manual sliding movement
Coarse feed: .......................................................electronic via stepping motor
Feed: ...............................................automatic via sliding movement or
................................................................manual via feed button
Specimen size: ................................................................up to max. 80 x 60 mm
Specimen orientation: x - and y -axes: ...................................................... universal 8°
Transportation-& storage conditions:
Storage temperature range:...................................................................... -20°C up to +50°C
Operating conditions: .......................+5°C up to +35°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)
........................................................altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.
.......................................................................for indoor use only
.........................................Floor loading requirements: 150 kg/m2
Power requirements: ........................................ 100 V...240 V/0,5 A/50...60 Hz/+/-10%
Internal protections:
Secondary circuits: ..........................................F1 on the power supply unit F 2,5 AH
...........................................................F1 on CPU board T1.0 AH
...........................................................F2 on CPU board T2,0 AH
Primary circuits: ..............................................................................2 x T 0,63 AH
Pollution degree: ................................................................................................. 2
Overvoltage category: .................................................................................................II
Sound pressure: ......................................................................................39 dB(A)
measured with 1 m distance to the instrument
Dimensions: ...............................wide: 370 mm, deep: 460 mm, high: 320 mm
Weight: ...........................................................................................23 kg

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
13
PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1 SETTING UP THE MICROTOME
•Unpack the microtome and remove the wrapping.
•To carry the instrument, lift it on the front and rear
side from the lower side.
Warning:
Do not carry the instrument on the
handle of the knife sledge!
•Place the instrument on an even surface in a way
that the knife guidance is moved towards the
user and away from him.
•The coarse feed arrow buttons and the display
should show to the left side and the knife carrier
handle to the right side.
•Choose the installation site so that the mains
switch for separating the instrument from the
power supply is accessible at any time.
Note:
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.
Note:
The standard equipment includes four
rubber feet which are smaller than the
ones that were installed in our factory.
Should the working height be too high when setting
up the microtome, unscrew the original feet and
replace them with the lower ones.

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
14
2-2 INITIAL TURN-ON
Note:
The kind of the used examination
materials and all special conditions for
their processing, pre-treatment and, if
necessary, storage as well as instrument controls
for correct and safe operation is in the
responsibility of the operator.
The operator is also responsible for special
equipment and materials and/or reagents for the
operation of the instrument.
Warning:
Before turning on the instrument for the
first time, please check if the power
requirements indicated on the type plate
(fig. 2) correspond to the power supply voltage
being used!
•Connect the power cord to the power socket (fig.
3.2) on the rear side of the instrument.
•Turn on the power switch (fig. 3.1).
•Whenever the instrument is turned on, the
specimen clamping moves to the lower end
position for initialization.
•Here the instrument type is shown.
•Afterwards, FEED and TRIM are shown in the
normal display mode.
The insert for the two fuses is placed beside the
power switch. (See part 5, Replacing the fuses).
The terms shown on the display are available in
German, English and French. If desired, the user
can change the language himself.
Microm GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
69190 Walldorf, Germany
Type HM 450
Ser. No. XXXXX
Cat. No. 910020
0,5A/100...240V 50...60Hz
Fuse 2 x T 1.6AH
Made in Germany
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
15
2-3 CUTTING MOVEMENT AND
RETRACTION
•To start the cutting movement of the microtome,
move the sledge horizontally.
•The knife (or blade) which is clamped into the
knife carrier is drawn horizontally over the
specimen towards the user. This way, sections
are produced.
•In the front reversal point of the sliding
movement, i.e. when the sledge is moved again
backwards, the specimen is retracted for the
protection of knife and specimen.
•If the function <retraction> is active, this is shown
by the message R:ON in the normal display
mode.
•If desired, the function <retraction> can be turned
off.

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
16
2-4 LOCKING THE SLEDGE
For the protection against injury by unintended
movements of the knife sledge, the microtome is
equipped with a lock of the sledge in any position.
Caution:
The sledge should be locked for the
user's personal safety, e.g. when new
specimens are clamped into position,
knives are exchanged, the instrument is cleaned or
other adjustment processes are carried out.
•The lock is released via a lever on the rear side
of the sledge and is easily accessible from the
right side behind the handle.
Locking the sledge:
•Swivel the locking lever from the upper position
(fig. 4.1) into the lower position (fig. 4.2).
•For this, the red marked lever surface becomes
visible to show the clamped state.
Loosening the sledge:
•Swivel the lever from the lower position (fig. 4.2)
into the upper position (fig. 4.1) until the red mark
cannot be seen anymore.
•The knife sledge can be moved again.
Fig. 4
1
2

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
17
2-4-1 ADDITIONAL BALLAST FOR SLEDGE
As required by users to vary the weight of the
sledge, we have included additional ballast (Fig. 4-
3-1) into the standard equipment.
To assemble the additional ballast, please proceed
as described below:
•Remove the two cover caps, located sideways at
the sledge (Fig. 4-3-2).
•Insert the ballast (Fig. 4-3-1) into the opening and
close it again by using the two cover caps (Fig. 4-
3-2).
•Fix the ballast with the laterally set-screw (Fig. 4-
3-3)
•To remove the ballast, please execute this
procedure in reverse order.
Additional Ballast
Fig. 4-3-1
Fig. 4-3-2
Fig. 4-3-3

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
18
2-5 SETTING SECTION THICKNESS AND
TRIMMING THICKNESS
The required section thickness and trimming
thickness is set via the operating knob on the left
side of the instrument.
To choose between section thickness and trimming
thickness, press the operating knob (fig. 5.1) or the
button on the handle. The respective chosen value
is now shown with a frame on the display.
When the instrument is turned on again, the values
which were chosen when the instrument was
turned off, are shown again.
When turning the operating knob, slight
resistances can be felt.
FEED = selected section thickness
TRIM = selected trimming thickness
The graduation of the section thicknesses is
divided into 5 ranges:
range
graduation
from 0,5 µm to 3 µm 0,5 µm
from 3 µm to 10 µm 1 µm
from 10 µm to 20 µm 2 µm
from 20 µm to 60 µm 5 µm
from 60 µm to 100 µm 10 µm
The graduation of the trimming thicknesses is
divided into 3 ranges:
range
graduation
from 10 µm to 100 µm 10 µm
from 100 µm to 200 µm 20 µm
from 200 µm to 500 µm 50 µm
Fig. 5
1

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
19
2-6 SPECIMEN FEED
2-6-1 COARSE FEED AND SPEED FOR
COARSE FEED
For the fast up and downward travel between
specimen and knife edge, the microtome has a
coarse feed with vertical direction.
•The specimen clamping can be moved 40 mm
vertically up or downwards via the two coarse
feed buttons (fig. 6.1).
•The specimen is moved upwards as long as the
arrow-up-button is being pressed.
•To move the specimen downwards, press the
arrow-down-button.
•If this button is pressed shorter than one second,
the specimen is moved downwards as long as
this button is being pressed.
•If this button is pressed for more than one
second, the specimen is moved downwards even
after releasing the button until lower end position
is reached.
•This mode is shown on the operating panel by
illuminating the red arrow-down.
•The movement is either automatically stopped
when reaching the lower end position or by
pressing again one of the two arrow buttons.
Warning:
It is not recommended to carry out an
exact coarse feed on knife level while
the retraction indication lights up. There
is the risk to destroy the specimen during the first
cuts!
Three different speeds for the coarse feed are
available: 400, 700 and 1000 µm/s. The three
settings are shown on the display by the following
symbols:
* = 400 µm/s,
** = 700 µm/s
*** = 1000 µm/s.
Fig. 6
1

Thermo Scientific Sliding Microtome Microm HM 450
Microm International GmbH
part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A
69190 Walldorf / Germany
387 760 -English
20
2-6-2 TRIMMING AND FIRST CUTS
After the specimen and the knife are adjusted,
further gradual feed for trimming can be carried out
using the function "trimming". For different
sectioning series, deeper layers of the specimen
can be reached with the function "trimming".
Warning:
It is not recommended to carry out an
exact coarse feed on knife level while
the retraction indication lights up. There
is the risk to destroy the specimen during the first
cuts!
The function "trimming" can be activated by
pressing the operating knob or by pressing the
button on the handle.
If the instrument is in the manual feed mode, the
normal display mode shows MAN.
The trimming thickness, which is actually on the
display, is delivered in each rear reversal point of
the sliding movement as long as the arrow-up-
button is briefly pressed.
If the instrument is in the automatic feed mode,
AUT is shown in the lower line of the display.
The actual thickness, which was selected on the
operating knob, is delivered in each rear reversal
point of the sliding movement.