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