Thermo Scientific HM525 NX Series Manual

Thermo Scientific HM525 NX
Product Code 956640, 956641,
956650, 956651
Operator Guide
388159 Issue 10

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Thermo Scientific HM525 NX Operator Guide
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Company Information
© Copyright 2016. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is the world leader in serving science, offering a
unique combination of innovative technologies. Thermo Scientific is a brand name of Thermo Fisher
Scientific.
All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries.
Thermo Fisher Scientific makes every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this supporting
document is correct and clearly stated, but does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. The
development of Thermo Scientific products and services is an ongoing process. Please ensure that any
published information you use as a reference is up to date and relates to the condition of the product. If
necessary, check with your local Thermo Fisher Scientific representative.
This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or
converted to any electronic or other form without prior written consent of Thermo Fisher Scientific. All
information contained in this manual is proprietary and confidential, and the exclusive property of
Thermo Fisher Scientific and is protected by copyright.
Contact Addresses:
Thermo Shandon Limited (Trading as
Thermo Fisher Scientific),
Tudor Road, Manor Park,
Runcorn, WA7 1TA, UK
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: http://www.thermoscientific.com/pathology
USA Distributor:
Richard-Allan Scientific
Subsidiary of Thermo Fisher Scientific
4481 Campus drive
Kalamazoo
MI 49008
USA
This instrument conforms to the essential requirements of:
IVD Directive 98/79/EC
and its harmonized standards under Union harmonization legislation

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HM525 NX 110V
EC Regulation No 517/2014 – Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations
Contains fluorinated greenhouse gases
Refrigerant: R404A
R404A GWP value = 3992
System charge weight = 0.182 Kg
System CO2 equivalent charge weight = 0.713 tonnes
HM525 NX 230V
EC Regulation No 517/2014 – Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations
Contains fluorinated greenhouse gases
Refrigerant: R404A
R404A GWP value = 3992
System cha rge weight = 0.190 Kg
System CO2 equivalent charge weight = 0.758 tonnes

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EMC Statement
This IVD equipment complies with the emissions and immunity requirements of IEC 61326-2-6:2012
and IEC 61326-1:2012.
This equipment has been designed and tested to CISPR 11:2009+A1:2010 Class A.
It is intended for use in a laboratory environment by a trained and qualified professional. In a domestic
environment it may cause radio interference, in which case it may be necessary to take measures to
mitigate the interference.

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Important Note Regarding Instrument Variants
This document is designed for use with all the Thermo Scientific HM525 NX.
Only two variants UVC and none UVC are available on this instrument and the instructions contained in
this manual are not specific to any one variant. Thus some features described may not be available on
your instrument.
This IFU is valid for the variants listed below:
Product Code Product Variant
956640 HM525 NX 100-120V 50/60 Hz
965641 HM525 NX UV 100-120V 50/60 Hz
956650 HM525 NX 220-230V 50/60Hz
956651 HM525 NX UV 220-230V 50/60Hz

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Symbols
The following symbols and conventions may be used throughout this document and on the instrument:
This symbol is used on the instrument, or in a document, to indicate that instructions
must be followed for safe and correct operation. If this symbol appears on the
instrument, always refer to the operator guide.
This symbol is used on the instrument, or in a document, to indicate that there are
potential biological risks associated with the instrument and / or instrument use.
Always use Good Laboratory Practice.
This symbol indicates that a surface is hot. If this symbol appears on the instrument,
always refer to the operator guide.
Cold surface, if necessary, use gloves
This symbol is shown in the manual and on the instrument to indicate that hand
injuries are possible due to moving parts. Take suitable precautions.
Cutting hazard, sharp edges, watch your fingers.
This symbol is used on the instrument, or in a document, to indicate that irritants or
potentially harmful chemicals are present. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets for
the products, and always use Good Laboratory Practice.
This symbol is used to identify the UV disinfection system. Do not open the window
when the disinfection cycle is in process and do not look directly at the UV light.
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).
Manufacturer.

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Serial number It is stated on the product label sticker.
It is built up as follows: SYYMMXXXX
S=Production site, Y=year of production, M=Month of production, X= Counter
So the serial number states the production date of the device
SN

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Table of Contents
COMPANY INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................3
EMC STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................... 5
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING INSTRUMENT VARIANTS ................................................................................6
SYMBOLS ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................9
SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................12
GENERAL SAFETY................................................................................................................................................... 12
CHEMICAL SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................. 13
ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
WARRANTY STATEMENT......................................................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................14
INTENDED USE...................................................................................................................................................... 14
INSTRUMENT FEATURES.......................................................................................................................................... 14
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................................... 15
Mechanical Specifications............................................................................................................................ 15
Electrical Specifications................................................................................................................................ 15
Environmental Specifications....................................................................................................................... 15
Cooling Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 16
Microtome and Sectioning Specifications .................................................................................................... 16
Factory Settings ........................................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER 2 – INSTRUMENT SETUP .................................................................................................................18
UNPACKING AND REPACKING................................................................................................................................... 18
Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................................... 18
UNPACKING PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................................ 18
General Information..................................................................................................................................... 18
Unpacking the Instrument ........................................................................................................................... 19
Repacking the Instrument............................................................................................................................ 21
LOCATION AND SETUP ............................................................................................................................................ 22
IDENTIFICATION OF PARTS....................................................................................................................................... 23
Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Connections Panel........................................................................................................................................ 23
Cryochamber................................................................................................................................................ 23
SOLID KNIFE HOLDER ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Inserting the Knife........................................................................................................................................ 24
Height Adjustment of the Knife.................................................................................................................... 24
Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device: ....................................................................................................... 25
Selecting the clearance angle: ..................................................................................................................... 25
DISPOSABLE BLADE HOLDER EC ............................................................................................................................... 26
Inserting the Blade....................................................................................................................................... 26
Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device ........................................................................................................ 27
Selecting the clearance angle ...................................................................................................................... 27
DISPOSABLE BLADE HOLDER EC 70 .......................................................................................................................... 28
Inserting the Blade....................................................................................................................................... 28

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Fine Adjustment of the Anti-Roll Device....................................................................................................... 29
Selecting the Clearance Angle...................................................................................................................... 29
Specimen Head HM525 NX .......................................................................................................................... 29
SETUP ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
SPECIMEN SETUP .................................................................................................................................................. 31
CHAPTER 3 – OPERATION...............................................................................................................................32
SWITCHING ON..................................................................................................................................................... 32
SYSTEM INTERFACING............................................................................................................................................. 33
Using the Touch screen ................................................................................................................................ 33
Main Screen ................................................................................................................................................. 33
SETTING PREFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 35
Quick Freezing of the Specimen ................................................................................................................... 35
SET THE SPECIMEN HEAD POSITION .......................................................................................................................... 36
MICROTOME /CHAMBER TEMPERATURE ................................................................................................................... 37
Setting the Temperature.............................................................................................................................. 37
TRIM AND FINE SECTION THICKNESS ......................................................................................................................... 38
Set the Fine Section Thickness...................................................................................................................... 38
MULTI-FUNCTION BAR........................................................................................................................................... 39
Trim Button .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Trimming...................................................................................................................................................... 39
Time and Date.............................................................................................................................................. 39
Outstanding Service Message...................................................................................................................... 40
Counter ........................................................................................................................................................ 40
Retraction .................................................................................................................................................... 41
HANDWHEEL LOCK ................................................................................................................................................ 42
MENU................................................................................................................................................................. 42
LANGUAGE........................................................................................................................................................... 42
Set the Language ......................................................................................................................................... 42
TIME AND DATE .................................................................................................................................................... 43
Set the Date ................................................................................................................................................. 43
Set the Day................................................................................................................................................... 43
Set the Month .............................................................................................................................................. 43
Set the Year.................................................................................................................................................. 43
Change to ISO Format.................................................................................................................................. 44
Setting the Time........................................................................................................................................... 44
Set the Minutes ............................................................................................................................................ 44
Set the Hour ................................................................................................................................................. 44
Set the Time Format..................................................................................................................................... 44
UV OPTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 45
SET THE DURATION OF THE UV CYCLE ....................................................................................................................... 45
CHAMBER LIGHT ................................................................................................................................................... 47
STANDBY MODE ................................................................................................................................................... 47
DISPLAY LOCK....................................................................................................................................................... 48
Deactivate the Display Lock ......................................................................................................................... 48
DEFROST ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
IMMEDIATE DEFROST ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Start the Defrost Immediately...................................................................................................................... 49
Abort the Defrost ......................................................................................................................................... 49

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PROGRAMMING THE DEFROST CYCLE ........................................................................................................................ 50
Program the Daily Defrost Cycle .................................................................................................................. 50
LOG FILE.............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Enter the Log File ......................................................................................................................................... 51
FACTORY SETTINGS................................................................................................................................................ 52
Reset to Factory Settings ............................................................................................................................. 52
Display Icons with Text................................................................................................................................. 52
SCREEN ............................................................................................................................................................... 53
Screen Brightness......................................................................................................................................... 53
SERVICE............................................................................................................................................................... 53
HEAT EXTRACTOR.................................................................................................................................................. 54
SECTIONING PROCEDURES....................................................................................................................................... 55
Cutting Movement and Retraction .............................................................................................................. 55
Trimming and First Cuts............................................................................................................................... 55
Sectioning and Taking Off Sections.............................................................................................................. 56
HAND WHEEL LOCK............................................................................................................................................... 57
Mechanical Handwheel Brake ..................................................................................................................... 57
HOW TO AVOID MALFUNCTIONS.............................................................................................................................. 58
CHAPTER 4 – TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................................................59
TROUBLESHOOTING TABLES..................................................................................................................................... 59
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SECTIONING ........................................................................................................................... 62
TEMPERATURE LIST FOR CRYO-SECTIONING................................................................................................................ 63
CHAPTER 5 – MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF THE HM525 NX .......................................................................... 64
CLEANING THE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY..................................................................................................................... 64
SHUTTING OFF FOR CLEANING ................................................................................................................................. 64
CLEANING AND CARE ............................................................................................................................................. 65
Cleaning and Care during Routine Work...................................................................................................... 65
Cleaning the Cooling Vent............................................................................................................................ 65
CONDITIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE INSTRUMENT ....................................................................................... 66
Returning the instrument for repair or routine Maintenance...................................................................... 66
Disposal of the Instrument after Final Shutdown ........................................................................................ 67
ACCESSORIES STANDARD EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................................................... 68
Additional equipment (optional).................................................................................................................. 68
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................ 70

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Safety Information
Thermo Scientific instruments are designed for convenient and reliable service; however, improper use or
handling by a user may damage the instrument, or cause a hazard to health. The instrument must not be
used in a manner not specified by Thermo Shandon Limited. Correct maintenance procedures are
essential for consistent performance. It is recommended that users secure a maintenance contract with our
service department acting on behalf of Thermo Shandon Limited.
Any problems and queries should be referred to your Thermo Fisher Scientific service department.
The following sections contain important information for the safe setup and use of the
instrument, and should be read and understood by the user before using the instrument.
General Safety
This instrument, as supplied, conforms to IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-101;
however, the addition of chemicals introduces potential hazards. Good Laboratory
Practice must be employed and consideration must be given to the potential for hazard
when dealing with these chemicals.
Do not use the instrument in close proximity to strong electromagnetic radiation, as
these may interfere with the proper operation. The electromagnetic environment should
be evaluated prior to operation of the device.
Good Laboratory Practice must be used when handling tissue samples to prevent cross
contamination and infection. The user should complete a risk assessment to determine
any potential hazards related to tissue handling.
•Do not introduce any source of ignition into, or near, the instrument once it has
been loaded with reagents.
•Do not remove any panels or access covers, unless specifically instructed to do so.
The instrument does not have any
user serviceable parts. Potentially lethal voltages
are present inside the instrument.
•The instrument must be properly connected to a good earth (ground) via the
Mains input supply and positioned such that it is possible to interrupt the Mains
supply at the source by removing the plug from the socket.
•Use only factory approved accessories or replacement parts within the instrument.
•Only use reagents recommended in the operator guide.

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Chemical Safety
The introduction of chemicals creates potential hazards. Thermo Fisher Scientific has adopted the
following position with regard to the subject of volatile chemicals used in laboratories:
•Customers using non-specified chemicals in the instrument, do so at their own risk.
•
All chemicals recommended by Thermo Fisher Scientific have auto-ignition
temperatures considerably above any surface temperatures that can be reached
during a single fault failure on the instrument.
•The instrument
contains no source of ignition in any areas of the instrument where
chemicals are stored, or likely to leak into, in a single fault condition.
•
The operator is fully aware of the contents of the specification documents detailing
the properties of the chemicals they are using.
•
The operator has carried out any legally required assessment of chemicals used and
is using Good Laboratory Practice.
Environment
This instrument complies with the European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC. It is marked with the following symbol:
Thermo Fisher Scientific on behalf of Thermo Shandon Limited has contracts with one or more recycling
/ disposal companies in each EU Member State, and this product and packaging should be disposed of or
recycled through them. For further information contact your Thermo Fisher Scientific service
representative.
Warranty Statement
Thermo Shandon Limited as part of Thermo Fisher Scientific is proud of their quality, reliability and of
our after-sales service. We continuously strive to improve our service to our customers.
Please ask your distributor or Thermo Fisher Scientific representative about service contracts which can
help maintain your instrument in an optimal operating condition.
Warranty provisions necessarily vary to comply with differences in national and regional legislation.
Specific details can be found in the delivery documentation or from your dealer or representative.
Please note that your warranty may be invalidated if:
•This instrument is modified in any way, or not used as intended by Thermo Shandon Limited.
•Accessories and reagents which have not been approved by Thermo Fisher Scientific are used.
•The instrument is not operated or maintained in accordance with instructions.

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Intended Use
The Thermo Scientific cryostat HM525 NX is an in vitro diagnostic device, designed to
take precision sections of tissue specimens including the sectioning of paraffin embedded
samples in medical, pharmaceutical laboratories as necessary preparation for their
examination. Only qualified and trained laboratory personnel may operate the HM525
NX.
The instrument may only be operated within the scope of its intended use as described above and as per
the instructions given in this manual.
Any other use of this instrument is considered as improper operation.
Instrument Features
The HM525 NX is a precision-engineered, ergonomically-designed, high-performance cryostat in
modular design with a stainless steel cooling chamber. Some of its features are:
•Colour touch-screen user interface.
•Lighted window, easy positioning.
•Intricate freezing device down to max. -55°C via the cryobar.
•Automatic or manual defrost.
•Stainless Steel cooling chamber.
•Chamber temperature regulation variable from +5°C down to -35°C.

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Technical Specifications
Mechanical Specifications
Depth 760 mm (29.9 in)
Width 640 mm (25.19 in) w/o handwheel
Height Range 1150 mm ( 45.3 in)
Maximum Weight 143 kg (315.2 lb)
Electrical Specifications
Power Requirements
Dedicated line recommended.
100V, 50
/60Hz, 7A, +/-10%, 110-120V, 60Hz, 7A, +/-10%
220
-230V, 50/60Hz, 4A, +/-10%
BTU
1020BTU/hour
Environmental Specifications
For Indoor Use Only
Temperature (Operating Limits) +5°C to +35°C (+41°F to +95°F)
(at a max. Relative humidity of 60%)
Temperature
(Recommended Operation)
+15°C to +30°C (+59°F to +86°F)
Note
Performance may deteriorate when operated outside of this
range.
Temperature
(Transport and Storage) -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
Relative Humidity Max. 60% RH up to 35°C
Altitude Up to 2000 m (6,500 ft)
Pollution Degree 2
Over Voltage Category II
Floor Loading Requirements 230 kg/m² (507 lb/ft²)
Protection Class I
Sound Emission 45 dB (A) - measured with 1m distance to the instrument.
Refrigerant R404a, filling amount: 100...120V 175g 220...240V 175g

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Cooling Specifications
Cryobar Cooling (Peltier Element) Max. - 55°C (-67°F)
Chamber Temperature Max. -35°C -2K/+1K (-31°F -2K/+1K) at +20°C room
Temp. (decrease 0,7°C/1°C room temp. increase)
Defrosting Options Programmed / Immediate
Microtome and Sectioning Specifications
Section Thickness Range 1 – 500 µm
Fine Section Thickness Range 1 – 100 µm
Fine Section Thickness Resolution
1 – 10 µm in 1 µm steps
10 µm – 20 µm in 2 µm steps
20 µm – 50 µm in 5 µm steps
50 µm – 100 µm in 10 µm step
Trimming Thickness Range 5 – 500 µm
Trimming Thickness Resolution
5 – 30 µm in 5 µm steps
30 µm – 100 µm in 10 µm steps
100 µm – 200 µm in 20 µm steps
200 µm – 500 µm in 50 µm steps
Specimen Retraction (Return Travel) 20 µm
Vertical Specimen Stroke 64 mm
Horizontal Specimen Movement 28 mm
Specimen Approach Automated via arrow buttons
Chuck Size 30, 40 mm (additional special sizes are available)
Specimen Orientation x - and y - axes universal 8° with zero positioning; z - axis
up to 360°
Coarse Feed Motorized
Cutting Drive Manual via handwheel
Handwheel Lock Mechanical
Clearance Angle Adjustment Disposable blade carrier 8- 16°

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Factory Settings
Counter Mode C=0
Retraction ON
Language English
Chamber Temperature -20°C
Fine 1 µm
Trim 5 µm
Chamber Light 100%
Screen Brightness 100%
Stepper Motor Initialization Yes
Cryobar OFF
Defrost Cycle (Automatic) ON (00:00 Night)
Section Counter 0
Section Sum 0

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Chapter 2 – Instrument Setup
Unpacking and Repacking
Safety Precautions
Use safe lifting practices when moving the HM525 NX. At least two people are required to
safely move the instrument.
The HM525 NX has a high centre of gravity and care should be taken when moving.
Do not tip the HM525 NX more than 30° from the upright position.
After moving the HM525 NX, wait at least 8 hours before switching on to allow the refrigerant
to settle - failure to do so may cause damage to the unit.
Note
The packing materials should be carefully stored for use in any future instrument shipments.
Unpacking Procedure
General Information
•Inspect the packaging, if it is damaged and/or the contents do not match the supplied packing
list, inform your local Thermo Fisher scientific representative.
•Ensure that these Instructions are retained for future use.
•The HM525 NX is delivered on a pallet. The sides of the instrument are encased in cardboard
and cushioned with foam spacers inside the container. A wooden cover protects the top of the
instrument.
•In unpacking be aware of the weight (143 Kg/315.2 lbs) of the instrument, at least two people
are required to safetly move the instrument.

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Unpacking the Instrument
•Cut through the three packing straps and
remove the packing.
•Remove the upper wooden cover (fig. 1) (item
1).
•The hinges of the upper wooden cover are
secured with tape.
•Remove this tape.
•Lift the packing over the instrument (fig. 1)
(item 2).
•Remove the upper and lower supporting
foams (fig. 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) from the
HM525 NX.
Fig 1
Note
The upper wooden cover now serves as a ramp (fig. 1a.1) on which the HM525 NX can be moved from the
pallet to the floor by using the handle (fig. 1a) (item 2).
•
The hinges of the upper wooden cover (fig. 1)
(item 1) are inserted into the screws of the
bottom plate (fig. 1a) (item 3). The correct
side for this is marked with arrows.
•
The tool (fig. 2a) (item 2) for the height
adjustment of the setting feet of the HM525
NX is packed together with the accessories of
the HM525 NX (separate carton on the foot
rest of the HM525 NX).
•
Turn the setting feet completely upwards via
this tool so that the HM525 NX stands with
its rollers on the bottom plate (fig 1a) (item 3).
•
Via the handle (fig 1a) (item 2), roll the
HM525 NX from the bottom plate (fig. 1a)
(item 3) over the wooden cover
(fig. 1a) (item 1). In doing so, the rear side of
the instrument must face the incline (fig. 1a) (
item1).
Fig 1a

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The instrument is very heavy. While the instrument rolls down the ramp, it must be carefully
controlled.
•Now the HM525 NX can be rolled to its site of installation.
•For possible return shipments, please keep all packing materials.
•In the future, if the instrument is transported by forklift, truck, train, ship or aircraft, it must be
packed in the original shipping container with all transportation locks in place.
When Unpacking the Instrument, be sure that:
•Enough ventilation for the cooling system is
guaranteed.
•The distance between the wall and rear panel
is approx. 15 cm. For this, install the distance
bolts (fig 2) (item 1).
•The suction vent areas on either side are kept
free (fig. 2) (item 2).
•The mains switch for separating the
instrument from the power supply is accessible
at any time.
Fig 2
The installation site must also be free from:
•
Draught by open doors or by air conditioning
systems.
•
Direct exposure to sunlight into the cooling
chamber.
Note
Both measures reduce the formation of frost and
therefore result in more favourable work conditions.
High air moisture as well as high ambient temperatures
reduce the maximum performance of the instrument.
To fix the complete unit, tighten the screws (fig 2a)
(item 1) by using the attached tool.
Install the separate, packed handwheel handle.
Fig 2a