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The MICROM International GmbH Rotary Microtome HM 340 E is a highly efficient multi-purpose microtome designed for paraffin, hard, and semi-thin sectioning in biology, medicine, industry, and research. It emphasizes ergonomic operation and user comfort, featuring a section waste tray with an integrated armrest that surrounds the knife carrier for direct collection of section waste.
The HM 340 E cuts sections ranging from 0.5 µm to 100 µm. A key safety feature is the specimen retraction at the end of each cut, which protects both the knife and the specimen. This retraction function can be optionally turned off. The instrument incorporates a motorized coarse feed system, allowing continuous specimen forward and backward travel at three different speed settings (400, 800, or 1200 µm/s), which facilitates quick adjustment of the distance between the specimen and the knife edge.
A trimming function offers defined steps from 5 µm to 500 µm for fine adjustment before the first cuts and for achieving larger section thicknesses during trimming. The operating panel, located on the left side of the microtome, is removable and can be used separately. Its display indicates the selected section thickness, trimming thickness, section counter, sum of section thicknesses, and remaining travel to the front end position.
The microtome features a handwheel brake that locks in any position, enhancing safety during specimen and knife changes. The knife carriers are designed for easy clamping and adjustment of knives.
The HM 340 E is compatible with all specimen clamps and knife carriers from the Rotary Microtome HM 300 series, including segment arc, universal specimen holder, and glass knife carrier S for glass and diamond knives. Optional accessories like a stereomicroscope, large field magnifier, and backlighting system can be adapted. A storage unit with a cooling insert for cassettes, brushes, and tweezers, as well as an automatic approach system, are also available.
Specimen Clamping: Various clamping systems are available for different specimen forms and sizes. The orienting adapter simplifies aligning the specimen to the knife. The universal cassette clamp offers a quick-change system. Standard specimen clamps are used for rectangular and square paraffin and plastic blocks, with movable jaws of different weights for various holding elements. Inserts for round specimens, V-inserts, and V-distance pieces can be clamped into the standard specimen clamp. A foil clamp is available for thin specimens. The segment arc and universal specimen holder are suitable for small specimens embedded in plastic, allowing 360° rotation for precise alignment.
Knife Carriers: The microtome supports standard knife carrier N, disposable blade carrier E, knife carrier C, and knife carrier S (for triangular glass, diamond, and sapphire knives). Knife carriers are easily moved sideways and equipped with knife guards for user safety. Clearance angles can be adjusted to suit tissue requirements, typically 10° or more for usable cuts. Knife height and cutting zone can be optimized.
Specimen Approach Methods: Two functions facilitate fast and exact approach of the knife edge and specimen:
Operating Panel: The operating panel allows selection of section and trimming thicknesses via a control knob. It displays current settings, section count, sum of section thicknesses, and remaining travel. The display language can be switched between English, German, and French.
Routine maintenance, preferably performed annually by a trained service technician, is recommended to ensure section quality and instrument functionality. MICROM offers service contracts for this purpose.
Cleaning and Care: The microtome's cleaning frequency depends on its usage. Mild household cleaners are recommended; aggressive cleaners or solvents should be avoided to protect painted and plastic parts. Before sectioning, treating the instrument, knife carrier, and waste tray with a paraffin repellent (e.g., Para Gard) is advised. Knives should be removed from the carrier, cleaned, and stored in a knife case. The knife carrier, operating controls, dovetail guide, specimen clamping system, and housing should be regularly cleaned.
Fuses: The two mains fuses are located on the back of the instrument near the power switch. Fuse replacement requires turning off and unplugging the instrument, then using a flat screwdriver to open the fuse holders. Fuse ratings are 0.4 AT slow-blow for 220-240 V and 0.8 AT slow-blow for 100-120 V.
Disposal: At the end of its lifecycle, the instrument should be disposed of separately from ordinary domestic waste, in accordance with European Union and national regulations for electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Users should contact local recycling companies or suppliers for proper disposal to support sustainable recycling.
General| Brand | Micromax |
|---|---|
| Model | HM 340 E |
| Category | Measuring Instruments |
| Language | English |
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