Rotary Microtome HM 340 E
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf 386 200 - English
PART 4 WORKING WITH THE MICROTOME
4-1 PREPARATION AND
ORIENTATION
Before sectioning, the specimens must be prepared
appropriately and embedded in suitable media.
Cassettes as well as different forms for round or
rectangular specimens can be used for the
embedding. With the orienting adapter and
cylinder head, the specimen can easily be oriented
to the knife. (See 2-11-2, adapter, orienting,
specimen orientation).
4-2 COARSE FEED AND TRIMMING
FUNCTION
The knife carrier can be moved and the coarse feed
or the trimming function can be used to adjust
approximately the space between specimen and
cutting edge. This process can also be carried out
alternatively by means of the automatic approach
system, if the instrument is equipped with it.
Turning the handwheel results in the first contact
between knife and specimen. Continue this to start
trimming the specimen, thus achieving the level of
interest. Any waste should be wiped away in an
upward direction with a brush.
4-3 SECTIONING INSTRUCTIONS
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.
To cut usable sections, the following points are of
utmost importance:
4-3-1 CONDITION OF THE KNIFE
EDGE
Only use a sharp knife! If the cutting edge is blunt,
move the knife horizontally either to the right or
left side to continue working with the sharp area of
the cutting edge, or have the knife resharpened.
4-3-2 CLEAN KNIFE SURFACES
For optimal sectioning, front and back of the knife
must be clean. Especially paraffin waste must be
removed thoroughly!
4-3-3 POSITION OF THE CYLINDER
During cutting, the cylinder ought to be in the back
third of the horizontal specimen movement. The
most favourable stability is in this range.
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