Instruction manual

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf
2-12 KNIFE CARRIERS
The knife carriers of the microtome are easy to use, can be moved sideways and are equipped with knife
guards for user safety while adjusting knife and specimen. A dovetail guide is screwed on the base plate. It is
designed universally so that the different knife carriers can be clamped and moved to the front and the back.
2-12-1 STANDARD KNIFE CARRIER N
a) Inserting the knife
To insert the knife, unscrew the two clamping
screws (fig. 14.9) slightly until the knife can be
pushed in from the side. The height of the knife is
adjusted by the two knurled nuts (fig. 14.6) and the
bar (fig. 14.7). If a cutting area of the knife is no
longer usable, the knife can be moved approx. 2-3
cm to the left or right side by loosening the
clamping screws (fig. 14.9).
b) Adjusting clearance angle
The clearance angle between cutting edge and
specimen can be shifted and adjusted to the
requirements of the tissue to be sectioned. Loosen
the clamping lever (fig. 14.4) on the right side of
the knife carrier and move the upper part of the
knife carrier (fig. 14.2) on the knife carrier base
(fig. 14.1). The adjusted clearance angle can be
read on the scale. Then turn the clamping lever
(fig. 14.4) upwards to lock in the new clearance
angle.
NOTE! By experience, usable cuts are only
achieved at a clearance angle of 10° or more.
If the clamping lever (fig. 14.4) is loosened, the
upper part of the knife carrier can be moved
1 cm to the left or right side. This way, the cutting
edge can optimally be used.
c) Moving the knife carrier
on the dovetail guide
Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 14.5) on the left
side of the knife carrier to move the carrier
forwards or backwards on the dovetail guide. This
allows a rough adjustment of the knife to the
specimen.
d) Protection against injury
The knife carrier is equipped with two knife guards
(fig. 14.8) that can be moved sideways. They
should be pushed together to the middle while the
knife and specimen are adjusted. In this way, the
danger of injury from the knife can considerably be
diminished.