Instruction manual

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf
2-12-2 DISPOSABLE BLADE CARRIER E
a) Inserting the blade
The disposable blade carrier E is designed to take
all commercially available high and low profile
blades. Insert the blade into the slot behind the
clamping plate (fig. 15.5). When using high profile
blades, first loosen the two screws (fig. 15.9) and
remove the spacer strip (fig. 15.3).
Turn the clamping lever (fig. 15.7) to the front.
Swing the bracket with scale (fig. 15.4) to the
front. Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 15.7) and, if
necessary, slightly press the lower part of the
clamping plate as well. A small gap between rail
(fig. 15.3) and clamping plate (fig. 15.5) can be
seen. Insert the blade on the rail (fig. 15.3) and
push it from the side to the middle. Afterwards,
return the clamping lever (fig. 15.7) upright, thus
locking the blade in position.
The bracket (fig. 15.4) is provided with a scale.
After loosening the clamping lever (fig. 15.7) and
after having moved the bracket (fig. 15.4) upwards,
move the blade together with clamping plate (fig.
15.5) according to the scale by means of the knife
guard to the left or right side. This way, the entire
cutting length of the blade can be used. Then press
the clamping lever (fig. 15.7) upwards.
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. 15.8) on the right side of
the knife carrier and move the upper part of the
knife carrier (fig. 15.2) on the base (fig. 15.1). The
adjusted clearance angle can be read on the scale.
Then turn the clamping lever (fig. 15.8) 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. 15.8) 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. 15.6) 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
A bracket (fig. 15.4) on the clamping plate can be
moved upwards over the blade for the protection
against injury.