Instruction manual

Rotary Microtome HM 355 S
MICROM International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf
2-16 SPECIMEN APPROACH METHODS
To facilitate routine work for the user, the rotary
microtome HM 355 S is equipped with two
functions for the fast and exact approach of knife
edge and specimen.
2-16-1 MEMORY FUNCTION
The memory function is used to quickly find again
the same position for the first cuts.
This function can only be used on condition that
blocks, which have been embedded in the same
molds, are cut. The blocks must have almost the
same height.
To set the so-called "first-cut-position", move the
specimen clamping via coarse feed function
forwards until the specimen is almost situated at
the knife edge.
To store this position, first press the reset button
(fig. 5.3). Then also press the button A (fig. 5.9)
while the reset button (fig. 5.3) is still being
pressed.
Then continue routine sectioning (trimming, first
cuts, fine sectioning). After having finished
sectioning of the block, press button (fig. 5.9) so
that the specimen clamping moves backwards.
Then unclamp the specimen.
To have more space between knife edge and
specimen when changing the specimen, a safety
distance (from 0 - 7 mm) can be selected besides
the selection for the first-cut-position.
For this, turn off the instrument. Then press button
A (fig. 5.9) and turn on the power switch of the
instrument with still pressed button A (fig. 5.9).
The user has now entered a menu for selecting the
safety distance.
Press the scroll button (fig. 5.2) until the desired
value is selected. To acknowledge the safety
distance, press the reset button (fig. 5.3).
When the first-cut-position as well as the safety
distance have been stored, please proceed as
follows:
Clamp the specimen and press the button A (fig.
5.9) once. The specimen clamping moves towards
the knife carrier to the first-cut-position.
Afterwards, continue with routine sectioning.
After having finished sectioning of the block, press
button A (fig. 5.9) once more. Now the specimen
clamping moves backwards to the first-cut-position
plus the selected safety distance.
After having inserted a new block and having
pressed the button A (fig. 5.9), the specimen
clamping moves forwards to the first-cut-position.
CAUTION! The stored cutting position can only
be used effectively when blocks with the same
height are cut. Neither adjustments on the knife
carrier must be made nor must the knife carrier be
moved on the dovetail guide.
DANGER! When moving the knife carrier on the
dovetail guide, a new first-cut-position must be
selected as otherwise the danger of a collision with
injuries might arise.
When turning on the instrument later again, the
first-cut-position must be defined and stored again
for safety reasons.