Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Thermo Scientific ROTARY MICROTOME Microm HM 340 E INSTRUCTION MANUAL Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 2 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E CERTIFICATION Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH certifies that this instrument has been tested and checked carefully. Its technical data was verified before shipment to be in accordance with the published specifications. The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations. WARRANTY This product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Dear Customer, Thank you for buying this instrument. Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these operating instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its proper operation and functions. To avoid risks for the operator and technical damage to the instrument, it must only be used in accordance with its intended use (see part 1-2).
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Table of contents PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 1-1 Safety precautions and symbols 1-2 Intended use PART 2 INTRODUCTION 2-1 2-2 2-2-1 2-2-2 2-3 Description Rotary Microtome HM 340 E Accessories Standard equipment Additional equipment (optional) Technical data Rotary Microtome HM 340 E PART 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3-1 3-2 3-2-1 3-3 3-3-1 3-3-1-1 3-3-1-2 3-3-1-3 3-4 3-4-1 3-4-2 Setting up the microtome Initial turn-on Operating panel Display and key
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10 3-10-1 3-10-2 3-10-3 3-10-4 3-10-5 3-10-6 Specimen clamping Universal cassette clamp Universal cassette clamp, adjustable Standard specimen clamp Insert for round specimen clamps, V insert and V distance piece Foil clamp Segment arc and universal specimen holder 3-11 3-11-1 3-11-2 3-11-3 3-11-4 Knife carrier Disposable blade carrier ER Disposable blade carrier E Knife carrier C Readjusting the knife carrier 3-12 Section waste tray 3-13 Memory f
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E PART 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 1-1 WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS The installation and routine use of the HM 340 E is easy and safe if the instructions in this manual are being observed. Note: Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument. Warning: Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment. For a long lifetime of the equipment, please observe these instructions carefully.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAUTION! The operator's safety is affected, when the instrument is not operated in accordance with this instruction manual. Please observe the following general precautions during operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety standards and the intended use of the instrument.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E HAZARD OF INFECTION Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be infectious. For this reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning protection against danger of infection. Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application can be read in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984 of the World Health Organization.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 1-2 INTENDED USE The Rotary Microtome HM 340 E from Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH is a highly efficient multi-purpose microtome which can be used for paraffin, hard- and semithin-sectioning techniques in biology, medicine, industry and research. Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the microtome, i.e. clamping the specimen, trimming and first-cuts, sectioning and transferring sections onto a slide.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 2 INTRODUCTION 2-1 DESCRIPTION ROTARY MICROTOME HM 340 E The Rotary Microtome HM 340 E from Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH is a highly efficient multi-purpose microtome which can be used for paraffin, hard- and semithin-sectioning techniques in biology, medicine, industry and research. The HM 340 E sets new ergonomical standards concerning operation and comfort.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Total overview Retraction MENU MEMO Fig. 1 12 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 2-2 ACCESSORIES 2-2-1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT The Rotary Microtome HM 340 E is supplied with the following accessories: 1 Hex head wrench 6 mm 1 Cover 1 Para Gard, 100 ml 1 Instruction manual 2 Cover plates 2-2-2 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT (OPTIONAL) 2-2-2-1 KNIFE CARRIER Art. Nr.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Cat. no.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 2-14-5 ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES Fast freezing unit K 34 100 V/50 - 60 Hz 115 V/60 Hz 230 V/50 Hz 240 V/50 Hz Section transfer system STS 100 V/50 - 60 Hz 115 V/60 Hz 230 V/50 Hz 240 V/50 Hz Lubricating oil, 100 ml Lubricating oil, 250 ml 350110 350120 Paraffin repellent, PARA GARD, 100 ml 350170 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 2-3 TECHNICAL DATA HM 340 E Microtome: Section thickness range ......................................... 0,5 - 100 µm Resolution .............................................. 0,5 µm from 0,5 - 2 µm ................................................................... 1 µm from 2 - 10 µm ................................................................. 2 µm from 10 - 20 µm .................................................................
Rotary Microtome HM 340 E 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3-1 SETTING UP THE MICROTOME • • • • • Cut through the bands around the carton. Open the carton. Remove the accessories. On the lower rear side of the instrument, there is a recessed grip to lift or carry the microtome. Lift the microtome out of the carton. Note: Do not use the handwheel handles to lift or carry the instrument.
Rotary Microtome HM 340 E 3-2 INITIAL TURN-ON Note: The kind of the used examination materials and all special conditions for their processing, pre-treatment and, if necessary, storage as well as instrument controls for correct and safe operation is in the responsibility of the operator. The operator is also responsible for special equipment and materials and/or reagents for the operation of the instrument.
Rotary Microtome HM 340 E 3-2-1 OPERATING PANEL The operating elements of the operating panel are easily and clearly arranged for a comfortable operation. • The operating panel can be removed from the instrument and used separately at any time. Fig. 4 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-3 DISPLAY AND KEY FUNCTIONS 3-3-1 INDICATION OF CUTTING PROCESSES In the lower line of the display information about the sectioning status can be seen. • Press the "scroll button" (fig. 5.1), to show the various functions one after the other on the display.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-3-1-3 REMAINING TRAVEL TO FRONT END POSITION This value shows the distance in microns, which is left for sectioning (fig. 8.3). If the specimen holder is in the back end position, the display shows 28 000 µm. This number decreases the closer the specimen comes towards the front. TRIM= 30 FINE= 9 REM.TRAV. = 50 R : ON 0 3 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str. 1A 69190 Walldorf / Germany 387831 - English Fig.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-4 • • SETTING SECTION THICKNESS AND TRIMMING THICKNESS 1 The required section and trimming thicknesses are set by means of the control knob (fig. 9.1), which is placed on the side part of the operating panel. To choose between section thickness and trimming thickness, press the control knob (fig. 9.1). The selected thickness range is then marked with a rim when in the operating mode NORMAL.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-4-1 TRIMMING AND FIRST CUTS After the specimen and the knife are adjusted, further gradual feed for trimming can be carried out using the function "trimming". For different sectioning series, deeper layers of the specimen can be reached with the function "trimming". • • • • Press the operating knob for the section thickness setting (fig. 11.1) to select TRIM. In the operating mode NORMAL, a rim is shown on the display around the TRIM value (fig. 12.1).
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-4-2 FINE FEED After having adjusted knife and specimen as well as having trimmed the specimen, sectioning can be started. • • • • 1 Press the control knob (fig. 13.1) to select the fine section thickness setting. In the operating mode NORMAL, a rim is shown on the display around the FINE value (fig. 14.1). When this mode is activated, turn the knob to alter the value.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-5 CUTTING MOVEMENT AND RETRACTION The cutting movement of the microtome is generated by turning the hand wheel. • • • • • To start the cutting movement of the microtome, turn the hand wheel. As the specimen moves down, sectioning is carried out (cutting movement, fig. 15.2). Continue turning the hand wheel to bring the specimen back up (fig. 15.4). To protect the knife and specimen during return travel, the specimen is retracted (R).
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-6 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE HANDWHEEL The hand wheel is integrated into the housing. The position of the handle corresponds to the vertical position of the specimen. • • Turn the lever downwards in the direction of the arrow, to loosen the hand wheel lock (fig. 17). Turn the lever upwards, to lock the hand wheel. The hand wheel can be locked in any position.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-7 SPECIMEN FEED 3-7-1 COARSE FEED AND SPEED FOR COARSE FEED 1 After changing the specimen or moving the knife or knife carrier, it is necessary to adjust the specimen to the knife edge again. This can easily be done by means of the specimen coarse feed and the defined trimming values. For the fast forward and backward travel between specimen and knife edge, the microtome has a motorized coarse feed system.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-8 MENU 3-8-1 DATE AND TIME Via this menu, the current time as well as the current date can be set in the instrument. • • Press the menu button (fig. 20.1). The submenu (fig. 21) appears on the display. Select "Time and date" via the turning knob (fig. 22.1) and confirm it by pressing the knob. 1 Note: The time can be shown constantly in the normal display mode via the scroll button. Fig.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-8-2 SELECT THE DISPLAY MODE NORMAL Here the display mode can be selected. You can choose between the NORMAL and the LARGE display mode. • The normal display mode (fig. 23) shows the selected fine and trim section thickness with additional status indications at the same time. • The large display mode (fig.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-8-3 TURNING OFF THE FUNCTION "RETRACTION" If desired, the function "retraction" can be turned off. • • • • • • • Press the menu button (fig. 27.1). Select submenu "Retraction" via the knob (fig. 28.1). Press the knob to confirm the selection. Turn the knob to select the desired function: R:ON or R:OFF. Press the knob to confirm the setting.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-8-4 SELECTING THE INDICATED LANGUAGE The sectioning information on the display can be shown alternatively in five different languages. • • • • • • Language German English French Spanish Italian ENGLISH Select: Turn knob Confirm: Press Press the menu button (fig. 30.1). In the sub-menu select "Languages" via the knob (fig. 31.1). Turn the knob to select the desired language. Press the knob to confirm the selected language.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-9 ADAPTERS FOR SPECIMEN CLAMPING 3-9-1 ADAPTER, NON-ORIENTING This adapter serves for the non-orienting fastening of the specimen clamps directly on the cylinder of the instrument. 3-9-2 2 ADAPTER, ORIENTING, SPECIMEN ORIENTATION • Using the orienting adapter fasten the specimen clamps on the cylinder head. This allows the specimen to be aligned in relation to the knife.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-9-3 CHANGING AND/OR CLAMPING SPECIMEN CLAMPS The available specimen clamps are all clamped or removed in the same way. • • • • • 2 To change the specimen clamping system, press the clamping lever (fig. 33.1) downwards and pull it sideways. Now the specimen clamp can be pulled out to the front and can be replaced with another specimen clamping system.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-9-4 READJUSTING SPECIMEN CLAMPS Frequent use of the clamping lever (fig. 34.1) can lead to the fact that the specimen clamps cannot be clamped optimally anymore. If the necessary readjustments are not carried out, it might even be possible that the specimen clamp cannot be clamped (fig. 34.1). • • • • The clamping lever (fig. 34.1) should be in an almost upright position.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10 SPECIMEN CLAMPING To clamp specimens, different specimen clamping systems are available. With the orienting adapter it is simple to align the specimen properly in relation to the knife. 3-10-1 UNIVERSAL CASSETTE CLAMP The universal cassette clamp (fig. 36) represents a quick change system. • To insert or remove the cassette from between the fixed (fig. 36.1) and movable (fig. 36.2) jaws, pull the lever (fig. 36.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10-3 STANDARD SPECIMEN CLAMP The standard specimen clamp (fig. 38) is used for rectangular and square paraffin and plastic blocks. • • • Insert the specimen against the fixed jaw (fig. 38.2) first. Then turn the knob (fig. 38.3) to tighten jaw (fig. 38.1). Fig. 38.4 and 38.5 show the orienting adapter, fig. 38.6 indicates the four holes for the fastening screws.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10-4 INSERT FOR ROUND SPECIMEN, V-INSERT AND V-DISTANCE PIECE To cut round specimens, the insert for round specimens (fig. 39.A) with defined diameters of 6, 15 and 25 mm (special sizes on request) or the Vinsert (fig. 39.B) can be clamped into the standard specimen clamp. • The pin (fig. 39.3), which fits into the lower clamping jaws (fig. 38.1), positions the insert precisely. The two springs (fig. 39.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10-5 FOIL CLAMP The foil clamp (fig. 40) is a clamping system for foils or thin specimens. • • • • • • 38 To insert the specimen, loosen the three clamping screws (fig. 40.5) slightly and push the movable jaw (fig. 40.2) sideways against the two springs (fig. 40.3). The specimen is kept in place by the springs, however, its position can be changed. Turn the three clamping screws (fig. 40.5) to clamp the specimen tightly.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-10-6 SEGMENT ARC AND UNIVERSAL SPECIMEN HOLDER The segment arc and universal specimen holder are highly suitable for the clamping of small specimens embedded in plastic (fig. 41). • • • • • • The specimen is inserted in the holder (fig. 41.1) and clamped by means of the screw (fig. 41.2) with the hex head wrench (fig. 41.3). Then the holder together with the specimen is put into the segment carrier (fig. 41.5), where the holder can be turned 360°.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-11 KNIFE CARRIERS 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. 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.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Using high profile blades: When using high profile blades, first remove the spacer strip (fig. 42.3). • For this, turn the clamping lever (fig. 42.7) to the front until the stop. • The press the stop pin into the knife carrier and further turn the clamping lever (fig. 42.7). • Pull off the clamping lever (fig. 42.7) and remove the clamping plate (fig. 42.3). • Insert the clamping plate and clamping lever again.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-11-2 DISPOSABLE BLADE CARRIER E Inserting the blade: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 42 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. 43.5). When using high profile blades, first loosen the two screws (fig. 43.9) and remove the spacer strip (fig. 43.3). Turn the clamping lever (fig. 43.7) to the front.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Clearance angle adjustment: • • • • 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. 43.3) on the right side of the knife carrier and move the upper part of the knife carrier (fig. 43.2) on the base (fig. 43.1). The adjusted clearance angle can be read on the scale. Then turn the clamping lever (fig. 43.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-11-3 KNIFE CARRIER C • • • • To insert the knife, the clamping screws (fig. 44.3) must be unscrewed slightly so the knife can be pushed in from the side. The height of the knife is adjusted with the two knurled nuts (fig. 44.6) and the bar (fig. 44.7). If the cutting zone of the knife cannot be used anymore, it can be moved over its entire length to the left and right side by loosening the clamping screws.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E Moving the knife carrier on the console: • • Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 44.5) on the left side of the knife carrier to move the carrier forwards and backwards on the dovetail guide. This allows a rough adjustment of knife and specimen. Protection against injury: • • • The knife carrier is equipped with two knife guards (fig. 44.7) which can be moved sideways.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-11-4 READJUSTING KNIFE CARRIERS Frequent use of the clamping levers can lead to the fact that the knife carriers cannot be clamped optimally anymore. If the necessary readjustments are not carried out, it might even be possible that the knife carriers cannot be clamped anymore. • • • • • • • • If the clamping lever does not allow a sufficient clamping, the clamping can be adjusted as follows: For this, loosen the set screw (fig. 47.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-12 SECTION WASTE TRAY WITH INTEGRATED ARM REST The section waste tray with integrated arm rest can easily be cleaned. • • The section waste tray surrounds the knife carrier area and allows non-tiring working with the microtome. It can be easily removed to the front at any time. Fig. 48 Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Otto-Hahn-Str.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-13 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.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 3-14 LARGE FIELD MAGNIFIER The large field magnifier (fig. 50.1) is for looking at section production. • The light is connected to the power outlet with the power cord (fig. 50.2) and turned on and off with the switch (fig. 50.3).
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E PART 4 WORKING WITH THE MICROTOME 4-1 SECTIONING INSTRUCTIONS To cut usable sections, the following points are of utmost importance: 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. For optimal sectioning, front and back of the knife must be clean.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E During practical work the angle of inclination is our so-called clearance angle, i.e. the angle between lower facet surface and block surface. The optimal inclination slightly differs for each knife, as the wedge angles as well as especially the facet angles on the individual knives are not absolutely identical. The knife must never be placed too flat. This way, the blade does not cut into the block at all.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 4-2 HOW TO AVOID MALFUNCTIONS Specimen preparation: • When preparing specimens, be sure that a suitable embedding medium, fixation, dehydration and infiltration time are chosen. Specimen temperature: • • Sectioning is carried out at ambient temperature (excluding frozen sections). If the temperature is too high, the paraffin softens. Therefore, avoid heating paraffin specimens by direct exposure to sunlight or other near sources of heat.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 4-3 POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ERRORS – CAUSE AND REMOVAL Problem Cause Removal Thick-thin-sections − Blunt knife/blade. Compressions − Blunt knife/blade. − Move knife and/or insert a new one. − Knife angle, therefore, − Try clearance angle unfavorable clearance angle. adjustments, until an optimal angle can be found. − Insufficient clamping on − Check all screw and clamping specimen clamping and/or connections on specimen knife carrier.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E PART 5 MAINTENANCE AND CARE 5-1 CLEANING AND CARE Cleaning and care of the microtome should be carried out daily. Please proceed as follows: • • Lock the hand wheel. Remove the knife from the knife carrier. Clean it and store it in a knife case! • Remove section waste by using a dry brush. • Pull the section waste tray towards the front and dispose of the section waste according to your specific lab regulations.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 5-2 MAINTENANCE Annual routine maintenance: To secure section quality and functioning of the microtome, it is recommended that a routine maintenance be performed by a trained service technician once a year. Service contract: Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH offers a service contract which guarantees that your instrument is always in perfect condition. For more information, please contact the nearest Thermo Scientific sales office.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 5-3 REPLACEMENT WORK Replacing the fuses: The two fuses of the instrument are placed on the rear side of the instrument beside the main switch (fig. 55.1). • • • To replace the two fuses, turn off the main switch of the instrument and unplug it. Then open the cover (fig. 55.2) on the right side (see arrow) by means of a flat screwdriver. Pull out the fuse holders, each of which is marked with an arrow, and replace the fuses with new ones. Fig.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E PART 6 CONDITIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE INSTRUMENT 6-1 RETURNING THE INSTRUMENT FOR REPAIR OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE Repair or maintenance work are normally carried out at the site of installation. If this is not possible for some specific reasons, the instrument can be returned to Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH. The contact address can be found at the beginning of this instruction manual.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E For transportation outside closed buildings, please observe the following measures: • • • • • • • Lock the handwheel. Turn off the main switch of the instrument. Remove knife or blade and store it in a safe place. Remove the section waste tray. To lift the instrument, use the recessed grip on the lower rear side of the instrument and the guidance for the knife carrier. During transportation, do not carry the instrument on the handwheel handles.
Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome Microm HM 340 E 6-2 DISPOSAL OF THE INSTRUMENT AFTER FINAL SHUTDOWN After the final shutdown of the instrument, we recommend to contact a local recycling company for the disposal according to the national applicable regulations. To be applied in the countries of the European Union and other European countries with a separate collecting system within the waste management.
