Preliminary remarks, Installation and assembly

Leica SP1600 – Saw Microtome

1.Preliminary remarks

The Leica SP1600 Saw Microtome is specifically for “cutting” extremely hard and brittle materials such as bone, ceramics and reinforced plastics. The sawing method used prevents deformations in the sections.

The heart of the microtome is the diamond-coated innerhole saw. An annular frame makes it excellently stable although it is only 300 µm thick. To make a sec- tion, the object holder is guided extremely slowly against the saw rotating at a speed of approx. 600 rpm.

The built-in water cooling device prevents overheat- ing of the object and removes sawdust from the cut- ting edge. It also prolongs the life of the saw blade. The amount of water is regulated with a valve. The sec- tion thickness is set manually with a knurled screw on the object arm.

Fig. 1 Leica SP1600 Saw Microtome

2.Installation and assembly

It is important to place the saw microtome on a stable bench. Water supply and drainage facilities must be nearby (length of pipes approx. 2 meters.)

2.1Attaching the object arm

Pull out the clamp pin (2.2) and attach the object arm (2.4). It is correctly located when in the position for screwing over the saw (see Fig. 2). Insert the corre- sponding Allen screws (2.1), tighten with the supplied Allen key (4 mm) and mount the plastic covers. Press the object arm back into the starting position, the clamp pin (2.2) locks into place. Tighten the screw (2.5).

Fig. 2

1Allen screws to secure the object arm

2 Object arm clamp

3 Stop bar for the clamp

4 Object arm

4	Instruction Manual V1.1 - 12/2003