Leica SP1600 – Saw Microtome
3.5Setting the section thickness
Unclamp the lever (5.5). First set the scale ring (5.3) to O (a height adjustment is not yet made). To set the sec- tion thickness, turn the knurled knob (5.4) anticlockwise. Every division on the scale represents 10 µm. Clamp at the chosen thickness with the lever (5.5).
When setting section thickness, the thick- ness of the saw blade (approx. 300 µm) must always be taken into account. For example, a setting of 400 µm is necessary to obtain a 100 µm thick section.
Switch on the motor. Then release the object arm clamp (2.2). Set the feed to the maximum rate until the object has almost reached the saw blade. Use a slower speed for cutting (see under 3.3).
The water cooling device is imperative for the sawing process.
3.6Removing the section
If the section is relatively thin, it will stick to the blade after sawing because of the adhesive power of the water.
Thicker sections are generally pushed to the outer edge of the saw blade due to the centrifugal force.
Switch off the motor and remove the section. The next section can now be made as described under 3.5. It can happen, although it is very unusual, that the sec- tion falls into the inside of the microtome. It should not be fetched out before the sectioning work has been completed, as the object holder and saw have to be removed.
3.7Changing the object
Push the object arm (2.4) back until it clicks into place. Switch off the motor and turn off the water supply. Take hold of the object holder by the knob (4.4) and pull out after loosening the knurled screw (5.1). Continue as de- scribed under 3.1.
4.General information
Due to the thin blade of the
Even an extremely high feed rate, especially at the mo- ment when the object makes contact with the rotating saw, can result in premature wear or damage to the saw.
As a general rule, the slower the feed rate, the longer the life of the saw blade, which also depends on the type of object. It is not possible to repair the saw when defect; it must be replaced. The following are symp- toms suggesting that the saw blade is no longer work- ing properly and must be replaced:
The object takes considerably longer to pass through the blade (using the same object and same feed rate). The blade “jumps” out of the object (object only par- tially cut).
The edge of the saw is smooth (no diamond coating left).
The saw rotation is no longer exactly circular.
If these factors are noticed the saw blade must be re- placed as follows:
Pull out the object holder. Remove the plastic cover (3.2). The saw blade in the annular frame is uncovered. Loosen the screws in the two drilled holes with the Allen key (4 mm). The screws remain in the annular frame. Clean the underlying parts of the cylinder. In- sert a new saw and press down to ensure a uniform bearing surface.
Tighten the Allen screws. Insert the object holder (see under 3.1).
The faulty saw together with the annular frame must be sent to the following address:
Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str.
69226 Nussloch
Germany
8 | Instruction Manual V1.1 - 12/2003 |
