Page 1
Leica IP C Automated printing system for tissue cassettes Instructions for Use English Order No.: 14 0602 80101 - Revision I Always keep this manual near the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument.
Page 3
Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing techniques used in our products. This document is protected under copyright laws. All copyrights to this documentation are held by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Table of Contents Important Information ..........................Symbols and their meanings.......................... 6 Qualification of personnel ..........................9 Intended use of instrument ..........................9 Instrument type .............................. 10 Safety ................................Safety instructions ............................11 Warnings ................................. 12 Instrument Components and Specifications ..................Overview –...
Page 5
Table of Contents Malfunctions ..............................73 Status messages ............................74 Error messages .............................. 75 Changing the flash bulb ..........................78 Power failure ..............................79 Replacing the secondary fuses ........................79 Warranty and Service ..........................Decontamination Certificate ........................Leica IP C...
Symbols and their meanings Warning Leica Biosystems GmbH assumes no liability for consequential loss or damage due to failure to observe the following instructions, particularly in relation to transportation and package handling, and failure to observe the instructions for handling the instrument carefully.
Page 7
Description: Indicates the manufacturer's serial number so that a specific medical device can be identified. Symbol: Title of the symbol: Consult Instructions for Use Description: Indicates the need for the user to consult the Instructions for Use. Leica IP C...
Page 8
Important Information Symbol: Title of the symbol: (Power) The power supply is connected upon pushing the Description: power switch. Symbol: Title of the symbol: (Power) The power supply is disconnected upon pushing the Description: power switch. Symbol: Title of the symbol: Fragile, handle with care Indicates a medical device that can be broken or Description:...
Improper handling of the shipment is immediately detectable and can be proven definitively. Qualification of personnel • The Leica IP C may be operated only by trained laboratory personnel. • The instrument may be operated only according to the instructions contained in this Instruction for Use.
Important Information Note Proper and intended use includes the observance of all instructions in the operating manual and compliance with all inspection and maintenance instructions. Instrument type All information provided in these Instructions for Use applies only to the instrument type indicated on the title page.
The machine may be used only as intended and only if all of its safety features are in proper working condition. Malfunctions that impede safety must be remedied immediately. Leica IP C...
Safety Warnings The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the owner, as well as the designated personnel who operate, service or repair the instrument. To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following instructions and warnings.
Page 13
The painted surfaces and the control panel of the instrument are not resistant to xylene or acetone! • While working and during cleaning, no liquid may get into the interior of the instrument. Leica IP C...
Instrument Components and Specifications Instrument Components and Specifications Overview – instrument Fig. 2 Basic instrument Cassette magazines Magazine no. 1 Control panel Cover - cartridge slot Unload station (manual) Version 2.0, Revision I...
Page 15
Front view without lid Fig. 3 Magazine receptacles pos. 1 - 6 Cover – flash bulb Cassette carrier (clamp) Print head Magazine holder Feeding chute with cover Transfer point: chute --> cassette carrier, with sensor Replacement plate with sealing lip Leica IP C...
Page 16
Instrument Components and Specifications Rear panel and electrical connections Fig. 4 DIL switch External alarm jack Socket for printer cable Secondary fuses Power supply connection Main switch Transport cartridge / ink cartridge Note Attention for (→ "Fig. 4-7"). The instrument is delivered with the transport cartridge installed! Prior to operation, the...
Basic instrument empty weight: approx. 28 kg Weight, packed: approx. 65 kg Unload station empty weight: approx. 14 kg Weight, packed: approx. 32 kg Performance: Load capacity: up to 6 magazines, up to 80 cassettes per magazine Leica IP C...
Only standard histology cassettes can be used in the Leica IP C. Other cassettes cannot be properly processed. 3.3.1 Requirements for cassettes A wide variety of standard cassettes may be used in the IP C; however, the following restrictions must be observed: • Suitable for printing are all standard cassettes (→...
Page 19
• Cassettes with top-mounted lids (→ "Fig. 7-1") cannot be processed. • For details on how to correctly insert the cassettes into the magazines, please refer to (→ p. 35 – 4.7 Filling and inserting the magazines). Fig. 6 Leica IP C...
Page 20
If the slides/cassettes you are currently using are not listed below please contact your local Leica representative. The following cassettes have been successfully tested with the Leica IP C: Cassette type Imprinting in Leica IP C Leica Jet Routine I*...
(→ p. 24 – Resistance against reagents). Important! Leica Biosystems assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any damages suffered as a consequence of imprints of poor quality or imprints made with non-reagent-resistant ink. 3.3.2 Print specifications Printing area The printing area (→...
Instrument Components and Specifications Fig. 9 Print resolution The print head of the instrument has a preset resolution of 360 dpi in both directions (vertical and horizontal). Each printed line has a maximum height of 128 dots. This corresponds to a value of 9.03 mm. In horizontal direction, the printable surface is limited only by the size of the object to be imprinted (→...
Page 23
• The quality and resolution capabilities of the bar code reader. As always, using Leica-recommended print media will produce the highest quality print. However, it is highly recommended that any bar code solution be tested prior to implementation. Please check with your local representative for details on achieving the maximum number of characters with 2D bar codes.
Page 24
A wide range of factors beyond Leica's control can have negative effects on the results. The test conditions stated below can therefore only serve as an outline for individual laboratory test specifications.
Page 25
Important! The imprint field of imprinted cassettes should never be touched or wiped while damp. Take care when removing excess paraffin from cassettes. Scraping may damage the imprint field, making the print illegible. Leica IP C...
Instrument Setup Instrument Setup Site requirements Warning The instrument must not be operated in areas at risk of explosion. To ensure proper function of the instrument, it must be set up while maintaining a minimum distance of 10 cm from walls and furniture. • The instrument requires an installation area of approx.
Page 27
6. The printer is secured to the wooden floor of the box with 4 plates (→ "Fig. 13-2"). Loosen the two screws (→ "Fig. 13-1") on the base of the instrument. Remove the plates from the bottom. Leica IP C...
Instrument Setup Fig. 13 7. Move the printer from the baseplate on a stable laboratory bench - or, if present, on the automated unload station. Make sure that the stage is leveled! Warning When unpacking the printer, at least two people (one person on each side of the printer) are required to lift the printer out of the box and place it onto the laboratory bench.
7. Install printer driver. 8. Fill with cassettes. 9. Run a test print. Standard delivery The Leica IP C standard equipment consists of the following items: Leica IP C, basic instrument without unload station 14 0602 33206 Transport cartridge (in the instrument)
5. Place the stack of trays (→ "Fig. 16-5") onto the lifting table (→ "Fig. 16-4") of the automated unload station. For details on the lifting table controls, see (→ p. 55 – 5.2 Display indications). Leica IP C...
Instrument Setup Fig. 16 Installing/exchanging the flash bulb Removing the old flash bulb Warning Switch the instrument off and unplug it from power supply. Allow the flash bulb to cool off before removing it. Do not handle the flash bulb with bare hands. Use a glove or tissue. 1.
Page 33
5. Make sure the contact spring (→ "Fig. 20-2") is removed from the priming wire (→ "Fig. 21-4") of the bulb (See also (→ "Fig. 21") (→ "Fig. 22-1")). Fig. 20 Leica IP C...
Page 34
Instrument Setup Inserting the new flash bulb 1. First insert a shielding glass (→ "Fig. 21-1") into the two holders (→ "Fig. 21-2"). Fig. 21 2. Insert the new flash bulb (→ "Fig. 22") into socket (→ "Fig. 21-3"); then push it carefully inwards as far as it will go (→...
Depending on the type of cassette used, additional inserts must be placed into the magazine (→ "Fig. 25-3") to guide the cassettes properly: This includes: Metal insert (→ "Fig. 25-2") Adhesive strip (2 mm thick) (→ "Fig. 25-1") Leica IP C...
Page 36
Instrument Setup Fig. 25 Adhesive strip 2 mm (→ "Fig. 25-1") 1. Remove protective foil and attach adhesive strip (→ "Fig. 25-1") in magazine so that it is centered in the front part of the magazine (→ "Fig. 26-1") and fits flush against the bottom of the magazine foot (→...
Page 37
Adhesive strip at front Filling the magazines • First fill Leica IP C magazines 4 to 6 with cassettes and insert them. • Then fill Leica IP C magazines 1 to 3 with cassettes and insert them (see 1-6 in (→ "Fig. 29-1")).
Page 38
Instrument Setup Fig. 29 • When filling a magazine with cassettes, ensure that the cassette side to be imprinted is to the left after insertion. • If cassettes are individually loaded, be certain that they are aligned properly and that there are no gaps between the cassettes.
Page 39
(→ p. 37 – Filling and inserting the magazines) have been tested with the Leica IP C. Leica does not guarantee that cassette types other than those tested can be processed in the instrument. 1. Insert a filled magazine (→ "Fig. 31-2") into the printer as shown and insert it into the holder at the slot.
Instrument Setup Electrical connection Warning The instrument must be connected to a grounded mains socket. Of the set of power cords supplied, be sure to use only the one that is appropriate for the local power supply (plug must fit on-site wall outlet). Connecting to mains L The electrical connenctions are located at the back panel of the instrument (→...
(→ "Fig. 34-4") of the transport cartridge (→ "Fig. 34-3") by one turn, then switch on the printer using the main switch on the rear side (→ "Fig. 32-3") and wait for it to initialize. Leica IP C...
Page 42
Instrument Setup Fig. 34 3. Open the hood (→ "Fig. 34-1"), then press the CLEAN and LOADED keys control panel (→ "Fig. 37-1") simultaneously. 4. The print head (→ "Fig. 35-2") moves upward to a position approx. 1 cm away from the sealing (→...
Page 43
30 mm out of the instrument until the lights up (→ "Fig. 38-2"). EMPTY LED 10. Retighten the red cap (→ "Fig. 38-3") and then remove the cartridge completely (→ "Fig. 38-5"). 11. Release the red retaining bracket. Leica IP C...
Page 44
Inserting the ink cartridge Note • In this instruction, an example of how to insert the ink cartridge is shown using the Leica IP S printer. This also applies to the Leica IP C printer. • Follow the information on the flag attached to the ink cartridge.
Page 45
2. Remove the information flag and place the red protective cap in the recess provided on the ink cartridge (→ "Fig. 41-1"). 3. Upon completion, make sure that the red retaining bracket is in the correct position (→ "Fig. 41-2") and close the cover plate (→ "Fig. 41-3") of the printer. Leica IP C...
Page 46
Instrument Setup Fig. 41 Warning Never press the CLEAN button while a new or used ink cartridge is in the instrument! Very important! Prior to each transport, the cap (→ "Fig. 39-3") must be screwed onto the nozzle to prevent the ink from spilling. 4.
Page 47
2. Press and hold the CLEAN button until "00" is displayed, then release the button. A cassette is imprinted with a stored test image. If the print result is not satisfactory, this step can be repeated several times. Leica IP C...
Instrument Setup 4.10 Installing the printer driver Note For information about installing the printer driver, please refer to the software Installation Instructions supplied together with this Instructions for Use. Version 2.0, Revision I...
• Magazines are full or up to that point no further cassette has been requested from a magazine that has just been emptied. LED flashing: • Flashing LED and number on display indicate which magazine is empty. Leica IP C...
Page 50
Operation • If several magazines are emptied at the same time, the corresponding magazine numbers are indicated in a recurring sequence. • After refilling the magazine, LOADED (→ "Fig. 42-5") must be pressed to inform the printer that the magazine has been refilled. • The printer will resume the interrupted print job where previously left off.
Page 51
– if there are still print jobs that have not been completed – the LED starts flashing. LED off: • Printer is offline. No print jobs will be carried out until the printer is made ready (LED on). Leica IP C...
Page 52
Operation ERROR (→ "Fig. 42-8") Acknowledging an error code being displayed. LED flashing: • An error has occurred. The corresponding error message is being displayed. • If ERROR is pressed after having eliminated the source of an error and after all obstacles in the processing areas have been removed, the printer resumes normal operation and the error indication disappears.
Page 53
• The imprinted cassettes are pushed out of the printer and onto the uppermost tray. • At the right end of the tray there is a sensor (→ "Fig. 44-1"), which triggers a signal when covered. The tray stack is then moved upwards by one tray. Leica IP C...
Page 54
Operation • Once all trays are full the instrument emits an acoustic signal (beep), the LED in the TRAY LOAD button starts blinking, the stack of trays can be removed. Fig. 44 Controls the movement of the lifting table of the automated unload station (optional) 1.
Confirm the prompt pressing ERROR. After about 3 weeks the message will be displayed again and will not disappear from the screen when pressing ERROR. You can still continue printing but maintenance is absolutely necessary. Leica IP C...
Error messages All displayed numbers from Alarm functions The Leica IP C is equipped with two different alarm functions: Instrument alarm The printer has a beeper that emits acoustic signals indicating important instrument states and functions. • Upon pressing...
The remote alarm device connected to the instrument must be rated at less than 100 mA. A maximum voltage of 24 V DC must not be exceeded. For details on how to connect a remote alarm device to the Leica IP C, please contact your local Leica sales office or the manufacturer directly.
Page 58
Operation 3. First, the page settings must be selected: Click on File > Page Setup to open the Page Setup dialog box (→ "Fig. 46"). 4. In Margins (→ "Fig. 46-1"), set all margins to 0; the print range will change as shown (→...
Page 59
Clicking onto the individual menu items opens up a pull-down menu to their right, where you can select the desired parameters. Any menu items not described here are of no importance for the printer. Therefore, the standard settings of all menu items not described here should remain unchanged. Leica IP C...
Page 60
Operation Fig. 48 (→ "Fig. 48-1") Paper/Output > Paper Size menu • In the menu you select the type of cassette, i.e. the size of the imprintable zone of the Paper Size cassette. The cassette type selected in this menu should be identical to the one selected in Page Setup (→...
Page 61
Operation Note When using the manual unloading system, the values configured in the Output Bin menu item are not considered by the device. Leica IP C...
• No liquid may come into contact with the electrical connections or spill into the interior of the instrument! • The Leica IP C needs to be thoroughly vacuum cleaned once a week. Cassette guiding mechanisms Cleaning of the following IP modules...
Page 63
• Remove the unload trays; with a brush, remove dust and debris from guides and ejector. • The trays themselves can be cleaned with a household cleaner. • Do not use any solvents to clean the trays! • Prior to reinserting them into the instrument, the trays must be completely dry. Leica IP C...
Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning the print head Preparing the printer: The print head must be cleaned manually once a week or if the message is displayed. 1. Open the printer hood (→ "Fig. 34-1") and then press the CLEAN LOADED keys simultaneously.
Page 65
(→ "Fig. 56-1") and sealing lip with (clean) alcohol. The sealing lip (→ "Fig. 56-2") must be completely free of ink residue. 7. Check the sealing lip for damage. Replace the replacement plate if the sealing lip is damaged. Leica IP C...
Cleaning and Maintenance Replacement plate Fig. 56 8. Reinsert the replacement plate (→ "Fig. 56-1"). Caution replacement plate must be completely dry. 9. When the cleaning process is finished, press any key of the control panel to confirm. 10. The print head moves back to the rest position; the message disappears from the display.
Note Never press the CLEAN button while a new or used ink cartridge is in the instrument! 3. On the control panel press LOADED (→ "Fig. 42-5"). Leica IP C...
• Regularly remove dust from the ventilation slots on the back of the instrument using a brush or a small vacuum cleaner. • Have the instrument inspected once per year by a qualified service engineer authorized by Leica. • At the end of the warranty period, enter into a service contract. For more information, please contact your local Leica technical service center.
Page 69
9. The INK EMPTY LED goes out, and appears in the display. 10. Press CLEAN to clean the print head (duration: approx. 3.5 min) - appears in the display. The display will go out when the cleaning process is complete. Leica IP C...
Page 70
Cleaning and Maintenance Note The cleaning process with solvent takes approx. 3.5 minutes. 11. Open the hood of the printer (→ "Fig. 34-1"), then press the CLEAN and LOADED buttons at the same time. 12. Pressing those buttons moves the print head (→...
Page 71
20. Close the printer hood. 21. Retighten the red cap (→ "Fig. 58-2") on the transport cartridge and close the cover plate the side of the printer. Leica IP C...
Cleaning and Maintenance Warning • Switch off the printer and disconnect the power to prevent damage to the print head! • Never use a transport cartridge together with a replacement plate! • In order to use the printer again, the transport plate has to be removed and a new exchange plate has to be inserted.
4. Interrupted print jobs are resumed where previously left off. 5. If an error message is displayed several times although all possible causes have been eliminated, a Reset should be carried out. Leica IP C...
3. If the same error continues to be displayed even after a reset, switch the printer off via the power switch (back panel) and, after a short waiting period of approx. 30 sec., switch it back on. If this does not eliminate the problem either, call Leica Technical Service. Status messages (for additional information, refer also to (→...
Remove cassette. Horizontal drive is mechanically blocked. Close the swivelling flap of the flash module (→ "Fig. 51-1"). Remove cassette. If error persists, call Leica Technical Service. Vertical drive is mechanically blocked. Remove cassette. If error persists, call Leica Technical Service.
Page 76
• Ensure that the cover is not blocked, Safety switch triggered. e.g. by the manual unload station. Close cover completely. • Call Leica Technical Service. • Flash standby state not reached within the prescribed time. Charging electronics defective. No flash or flash duration too short.
Page 77
Remove the cause of the blockage. not close or does not open. The flap is blocked (e.g. by a cassette). Lifting table end sensor does not switch. Call Leica Technical Service. Lifting table position sensor does not Call Leica Technical Service. switch during positioning.
LOADED to confirm (→ p. 41 – 4.9 Exchanging the transport cartridge for an ink cartridge). Power supply unit does not achieve Call Leica Technical Service. standard operating voltage. Firmware only partially loaded or not Call Leica Technical Service. loaded at all.
Replacing the secondary fuses Warning Before replacing a fuse, always switch the instrument off and unplug from power supply. Defective fuses may be replaced only with the replacement fuses supplied together with the instrument. Leica IP C...
Page 80
Troubleshooting Replacing the fuses 1. Insert a screwdriver (→ "Fig. 66-2") into the slot in fuse holder (→ "Fig. 66-1"); push slightly inwards and at the same time rotate the screwdriver a 1/4 turn to the left. Fig. 66 2. The fuse holder is released and can be removed. 3.
The scope of the warranty is based on the content of the concluded agreement. The warranty terms of your Leica sales organization or the organization from which you have purchased the contractual product shall apply exclusively. Technical service information If you require technical service or replacement parts, please contact your Leica sales representative or dealer who sold the product.
Decontamination Certificate Decontamination Certificate Every product that is returned to Leica Biosystems or that requires on-site maintenance must be properly cleaned and decontaminated. You can find the dedicated template of the decontamination confirmation on our website www.LeicaBiosystems.com within the product menu. This template has to be used for gathering all required data.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the IP C and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers