How To Avoid Errors - Thermo Scientific Microm HM355S Operation Manual

Working with the Microtome

How to Avoid Errors

how to avoid Errors
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.
Tightening the clamping screws:
Tighten all clamping screws and clamping levers on the knife/blade
carrier, specimen holder and specimen orientation.
Selection of the knife/blade:
Carefully select the required knife/blade material and profile.
Adjustment of the knife/blade:
Carefully adjust the proper clearance angle of the knife: 5 – 7° for glass
knives. For settings for diamond knives ask the knife manufacturer.
Select a clearance angle adjustment of 5 – 15° according to the facet
angle. Typically, adjust an angle of 10 – 12°. Take care to adjust knife
height.
Cutting speed:
Always cut at proper speed.
Note!
General rule: The harder the material, the slower the cutting speed!
Trimming:
Carefully bringing the knife/blade and specimen together.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Operation Manual HM335S 63