Troubleshooting; Possible Faults; Instrument Malfunctions - Leica SM2010 R Instructions For Use Manual

8.

Troubleshooting

Note
In the following table there is a list of the most common problems which can arise while working with
the instrument, along with possible causes and troubleshooting procedures.
8.1

Possible faults

Problem
Thick/thin sections
The sections alternate
between being thick and
thin. In extreme cases,
there are no sections
whatsoever
Section compression
The sections are very
compressed, show folds or
are squeezed together.
The sections have
scratches and chatter
marks
8.2

Instrument malfunctions

Problem
There is no further feed
motion and thus no
sectioning.
High blade consumption
Leica SM2010 R
Possible cause
• The blade is not clamped
properly.
• Blunt blade/knife.
• Angle of inclination of the
knife/blade and therefore also
clearance angle too small.
• The blade/knife is blunt.
• The specimen is too warm.
• The clearance angle is too wide. • Methodically reduce the
• The clearance angle is too wide. • Methodically reduce the
• Unsuitable knife profile
• Insufficient clamping to the
object holder system and/or the
blade/knife holder
Possible cause
• The front end position has been
reached.
• Too great of a sectioning force
was applied.
Troubleshooting
Correction action
• Reclamp the blade.
• Laterally displace the blade/knife
holder or insert a new blade/knife.
• Methodically experiment with
larger clearance angle settings
until you have found the optimum
angle.
• Use another area of the blade/
knife, or use a new blade/knife.
• Cool the specimen before
sectioning.
clearance angle setting until you
have found the optimum angle.
clearance angle setting until you
have found the optimum angle.
• Use a knife with another profile.
• Check all screw and clamp
connections on the object holder
system and the knife holder. If
necessary, tighten the levers and
screws.
Correction action
• Run the specimen downwards by
turning the coarse driving wheel.
• Adjust the sectioning speed
and/or section thickness when
trimming. Select a smaller section
thickness, move knife sledge more
slowly.
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