Troubleshooting; Possible Errors; Malfunction - Leica RM2125 Manual

7. Troubleshooting

The table below shows the most frequent problems that occur when working with the instru-
ment and gives advice for troubleshooting.
Problem

7.1 Possible errors

1. Thick/thin sections
Alternately thick and thin sections
are produced. In extreme cases,
every second section is skipped,
being followed by a very thick sec-
tion.
2. Sections compressed
Sections are extremely com-
pressed, wrinkled or jammed to-
gether.
3. Streak present in sections
with knife holder E
4. Noise during sectioning
Knife "sings" when sectioning hard
specimens. Sections shows
scratches and chatter marks.

7.2 Malfunction

1. No specimen feed, i.e. no more
sections
2. Blades wear out very quickly
38
Possible causes
• Blade insufficiently clamped.
• Blunt cutting edge.
• Pressure plate damaged or not
correctly adjusted.
• Knife / blade clearance angle too
narrow.
• Blunt cutting edge.
• Specimen too warm.
• Sectioning speed too high.
• Paraffin has accumulated at rear
pressure plate of knife holder.
• Sectioning speed too high.
• Clearance angle too wide.
• Insufficient clamping at specimen
and/or knife holder.
• Specimen cylinder has reached
front limit stop position.
• Cutting forces too high.
Corrective action
• Re-clamp blade.
• Adjust knife holder laterally or use
new blade.
• Insert new pressure plate or use
new knife holder.
• Readjust pressure plate.
• Systematically try wider clearance
angle settings until optimum angle
width has been found.
• Use different zone of cutting edge
or use new blade.
• Cool specimen prior to sectioning.
• Work at slower sectioning speed.
• Remove paraffin debris regularly.
• Turn handwheel at slower speed.
• Systematically reduce clearance
angle settings until optimum angle
width has been found.
• Check all screws and clamping
mechanisms at specimen holder
system and knife holder. Retighten,
if necessary.
• Move specimen backwards (coarse
feed wheel).
• Select sectioning speed and/or
trimming thickness according to
specimen hardness. Reduce section
thickness, turn handwheel at slower
speed.
Bedienungsanleitung V 2.3 – 02/2009