How To Avoid Errors - Thermo Scientific HM340E Operation Manual

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 bring the knife/blade and specimen together.
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Thermo Scientific Rotary Microtome HM 340E