Print Specifications; Requirements For Microscope Slides - Leica IP S Operating Instructions Manual

3. Instrument components and specification

3.3 Print specifications

Only standard microscope slides with imprintable
colored edges (23) can be imprinted in the Leica
IP S (see Fig. 5).
Printing directly onto the glass is not possible.
The following slide sizes can be imprinted in the
Leica IP S: 76 x 26 mm, max. 1.2 mm thickness.
23
The texture of the slide print surface is extremely
important for optimal print quality and durability.
The print surface varies considerably between
manufacturers, color selection and coated (pos-
itively charged) versus uncoated surfaces.
They can even vary from slide to slide in the
same lot.
Coloured print surfaces, other than pure white,
contain pigments that help the ink spread evenly
and adhere strongly.
White print surfaces should always be tested for
print quality and ink adherence before purchase.
12
Some slides have been coated over the print sur-
face as well as the glass, which can create prob-
lems with the adherence of the ink.
These slides should also be tested for print qual-
ity and ink adherence before purchase.

3.3.1 Requirements for microscope slides

• To reduce the amount of glass dust and the
risk of mechanical failures, use only clipped
corner slides (45° angle on each corner).
• Slides to be used in the printers must be stored
appropriately in closed containers and pro-
tected from dust and moisture.
• Positively charged slides are inherently sticky
so they require special handling to insure reli-
able mechanical handling by the instrument.
• When the print job is complete, the printed
Fig. 5
surface of the slide may be handled immedi-
ately. Please be aware, however, that the spe-
cial ink is alcohol based and exposure to al-
cohol in combination with physical contact
(rubbing) could cause the print quality to de-
grade.
Instruction manual V 1.6 – 07/2005