Comprehensive Analysis of Microtomes: Principles, Brand,Usage Methods, and Troubleshooting Guide

Comprehensive Analysis of Microtomes: Principles, Usage Methods, and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview of Microtomes

Microtomes are mechanical devices specifically designed to cut objects (such as food, medicinal herbs, plastics, paper, etc.) into thin slices or sections. They are widely used in various fields including food processing, medicinal herb slicing, scientific research (such as cell and tissue sectioning), and papermaking. With their stability, high precision, ease of operation, and continuous and uniform slicing, microtomes have become indispensable equipment in many industries.

Principles

The working principles of microtomes are mainly realized through the transmission system, cutting blade, cutting process, and discharge system.

• Transmission System: Microtomes typically use electric motors as the power source. The motor’s rotational speed is transmitted to the blade through a transmission system consisting of a motor, flywheel, belts, and gears, ensuring the blade rotates quickly and stably.
• Cutting Blade: The cutting blade is usually made of high-hardness materials (such as stainless steel). Its design and manufacturing quality directly affect the cutting effect and performance. The blade cuts the material through rapid rotation.
• Cutting Process: The material to be cut is fed into the cutting area of the microtome through a material feeding device, where the blade performs the cutting. By adjusting the blade’s angle, rotational speed, and cutting thickness, slices of different thicknesses can be obtained.
• Discharge System: The sliced material is removed from the microtome through a discharge system such as a conveyor belt, chute, or transfer device for further processing or packaging.

Usage Methods

1. Preparation Stage: Cut the ingredients or material to be cut into appropriate sizes, remove unwanted parts, and prepare the microtome’s blade.
2. Equipment Adjustment: Place the microtome on a stable table and adjust the blade’s cutting thickness according to the material’s thickness.
3. Start Cutting: Place the material on the blade, ensuring it is of appropriate size to avoid blade damage. Start the microtome and gently hold the material to allow the blade to cut.
4. Cleaning and Storage: After cutting, clean the microtome and blade with water, and store them after drying. Place the microtome in a safe location, out of reach of children.

Common Faults and Repair Methods

1. Power Failure:
   • Phenomenon: The microtome cannot start normally or suddenly stops working.
   • Solution: Check if the power plug is inserted, if the power cord is damaged, if the power switch is on, and if the fuse is blown. If the power is normal, it may be a motor fault, and professional maintenance personnel should be contacted for repair.
2. Poor Cutting Effect:
   • Phenomenon: The cutting surface is uneven, the dimensions are inaccurate, or excessive powder is produced.
   • Solution: Check if the blade is sharp and replace it if not; adjust the slicing thickness, speed, and pressure to ensure correct parameter settings; check if the material is too hard or sticky, and adjust the material state accordingly.
3. Excessive Noise:
   • Phenomenon: Abnormal noise occurs during operation.
   • Solution: Check if the transmission components are loose or damaged, and repair or replace them in a timely manner; regularly clean and maintain the microtome to reduce noise generation.
4. Safety Protection Device Fault:
   • Phenomenon: The safety device fails or malfunctions, causing the microtome to operate abnormally or stop.
   • Solution: Check if the safety device is damaged or loose, and repair or replace it in a timely manner; check if the safety device’s circuit is intact, and contact professional maintenance personnel for repair if there are issues.
5. Material Jamming or Blockage:
   • Phenomenon: The material gets stuck or blocked during the slicing process.
   • Solution: Clean the residual material inside the microtome to ensure the slicing channel is clear; adjust the material feeding speed and quantity to avoid excessive material causing blockage; check if the microtome’s feeding device and transmission components are working normally, and repair them in a timely manner.

Conclusion

As an efficient and precise cutting device, microtomes play a significant role in modern production and scientific research. Understanding their working principles, correct usage methods, as well as common faults and repair methods is crucial for improving production efficiency and ensuring equipment safety.

Brands and Models of Microtomes Repaired by Longi Electromechanical Company

1. Leica Biosystems
   • RM2235: Rotary Microtome
   • RM2245: Rotary Microtome
   • RM2255: Fully Automated Rotary Microtome
   • CM1950: Cryostat Microtome
   • CM1860: Cryostat Microtome
   • UC7: Ultramicrotome
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific
   • HM355S: Automatic Microtome
   • HM340E: Electronic Rotary Microtome
   • HM325: Manual Rotary Microtome
   • CryoStar NX70: Cryostat Microtome
   • CryoStar NX50: Cryostat Microtome
3. Sakura Finetek
   • Accu-Cut SRM 200: Manual Rotary Microtome
   • Accu-Cut SRM 300: Manual Rotary Microtome
   • Tissue-Tek Cryo3 Flex: Cryostat Microtome
   • Tissue-Tek AutoSection: Automated Microtome
4. Microm (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)
   • HM355S: Automatic Microtome
   • HM340E: Electronic Rotary Microtome
   • HM325: Manual Rotary Microtome
5. RMC Boeckeler
   • PT-PC PowerTome: Ultramicrotome
   • PT-X PC PowerTome: Ultramicrotome
   • CR-X Cryo: Cryo Ultramicrotome
   • MT-990: Rotary Microtome
6. Diatome
   • Histo Diamond Knife: Knife for ultramicrotome
   • Ultra Diamond Knife: Knife for ultramicrotome
7. Medite
   • M530: Rotary Microtome
   • T690: Semi-automatic Rotary Microtome
   • T530: Manual Rotary Microtome
8. Slee Medical
   • CUT 6062: Fully Automated Rotary Microtome
   • CUT 5062: Semi-automatic Rotary Microtome
   • CUT 4062: Manual Rotary Microtome
   • MNT Modular: Cryostat Microtome
9. Bright Instrument Company
   • Bright 8250: Rotary Microtome
   • Bright 5040: Sliding Microtome
   • Bright OTF5000: Cryostat Microtome
10. Sakura Seiki
    • SRM 200: Rotary Microtome
    • SRM 300: Rotary Microtome
11. Anglia Scientific
    • AS-400: Automatic Rotary Microtome
    • AS-300: Manual Rotary Microtome
12. Thermo Shandon
    • Finesse 325: Manual Rotary Microtome
    • Finesse ME+: Motorized Rotary Microtome
13. Reichert Technologies
    • Jung Histocut 820: Rotary Microtome
    • Jung HistoStat 900: Sliding Microtome
14. Yamato
    • MCT-3: Manual Rotary Microtome
15. SLEE Medical
    • CUT 4062: Manual Rotary Microtome
    • CUT 5062: Semi-Automatic Rotary Microtome
    • CUT 6062: Fully Automated Rotary Microtome
16. Disco
    • DAD Series: DAD321, DAD322, DAD3350
    • DFD Series: DFD6362, DFD641, DFD651
    • MQMA Series
    • DFG Series

Longi Electromechanical Company has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing microtomes and can quickly repair various instruments. Additionally, they recycle and sell various types of microtomes. Welcome to consult.