RM2125R and RM2125RT Instruction Manual V2.3 Feb 2009

NOTE The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this manual represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it following thorough investigation in this field. We are under no obligation to update the present manual according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional copies, updates etc. of this manual. For erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc. contained in this manual we exclude liability as far as permissible according to the national legal system applicable in each individual case. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial loss or consequential damage caused by or related to compliance with statements or other information in this manual. Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information as regards contents or technical details of the present manual are not to be considered as warranted characteristics of our products.

These are determined only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers. Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing techniques used in our products. This document is protected under copyright laws. Any copyrights of this document are retained by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH. Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy, microfiche, web cam or other methods – including any electronic systems and media – requires express prior permission in writing by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH. For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the name plate at the back of the instrument.

© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH

Published by: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19 D-69226 Nussloch Germany Phone: +49 (0) 62 24 143-0 Fax: +49 (0) 62 24 143-2 00 Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com Leica RM2125

3

Table of contents 1. Important notes ... 5 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

Symbols in the text and their meaning ... 5 Qualification of personnel ... 5 Designated use ... 5 Instrument type ... 5

2. Safety ... 6 2.1 2.2 2.3

Safety instructions ... 6 Warnings ... 6 Integrated safety devices ... 8

3. Instrument components and specifications ... 10 3.1 3.2 3.3

Overview - instrument components ... 10 Instrument specifications ... 11 Technical data ... 12

4. Setup ... 13 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7

Installation site requirements ... 13 Standard delivery ... 13 Unpacking andinstallation ... 14 Inserting the specimen clamp ... 15 Fastening the specimen clamp directly to the fixture ... 16 Mounting the knife holder base ... 17 Mounting the knife holder ... 17

5. Operation ... 18 5.1 Clamping the specimen ... 18 5.2 Inserting the knife / disposable blade ... 18 5.3 Adjusting the clearance angle ... 19 5.4 Orienting the specimen (possible only with orienting fixture for specimen clamps) ... 20 5.5 Trimming the specimen ... 21 5.6 Sectioning ... 23 5.7 Changing specimen ... 23 5.8 Accessories ... 24 5.8.1 Standard specimen clamp ... 24 5.8.2 Vee insert ... 24 5.8.3 Foil clamp type 1 ... 25 5.8.4 Foil clamp type 2 ... 26 5.8.5 Universal cassette clamp ... 26 5.8.6 Holder for round specimens ... 27 5.8.7 Knife holder base ... 28 5.8.8 Knife holder N ... 29 5.8.9 Knifeholder E ... 30 5.8.10 Overview - accessories ... 33 5.9 Optional accessories (ordering information) ... 34

6.

Cleaning and maintenance ... 35 6.1 6.2

7.

Cleaning the instrument ... 35 Maintenance instructions ... 37

Troubleshooting ... 38 7.1 7.2

Possible errors ... 38 Malfunction ... 38

8. Warranty and service ... 39 EC Declaration of Conformity ... 40

4

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

1. Important notes 1.1 Symbols in the text and their meaning Dangers, warnings and cautions appear in a grey box and are marked by a warning triangle .

Notes, i.e. important user information appear in a gray box and are marked by an information symbol .

(5)

Figures in brackets refer to item numbers in drawings.

1.3 Designated use The Leica RM2125 / Leica RM2125 RT are manually operated rotary microtomes, used to produce thin sections of specimens of different hardness in both routine and research applications in biology, medicine and industry. They are designed to section soft materials embedded in paraffin as well as harder specimens, provided those specimens are still suitable for manual sectioning. Any other use of the instrument is considered improper!

1.2 Qualification of personnel

1.4 Instrument type

• The Leica RM 2125 may be operated only by trained laboratory personnel.

All information provided in this manual applies only to the instrument type indicated on the cover page. A name plate indicating the instrument serial number is attached to the back of the instrument.

• All laboratory personnel designated to operate the Leica RM2125 must read this instruction manual carefully and must be familiar with all technical features of the instrument before attempting to operate the Leica RM2125.

Fig. 1

Leica RM2125

5

2.

Safety Be sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings in this chapter. Be sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other Leica products.

2.1 Safety instructions This instruction manual contains important instructions and information regarding the operational safety and maintenance of the instrument. The instruction manual is an important part of the product, which must be read carefully prior to setup and use and must always be kept near the instrument. . If additional requirements on accident prevention and environmental protection exist in the country of operation, this instruction manual must be supplemented by appropriate instructions to ensure compliance with such requirements.

This instrument was built and tested in accordance with machinery directive 98/37/EC and the safety regulations for laboratory devices as specified below: The latest information on the standards applied can be found in the CE declaration of conformity on the Internet under: www. histo-solutions.com In order to maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, the operator must observe all the instructions and warnings contained in this instruction manual.

The protective devices on both instrument and accessories may neither be removed nor modified. Only authorized and qualified service personnel may repair the instrument and access the instrument’s internal components.

2.2 Warnings The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for accident prevention. Primarily responsible for accident-free operation is above all the institution which owns the instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who operates, services or cleans the instrument. To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following instructions and warnings.

6

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

2.

Safety

Warnings - safety instructions / warning labels attached to the instrument • Safety instruction labels on the instrument marked with a warning triangle indicate that the correct operating instructions (as described in this manual) must be followed when operating or replacing the instrument component bearing the label. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in an accident, personal injury, damage to the instrument or accessory equipment.

Warnings - Transport and installation • Once uncrated, the instrument may only be transported in an upright position. • For transport, do not grab the instrument neither by the handles of the handwheel or coarse feed wheel nor by the section thickness adjusting knob. • The protective devices on both instrument and accessories must neither be removed nor modified. .

Warning - Operating the instrument • Be very careful when handling microtome knives or blades. The knife or blade edges are extremely sharp and can cause severe injuries! • Always remove the knife / blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument. Knives that are not in use should always be stored in the knife case! • Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a falling knife! • Always clamp the specimen block BEFORE clamping the knife. • Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks! • Always wear safety goggles when sectioning brittle specimens! Specimen may splinter! • No fluid must enter the interior of the instrument during work! • Leica RM2125 RT only: Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase. If a block is oriented during retraction, prior to the next section the block will advance by the retraction value PLUS the selected section thickness. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife!

Leica RM2125

7

2.

Safety

Warnings - cleaning and maintenance • Only authorized and qualified service personnel may repair the instrument and access the instrument’s internal components. • Lock the handwheel before you starting to clean the instrument! • Do not use any solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning! • No fluid must enter the interior of the instrument during cleaning! • When using cleaners, comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the laborsafety regulations of your laboratory!

2.3 Integrated safety devices The instrument is equipped with the following protection features: Handwheel locking mechanism The handwheel (15) can be locked in the 12o’clock position (Fig. 2). When pushing the handwheel handle (1) inwards (to the left), the handwheel will lock in place when next reaching the 12-o’clock position. Function check: • To activate the locking mechanism, push the handle (1) to the left. The handwheel locks in place in the 12 o’clock position and cannot be rotated any further. • To unlock the handwheel, pull the handle (1) outwards (to the right).

1

15

2

Fig. 2

Lever in  position = handwheel locked Lever in  position = handwheel released

8

Handwheel brake With the lever (2) on the right side of the microtome base plate, the handwheel brake can be activated with the handle in any position. When the lever is pushed upward, the handwheel is locked in position. Two symbols on the microtome base plate indicate the ‘locked’ and ‘unlocked’ position (Fig. 2).

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

2.

Safety

Knife guard on the knife holder All knife holders are equipped with a permanent knife guard (3, 5) capable of covering the entire length of the knife / blade edge in any position.

Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks!

Knife holder N

4 3 4

The knife guard (3) of the knife holder N can be easily positioned via the two buttons (4) (Fig. 3). To cover the knife edge, push both cover strips of the knife guard to the center.

Fig. 3

Knife holder E 5

The knife guard of the knife holder E consists of a hinged shackle (5). To cover the edge, turn the shackle (5) upwards as shown in Fig. 4.

5 Fig. 4

Leica RM2125

9

3.

Instrument components and specifications

3.1 Overview - instrument components Leica RM2125

Fixture for specimen clamps, non-orientable

Universal Cassette clamp Handwheel handle with locking mechanism

Knife holder N

Knife holder base, without lateral displacement feature

Smooth-turning handwheel Lever for activating the handwheel brake

Clamping lever for knife holder base Fig. 5

Leica RM2125 RT Control knob for section thickness setting

Orientable fixture for specimen clamps

Section thickness indication

Coarse feed wheel

Knife holder E Lever for activating the mechanical trimming function Clamping lever for lateral displacement function of knife holder

10

Knife holder base with lateral displacement feature Fig. 6

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

3. Instrument components and specifications 3.2 Instrument specifications The Leica RM2125 and Leica RM2125 RT are manually operated rotary microtomes. • The advance and vertical stroke mechanisms run on cross roller guides that are free from backlash and maintenance-free. Both mechanisms as well as the coarse feed system are protected by a dust-proof plastic housing. • The handwheel can be locked in the 12 o’clock position via the handwheel handle. In addition, a handwheel brake mechanism allows you to lock the handwheel in any position via a locking lever integrated into the base plate. • Sectioning is done manually by rotating the exceptionally smooth-running, counterbalanced handwheel. . • The coarse feed function is operated via the coarse feed wheel on the left side of the instrument housing. • Section thickness is selected via a turning control knob and indicated in the small window integrated into the instrument housing. Section thickness settings from 0.5 to 60 μm can be selected. • Both models are equipped with a slot cover preventing section waste from entering the interior of the instrument. Both the Leica RM2125 and Leica RM2125 RT are available in two versions: 1. Leica RM2125 / RM2125 RT, course-feed wheel left, clockwise sense of rotation. 2. Leica RM2125 / RM2125 RT, course-feed wheel left, counterclockwise sense of rotation. The direction of feed of the coarse feed wheel is indicated by an arrow. Leica RM2125 RT - additional features • A mechanical trimming function, activated via a lever and featuring 10 μm and 50 μm trimming thickness. • Specimen retraction, designed to protect both knife and specimen. During the return stroke, the specimen is pulled back from the knife by 220 μm. Prior to the next section, the specimen advances by the selected section thickness plus the retraction value. Leica RM2125

11

3.

Instrument components and specifications

3.3 Technical data General Approvals: Operating temperature range:

The instrument-specific marks are located on the rear panel of the instrument next to the name plate +10 °C to +40 °C

Section thickness setting range:

0.5 - 60 μm

Section thickness selection:

from 0 - 2 μm in 0.5-μm steps from 2 - 10 μm in 1-μm steps from 10 - 20 μm in 2-μm steps from 20 - 60 μm in 5-μm steps

Total horizontal specimen feed: Vertical specimen stroke: Specimen retraction (RM2125 RT only):

25 mm 59 mm 220 μm

Dimensions and weight Width Depth Height Working height (knife edge) Weight (without accessories)

Optional features and optional accessories Specimen orientation (optional) horizontal: vertical: Rotability: Trimming thickness (RM2125 RT only):

400 mm 470 mm 295 mm 105 mm 29 kg

8° 8° ± 90 ° 10 μm, 50 μm

Knife holder base with lateral displacement feature: north-south: ± 25 mm east-west: ± 20 mm Knife holder base without lateral displacement feature: north-south: ± 25 mm

12

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

4.

Setup

4.1 Installation site requirements • Stable, vibration-free laboratory bench with horizontal and even table top; practically vibration-free floor. • No other instruments nearby which might cause vibrations. • Room temperature permanently between + 15 °C and + 40 °C. • Unobstructed and convenient access to both handwheel and coarse feed wheel.

4.2 Standard delivery The Leica RM2125 standard delivery includes: 1 Leica RM2125 basic instrument (without retraction) ... 14 0457 37986 Basic instrument includes the following accessories: 1 Fixture for spec. clamps, orientable (attached to instrument) ... 14 0457 37990 1 Tool set - consisting of: 1 Allen key with handle, size 3 ... 14 0194 04764 1 Allen key with handle, size 4 ... 14 0194 04782 1 Allen key, size 8 ... 14 0222 04143 1 bottle (50 ml) of oil for drives, type 405 ... 14 0336 06086 1 dust protective cover (104 R) ... 14 0212 04091 1 Instructions manual (+ language-CD) ... 14 0498 80001 The above accessories plus any further accessories you ordered you will find in the cardboard box packed on top of the instrument (see Fig. 7).

Carefully check the delivery against the packing list, delivery note and your order. Should there be any discrepancy, please contact the Leica sales unit handling your order or your Leica dealer.

Leica RM2125

13

4.

Setup

4.3 Unpacking andinstallation

• Open the crate. • Remove all accessories (1) and the instruction manual. • Remove Allen key, size 8 and set aside. • Remove cardboard tray (2). • Remove cushioning material. • Remove cardboard cover (3). • Use the two straps (4) attached to the front and back of the wooden pallet to remove the instrument from the crate.

1 2 3

4

5

6

7

8

For transport, do not grab the instrument neither by the handles of the handwheel or coarse feed wheel nor by the section thickness adjusting knob.

• Place wood pallet with instrument onto a stable bench. • Grasp the front edge of the pallet and lift it slightly. • Use size-8 Allen key (7) to remove the securing bolt (6) and washer located underneath the pallet. • Cut open plastic cover (5) and remove. • Grasp front and rear edge of instrument base plate and lift instrument from pallet. • Place instrument on stable laboratory bench. Two sliders (8) attached to the base plate make it easier to move the instrument on the bench. • To reposition the instrument, grasp the front edge of the base plate, lift the instrument slightly and slide it into the desired position.

Fig. 7

14

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

4.

Setup

4.4 Inserting the specimen clamp The fixture for specimen clamps is available in two different versions – with and without specimen orientation – the two versions are interchangeable. The specimen orientation feature allows you to orient the specimen surface without having to release the specimen clamping mechanism.

10

All specimen clamps listed in chapter 5.8 ‘Accessories’ fit into the fixture. 15

To fasten a specimen clamp in the fixture, proceed as follows: • With handwheel (15) move fixture (10) to uppermost position and activate the handwheel locking mechanism.

11

12

• Release clamping lever (11) (rotate counterclockwise). • Slide the dovetailed tenon (13) of the specimen clamp from the left into the dovetail mortise of the clamping device (14) of the fixture. 13 14

• To secure the specimen clamp, rotate the clamping lever (11) clockwise as far as it will go.

Fig. 8

Leica RM2125

15

4.

Setup

4.5 Fastening the specimen clamp directly to the fixture The specimen clamps (standard or universal cassette clamp) can also be fastened directly to the fixture (without dovetail clamping system).

10

14

To do so, proceed as follows:

 13

16

• Move fixture (10) to uppermost position (turning the handwheel) and activate the handwheel locking mechanism. • Remove dovetail clamping device (14) from the fixture (Fig. 9.1). To do so, loosen the four screws (16) with an Allen key size 3 (18) and remove them. • Remove the two screws (17) (use Allen key size 3) in order to detach the dovetail tenon (13) from the specimen clamp (12) (Fig. 9.2).

18 12



17

• Set specimen clamp (12) onto fixture for specimen clamps (see Fig. 9.3) and fasten with two screws (17).

12

 Fig. 9

16

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

4.

Setup

4.6 Mounting the knife holder base • Rotate clamping lever (20) counterclockwise to release (position  = released).

19

• Slide groove (22) of universal knife holder base (21) onto T-piece (19) of microtome base plate (23). 23

20 21

• Rotate clamping lever (20) clockwise to secure the knife holder base on the microtome base plate (position  = secured).

22 Fig. 10

4.7 Mounting the knife holder • Rotate lever (24) counterclockwise to release.

25

• Slide groove of knife holder (25) onto T-piece (26) of knife holder base (21). 26

21

• Rotate lever (24) clockwise to clamp.

24 Fig. 11

Leica RM2125

17

5.

Operation

5.1 Clamping the specimen Always clamp the specimen block BEFORE clamping the knife. Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks!

• Rotate handwheel until specimen clamp is in uppermost position. • Lock the handle of the handwheel in the 12 o’clock position. • Insert a specimen block into the specimen clamp.

See chapter 5.8 “Accessories“ for details on how to insert the specimen block into the different types of specimen clamps.

5.2 Inserting the knife / disposable blade Be very careful when handling microtome knives or blades. The knife or blade edges are extremely sharp and can cause severe injuries!

• Carefully insert knife or disposable blade into the knife holder and clamp. See chapter 5.8 “Accessories“ for details on how to insert the knife / blade into the different knife holders.

18

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

5. Operation 5.3 Adjusting the clearance angle • The index marks (0°, 5° and 10°) for adjustment of the clearance angle (27) are located on the right side of the knife holder (25). 25

• There is also an index mark (28) on the right side of the knife holder basis (21) which serves as a reference point when adjusting the clearance angle. • Rotate lever (24) counterclockwise to release.

21 24

• Move the knife holder until the index mark of the desired clearance angle coincides with the reference line on the knife holder base. Example: Enlarged detail showing a clearance angle setting of 5°.

Detail: Index marks for clearance angle adjustment

27

For knife holder E we recommend clearance angle settings between 1° and 3°.

• Hold the knife holder in the selected position and rotate lever (24) clockwise to clamp.

28

Fig. 12

Leica RM2125

19

5.

Operation

5.4 Orienting the specimen (possible only with orienting fixture for specimen clamps) The orientation feature allows you to adjust the position of the specimen surface without having to release the specimen clamping mechanism. • Turn the coarse feed wheel until the fixture for specimen clamps (31) has reached the rear limit position (see chapter 5.5). • Release the clamping lever (20, Fig. 10) on the front side of the microtome base plate and slide knifeholder base and knife holder to a position just before the specimen. See Fig. 10, p.17 or Fig. 26, p. .28.

31

29

30

Fig. 13

When working with the large-size standard specimen clamp (50 x 55 mm), the north-south orientation can only be utilized up to an angle of about 4° instead of 8°.

20

Important for Leica RM2125 RT! Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase! If a block is oriented during retraction, prior to the next section the block will advance by the retraction value PLUS the selected section thickness. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife!

• Move fixture for specimen clamps to uppermost position (turn handwheel) and lock the handwheel in 12 o’clock position. • Rotate eccentric lever (29) counterclockwise to release the clamping mechanism. • Turn adjusting screw (31) to orient the specimen in north-south direction. Turn adjusting screw (30) to orient the specimen in eastwest direction. • Rotate eccentric lever (29) clockwise to secure the clamping mechanism.

Instruction manual V 2.3 – 02/2009

5. Operation 5.5 Trimming the specimen

Coarse feed wheel (37)

32

37

Fig. 14

34 1

33

The coarse feed is used for fast horizontal specimen movement - forward, towards the knife - and backward, away from the knife. The instrument is available either with coarse feed (37) in either clockwise or counterclockwise sense of rotation. An arrow (32) indicates the sense of rotation. When the coarse feed wheel is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the specimen advances towards the knife. Once the specimen block has reached the rear or front limit stop, the coarse feed wheel becomes difficult to turn; in the front limit position, the specimen feed mechanism stops working. . Trimming the specimen with the coarse feed • Unlock the handwheel (push handle (1) inward or release brake mechanism via lever (2)). • Turn coarse feed wheel (31) to bring the specimen gradually closer to the knife. At the same time, turn handwheel (15) to trim the specimen down to the desired level where you want to start sectioning. Trimming the specimen via the section thickness selection • Select a section thickness appropriate for trimming (e.g. 50 μm) with the section thickness selection knob (33). The thickness selected shows through window (34).

15 2

• Turn handwheel (15) until the specimen has been trimmed down to the desired level.

Fig. 15

Leica RM2125

21