Leica Biosystems SM2010 R - Manual (Page 41)

39 Leica SM2010 R
8. Troubleshooting
In the following table there is a list of the most common problems which can arise while work-
ing with the instrument, along with possible causes and troubleshooting procedures.
Problem Possible cause Corrective action
8.1 Possible faults
1. Thick/thin sections
The sections alternate between
being thick and thin. In extreme
cases, there are no sections what-
soever.
• The blade is not clamped properly.
• Blunt blade/knife.
• Angle of inclination of the knife/
blade and therefore also clearance
angle too small.
• Reclamp the blade.
• Laterally displace the blade/knife
holder or insert a new blade/knife.
• Methodically experiment with
larger clearance angle settings
until you have found the optimum
angle.
2. Section compression
The sections are very compressed,
show folds or are squeezed to-
gether.
• The blade/knife is blunt.
• The specimen is too warm.
• The clearance angle is too wide.
• Use another area of the blade/
knife, or use a new blade/knife.
• Cool the specimen before section-
ing.
• Methodically reduce the clearance
angle setting until you have found
the optimum angle.
3. The sections have scratches and
chatter marks
• The clearance angle is too wide.
• Unsuitable knife profile
• Insufficient clamping to the object
holder system and/or the blade/
knife holder
• Methodically reduce the clearance
angle setting until you have found
the optimum angle.
• Use a knife with another profile.
• Check all screw and clamp con-
nections on the object holder
system and the knife holder. If
necessary, tighten the levers and
screws.
8.2 Instrument malfunctions
1 There is no further feed motion
and thus no sectioning.
• The front end position has been
reached.
• Run the specimen downwards by
turning the coarse driving wheel.
2. High blade consumption • Too great of a sectioning force
was applied.
• Adjust the sectioning speed and/or
section thickness when trimming.
Select a smaller section thickness,
move knife sledge more slowly.