Leica Biosystems RM2245 - Manual (Page 67)

65 Leica RM2245
7. Troubleshooting
Problem Possible cause Corrective action
• The blade is dull.
• The pressure plate is damaged
or incorrectly adjusted.
• Clearance angle of the knife/
blade too small.
• Laterally displace the knife
holder or insert a new blade.
• Insert a new pressure plate or
use a new knife holder.
• Methodically experiment with
larger clearance angle settings
until you have found the optimum
angle.
2. Section compression
The sections are very com-
pressed, show folds or are
squeezed together.
• The blade is dull.
• The specimen is too warm.
• The sectioning speed is too fast.
• Use another area of the blade or
a new blade.
• Cool the specimen before sec-
tioning.
• Reduce the sectioning speed.
3. "Stripes" in sections
For knife holder E • There is an accumulation of par-
affin on the rear pressure plate
of the knife holder.
• Remove paraffin from this area
on a regular basis.
4. Noises during sectioning
The knife "sings" when section-
ing hard specimens. The sec-
tions show scratches or chatter
marks.
• The sectioning speed is too fast.
• The clearance angle is too
wide.
• Insufficient clamping of speci-
men clamp and/or knife holder.
• Select a slower sectioning
speed.
• Methodically reduce the clear-
ance angle setting until you have
found the optimum angle.
• Check all screw and clamp con-
nections on the specimen holder
system and the knife holder. If
necessary, tighten the levers and
screws.
5. High blade consumption • Too great of a sectioning force
was applied.
• Adjust the sectioning speed and/
or section thickness when sec-
tioning. Select a thinner section.