Bio-Rad Components for Older Model Spot Cutter - Manual (Page 27)

8.4 Cutting Tips
Cutting Tip Cleaning
The cutting tip is made of high quality 303/304 stainless steel. It will retain its cutting
ability through repeated use and should not need to be replaced even after 6 months of use.
If the tip is not picking up gel pieces as efficiently as earlier runs, there may be gel material
building up inside the tip. Either clean out the tip with water or alcohol and a wire, or replace
the cutting tip with a new one. Daily maintenance includes washing the cutting tip with water
or alcohol. Take the tip off the instrument and squirt water or alcohol through the tip. To
remove the cutting tip, see the following section on "Changing Cutting Tips".
Ejection Pin
If the ejection pin is not recovering after pushing out through the cutting tip, a small
amount of lubricant may be used in the mechanism. Take the cylindrical cutting assembly
cap off and spray or drop silicon lubricant (like WD40) down the shaft of the ejection pin
(where the spring is). Manually work the mechanism by pushing down on the top of the
ejection pin. It may also help to take the cutting tip off and clean it out with the alcohol and
wire method recommended above.
Changing Cutting Tips
To change a cutting tip, move the cutting head to the home position. This can be done by,
pressing the Move to Home Position shortcut button located on the menu bar. Once in the
home position, use the two wrenches (spanners) supplied with the system. The customized
wrench (spanner) is used to hold the cutting tip holder by fitting into the grooves located on
the cutting tip holder. The 6mm open ended wrench (spanner) will then fit the top of the
cutting tip. Turn the wrench (spanner) counter-clockwise to remove the tip. A new tip can
then be inserted and turned clockwise to install. Use the same wrenchs (spanners) to tighten
the cutting tip. This does not have to be over-tightened, but snug.
Note: the top of the cutting tip is rectangular in shape. If the 6 mm wrench (spanner) does
not appear to fit you will need to rotate the cutting tip 90° and then the wrench (spanner)
should fit.
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