Leica Biosystems SP1600 - Manual (Page 4)

4 Instruction Manual V1.1 - 12/2003
Leica SP1600 – Saw Microtome
1. Preliminary remarks
The Leica SP1600 Saw Microtome is specifically for
“cutting” extremely hard and brittle materials such as
bone, ceramics and reinforced plastics. The sawing
method used prevents deformations in the sections.
The heart of the microtome is the diamond-coated
innerhole saw. An annular frame makes it excellently
stable although it is only 300 µm thick. To make a sec-
tion, the object holder is guided extremely slowly
against the saw rotating at a speed of approx. 600 rpm.
The built-in water cooling device prevents overheat-
ing of the object and removes sawdust from the cut-
ting edge. It also prolongs the life of the saw blade.
The amount of water is regulated with a valve. The sec-
tion thickness is set manually with a knurled screw on
the object arm.
Fig. 1 Leica SP1600 Saw Microtome
Fig. 2
1 Allen screws to secure the object arm
2 Object arm clamp
3 Stop bar for the clamp
4 Object arm
2. Installation and assembly
It is important to place the saw microtome on a stable
bench. Water supply and drainage facilities must be
nearby (length of pipes approx. 2 meters.)
2.1 Attaching the object arm
Pull out the clamp pin (2.2) and attach the object arm
(2.4). It is correctly located when in the position for
screwing over the saw (see Fig. 2). Insert the corre-
sponding Allen screws (2.1), tighten with the supplied
Allen key (4 mm) and mount the plastic covers. Press
the object arm back into the starting position, the clamp
pin (2.2) locks into place. Tighten the screw (2.5).