MICRÓTOMO CRIOSTATO Microm HM-550 - MU

HM 550 Series
MICROTOME CRYOSTAT
HM 550 Series
Options O M V P D
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49
D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
CERTIFICATION
MICROM International GmbH certifies that this instrument has been tested and
checked carefully. Its technical data was verified before shipment to be in
accordance with the published specifications.
The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations.
WARRANTY
This MICROM product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 1 year. Parts which prove to be defective during the warranty period will be
repaired or replaced free of charge by MICROM International GmbH. No other
warranty is expressed or implied. Unauthorized modification or repair by third party
persons will void the warranty.
The warranty will expire in case of improper or wrong use of the instrument and in
case the warning and precautionary messages are not observed. MICROM
International GmbH is not liable for any occurring damage.
Errors and ommissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement without

further notice.
This instruction manual will be supplied together with each instrument. Further
copies can be ordered at the nearest MICROM sales office by giving the serial
number of the instrument, the number of the instruction manual and the date of
issue.
This instruction manual is available in the following languages:
Cat. No.
German: 387747
English: 387748
French: 387749
Spanish: 387750

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
INTENDED USE
Dear Customer,
Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these operating
instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its proper operation and
functions.
The MICROM cryostat series HM 550 are highly efficient cryostats for
sectioning techniques in routine and research.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the microtome
cryostat, i.e. placing the specimen onto a chuck, sectioning and transferring
sections onto a slide. The listed and marked safety measures as well as the
regulations and hygiene measures of your respective lab must strictly be
observed.
MICROM Ser. No. :..................................................
Please check the MICROM Ser. No. on the type plate, which is placed on the
rear side of your instrument and enter this number here. This way, questions
and service can be handled faster.
Instruction Manual No. 387748
Issued: February 19, 2004

Robert-Bosch-Strasse 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Telefon: (06227) 836-0

Telefax: (06227) 836-111

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Intended Use
Table of Contents
EC Certificate of Conformity
Safety Precautions
PART 1 INTRODUCTION
1-1 Description of the HM 550 Series
1-2 Technical data HM 550 Series
PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1 Setting up the cryostat
2-2 Initial turn-on
2-3 Basic operational rules
2-4 Cutting process

2-4-1 Cutting movement and retraction
2-5 Setting section thickness and trimming thickness
2-6 Chamber cooling

2-6-1 Actual and set value of the chamber temperature
2-6-2 Function fast freezing for standard instruments
2-6-3 Heat extractor (optional accessory)
2-7 Feed
2-7-1 Specimen coarse feed
2-7-2 Speed of the specimen coarse feed
2-7-3 Setting the cutting window
2-7-4 Automatic approach system
2-7-5 Trimming and first cuts
2-7-6 Fine feed
2-8 Turning on/off the function retraction
2-9 Indication of cutting processes

2-9-1 Section counter
2-9-2 Section thickness sum
2-9-3 Remaining travel to front end position
2-9-4 Real time
2-10 Setting the real time, WAKE time, ACTIVE time and date
2-10-1 Setting the real time
2-10-2 Setting the WAKE time
2-10-3 Setting the ACTIVE time
2-10-4 Setting the date

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-11 Defrosting
2-11-1 Setting the defrost time
2-11-2 Defrosting cycle
2-11-3 Interrupting a defrosting cycle
2-11-4 Emptying the defrosting liquid
2-12 Customer-specific settings

2-12-1 Setting the contrast
2-12-2 Selecting the language
2-13 Illumination of the cooling chamber
2-14 Service settings
2-15 Specimen orientation
2-16 Knife carriers

2-16-1 Standard knife carrier
2-16-2 Disposable blade carrier EC
2-16-3 Magnetic disposable blade carrier M
2-17 Option O – specimen cooling

2-17-1 Actual and set value of the specimen temperature
2-17-2 Specimen orientation with zero device (with option O)
2-18 Option M - motorized cutting drive

2-18-1 Setting the cutting window
2-18-2 Selecting the operating modes
2-18-3 Setting the cutting speed
2-18-4 Start and stop of the cutting drive
2-18-5 Handwheel brake
2-18-6 Emergency stop
2-19 Option V - Vacutome

2-19-1 Setting the vacuum for stretching sections and disposing of section waste
2-19-2 Inserting and replacing the filter unit
2-19-3 Setting the suction window
2-20 Knife carrier for Vacutome

2-20-1 Disposable blade carrier EV
2-20-2 Magnetic disposable blade carrier MV
2-21 Option P – active deep freezing device with Peltier element
2-22 Option D – Integrated automatic unit for the application of disinfection media
2-22-1 Preparing and starting the option D
2-22-2 Interrupting the option D
2-22-3 Programming the option D
2-22-4 Cleaning after a cycle with the option D
2-23 Error code indication

2-23-1 Definition of the error codes
2-23-2 Error codes of the option D
2-24 Accessories
2-24-1 Standard equipment
D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-24-2 Additional equipment

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
PART 3 Theory of operation
3-1 Microtome cooling, defrost cycle
3-2 Cutting movement
3-3 Specimen coarse feed and trimming stages
3-4 Automatic approach system
3-5 Option M - motorized cutting drive
3-6 Option V - stretching sections and disposing of section waste
3-7 Option O – Specimen fast and temperature control
3-8 Option D – Integrated automatic unit for the application of disinfection media
PART 4 Working with the cryostat
4-1 Preparations on the microtome and inside the cooling chamber
4-2 Freezing on the specimen
4-3 Orientation and trimming of specimens
4-4 Sectioning and taking off sections
4-5 How to avoid malfunctions

4-5-1 Possible sources of errors – cause and removal
PART 5 Maintenance and care of the cryostat
5-1 Shutting-off for cleaning
5-2 Removing the microtome
5-3 Cleaning and care of the microtome
5-4 Cleaning the cooling lamella
5-5 Changing the fluorescent lamp
PART 6 CONDITIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE INSTRUMENT
6-1 Taking back the instrument for repair or routine maintenance
6-2 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
EC Certificate of Conformity
Name and address of MICROM International GmbH
the manufacturer: Robert-Bosch-Straße 49
D-69190 Walldorf
Product designation: Microtome Cryostat

Type reference: HM 550 [O-M-V-P]
The designated product complies with the laid down regulation:
DIRECTIVE 98/79/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 27 October 1998
on in vitro diagnostic medical devices
The designated product complies with the EC regulations by strictly observing the following
norms:
DIN EN ISO 14971:2001-03
Medical devices - Application of risk management to medical devices (ISO 14971:2000).
DIN EN 61010-1:2002-08
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 1:
General requirements (IEC 61010-1:2001).
IEC 61010-2-101:2003-09
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 2-101:
Particular requirements for In-Vitro-Diagnostic-(IVD)-Medical instruments.
DIN EN 61010-2-081:2002-12
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 2-081:
Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other
purposes (IEC 61010-2-081:2001).
DIN EN 61326:2002-03
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC requirements (IEC 61326-
1:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2000); German version EN 61326:1997 + A1:1998 + A2:2001
DIN EN ISO 9001:2000

Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO 9001:2000)
Hans Heid Walldorf, 05 December 2003

Managing Director
D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS
The installation and routine use of the HM 550 Series is easy and safe if the instructions in this manual are
being observed.
Note:
Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument.
Warning:
Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment. For a long lifetime of the
equipment, please observe these instructions carefully.
Caution – general danger spot:

The instruction manual must strictly be observed whenever this symbol is visible on the instrument.
Biohazard:
Warning of biological danger.
Radioactivity:
Warning of radioactive danger.
Chemicals :
Warning of unhealthy or irritating substances.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION!
The operator's safety is affected, when the instrument is not operated in accordance
with this instruction manual.
Please observe the following general precautions during operation of this
instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety standards and
the intended use of the instrument. MICROM International GmbH is not liable for
misuse of the instruments and failure to comply with basic safety requirements.
INSTRUMENT GROUNDING
To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be connected with the protective earth. The
instrument is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to the protective
earth and must meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulations.
CAUTION: MAINS VOLTAGE
Never remove instrument covers during operation. Component replacements as well as adjustments must only
be made by trained service personnel. Unplug the unit before removing or opening the covers.
DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases.
HAZARD OF FROSTBITE
Avoid permanent touching of metal parts inside the cryostat microtome chamber as frostbite may occur at
unprotected hands and arms.
HAZARD OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION
When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures. When working
with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be carried out.
According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of radioactive contaminated material of the
respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn.
Radioactive contaminated waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
HAZARD OF INFECTION
Use the appropriate safety and disinfection measures when working with infectious specimens.
According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of infectious/radioactive contaminated material
of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn.
HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER
Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be infectious. For this
reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning protection against danger
of infection.
Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application can be read in the
Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984 of the World Health Organization.
HAZARD OF MALFUNCTION
To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only be operated in a controlled electromagnetic
environment. This means, that transmitters such as mobile phones must not be operated in their close vicinity.
In case of malfunctions and/or service work, please turn off the instrument and contact your local dealer.
CARE IN USING MICROTOME KNIFE
To diminish the danger of being injured by the knife or blade, use the knife guard when adjusting specimen and
knife. If possible, the specimen should be clamped in before the knife is inserted into the knife holder. Before
changing the knife holder, always remove blade or knife! Unused knives should always be kept in a knife case.
Never place the knife with the cutting edge upwards. Never try to catch a dropping knife!! Never check the
sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers. The cutting edge is extremely sharp!
WARNING OF UNHEALTHY OR IRRITATING SUBSTANCES
During the intended use of the option D, smallest amounts of irritating aerosols, which are based ont quaternary
compounds, might occur. For this reason, please care for sufficient ventilation. To avoid negative effects on your
health while in direct contact with the disinfection medium or its residues, always wear respective safety
clothing (e.g. protective glasses, laboratory gloves).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
WASTE DISPOSAL
All debris, waste, defrosting liquid as well as infectious and radioactive contaminated material from operation
must be disposed of in accordance with the respective regulations of the lab. Disinfection and cleaning liquids
as well as section waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations for special waste!

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
HM5
50M
VD
1 0
3 2
Fig. 1

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
1 INTRODUCTION
1-1 DESCRIPTION OF THE

HM 550 SERIES
Open top cryostat. Modular design. Stainless steel Handwheel brake in any position. Fine orientation
cooling chamber. Chamber temperature regulation of specimen with zero device. Rotatable on Z-axis,
variable from –10°C down to –35°C. When the 360°.
instrument is equipped with the option O, the
specimen temperature can be controlled from Basic outfit with three specimen chucks, 118 ml
+10°C down to –50°C. MICROM freezing medium, 100 ml cryostat oil,
Graphic LC-display of set and actual temperatures, brush shelf and section waste tray, consisting of
electronic control with user-oriented touchpad two parts.
keyboard, battery-buffered memory and self-
diagnostic system. Standby and sleep status for
noise reduction and energy savings. Automatic Option M
defrosting and in addition a manual defrost cycle Electric motor drive with electronic control of the
which can be activated when needed. Defrost cutting stroke. Cutting speed variable from 0 to 250
interrupt on keystroke request. Integrated fast mm/s. Accelerated return travel. Freely selectable
freezing device with controlled cooling element cutting zone with automated function.
down to -60°C (option P). Sliding window with Three modes of operation: interval, single and
heater and integrated fluorescent lamp for cryo- continuous stroke. Indication of handwheel brake.
chamber. Brush shelf and storage space inside the Manual control of motor drive via safety start
cryo-chamber. Large, flat storage space on top of procedure. Stop command selection via manual
the housing with integrated storage space for control, foot pedal or handwheel brake.
marked slides. Emergency stop key and foot pedal emergency
stop.
Rotary Microtome with backlash and maintenance-
free cross roller bearings in stainless steel. Electro-
mechanical feed system. Option V
Section thickness setting from 1 to 100 microns; Vacutome system for stretching cryo-sections as
up to 10 µm in 1 µm-increments, well as for the disposal of sections when trimming.
up to 20 µm in 2 µm-increments, The system consists of a duo filter system: The
up to 70 µm in 5 µm-increments and coarse filter collects the section waste. The micro
up to 100 µm in 10 µm-increments. filter with a 99,99% filtration efficiency for 0,1 µm
particles filters the air. The coarse filter is actively
Trimming thickness setting from 5 to 500 microns; cooled in its position in the cryostat.
up to 10 µm in 5 µm-increments, A vacuum-generating unit with its controlling
up to 100 µm in 10 µm-increments, elements is also part of the system.
up to 200 µm in 20 µm-increments and Stretching and disposing of is controlled by the
up to 500 µm in 50 µm-increments. cutting window that can be set on the microtome
cryostat. The suction vacuum can be set via an
Specimen retraction during the return stroke with turning knob on the microtome cryostat.
optical indication. Horizontal feed range 28 mm.
Vertical cutting stroke 60 mm. Max. specimen size
75 x 55 mm.
Motorized coarse feed in two directions with three
speed selections. Limit indication and automated
switch off at front and rear limits of horizontal travel.
Automatic approach system for exact and safe
approach of specimen towards the knife edge from
–5°C to –35°C.
Section counter and indication of sum of section
thicknesses with reset-button. Indication of
remaining travel.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Option D
The option D which is used in the HM 550 is a
fumigation unit for the application of disinfection
media onto the operation areas in the cryo
chamber which are accessible for the user during
the intended use.
Warning:
To guarantee the functionality and
safety of the fumigation unit, only
disinfection media must be used, which
do not contain flammable substances as solvents.
Therefore, we recommend to use disinfection media
based on water.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
1-2 TECHNICAL DATA HM 550 SERIES
Specimen temperature control: ..................................................................... +10°C to -50°C

Chamber temperature control:........................................................................ -10°C to -35°C
Fast freezing station depending on the chamber temperature: ............................ down to -35°C
Actively cooled fast freezing station with Peltier element .................................. down to –60°C
Defrosting: automatic defrosting, adjustable .............. with temperature control

manual immediate defrosting
Microtome: Section thickness range: ........................................... 1 - 500 µm
Fine section thickness range: .....................................1 - 100 µm

Resolution: ................................................... 1 µm for 1 - 10 µm
................................................................... 2 µm for 10 - 20 µm
................................................................... 5 µm for 20 - 70 µm
............................................................... 10 µm for 70 - 100 µm
Trimming thickness range: ..........................................5 - 500 µm

Resolution: .....................................................5 µm for 5 - 10 µm
............................................................... 10 µm for 10 - 100 µm
..............................................................20 µm for 100 - 200 µm
..............................................................50 µm for 200 - 500 µm
Specimen retraction during return travel.............................. 40 µm

Vertical specimen stroke ............................................... 60 mm
Horizontal specimen movement ........................................ 28 mm
Read-outs: Graphical LC display: section thicknesses, section counter, sum of

section thicknesses, remaining travel to front end position, size of
the cutting window, chamber temperature, specimen temperature
and graphic of temperatures, menu with submenus
Specimen approach: .....................................................................automatic function

...................................... alternatively manual with variable speed
Size of chucks: ................................................................................30, 40 mm

........................................................ special sizes upon request
Specimen orientation: x - and y - axes: ...................... universal 8° with zero positioning
z - axis: .................................................................. up to 360°
Coarse feed: .............................. motorized, graduated, single and continuous
Cooling chamber illumination: .............................................. with variable illumination position

Sliding window: ..................................................................................... heated
Option M:
Cutting drive: .......................... manual and motorized, electronically controlled
Cutting window: ..................... cutting window adjusted to specimen size manually
Operating modes: ..........................................interval, single and continuous stroke
Cutting speed: ............................................................................ 0 - 250 mm/s
All temperatures refer to an ambient temperature of +20°C!

Cont'd on page -2-

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
page -2-
Handwheel brake: ................................................. electromagnetic, in any position

Emergency stop: ....................................................... via handswitch or foot pedal
Vacutome: max. specimen size........................................................ 28 mm
max. section thickness to be disposed of........................... 40 µm

max. section thickness to be stretched.............................. 20 µm
min. section thickness to be stretched................................. 1 µm
Clearance angle adjustment:

Standard knife carrier .......................................................5 - 16°
Disposable blade carrier ..................................................5 - 16°
Magnetic disposable blade carrier................................... 25 – 30°
Coarse filter: Glass fiber reinforced extraction thimble

Micro filter: Borsilicate micro fiber.......................... 99,99% filtration efficiency
for 0,1 µm particles
Option D:
Max. filling amount: ultrasonic bath: .............................................................. 125 ml
Max. filling amount: store reservoir disinfection medium: ................................1000 ml
Frequency Ultrasonic-unit: ................................................................... 1.63 MHz + 70 kHz
Transportation and storage conditions

Storage temperature range: -20°C up to +50°C
Operating conditions: ....................... +5°C up to +35°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)
...................................................... altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.
.....................................................................for indoor use only
........................................ Floor loading requirements: 300 kg/m2
Power requirements: ....................................................... 100 V/50 Hz, 12 A, +/-10%

........................................................ 100 V/60 Hz, 12 A, +/-10%
........................................................ 115 V/60 Hz, 12 A, +/-10%
................................................. 220...230 V/50 Hz, 6 A, +/-10%
..........................................................220 V/60 Hz, 6 A, +/-10%
..........................................................240 V/50 Hz, 6 A, +/-10%
Internal protection
Primary circuits:
Transformer: .................................................................... T8AH, 100...115 V
.................................................................... T4AH, 220...240 V
Illumination: ..................................................................T0,8AH, 100...115 V
..................................................................T0,4AH, 220...240 V
Secondary circuits:
Window heating: .................................................................................... T2,5AH
Vacutome valve (optional): ....................................................................................... T2AH

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Cont'd on page -3-

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
page -3-
Pollution degree: ............................................................................................. 2

Overvoltage category: ..............................................................................................II
Sound pressure: .................................................................................. 45 dB(A)
............................. measured with 1 m distance to the instrument
Fluids and gases: .............cooling agent: R404a, filling amount: 230 g (230 V/50 Hz)
.................................. R404a, filling amount: 250 g (115 V/60 Hz)
Dimensions: ... Wide (w/o handwheel): 640 mm, deep: 760 mm, high: 1200 mm
Weight: ........................................125 - 155 kg (depending on the model)

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
8
1 7
2 3
HM550MVD
Infozeile MENÜ
Statuszeile
4 11 9
5 6 12 10
Fig. 2
1 = On indication (sleep status) 6 = Arrow button DOWN

2 = Button specimen temperature (Standard 7 = LC display
version not used, as there is no specimen cooling) 8 = Reset button
3 = Button chamber temperature 9 = Menu button
4 = Button TRIM/FEED 10 = enter button (within the menu settings)
5 = Arrow button UP scroll button (outside the menu settings)
Note:
This instruction manual includes all options. If your instrument is not equipped with all options,
some of the buttons might be disabled.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4
5
Fig. 3
1 = Button cutting window
2 = Button ACA
3 = Button coarse feed, forwards
4 = Button coarse feed, backwards
5 = Button TRIM

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Fig. 4
1 = Button operating modes

2 = Operating knob
3 = Button START/STOP
4 = Button START/STOP
5 = Emergency stop LED
6 = Button to activate the handwheel brake
7 = Brake LED
8 = Button to loosen the handwheel brake

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1 SETTING UP THE CRYOSTAT
1
Unpacking the instrument:
??Detach the three packing straps and remove
them.
??Remove the screws on the which are upwards
folded.
??Remove the upper wooden cover (fig. 5.1) from 2
the packing.
??Remove the screws from the packing.
??Lift the packing(fig. 5.2) over the instrument. 3
??Remove the upper and lower supporting foams
(fig. 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) from the cryostat.
??The hinges of the upper wooden cover have
central holes. These holes will now be put HM
55
0M
VD
5
onto the vertical screws of the bottom plate 1 0
2
3
(fig. 5a.7).
Warning:
The screws, which are to be used, are 4
marked with arrows.
Note: 6
The upper wooden cover now serves as
7
an incline (fig. 5a.1) on which the
cryostat can be moved from the palett Fig. 5
to the floor.
HM
550
MV
D
??he accessories of the cryostat are placed on

the foot rest of the cryostat packed in a 1
0
2
3
separate carton. The tool (fig. 5b.2) for the

height adjustment of the rollers is packed in
this carton.
??Lower the rollers by means of this tool until
the cryostat can be rolled from the palett.
1
Note:
The handle on the front side of the
cryostat is used to move the
instrument from the palett. 7
Caution: Fig. 5a
The weight of the cryostat is very high.
While the instruments rolls down on the
1
incline, it must be guaranteed that the
instrument does not move in an uncontrolled
way.
??Now the cryostat can be rolled to its site of

installation. 2
??For possible return shipments, please keep Fig. 5b
the packing.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Warning:
The instrument must only be moved in
standing or slightly tilted (approx. 30°)
position.
Choose installation site that

??enough ventilation for the cooling system is
guaranteed.
??the distance between wall and rear panel is
approx. 15 cm. For this, install the distance
bolts.
??the suction areas on either side are kept free.
??the mains switch for separating the instrument
from the power supply is accessible any time.
Moreover, the installation site must be free

from:
??draught by open doors or by air conditioning
systems.
??direct exposure to sunlight into the cooling
chamber.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
Both measures reduce the formation of
frost and therefore result in more
favourable work conditions. A high air
moisture as well as high ambient temperatures
reduce the maximum performance of the
instrument.
?? To fix the complete unit, tighten the screws

(fig. 6.1) by using the attached tool.
Afterwards:
??If the instrument is equipped with the option
M, connect the attached foot pedal to the
socket (fig. 7.3) on the rear panel of the
instrument.
Note:
The enclosed foot pedal must be
connected to the socket (fig. 7.3)
only.
??Loosen the transportation screw on the

handwheel, which solidly fixes the handwheel
on the instrument.
??Then install the attached handwheel handle on
the handwheel.
??If equipped with the option V, check that the

micro filter is inserted in its proper position.
??Insert coarse filter into the filter unit.
Caution:
Section waste is collected in the
coarse filter. It must be replaced at
least once a week depending on the amount of
debris and nature of the specimens. The coarse
filter is to be understood as a disposable filter
and must not be used again.
The micro filter must be replaced at regular
intervals, at least semi-annually.
Section waste as well as coarse and micro
filters are to be disposed of according to the
respective lab regulations.
(For this, please see "Inserting and replacing
the filter unit", part 2-19-2).
Note:
The serial interface (figl 7.4) must only
be used for service purposes and must
not be used by the user for its intended
use. Only MICROM specific programming
instruments must be connected to this
interface.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
SW13
Fig. 6
For authorized
Service person I
only
0
4 3 2 1
Fig. 7
1 = Power switch
2 = Mains plug
3 = Socket for foot pedal
4 = Serial interface

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-2 INITIAL TURN-ON
Note:
The kind of the used examination MICROM GmbH
69190 Walldorf, Germany
materials and all special conditions for
their processing, pre-treatment and, if
Type HM 550_
Ser. No. _ _ _ _
necessary, storage as well as instrument Cat. No. _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _A /_ _ _V _ _ Hz
controls for correct and safe operation is in the
responsibility of the operator. Chamber
The operator is also responsible for special Refr.: R 404a
equipment and materials and/or reagents for the Amount: _ _ _ _ _kg
Max. Press.: 1900kPa
operation of the instrument.
Made in Germany
Warning:
Before turning on the instrument for the
IVD
first time, please check if the power CSA
requirements indicated on the type
plate (fig. 8) correspond to the power supply
voltage being used. Fig. 8
??No other instruments should be connected to

the circuit used for the cryostat, as the
compressor needs high surge currents when
started.
??Do not use multi-socket power outlets with
small wire sizes for the supply of the
instrument.
??Connect the power line of the instrument to

the power outlet.
??If the instrument is equipped with the option
M, plug in the foot pedal into the respective
socket (fig. 7.3).
Note: Only for option M!

If the foot pedal is not connected, there
is the operating mode emergency stop
(see part 2-18-6). This way, the
handwheel brake is activated and the cutting
drive motor cannot be started. Always connect
the foot pedal, if the instrument is equipped with
option M!
??Turn on the power switch (fig. 7.1) on the rear

side of the instrument.
??Close the heated sliding window (fig. 6.2) and
cool down the instrument.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
To avoid frost built-up on the specimen,
the specimen temperature is controlled
to a temperature of +10°C until the knife
has reached a temperature of
-5°C.
The cooling phase will take approx. 2 to 3,5 h

depending on the set chamber temperature
between -15°C and -30°C.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-3 BASIC OPERATIONAL RULES HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

When turning on the instrument, the display
CHAMBER -20 -21
shows:
??the configuration of the instrument (e.g. the COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
figures show HM 550 MV) FINE: 3 TRIM: 20

??the section thickness selection
??the specimen and chamber temperatures with * * * REN R
the corresponding set and actual values

??the symbol for the cutting window Fig. 9
This is the display (fig. 9) while the instrument

is in its active status. HM550MV
The WAKE time is used to trigger the

instrument back into the active state.
It should be set with sufficient time before work
is started (approx. 1,5 h).
To save energy and extend the lifetime of some

instrument components, the instrument has two
more operative status: Fig. 10
??Standby status
??Sleep status
The instrument switches to the standby status

(fig. 10) when it is turned on, but not operated
for more than a pre-selected active time (see
part 2-10-3) between 1 and 9 h. The chamber
illumination goes off and the display switches
to a large indication of the chamber actual
temperature. This is the clear sign for the
standby status and gives the operator
information on the chamber temperature, also
from a greater distance.
When the instrument is not operated for another

hour, the cryostat switches to the sleep status.
The display illumination goes off. However, the
equipment-on indicator (fig. 2.1) then lights up
and shows that the instrument is still on.
Note:
While in the sleep status, the
temperature control of the chamber
temperature features a reduced control
accuracy.
The specimen temperature in the sleep status
is always kept at -15°C. The set temperature of
the chamber is kept on a temperature of
–20°C.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
??To return to the active operating state, press

any key on the control panels or move the
handwheel. Also when reaching the WAKE
time (see part 2-10-2) the instrument is in the
active state again.
UP/DOWN buttons 1 2 3
These two buttons (fig. 11.5 and 11.6) are used
to change pre-selected values of different kinds
in connection with the chosen function.
??section thickness
??trimming thickness
??specimen temperature
??chamber temperature
??time settings
Note:
To operate the instrument easily
and comfortably with a few buttons
only, please note the following: 4
After having chosen a function, its pre-selected 5 6
values can be changed via the up or down
buttons. Fig. 11
However, if no entry is made within five
seconds, the operating control switches back
into its basic status.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Reset button
This button (fig. 12.8) is used to reset added 8
values (e.g. number of sections, sum of section
thicknesses) to zero.
Menu button
This button (fig. 12.9) is used to get into the
submenus. Basic settings, times, service
functions and options are set and/or called. MENÜ
Enter/scroll button
Within the submenu, basic settings are carried
out, further submenus are called and other
functions are activated via this button (fig. 9
10
12.10).
During operation of the instrument, e.g. while
Fig. 12
cutting, this button is used to choose between
the indication of the section thickness, section
sum, real time and indication of the distance to
the end position of the specimen.
Keyboard lock
To lock the keyboards and to block the feed

movement, press the buttons (fig. 12.8 and
12.10) for approx. 2 sec. The display (fig. 13)
HM550 M V SET ACT
shows LOCKED.
To unlock the keyboards press the buttons (fig. SPECIM -25 -24
12.8 and 12.10) again. CHAMBER -20 -21
LOCKED
Note: COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
When the keyboards have been locked,
this leads automatically after 5 sec. to FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
the standby status and after another 5
sec. to the sleep status. * * * REN R
Fig. 13

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-4 CUTTING PROCESS
2-4-1 CUTTING MOVEMENT AND

RETRACTION
X=selected section thickness
??Turn the handwheel in a clockwise direction so 1=specimen
the cutting movement is carried out. 2=cutting movement
??As the specimen moves down, sections are 3=knife
produced. 4=return travel
??Continue turning the handwheel clockwise to R=retraction
bring the specimen back up.
??To protect the knife and specimen during
return travel, the specimen clamping is
retracted electro-mechanically.
??This is shown by the letter "R" in the status
line on the display.
Warning:
When the motor drive (option M) for the
cutting movement has been turned on,
the same run process as above-
mentioned is carried out.
Keep the rotating area of the handwheel clear!
Keep enough distance to the rotating handwheel
handle.
Fig. 14

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-5 SETTING SECTION THICKNESS

AND TRIMMING THICKNESS HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

Basic status of the operating control:
CHAMBER -20 -21
??To choose between section thickness and

trimming thickness, press button (fig. 16.4). COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
??The selected setting is shown inverted on the

FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
display (fig. 15).
??Then enter the desired section or trimming
thickness via button up (fig. 16.5) or down (fig. * * * REN R
16.6).
??The altered values are shown on the display. Fig. 15
The graduation of the section thicknesses 1 2 3

(which can be pre-selected) is divided into 5
ranges:
range graduation
from 1 µm to 10 µm 1 µm
The graduation of the trimming thicknesses

(which can be pre-selected) is divided into 4
ranges: 4
5 6
range graduation
Fig. 16

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-6 CHAMBER COOLING HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

2-6-1 ACTUAL AND SET VALUE OF
CHAMBER -20 -21
THE CHAMBER TEMPERATURE
The actual and set values of the chamber COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
cooling are shown in °C on the display (fig. 17).

FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
On the right side of the display, the actual value
is also shown graphically.
* * * REN R
??Press button (fig. 18.3) for chamber

temperature. Fig. 17
??"CHAMBER" is then shown inverted.
The set value settings are made via the

??up button (fig. 18.5) 1 2 3
??down button (fig. 18.6)
Note:
The valid range of the set value goes
from +10°C down to -35°C.
??The actual value of the chamber temperature

is shown as actual temperature and as a
graphic.
??After having chosen the requested values, the
display automatically returns to its basic
indications after three seconds, i.e. fine
section thickness is again shown inverted.
4
5 6
Fig. 18

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-6-2 FAST FREEZING

FOR STANDARD INSTRUMENTS
There are several possibilities to freeze on

specimens.
Various specimen chucks are available. Round
specimen chucks can be supplied with a
diameter of 30 mm and 40 mm and rectangular
specimen chucks with a size of 50, 55, 60 and
70 mm. Special sizes on request.
?? Put the warm chuck into the hole (fig. 19.1)

of the fast freezing rail.
?? Put freezing medium onto the chuck.
?? Place fresh tissue onto the still liquid
freezing medium.
?? When the medium and tissue are frozen, the
chuck can be inserted into the specimen
1
clamping and can be fixed.
?? The specimen can now be sectioned. Fig. 19
Note:
The upper side of the freezing station
must not be covered by frost or ice. To
avoid this, use ethanol (absolute) or the
like.
Note:
If the instrument is equipped with
the option P (active deep freezing
device with Peltier element), please
also see part 2-21, Option P.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-6-3 HEAT EXTRACTOR
When using a heat extractor in combination

with the so-called cryo molds, the specimen is
frozen faster and more evenly, as the specimen
is frozen from above and below at the same
time. Thus the freezing time can be reduced.
Moreover, the formation of artefacts can also be
4
reduced considerably.
??Insert the chuck into the fast freezing rail (for

standard version) or into the rail with Peltier
element (for versions with option P).
??Then insert a cryo mold (fig. 20.2) onto the
chuck (30 or 40 mm). 5 2
??Fill freezing medium into the mold and place
the specimen onto the freezing medium. 3
?? The heat extractor is placed horizontally
onto the specimen
1
Note:
Use a frozen heat extractor. Fig. 20

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-7 FEED
2-7-1 SPECIMEN COARSE FEED

1
For the fast forward and backward travel

2
between knife and specimen, the cryostat
microtome has a motorized coarse feed
system.
The approach between specimen and knife can
also be carried out by means of an automatic
4
function (see part 2-7-4). 5
Return travel of the specimen clamping

??Press button (fig. 21.4). Pressing the button 3
briefly leads to short return travels only.
??Press the button (fig. 21.4) for more than
approx. 2 seconds, the function is carried out Fig. 21
continuously. The specimen clamping will
entirely be moved backwards.
Note:
The rear end position is defined as
that position which has the longest
distance to the knife.
??To stop this function, briefly press button (fig.

21.4) once more.
??When the rear end position of the specimen
clamping is reached, the coarse feed turns off.
??The LED in button (fig. 21.4) blinks, which
means that the specimen clamping is in its
rear end position.
Feed travel of the specimen clamping

??Press button (fig. 21.5). Briefly press this
button, to carry out a forward travel of that
trimming section thickness which was chosen
via the control panel and shown on the
display.
??The continuous forward travel is only carried
out as long as the button (fig. 21.3) is being
pressed.
??
Warning:
With the function coarse feed forwards
specimen and knife are adjusted very
quickly. To avoid damage to specimen
and knife, the following points are of utmost
importance!

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
??Take note that the specimen and knife edge

do not come in contact with each other.
??Carefully observe the narrowing gap between
specimen and knife edge to stop the function
coarse feed forwards in time before the
specimen touches the knife.
When the instrument is just carrying out the

retraction movement and the function coarse
feed forwards is selected, the coarse feed
movement is carried out and the retraction is
annulled.
??When the front end position of the specimen

clamping is reached, the coarse feed turns off.
??The LED in button (fig. 21.3) lights up and
shows that the specimen clamping has
reached its front end position.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-7-2 SPEED FOR SPECIMEN

COARSE FEED
1 2 3
The speed for the specimen coarse feed can be
selected in three different settings.
The selected setting is shown in the status line
on the display by one, two or three little stars.
Three stars means the fastest coarse feed
setting.
Setting the speed:

?? Press the menu button (fig. 23.9). This way,
you will get into the list with the submenus.
?? Select "coarse feed" via the arrow buttons
(fig. 22.5 and 22.6). The selected submenu 4
is now shown inverted. 5 6
?? Press the enter button (fig. 23.10) to confirm Fig. 22
the submenu and open it.
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 22.5 and 22.6)
choose between *, ** or ***. 8
Note:
One star means a slow approach
speed, two stars mean a medium
speed and three stars stand for a
fast approach speed.
?? Press the enter button (fig. 23.10) to confirm MENÜ

the setting.
Note:
You return immediately to the list of
submenus. If the setting is not
confirmed via the enter button, you 9
will quit the submenu automatically after five 10
seconds and you return into the list of
submenus. The current setting of the submenu Fig. 23
is also chosen and will still be valid.
?? To quit the submenu, press the menu button

(fig. 23.9).
?? Now continue working with the selected
settings.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-7-3 SETTING THE CUTTING WINDOW
To activate an automatic approach process, it is

necessary to set a cutting window first.
The size of this window is then shown in the

symbol cutting window.
When passing the cutting window this symbol
is shown inverted on the display.
During this automatic function, the cutting
window adjusts itself to the size of the
specimen.
Note:
The automatic window is only
possible within the temperature
range of -5°C and -35°C. Beyond
these temperature limits the automatic window
turns off automatically and the manual setting is
possible only.
Manual setting:
??If necessary, the cutting window can be
determined by manual entries.
??For this, turn off the automatic cutting window
registration. As a precondition for this
process, values must be shown in the info
line.
??For this, press button (fig. 23.8) and while this
button (fig. 23.8) is still being pressed, press
button (fig. 25.1). The letters "AW" disappear
from the display.
??Turn the handwheel so that the lower edge of
the specimen is positioned slightly above the
knife edge.
??Press button (fig. 25.1) to set the upper limit of
the cutting window.
??Continue turning the handwheel clockwise to
place the upper edge of the specimen just
below the knife edge.
??Press button (fig. 25.1) to set the lower limit of
the cutting window.
??The LED in button (fig. 25.1) lights up during

each further passing through of the cutting
window. The length of the cutting window is
shown in mm within the cutting window
symbol on the display.
??To activate the automatic cutting window
again, press button (fig. 23.8) and while this
button (fig. 23.8) is still being pressed, also
press the button (fig. 25.1).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
A cutting window should only be set
while the specimen is moved
downwards. If, by mistake, a cutting
window limit is set during return travel of the
specimen, the set limits are applied to the
cutting movement accordingly.
Note:
In case the cutting window limits are
set incorrectly, please repeat above-
mentioned process again.
Note:
If no cutting window is needed,
briefly press the button (fig. 25.1)
twice. The automatic approach
system can now be released in any position.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-7-4 AUTOMATIC APPROACH

SYSTEM
HM550 M V SET ACT
The automatic approach system performs the
SPECIM -25 -24
fast and exact approach of the specimen
CHAMBER -20 -21
towards the knife edge and can be applied
between -5°C and -35°C with the MICROM
freezing medium. COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
Note:
Use automatic approach system AUT.APPROACH
with conventional freezing medium * * * REN R
only down to –35°C chamber and/or

specimen temperature. Fig. 24
Caution:
1
For your personal safety, before
activating the automatic approach 2
system, move the anti-roll plate onto the blade
against possible splintering of the blade. This
might be caused by an incorrect approach.
Caution: 4
When using different freezing 5
techniques, for example by means of

the fast freezing stations, liquid
3
nitrogen, CO2 and the like, which generate a
freezing temperature of below -35°C, the
automatic approach system can only be applied Fig. 25
after the specimen will have adjusted itself to
the respective temperature of the specimen
holder which must be between the temperature
range.
Starting the automatic approach

??Use the handwheel to make sure that the
most protruding point of the specimen is
opposite the knife edge. This position must be
within the selected cutting window.
Note:
If the button (fig. 25.1) is pressed
twice and the cutting window is
inactive, the automatic approach
can be released in any position.
??Press button (fig. 25.2) to start the automatic

approach process.
??The red LED in this button (fig. 25.2) lights up
and confirms the chosen function and
AUT.APPROACH is shown in the status line
on the display (fig. 24).
??The specimen clamping moves forwards until
the knife edge touches the specimen.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
??Immediately afterwards, this forward travel of

the specimen clamping is stopped and moved
backwards by a safety distance of 200 µm.
AUT.APPROACH is still shown on the display
as the process of the automatic approach has
not yet been finished.
??When passing the next upper reversal point,
the specimen clamping automatically moves
forwards again by 200 µm.
??The red LED in button (fig. 25.2) goes off as
well as the term AUT.APPROACH disappears.
??The specimen is now in position to start
sectioning.
Interruption of the automatic approach

??Press button (fig. 25.2) or
??pass upper or lower reversal point via
handwheel.
When an automatic approach has been carried

out, another approach can be started
immediately, if needed.
This might become necessary, when the
specimen has been oriented again.
Error codes during an automatic approach

process
?? Error code 'AMPLIFIER ERROR'
is shown on the status line on the display, in
case the activating signal for the automatic
approach has already been recognized
before the automatic approach movement
has been started.
?? Possible cause: the specimen has already
been in contact with the knife edge, e.g. by
protruding fibers.
?? Press button (fig. 25.2), remove the cause
for the error and press button (fig. 25.2)
again, to start the automatic approach once
more.
?? However, if there is no obvious explanation
for this error code, e.g. frost built-up, please
call a service technician.
?? Error code 'OUT OF TEMPERATURE'

appears in the status line on the display, if
the actual temperature of the knife or the
specimen is outside the temperature range
of -5°C and -35°C°C, which is valid for the
automatic approach function only.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? Press button (fig. 25.2). The error message

goes off.
Note:
In this case the function automatic
approach cannot work. The
approach between specimen and
knife edge must be carried out via the coarse
feed button (fig. 25.3) (see part 2-7-1).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-7-5 TRIMMING AND FIRST CUTS
After the specimen and the knife are adjusted, 1 2 3

further gradual feed for trimming can be carried
out using the function trimming.
For different sectioning series, deeper layers of
the specimen can be reached with the function
trimming.
??Make sure that the trimming thickness setting

is selected via the button (fig. 26.4). Trimming
thickness is shown inverted on the display.
??Press the arrow buttons (fig. 26.5 or 26.6) to
select the desired trimming value. 4
5 6
??Turn the handwheel in a clockwise direction to
carry out the trimming feed in the upper
reversal point of the cutting movement.
Fig. 26
Note:
If the trimming function is carried out
via the motorized drive, please read
part 2-18, option M.
2-7-6 FINE FEED
After having adjusted knife and specimen as

well as having trimmed the specimen,
sectioning can be started.
??Make sure that the section thickness setting

is selected via the button (fig. 26.4). Section
thickness is shown inverted on the display.
??Press the arrow buttons (fig. 26.5 or 26.6) to
select the desired value.
??Turn the handwheel in a clockwise direction to
feed the specimen at the selected section
thickness.
Note:
If the fine feed is carried out via the
motorized drive, please read part 2-
18, option M.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-8 TURNING ON/OFF THE ----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00

PELTIER STATION
FUNCTION RETRACTION DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
If needed, the function retraction can be turned DATE
off. REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
??Press the menu button (fig. 29.9). This way, CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
you get into the list of submenus. COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
??Via the arrow buttons (fig. 28.5 and 28.6) LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
select the submenu "retraction ON/OFF". The
selected submenu is now shown inverted. Fig. 27
1 2
??Via the enter button (fig. 29.10) confirm the 3
submenu and simultaneously open it.
??Via the arrow buttons (fig. 28.5 or 28.6) select
the desired setting (ON or OFF).
??Confirm the setting via the enter button (fig.
29.10).
Note:
submenus (fig. 27). If the setting is
not confirmed via the enter button,
you will quit the submenu automatically after 4
5 6
five seconds and you return into the list of Fig. 28
submenus. The current setting of the submenu
8
(fig. 29.9).
settings.
?? The letters "REN" in the status line on the
display go off, if the retraction function has
been turned off. MENÜ
Note:
The letter "R", however, might still
be on. This function goes off only
after having passed from the return 9
10
travel again to the cutting movements via the
handwheel.
Fig. 29

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-9 INDICATION OF CUTTING

PROCESSES
8
Further information on the cutting processes
can be seen on the display.
Press the scroll/enter button (fig. 30.10), to
show the various functions one after the other.
Note:
Within the menu, the scroll/enter MENÜ
button is used to confirm submenus
and/or settings. During operation,
i.e. outside the menu, this button is used as a
scroll button.
The following information on the carried-out 9

10
cutting processes of the instrument can be read
on the info line of the display:
Fig. 30
??number of sections
??sum of section thicknesses
??remaining travel to the front end position
??real time
HM550 M V SET ACT
??Press the scroll button (fig. 30.10) until the
required information lights up on the display. SPECIM -25 -24
??If no information is required in this line of the CHAMBER -20 -21
display, press button (fig. 30.10) until this line
is blank. CONTIN 18
COUNTER = 38
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
2-8-1 SECTION COUNTER
* * * REN R
??The section counter adds up the number of
sections produced. Fig. 31
??After each downward movement of the
HM550 M V SET ACT
specimen holder, the number on the section
counter increases by 1. SPECIM -25 -24
??The counter can be reset to zero via button CHAMBER -20 -21
(fig. 30.8).
SUM = 1.500 CONTIN 18
2-8-2 SUM OF SECTION THICKNESSES FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
??This value shows the sum in microns of the * * * REN R

sections already cut.
??Trimming values as well as sectioning values
are added up. Fig. 32
??This value can be reset to zero via button (fig.
30.8).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-9-3 REMAINING TRAVEL TO FRONT

END POSITION HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

??This value shows the distance in microns,
CHAMBER -20 -21
which is left for sectioning.
??When the specimen clamping is in the rear
end position, the display shows 23 000 µm. REM.TRV. = 23 000 CONTIN 18
This number decreases the closer the

FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
specimen holder moves towards the front.
Note: * * * REN R
If no further feed is possible

anymore, the display automatically Fig. 33
shows the remaining travel,
independently which information on the
sectioning processes, e.g. number of sections
or sum of section thicknesses, was chosen
before.
HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

2-9-4 REAL TIME CHAMBER -20 -21
The real time is shown here.

TIME 13:15
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
* * * REN R
Fig. 34

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-10 SETTING THE REAL TIME, WAKE ----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00

PELTIER STATION
TIME, ACTIVE TIME AND DATE DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
2-10-1 SETTING THE REAL TIME DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
??Press the menu button (fig. 38.9). This way, COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
you get into the list of the submenus. FINE FILTER RESET
??Select "Real Time" via the arrow buttons (fig. COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
37.5 and 37.6). This submenu is now shown LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
inverted.
??Via the enter button (fig. 38.10) confirm this Fig. 35
??To change the instrument's real time at
intervals of one minute, press the arrow
buttons (fig. 37.5 or 37.6). If the buttons are
being pressed for more than 5 seconds, the
REAL TIME 11:05
time changing will be accelerated.
??Confirm via enter button (fig. 38.10).
Note: Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER

confirmed via the enter button, you
will quit the submenu automatically after five Fig. 36
1 2 3

(fig. 38.9).
settings.
4
5 6
Fig. 37
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 38

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION
2-10-2 SETTING THE WAKE TIME DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
The WAKE time is used to trigger the DATE
instrument back into the active state. REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
It should be set with sufficient time before work COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
is started (approx. 1,5 h). FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
?? Press the menu button (fig. 42.9). This way, LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
you get into the list of submenus.
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 41.5 and 41.6) Fig. 39
select "Wake Time". This submenu is now
shown inverted.
?? Via the enter button (fig. 42.10) confirm this
?? To change the WAKE time at intervals of 15
WAKE TIME 06:00
minutes, press the arrow buttons (fig. 41.5 or
41.6).
?? Confirm with enter (fig. 42.10).
Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
Note:
confirmed via the enter button, you Fig. 40
will quit the submenu automatically after five
1 2 3

(fig. 42.9).
settings.
After having reached the WAKE time, the

instrument switches over to the active status.
4
5 6 Fig. 41
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 42

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION
2-10-3 SETTING THE ACTIVE TIME DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
?? Press the menu button (fig. 46.9). This way, REAL TIME
DATE
you get into the list of the submenus. REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 45.5 and 45.6) COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
select "Active Time". This submenu is now FINE FILTER RESET
shown inverted. COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
?? Via the enter button (fig. 46.10) confirm this LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
submenu and simultanously open it.
?? To change the ACTIVE time at intervals of 1- Fig. 43
hour-steps (1 to 9 h), press the arrow
buttons (fig. 45.5 or 45.6).
?? Confirm it via the enter button (fig. 46.10).
Note:
AKTIV TIME [H] 9
will quit the submenu automatically after five Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
Fig. 44
?? To quit the submenu, press the menu button 1 2 3
(fig. 46.9).
settings.
4
5 6 Fig. 45
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 46

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-10-4 SETTING THE DATE ----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00

PELTIER STATION
DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
?? Press the menu button (fig. 50.9). This way, STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
you get into the list of the submenus. DATE
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 49.5 and 49.6) REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
select "Date". This submenu is now shown COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
inverted. FINE FILTER RESET
?? Via the enter button (fig. 50.10) confirm this COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
submenu and simultanously open it. LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
?? To choose between day, month and year,
press the reset button (fig. 50.8) to set the Fig. 47
correct date.
change the desired field of the date in steps
of day, month or year.
DATE: 16.01.03
Note:
submenus. If the setting is not Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
submenus. The current setting of the submenu Fig. 48
1 2 3
(fig. 50.9).
settings.
4
5 6 Fig. 49
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 50

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-11 DEFROSTING ----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00

PELTIER STATION
DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
2-11-1 SETTING THE DEFROSTING TIME STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
DATE
??Press the menu button (fig. 54.9). This way, REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
you get into the list of submenus. COARSE FEED SPEED
??Via the arrow buttons (fig. 53.5 and 53.6) CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
select "Defrost Time". This submenu is now COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
shown inverted. LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
??Via the enter button (fig. 54.10) confirm this
submenu and simultaneously open it. Fig. 51
??To change the instrument's defrosting time at
intervals of 15 minutes, press the arrow
buttons (fig. 53.5 or 53.6).
??Confirm with enter (fig. 54.10).
DEFR. TIME 00:00

Note:
confirmed via the enter button, you Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
is also chosen and will still be valid. Fig. 52
1 2 3
(fig. 54.9).
settings.
Note:
Defrosting can only be carried out at
the set defrosting time, if the real
time is set correctly (see part 2-10-
1).
4
5 6 Fig. 53
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 54

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-11-2 DEFROSTING CYCLE ----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00

PELTIER STATION
DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
Every 24 hours the evaporator in the rear part of STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
the microtome chamber is defrosted DATE
automatically. REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
?? It is advisable to set the time of the COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
defrosting cycle not during routine working FINE FILTER RESET
time (see part 2-11-1). COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
?? According to the frost built-up, a defrosting LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
cycle normally takes approx. 40 min.
?? Immediate defrosting can be carried out at Fig. 55

any time (fig. 58.9).
?? For this, press the menu button (fig. 58.9),
select the submenu "request defrost". This
submenu is now shown inverted.
?? Via the enter button (fig. 58.10) confirm this REQUEST DEFROST OFF

?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 57.5 or 57.6)
choose "ON" or "OFF". Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
?? If "ON" is confirmed, "request defrost" is
shown in the info line.
?? To confirm this setting, press the enter
button (fig. 58.10). Fig. 56
1 2 3
Note:

(fig. 58.9). 4
5 6
?? Now continue working with the selected Fig. 57
settings.
8
Note:
Before starting the immediate
defrosting, it is absolutely
necessary to remove the section
waste as well as the tissue
MENÜ
Warning:
Remove the specimen from the
chamber when defrosting is carried
out. The temperature inside the 9
chamber rises and thus the tissue specimen 10
would be damaged. Fig. 58

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-11-3 INTERRUPTING A DEFROSTING

CYCLE
1 2 3
If needed, the daily defrosting can be interrupted
or cancelled.
?? For this, press the menu button (fig. 60.9)

This way, you get into the list of submenus.
select the submenu "request defrost". This
submenu is now shown inverted.
setting and simultaneously open this
submenu.
4
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 59.5 or 59.6) 5 6
select "ON" or "OFF". ON is selected when Fig. 59
defrosting is to be interrupted.
?? Via the enter button (fig. 60.10) confirm the
setting. 8
Note:
seconds and you return into the list of MENÜ


(fig. 60.9). 9
?? Now continue working with the selected 10
settings.
?? The interrupted defrosting is shown in the Fig. 60
status line on the display (fig. 61) as INTR.
HM550 M V SET ACT
Note:
SPECIM -25 -24
A cancelled or interrupted defrost
CHAMBER -20 -21
cycle must be repeated later on, as
otherwise the evaporator will cover
completely with frost and cannot cool anymore COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
(see immediate defrosting, part 2-11-2).

FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
* * * REN R INTR.
Fig. 61

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
For this reason, the function INTERRUPT is

automatically reset at the end of an interrupted
defrosting (max. time approx. 1 h), i.e. the next
defrosting is carried out again at the pre-
selected defrosting time.
Note:
While INT. is active, neither the
defrosting time nor the real time can
be changed.
When INTR.ACT appears in the status line, this

means that INTERRUPT was selected while
defrosting should otherwise be carried out and
the next defrosting is carried out again at the
next pre-selected defrosting time.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-11-4 EMPTYING THE DEFROSTING

LIQUID
Note:
The liquid from the daily defrosting
process is collected in the container
(fig. 62.1). Please note that this
container is emptied in due time according to
the safety precautions at the beginning of this
instruction manual.
We highly recommend to treat the container

with a disinfection solution after having emptied
it.
fig. 62

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-12 CUSTOMER-SPECIFIC SETTINGS

----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION
The information on the display can be shown in DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
various contrasts and in four different languages. STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
2-12-1 SETTING THE CONTRAST COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
?? To set the contrast higher or lower, press the COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
menu button (fig. 65.9). This way, you get LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
into the list of submenus.
select "contrast". This submenu is now Fig. 63
1 2 3
shown inverted.
?? Several black stripes now appear on the
display.
?? To set the contrast of the stripes lower,
constantly press the button down (fig. 64.6).
?? To set the contrast of the stripes higher,
constantly press the button up (fig. 64.5).
?? When the desired contrast has been
4
achieved, press the enter button (fig. 65.10) 5 6
for confirmation. Fig. 64
?? To quit the submenu, press the menu button 8

(fig. 65.9).
settings.
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 65

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-12-2 SELECTING THE LANGUAGE

----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION
The information on the display can be shown in DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
four different languages. STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
DATE
The following languages are available: REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
- German FINE FILTER RESET
- English COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
- French LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
- Spanish
Fig. 66
??To select or change one of these languages,
press the menu button (fig. 69.9). This way,
you get into the list of submenus.
??Via the arrow buttons (fig. 68.5 and 68.6)
select the submenu "language". This submenu
LANGUAGE ENGLISH
is now shown inverted.
??Via the enter button (fig. 69.10) confirm this
??Via the arrow buttons (fig. 68.5 and 68.6) Waehlen:UP & DWN, Bestaetigen: ENTER
select the desired language: "English",
"Deutsch", "Espagnol", "Français".
??Via the enter button (fig. 69.10) confirm the
setting. Fig. 67
1 2 3
Note:
?? To quit the submenu, press the menu button 4

(fig. 69.9). 5 6
?? Now continue working with the selected Fig. 68
settings.
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 69

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION
2-13 ILLUMINATION OF THE DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
COOLING CHAMBER STANDBY DELAY
REAL TIME
DATE
To illuminate the cooling chamber, a fluorescent REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
lamp is located in the handle of the sliding COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
window. FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
??The fluorescent lamp is automatically turned LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
on when the instrument is turned on.
??The lamp remains on as long as the Fig. 70
instrument is in its active status (see standby
status, part 2-3). 1 2 3
??Used lamps can be changed by the user

himself (see part 5-4).
Turning the light on/off:
??Press the menu button (fig. 72.9).

select "Illumination ".
??Confirm it via the enter button (fig. 72.10).
select either ON or OFF.
4
??Confirm it via the enter button (fig. 72.10). 5 6
??Press the menu button (fig. 72.9) to quit the Fig. 71
menu.
8
MENÜ
9
10
Fig. 72

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-14 SERVICE SETTINGS

----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
Note: REAL TIME
DATE
Menu service settings are only REQUEST DEFROST
relevant for service technicians. INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
SERVICE
Fig. 73

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-15 SPECIMEN ORIENTATION
In many cases, the orientation of the specimen

in relation to the cutting edge would be
advantageous.
This can easily be done by means of the
orienting specimen holder on the microtome.
?? Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 74.7).

?? Via the orienting lever (fig. 74.6) the
specimen clamping can be moved in all
directions by approx. 8°.
?? After having achieved the desired alignment,
fix the position via the clamping lever (fig.
74.7).
?? The orienting lever (fig. 74.6) is also used for

clamping the chuck into the orienting
specimen holder.
Fig. 74
Note:
The specimen orientation includes a
zero device for the specimen (chuck is
always parallel in relation to the knife).
Zero position can be felt noticeably.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-16 KNIFE CARRIERS
2-16-1 STANDARD KNIFE CARRIER
The standard knife carrier of the cryostat is easy to use. The knife can be inserted either from the side or
from the front. The standard knife holder takes up commercially available conventional knives with c- and
d-profiles.
7 2
16 10 4
5
6
9
1
Fig. 75

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Inserting the knife:

?? The knife is inserted into the knife carrier
either from the side or from the front,
independently if one or two clamping plates
(fig. 75.1) have been removed.
?? Loosen the clamping screws (fig. 75.2) on
the clamping plates (fig. 75.1).
?? Turn the turning lever (fig. 75.4) in a
clockwise direction to tilt the anti-roll plate
(fig. 75.3) forwards.
?? Insert the knife.
?? Turn the turning lever (fig. 75.4) in a counter
clockwise direction to put the anti-roll plate
(fig. 75.3) against the knife.
?? Then tighten the clamping screws (fig. 75.2)
to fix the knife in its position.
If the cutting area of the knife is no longer

usable, the knife can be moved:
?? Open the clamping screws (fig. 75.2) and
move the knife to the left or right side as
required.
?? Fix the knife again via the clamping screws
(fig. 75.2).
Caution:
To avoid the danger of injury on the knife
during adjustment of specimen, always
position the knife guards (fig. 75.7) over the
blade edge.
Height adjustment of the knife:

?? Loosen the clamping screws (fig. 75.2).
?? Via the knurled screws (fig. 75.5) which are
placed on the left and right side of the knife
carrier adjust the height of the knife to the
position of the anti-roll device.
Note:
Please note the parallel alignment of
knife edge and edge of the anti-roll
plate.
?? Afterwards, tighten the clamping screws (fig.

75.2) to fix the knife in its position.
Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device:

?? The fine adjustment of the anti-roll device is
carried out via the knurled screw (fig. 75.6).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Selecting the clearance angle:

?? Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 75.8) on the
left side of the knife carrier.
?? Swivel the upper part of the knife carrier on
the base until the desired clearance angle is
reached.
?? The clearance angle can be read on the
scale (fig. 75.9) on the left side on the base.
?? Bring the clamping lever (fig. 75.8) upwards
into clamping position.
?? The selected clearance angle is now fixed in
its position.
Note:
Usable cuts are only achieved at a
clearance angle of 10° or more!

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-16-2 DISPOSABLE BLADE CARRIER EC
The disposable blade carrier EC takes up all commercially available low profile blades with a dimension
of 80 x 8 mm and a facette angle of approx. 35° and as another version it takes also up high profile
blades.
9 1
10 2
8
11
5
7
6
Fig. 76

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Inserting the blade:
?? The blade is inserted into the slot behind the

clamping plate.
Note:
When using high profile blades, first
loosen the lever (fig. 76.1) and remove
the spacer strip (fig. 76.8).
?? For this, push in the stop bolt (fig. 76.11)

and turn the clamping lever (fig. 76.1) in a
counter clockwise direction over the stop
bolt.
?? Remove the clamping lever (fig. 76.1)
together with the eccentric bolt.
?? First remove the clamping plate and then
the spacer strip.
?? Fix the clamping plate with clamping lever
(fig. 76.1) again in the blade carrier in
reverse order.
?? To insert the blade, now loosen the clamping

lever (fig. 76.1).
Note:
Press the clamping plate on its lower
area to open the slot behind the
clamping plate.
?? Insert the blade from the left side into the

slot behind the clamping plate (fig. 76.9) as
far as possible.
?? Tighten the clamping lever (fig. 76.1). Thus

fixing the blade in its position.
If the cutting area of the blade is no longer

usable, the blade carrier can be moved:
?? The blade itself is clamped solidly into the
blade carrier. The complete carrier is moved.
?? Open the clamping lever for the upper part of
the carrier (fig. 76.2) and move the blade
together with the upper part to the left or right
side.
?? Tighten the clamping levers (fig. 76.2) to fix
this position.
Caution:
To avoid the danger of injury on the
blade during adjustment of specimen,
always position the knife guards (fig. 76.7) over
the blade edge.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device:

Selecting the clearance angle:

?? Swivel the upper part of the blade carrier on
reached.
scale (fig. 76.4) on the left side on the base.
?? Bring the clamping lever (fig. 76.3) into
clamping position.
?? The selected clearance angle is now fixed in
its position.
Note:

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-16-3 MAGNETIC DISPOSABLE BLADE CARRIER M
The magnetic disposable blade carrier takes up MICROM blades with the dimensions 80 x 19 mm and/or
60x19 mm and a facette angle between 24° and 30°.
30
20
Fig. 77
1
OM
MICR
Fig. 78

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
Special MICROM magnetic blades must
be used only!
Inserting the blade

?? Insert the blade into the blade slider (fig.
78.1) and put it onto the magnetic surface
(fig. 78.2) of the blade carrier from the side.
Note:
Always insert the blade in a way that
the large facette of the blade is inserted
downwards. So it is invisible for the
user.
?? When inserting the blade, the blade slider

together with the blade must be press
downwards, so that the blade is put properly
against ledge.
?? Turn the lever (fig. 77.2) to move the anti-roll
plate (fig. 77.1).
If the cutting area of the blade is no longer

usable, the blade can be moved:
?? Put the blade slider (fig. 79.1) onto the
blade and shift it.
Note:
The blade slider must always be put on
in a way that the inscription MICROM
can be read.
?? This way, it is guaranteed that the slanted

edge of the blade slider shows to the rear
side of the blade.
Caution:
always position the knife guard over the
blade edge.
Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device


D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Setting the clearance angle

?? Loosen the clamping lever as well as the
clamping screw on the right side of the
magnetic disposable blade carrier.
achieved.
scale on the left side of the base.
?? Again tighten the clamping lever and the
clamping screw.
?? The selected clearance angle is thus fixed
in its position.
Note:
Usable cuts are only achieved with a
clearance angle between 24° and 30°.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-17 OPTION P – SPECIMEN COOLING HM550 OMV SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

If the cryostat is equipped with a specimen
CHAMBER -20 -21
cooling, the chamber as well as the specimen
temperature is shown on the display (fig. 79).
COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
2-17-1 ACTUAL AND SET VALUE OF
THE SPECIMEN TEMPERATURE
* * * REN R
The specimen cooling of the cryostat is set via

the corresponding part on the operating controls Fig. 79
(fig. 80.2).
The actual and set values of the specimen 1 2 3
cooling are shown in °C on the display (fig. 79).
On the right side of the display, the actual value
is also shown graphically.
??Press button (fig. 80.2) for specimen

temperature.
??"SPECIMEN" is then shown inverted.
The set value settings are made via the

??up button (fig. 80.5)
??down button (fig. 80.6)
Note:
The valid range of the set value goes
from +10°C down to -50°C. 4
5 6
Fig. 80
??The actual value of the specimen temperature
is shown as actual temperature and as a
graphic.
??After having chosen the requested values, the
display automatically returns to its basic
indications after three seconds, i.e. fine
section thickness is again shown inverted.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-17-2 SPECIMEN ORIENTATION WITH

ZERO DEVICE (with option O)
In many cases, the orientation of the specimen

in relation to the cutting edge would be 1
advantageous.
This can easily be done by means of the
2
orienting specimen holder on the microtome.
?? Before the chuck can be inserted, pull off the

spring-loaded eccentric bolt (fig. 81.1).
?? Insert the chuck while the bolt is pulled off.
Afterwards insert the eccentric bolt (fig. 81.1)
again.
?? For the specimen orientation now loosen the

clamping lever (fig. 81.2) towards the front.
?? The entire specimen head can now be
oriented manually (together with specimen
cooling, if equipped) in all directions by
approx. 8°.
?? After having achieved the desired alignment,
press the clamping lever (fig. 81.2) upwards Fig. 81
to fix this position.
For the further orientation of the specimen,

the chuck can be rotated by 360°.
?? Turn the spring-loaded eccentric lever (fig.
81.1) either to the right or left side. Then the
chuck is loosened.
?? Turn the chuck together with the specimen
as desired.
?? Then bring the eccentric lever (fig. 81.1)
again into clamping position by turning it to
right or left side.
Note:
The specimen orientation includes a
zero device for the specimen (chuck is
always parallel in relation to the knife).
Zero position can be felt noticeably.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-18 OPTION M – MOTORIZED

CUTTING DRIVE
Sectioning can be carried out either manually

by turning the handwheel or by means of a
motorized cutting drive.
??The controlled cutting speed can be set

continuously from 0 up to 250 mm/s.
??The cutting speed refers to the cutting window
(see part 2-18-1).
??For the upward return travel a proportionally
higher retraction speed is carried out.
??To adjust the cutting window in relation to a
specimen, it can be set continuously within
the maximum values (60 mm) and can be
adjusted to the respective specimen.
2-18-1 SETTING THE CUTTING WINDOW
The size of this zone is shown in millimeters

within the symbol for the cutting window. When HM550 M V SET ACT
passing the cutting window this symbol is
SPECIM -25 -24
shown inverted on the display.
CHAMBER -20 -21
It is shown on the display (fig. 82) in the status
line with the letters "AW" (automatic window).
COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
Note:
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
Cutting and suction window are
identical.
* * * REN R AW
Fig. 82

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Manual setting:
??The cutting window is determined by manual
entries.
??For this, turn the handwheel so that the lower
edge of the specimen is positioned slightly
above the knife edge. 1
??Press button (fig. 83.1) to set the upper limit of

the cutting window. 2

place the upper edge of the specimen just
??Press button (fig. 83.1) to set the lower limit of
the cutting window.
4
??The LED in button (fig. 83.1) lights up during 5
each further passing through of the cutting
window. The length of the cutting window is
shown in mm within the cutting window
3
Fig. 83
Note:
A cutting window should only be set
downwards.
Note:
In case the cutting window limits are
set incorrectly, please repeat above-
mentioned process again.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-18-2 SELECTION OF OPERATING HM550 M V SET ACT

MODES
SPECIM -25 -24
CHAMBER -20 -21
For the motorized cutting movement of the
microtome, the following operating modes are
available: COUNTER = 0 INTERV 18
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
- continuous stroke
- single stroke
- interval stroke * * * REN R
??If the cutting drive is turned off, choose one of

the above-mentioned operating modes by Fig. 84
pressing the button MODE (fig. 85.1) once or
twice.
??The selected operating mode is shown on the
display as CONTIN, SINGLE and INTERV and
the corresponding LED in button (fig. 85.1)
lights up.
Continuous stroke
??Press button (fig. 85.1) until the operating
mode continuous stroke CONTIN is shown on
the display.
??To start a continuous cutting cycle, use the
foot pedal or press the two start buttons (fig.
85.3 and 85.4).
??To stop the continuous stroke, press foot
pedal or one of the two start buttons (fig. 85.3
or 85.4).
??However, if a cutting cylce has been started, it
will continue through and stop in the next
lower reversal point.
Single stroke
mode single stroke SINGLE is shown on the Fig. 85
display.
??Press the two start buttons (fig. 85.3 and 85.4)
or the foot pedal once to release a single
cutting cycle.
??The movement stops in the lower reversal
point.
Interval stroke
mode interval stroke INTERV is shown on the
display.
??The cutting drive only moves as long as the
two start buttons (fig. 85.3 and 85.4) or the
foot pedal are being pressed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-18-3 SETTING THE CUTTING SPEED
??The desired cutting speed is set on the

operating knob (fig. 86.2).
Note:
To save time, the return travel speed
is enhanced in relation to the cutting
speed, especially for slow cutting
speeds.
2-18-4 START AND STOP OF THE

CUTTING DRIVE
Start
??Press the two buttons (fig. 86.3 and 86.4) of
the safety switch either at the same time or
briefly one after the other. Fig. 86
??As an option, the motorized cutting drive can
also be started via the foot pedal.
??The LED in button (fig. 86.3) lights up while
the motorized cutting drive is active.
Note:
To start the motorized cutting drive,
the functions handwheel brake and
emergency stop must not be
activated.
The course function of the cutting drive results

from the selected cutting window, the selected
operating mode and the set cutting speed
(please see part 2-18-3).
Stop in operating mode continuous stroke

??Press one of the two buttons (fig. 86.3 or 86.4)
or
??press the foot pedal.
??The LED (fig. 86.3) goes off.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-18-5 HANDWHEEL BRAKE
Unintended movements of the specimen holder

can be avoided via the handwheel brake.
This reduces the danger of being injured while

adjusting specimen clamp and knife carrier!
Warning:
When the instrument is turned off, the
handwheel brake is not operative.
Warning:
For your personal safety, the handwheel
brake should be turned on when
working on the specimen holder or knife
carrier.
Activating the brake

??Stop the motorized cutting movement via Fig. 87
buttons (fig. 87.3 and 87.4).
??Then activate the function handwheel brake via
button (fig. 87.6).
??The red LED (fig. 87.7) lights up.
??The motorized cutting drive cannot be started
by mistake anymore!
Releasing the brake

??To release the handwheel brake, press button
(fig. 87.8).

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-18-6 EMERGENCY STOP
To quickly eliminate danger, the microtome is

equipped with two emergency stop functions.
Caution:
In case danger arises from cutting
drive, activate the emergency stop!
Hand emergency stop:

??The hand emergency stop (fig. 89.1) is located
above the right arm rest.
??Press this button to immediately stop the
motorized cutting drive.
??When the hand emergency stop is activated,
the red LED (fig. 88.5) between the buttons
(fig. 88.3 and 88.4) lights up.
Fig. 88
Note:
After having activated the hand HM5
50M
VD
emergency stop, STOP is shown

inverted on the display (fig. 90).
1
??After having eliminated the danger and to 1
0
2
3
continue sectioning, pull out the red button
(fig. 89.1).
??The cutting drive can be started again.
Foot emergency stop: Fig. 89

??The second emergency stop installation is
located in the foot pedal (fig. 91). HM550 OMV SET ACT
??Vigorously step on the foot pedal to SPECIM -25 -24

immediately stop the motorized cutting drive. CHAMBER -20 -21
??However, the LED (fig. 88.5) does not light up
when the foot emergency stop is pressed.
COUNTER = 0 STOP 18
Note: FINE: 3 TRIM: 20

After having activated the foot
emergency stop, STOP is shown
* * * REN R
inverted on the display (fig. 90).
Fig. 90
??After having eliminated the danger and to
continue sectioning, release the foot pedal.
??The cutting drive can be started again.
Fig. 91

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-19 OPTION V - VACUTOME
2-19-1 SETTING THE VACUUM FOR

STRETCHING SECTIONS AND
DISPOSING OF SECTION WASTE
Setting the vacuum

?? To select the suction power or the required 0
21
Co
n
e
m tr
ol
cat u to
0
V
vacuum between 0 - 8, turn the operating
21
knob (fig. 92.1). (0 = no suction power, 8 = om
eCont r
ol
Vactut
highest suction power).
3
Note:
The user sets the desired value
depending on the desired function 1
(stretching or suction process), section
thickness and size of the specimen.
Note: Fig. 92
The applied vacuum for stretching
sections and/or disposing of section
waste is only active during the cutting
window representing also the suction
window. Outside the cutting window, the
selected vacuum is turned off by means of a
valve.
Setting the suction window is carried out in

the same way as the cutting window.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-19-2 INSERTING AND REPLACING

THE FILTER UNIT
1
When the suction power and suction window
are set in a correct way, the section to be
disposed of gets via the suction slot in the knife
carrier into the filter unit, consisting of a coarse
filter for collecting section waste and a micro
filter for filtering the air.
1
Section waste is collected in the coarse filter.
This coarse filter must be replaced depending
on the volume of waste. The coarse filter is
actively cooled.
The micro filter must also be replaced regularly,
however, at least every 6 months.
Removing coarse filter:

?? Press the bow (fig. 93.2) of the coarse filter 2
downwards either manually or via the foot.
?? The coarse filter tilts forwards.
?? Remove the coarse filter by means of the 3
attached clamp for filter replacement.
Replacing the coarse filter:

The coarse filter must be replaced depending on
the volume of the existing section waste. If the
Fig. 93
integrated counter detects that the sum of all
sections exceeds 50 000 µm after the last
resetting, the message "Change coarse filt."
appears on the display.
?? For this, remove the coarse filter as

described above.
?? Use lab gloves!!!
?? Dispose of the coarse filter together with the
section waste according to the respective
lab regulations.
Note:
The coarse filter is to be understood as
a disposable filter and must not be used
again.
?? Insert new coarse filter and close the filter.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
The internal counter for the coarse filter must be

reset:
?? For this, press the menu button (fig. 95.9).
This way, you get into the list of submenus. 1 2 3
select "coarse filter". This submenu is now
shown inverted.
?? Via the enter button (fig. 95.10) select this
reset the sum of sections since the last
resetting to 0 µm.
?? Via the enter button (fig. 95.10) confirm the
setting.
4
Note: 5 6 Fig. 94
submenus. If the setting is not 8
?? To quit the submenu, press the menu button MENÜ
(fig. 95.9).
settings.
Note: 9
10
If there is no time to reset the internal
Fig. 95
counter for the coarse filter, it is
possible to ignore the message
"CHANGE COARSE FILT." for the moment.
?? For this press the scroll/enter button (fig.

95.8). However, this means that the counter
must still be reset. After further sections, the
message will appear on the display again
every 1000 µm.
Note:
It is also possible to check if the filter
must be replaced.
?? For this open the submenu "coarse filter" in

the menu.
?? If the message "COARSE FILT. ==> OK"
appears on the display, the entire sum of
sections of 50 000 µm has not yet reached.
?? However, if the message "COARSE FILT.!!!!!"
appears on the display, the filter must be
replaced.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Replacing the micro filter:

Depending on how often the instrument is used,
the micro filter must be replaced at regular 1
intervals, however, at least every 6 months.
If the internal software detects that the micro
filter must be replaced, the message "CHANGE
MICRO FILT." appears on the display. 4
?? For this, remove the cover for the micro filter 1

(fig. 96.3) which is placed beside the coarse
filter.
?? Pull off upper and lower connecting pieces
(fig. 96.1) and remove the micro filter.
?? Dispose of the micro filter according to the
respective lab regulations.
Note:
The micro filter is to be understood as a 2
disposable filter and must not be used
again.
3
Inserting the micro filter:
?? Connect the filter again with the connecting
pieces.
Note:
When inserting the filter, please note
the correct direction (fig. 96.4). The
arrow on the micro filter must show
Fig. 96
upwards.
The internal counter for the micro filter must now 1 2 3

be reset:
?? For this, press the menu button (fig. 98.9).
This way, you get into the list of submenus.
select "micro filter". This submenu is now
shown inverted.
setting and simultaneously open it.
reset the sum of sections since the last
resetting to 0 µm.
setting.
4
5 6
Fig. 97

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
8

MENÜ
(fig. 98.9).
settings.
Note: 9
If there is no time to reset the internal 10
counter for the micro filter, it is possible Fig. 98
to ignore the message "CHANGE
MICRO FILT." for the moment.
?? For this press the scroll/enter button (fig.

98.8). However, this means that the counter
must still be reset. This message will appear
on the display every 24 h.
Note:
It is also possible to check if the filter
must be replaced.
?? For this press the menu button (fig. 98.9)

until the message "MICRO FILT. ==> OK"
appears on the display.
?? However, if the message "MICRO FILT.!!!!!"
appears on the display, the filter must be
replaced.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-19-3 SETTING THE SUCTION WINDOW HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

The size of this zone is shown in millimeters
CHAMBER -20 -21
within the symbol for the suction window. When
passing the suction window this symbol is
shown inverted on the display. COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
During this automatic function, the cutting

FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
window adjusts itself to the size of the
specimen.
* * * REN R AW
Note:
Cutting and suction window are Fig. 99
identical.
Manual setting:
??The suction window is determined by manual 1
entries.
??For this, turn the handwheel so that the lower 2
edge of the specimen is positioned slightly

above the knife edge.
??Press button (fig. 100.1) to set the upper limit
of the suction window.
4
place the upper edge of the specimen just 5
??Press button (fig. 100.1) to set the lower limit
of the suction window. 3
??The LED in button (fig. 100.1) lights up during
each further passing through of the suction Fig. 100
window. The length of the suction window is
shown in mm within the suction window
Note:
A suction window should only be set
downwards. If, by mistake, a suction
window limit is set during return travel of the
specimen, the set limits are applied to the
cutting movement accordingly.
Note:
In case the suction window limits
are set incorrectly, please repeat
above-mentioned process again.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-20 KNIFE CARRIERS FOR OPTION VACUTOME
2-20-1 DISPOSABLE BLADE CARRIER EV
The disposable blade holder EV takes up all commercially available low profile blades with a dimension
of 80 x 8 mm as well as high profile blades with a dimension of 76 x 14 mm an a facette angle of
approx. 35°.
10 3
4
1 2
10
9
5
8 6
Fig. 101
1 2
10
0
4
5
8
Fig. 102

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series

?? Insert the blade into the slot behind the
clamping plate (fig. 101.1).
Note: When using high profile blades,

first loosen the lever (fig. 101.2) and
remove the spacer strip. The blade is
clamped via the clamping plate which is
placed on the rear part of the blade carrier.
?? To insert the blade now loosen the clamping

lever (fig. 101.2).
Note:
Press the clamping plate on its lower
area to open the slot behind the
clamping plate.
?? Push the blade from the left side into the slot
behind the clamping plate (fig. 101.1) as far
as possible.
?? Close the clamping lever (fig. 101.2). Thus
fixing the blade in its position.
If the cutting area of the knife is no longer

usable, the knife can be moved:
?? Tilt the knife guard (fig. 101.10) forwards.

?? Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 101.2). The
blade is no longer clamped and can be
moved e.g. by means of a brush until a
suitable position of the blade is found.
?? Clamp again the clamping lever (fig. 101.2)
Caution:
always position the knife guards (fig. 101.10)
over the blade edge.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Setting the clearance angle:

achieved.
scale (fig. 101.8) on the left side of the base.
?? Again tighten the clamping lever (fig. 101.7).
?? The selected clearance angle is thus fixed in
its position.
Note:
Moving the blade carrier:

?? To move the blade carrier, loosen the lever
on the right side of the base plate.
?? To fix the blade carrier in its new position,
clamp the lever again.
Fine adjustment of the vacuum anti-roll

hood:
?? The vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 101.4) can be
removed and put on by using the turning
lever (fig. 101.5).
?? The knurled screw (fig. 101.6) allows the
adjustment of the edge of the vacuum anti-
roll hood (fig. 101.4) in relation to the blade
edge.
Function of the Vacutome:

?? A closed vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 102.4)
and a suitable suction vacuum generate
stretching or suction effects.
?? For this, the closed vacuum anti-roll hood
(fig. 102.4) slightly tilts the underneath flap
(fig. 102.6) thus opening a suction slot (fig.
102.7).
?? Lift the vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 102.4), the
flap (fig. 102.6) beneath falls back in place
and the slot gets closed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-20-2 MAGNETIC BLADE CARRIER MV
The magnetic blade carrier is suitable to take up MICROM blades with the dimensions 60 x 19 mm and a
facette angle of approx. 33°.
2 3
10
4
1
5
7
9
20
Fig. 103
6
ROM
MIC
5
30
20
6
3
Fig. 104
4

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
Only special MICROM magnetic blades
must be used!!

?? Insert the blade (fig. 103.1) into the blade
slider (fig. 103.2) and put it on the magnetic
surface (fig. 103.2) of the blade carrier from
the side.
Note:
To move the blade to the side, press the
blade slider downwards so that the
blade is properly put against the ledge
(fig. 103.3) of the blade carrier.
?? To move the blade to the side, always use

the blade slider (fig. 104.2) and shift it.
If the cutting area of the blade is not longer

usable, the blade can be moved:
?? Put the blade slider (fig. 104.2) onto the
blade and shift it.
Note:
The blade slider must always be put on
in a way that the inscription MICROM
can be read.
?? This way, it is guaranteed that the slanted

edge (fig. 104.5) of the blade slider shows to
the rear side of the blade.
Caution:
always position the knife guard (fig. 103.10) over
the blade edge.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Clearance angle adjustment:

?? Swivel the upper part of the magnetic blade
carrier on the base until the desired
clearance angle is adjusted.
?? The set clearance angle can be read on the
scale (fig. 103.8) on the left side of the base.
?? Again tighten the clamping lever.
?? This way, the set clearance angle is fixed in
its position.
Note:
Usable cuts are only achieved at
clearance angles between 24 – 30°!
Moving the magnetic blade carrier:

?? To move the magnetic blade carrier, loosen
the lever on the right side of the base plate.
?? To fix the blade carrier in its new position,
tighten the lever again.
Fine adjustment of the vacuum anti-roll

hood:
?? The vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 1034) can be
removed and put on by using the turning
lever (fig. 103.5).
?? The knurled screw (fig. 103.6) allows the
adjustment of the edge of the vacuum anti-
roll hood (fig. 103.4) in relation to the blade
edge.
Function of the Vacutome:

?? A closed vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 104.4)
and a suitable suction vacuum generate
stretching or suction effects.
?? For this, the closed vacuum anti-roll hood
(fig. 103.4) slightly tilts the underneath flap
(fig. 104.8) thus opening a suction slot (fig.
104.9).
?? Lift the vacuum anti-roll hood (fig. 104.4), the
flap (fig. 104.8) beneath falls back in place
and the slot gets closed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-21 OPTION P – ACTIVE DEEP

FREEZING STATION WITH PELTIER
ELEMENT
To accelerate freezing-on of a specimen on a PELTIER COOL.
chuck, choose the function fast freezing. If this

function is activated in due time (approx. 2 – 3
min.) before freezing-on, the fast freezing plate Choose:UP & DWN, Confirm: ENTER
can achieve a temperature of -60°C.
Note:
This fast freezing device can only be Fig. 106
1 2 3
activated at a chamber temperature of
less than –10°C.
Note:
The upper side of the freezing station
must not be covered by frost or ice. To
avoid this, use acetone, ethanol or the
like.
?? Press the menu button (fig. 108.9). 4

5 6
?? Via the arrow buttons (fig. 107.5 and 107.6) Fig. 107
select "Peltier Station".
8
select HEAT., COOL. or OFF.
?? Confirm the selected function via the enter
button (fig. 108.10).
?? The Peltier functions are turned off
automatically after 8 min.
?? To active or deactivate the fast freezing
MENÜ
function, press button (fgi. 107.2) for 1 sec.

(fig. 109).
----------------------MENU------------------Vers. 1.00
PELTIER STATION 9
DEFROST TIME 10
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY Fig. 108
REAL TIME
DATE
REQUEST DEFROST HM550 OMVP SET ACT
INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST SPECIM -25 -24
FINE FILTER RESET CHAMBER -20 -21
COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE FREEZE ACTIVE
LANGUAGE
ILLUMINATION
COUNTER = 0 STOP 18
Fig. 105
FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
* * * REN R
Fig. 109

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? If "HEAT." is selected, the Peltier element HM550 OMVP SET ACT

heats up until it has reached a positive end
SPECIM -25 -24
temperature. This way, tissue specimens
CHAMBER -20 -21
can be detached from the chuck inside the
DETACH ACTIVE
chamber (fig. 110).
COUNTER = 0 STOP 18
?? First put freezing medium onto an uncooled FINE: 3 TRIM: 20
chuck.
?? Then put the specimen onto the freezing * * * REN R
medium.
?? Afterwards, the chuck together with the Fig. 110
specimen is inserted with the peg into one of
the four front fast freezing stations (fig. 111).
These four front fast freezing stations are
equipped with a Peltier cooling element.
Fig. 111

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-22 OPTION D – INTEGRATED

AUTOMATIC UNIT FOR THE
APPLICATION OF DISINFECTION
MEDIA ----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00
OPTION D ON/OFF
MODE OPTION D
MODE WEEKLY
The option D which is used in the HM 550 is a WEEKEND YES/NO
fumigation unit for the application of disinfection DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
media onto the operation areas in the cryo DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
chamber which are accessible for the user INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
during the intended use. CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
Spraying is carried out via the fumigation of RETRACTION ENABLE
LANGUAGE
disinfection solution by means of ultrasonics.
The droplets of the mist have a size of
1 – 3 µm. This very small size allows for an even Fig. 112
application of the disinfection solution onto
surfaces.
This process takes approx. 5 – 6 h and several
phases are processed.
Caution:
To guarantee the functionality and safety
of the fumigation unit, only disinfection
media must be used, which do not contain
combustible and/or flammable substances as
solvents.
Therefore, water-based disinfection media must
be used with the following physical
characteristics:
surface tension larger than 65 x 10-3 N/m (water
72 x 10-3 N/m),
viscosity smaller than 1.3 x 10-3 kg/ms
(water 1 x 10-3 kg/ms)
pH value is 7
Note:
Please be advised that with regard to
the above-mentioned characteristics,
the selected medium is to be fumigated.
It is the responsibility of the user to select a

suitable disinfection medium with regard to the
above-mentioned safety precautions and thus
the related disinfection results.
Note:
We would like to emphasize that the
usage of the device does not release
the user from noticing and observing the
operational regulations.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Starting the first phase of the cycle is

determined by the programmed defrost time.
Each cycle finishes with a defrosting of the
cooling system. Afterwards, the chamber and
specimen temperatures, which have been
selected before, are set automatically again.
Note:
It is not possible to operate the cryostat
during a all phases. We recommend to
program an overnight run of the cycle.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-22-1 PREPARING AND STARTING THE

OPTION D
Note:
The sequence of the below-mentioned
steps must strictly be observed so that
the automatic fumigation device can
operate in an optimal way. With regard to
possible occurring (irritating) gases during the
fumigation of disinfection medium into the cryo
chamber, it is absolutely necessary to care for
sufficient ventilation at the site of installation.
1. Filling in disinfection solution
?? Fill the store reservoir on the rear side of the

instrument with disinfection solution. Before
filling the reservoir, please check the
keeping quality and the safety data sheet of
the respective disinfection medium. Please
also observe the handling, storing and
disposal instructions from the manufacturer
of the respective disinfection medium.
Moreover, please respect the instruction
from the manufacturer concerning safety
measures during an unintended release!
fig. 112a
Caution:
For this, please note the safety note in
part 2-22.
?? The max. filling amount of the storage

container is 1 l, which will be sufficient for
seven cycles. This way, it is guaranteed
that the expiring date of the disinfection
solution inside the cryostat will practically
never be passed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2. Cleaning the cryo chamber
?? Clean the cryo chamber from all section

waste after.
?? Remove all tissue specimens, brushes and
chucks from the chamber.
?? Swivel the anti-roll guide upwards.
?? Remove the two section waste trays.
Manually clean and disinfect them
according to the regulations in your lab.
?? In case the cryostat HM 550 is equipped
with a Vacutome, use this device to dispose
of the section waste into the coarse filter
already while sectioning.
Biohazard:
To guarantee an optimal efficiency of
the disinfection medium, all surfaces
must be accessible. Moreover, objects, which
do not belong to the instrument, must not be
inserted.
3. Closing the window
Always close the window, before starting a run.
?? In case the window was not closed, the

following message appears on the display:
Please close the window..
Note:
Please close the window when leaving
the instrument for the daily and/or
weekly mode.
Note:
A locking mechanism secures the
closed window against opening.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-22-2 INTERRUPTING THE OPTION D
The cycle can be interrupted at any time.
?? Press the reset button (fig. 113.8).

8
?? Press the enter button (fig. 113.10) within
three seconds to confirm the interruption
process.
Warning:
Depending on the cycle phase when it
has been interrupted, the cooling
MENÜ
system needs between 1 – 4 h to cool
down to the programmed temperature. Only
after having reached the pre-selected values,
sectioning is possible again.
9
10
Fig. 113

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-22-3 PROGRAMMING THE ----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00

OPTION D ON/OFF
OPTION D MODE OPTION D
MODE WEEKLY
WEEKEND YES/NO
??Press the menu button (fig. 116.9). This way, DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
you get into the list of the submenus. DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
??Select the respective submenus from this list INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
via the arrow buttons (fig. 115.5 and 115.6). CONTRAST
??Via the enter button (fig. 116.10) open the FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
corresponding submenu. RETRACTION ENABLE
LANGUAGE
??Carry out the respective entries (fig. 115.5 and
115.6).
??Confirm with the enter button (fig. 116.10) Fig. 114
??Either quit the list of submenus via the menu
button (fig. 116.9) or select another submenu
via the arrow buttons (fig. 115.5 and 115.6).
Within this list, the following submenus for 1 2 3

programming the cycle are important:
Submenu "Defrost time"

?? Press the enter button (fig. 116.10) to select
the submenu.
?? Enter the defrost time in this submenu (see
part 2-10-2, Setting the defrost time).
?? When the "daily" or "weekly" mode has
been selected as described below, the
cylce starts at the pre-selected defrost time.
?? Confirm the settings via the enter button (fig.
116.10). 4
5 6 Fig. 115
Note: 8
The last phase of each cycle is always
a normal defrosting of the crostat.
Submenu "Option D ON/OFF"

?? Press the arrow buttons (fig. 115.5 and
115.6) to select the desired settings.
?? Confirm with the enter button (fig. 116.10). MENÜ
Note:
When selecting "ON", the "Mode Option
D " that has been selected before, will 9
10
be used again.
Fig. 116
OPTION D ON
Choose: UP & DWN, confirm: ENTER
Fig. 117
D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Submenu "Mode Option D"

the submenu.
?? Select between "weekly", "daily" or
"immediately" via the arrow buttons (fig.
115.5 and 115.6).
?? Confirm with the enter button (fig. 116.10).
Mode immediate ("immediat."):

In case this mode (fig. 119) has been selected,
the cycle is immediately started after having
pressed the enter button (fig. 116.10) and when
quitting the menu.
Warning:
The automatic cycle starts after the sliding
window has been closed. The immediate cycle
is carried out only once.
In case another mode (daily or weekly) has

been set, this mode remains active after having
finished an "immediate"mode.
If the immediate start coincides with the
previously selected mode (daily or weekly), an
immediate start is carried out and the daily
and/or weekly one is not started on that day.
Mode every day ("daily"):

When the "daily" mode (fig. 120) has been
selected, the cylce is carried out daily, for seven
days max. at the preselected defrost time.
Warning:
The automatic cycle can only start after the
sliding window has been closed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00
OPTION D ON/OFF
MODE OPTION D
MODE WEEKLY
WEEKEND YES/NO
DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
FINE FILTER RESET
COARSE FILT. RESET
RETRACTION ENABLE
LANGUAGE
Fig. 118
MODE OPTION D Immediat.
Fig. 119
MODE OPTION D Daily
Fig. 120

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Mode once a week ("weekly"):

In case the "weekly" mode (fig. 121) has been
selected, the cycle is carried out at the
preselected defrost time on one day per week. MODE OPTION D Weekly
Warning:
The automatic cycle starts after the Choose: UP & DWN, confirm: ENTER
sliding window has been closed.
Fig. 121
----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00
Submenu "Mode weekly" PELTIER STATION
?? Press the enter button (fig. 116.10) to select DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
the submenu (fig. 122). STANDBY DELAY
OPTION D ON/OFF
?? In case the "weekly" mode has been MODE OPTION D
selected in the submenu "Mode Option D", MODE WEEKLY
WEEKEND YES/NO
the weekday for the cylce must be entered DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
in this submenu. DATE
?? Select from "Monday" until "Sunday" via the REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
arrow buttons (fig. 115.5 and 115.6). COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
?? Confirm with the enter button (116.10).
Fig. 122
Submenu "Weekend Yes/No"

the submenu (fig. 124).
?? In case, the "daily" cycle has been selected
MODE WEEKLY Tuesday
in the submenu "Mode Option D", you
should enter here, if a cycle should be
carried out during the weekend or not.
?? Select between "YES" and "NO" via the Choose: UP & DWN, confirm: ENTER
arrow buttons (fig. 115.5 and 115.6).
?? Confirm with the enter button (116.10).
Fig. 123
----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00
PELTIER STATION
DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
STANDBY DELAY
OPTION D ON/OFF
MODE OPTION D
MODE WEEKLY
WEEKEND YES/NO
DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
DATE
REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
Fig. 124
WEEKEND YES/NO NO
Fig. 125

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Submenu "Expiry date of the disinfection ----------------------MENU------------------Ver. 2.00

PELTIER STATION
medium" DEFROST TIME
WAKE TIME
?? Press the enter button (fig. 116.10) to select STANDBY DELAY
OPTION D ON/OFF
the submenu "Disinfect. Medium". MODE OPTION D
?? Enter the date, the expiry date, into the six- MODE WEEKLY
WEEKEND YES/NO
digit date format (day, month, year) via the DISINFECT. MEDIUM
REAL TIME
arrow buttons (fig. 115. 5 and 115.6). DATE
?? Press the reset button (fig. 116.8) to change REQUEST DEFROST
INTERRUPT DEFROST
between day, month and year. COARSE FEED SPEED
CONTRAST
?? Confirm with the enter button (fig. 116.10).
?? In case the message "Desinf. Medium" is Fig. 126
shown on the display, confirm and delete
this message via the enter button (fig.
116.10).
Note:
After having pressed the enter button,
this message does not re-appear on the
display.
Note:
The expiry date, which is given from the
manufacturer of the disinfection
medium, mainly refers to unopened
containers.
2-22-4 CLEANING AFTER A CYCLE

WITH OPTION D
Chemicals:
Working areas, which are accessible
for the user and get into contact with
the disinfection solution, show
remainders of the disinfection medium after
some cycles. Depending on the disinfection
medium, please wear safety clothing (e.g.
protective gloves).
?? Wipe off these parts with e.g. 70% ethanol.

?? Also empty the container for the defrosting
liquid from time to time, as a part of the
disinfection liquid is collected here. The
liquids must be disposed of according to
your respective lab regulations.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-23 ERROR CODE INDICATION
The instrument has an error code indication to

define faster and better possible malfunctions.
The error codes describe so-called system

errors. Additionally, error messages are shown
on the display as text messages, e.g. when the
temperature sensors are faulty, when the end
position of the specimen clamping has not been
reached, when there is a high pressure in the
cooling system and when the function of the
automatic approach system is faulty (see part
2-7-4).
Note:
If an error code appears on the display
of your instrument, please note it down
and contact your sales organisation
where you bought the instrument or directly
contact MICROM International GmbH.
2-23-1 DEFINITION OF THE

ERROR CODES HM550 M V SET ACT
SPECIM -25 -24

ERROR OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR
CHAMBER -20 -21
Four different error codes, which indicate a

defect on a temperature sensor, can appear on COUNTER = 0 CONTIN 18
the display. The message is shown on the

FEIN: 3 TRIM: 20
second line from below on the display (fig. 127):
´SPECIMEN SENSOR ERR´
*** ER-5 R
1. 'SPECIMEN SENSOR ERR'
The instrument recognizes a faulty operation on
the specimen temperature sensor, which is Fig. 127
placed in the specimen head.
2. 'BOX SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation on
the box sensor, which is placed on the base
plate of the microtome.
3. 'EVAP SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation of
the defrost limiting sensor, which is placed
between the fins of the evaporator.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Note:
However, you can work with the
instrument to a certain extent until the
operational fault is removed by a trained
service technician.
ERROR CODE 'NO END POSITION'
Before turning on the instrument on the main

switch, it carries out an automatic travel
calibration of the specimen clamping. The
specimen clamping is brought into that position
which has the longest distance to the knife
carrier.
If there is an operational fault during this
process, e.g. debris or frost impedes the
specimen clamping movement, this is shown via
the message 'NO END POSITION' and means
that a calibration was not carried out.
A service technician must be called.
SYSTEM-ERROR
The instrument is designed to check for internal

system errors.
In case such an error is recognized, it is shown
as 'ER-10' to 'ER-16' for approx. 5 sec. in the
middle of the display.
The recognition of such an error leads to an
automatic RESET-process.
The cause for this might be a temporary fault.
Note:
In case one of these messages occur
more than once, please note down the
error code and contact a service
technician.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-23-2 ERROR CODES OF THE OPTION D
In case a malfunction occurs during a cycle, DES01 OMVPD SOLL IST

error codes are shown on the display.
Fehler Schritt 1 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
As different phases of the cycle might be
Weiter mit der Reset-Taste . . .
concerned, error codes are shown from step 1
to step 8 (fig. 127a).
Only step 3 is relevant for the operator. This
error shows that there is insufficient disinfection
medium in the container before a cycle can be
started (fig. 112a).
* * * REN
After having filled the container, the next

programmed cycle will be carried out Fig. 127a
automatically. Remove the error with the reset
button.
The error steps 1 and 2 as well as 4 to 8 refer to

service-related malfunctions during a cycle.
Therefore, please contact a service technician.
Behaviour of the software in case of power

failure:
A power failure during the fumigation process is

stored by the program.
After the power has been resumed, the window

is locked. The display shows the following
message, which means that a cycle was
interrupted.
"CAUTION! Cycle interrupted due to power
failure or turning off of the instrument. Continue
with Reset button."
The window of the instrument remains locked, to

avoid possible annoyance caused by odours.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-24 ACCESSORIES
2-24-1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The microtome cryostat HM 550 series is equipped with the following accessories:
Cat. No.
2 specimen chucks, 30 mm round 715710
1 specimen chuck, 40 mm round 715720
1 Allan key 2,5 mm 362220
1 Allan key 5 mm 362260
1 Allan key 6 mm 362120
1 flat brush 334170
1 brush 334170
1 cryostat oil no. 407 100 ml 350040
1 freezing medium 118 ml 161425
Section waste tray for instruments without specimen cooling, consisting of:
1 waste tray 415600
1 intermediate tray 415620
1 brush shelf 415640
Section waste tray for instruments with specimen cooling, consisting of:
1 waste tray 415610
1 intermediate tray 415630
1 brush shelf 415640
25 coarse filters (option V) 281070
1 hose with nozzle for Vacutome cleaning (option V) 570230
1 foot pedal (option M) 640280
1 instruction manual 387748

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
2-24-2 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT (OPTIONAL)
Cat. No.
Specimen chucks:
? 20 mm 715700
? 30 mm 715710
? 40 mm 715720
50 x 50 mm 715730
55 x 55 mm 715740
60 x 55 mm 715750
70 x 55 mm 715760
Cryo-Molds:
10 mm 570400
15 mm 570380
22 mm 570390
Knife carriers:
Standard knife carrier 705460

Disposable blade carrier EC 705470
Magnetic blade carrier 705230
Knife carriers for option Vacutome:
Disposable blade carrier EV 705580

Magnetic blade carrier 705590
Other accessories:
Heat extractor 524510

Detach block
Coarse filter 281070

Micro filter 624100
Disposable blade SEC 35 (50 pcs. in dispenser) 152200

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3 THEORY OF OPERATION
3-1 SPECIMEN AND CHAMBER

COOLING, DEFROSTING
The chamber, the microtome and the specimen

head are cooled by a refrigeration machine.
In the rear area of the microtome chamber is an
evaporator which the cold coolant flows through
as well as through the specimen head. Due to
the heat extraction from the microtome chamber
a cooling down of the microtome and/or cryo
chamber to -35°C can be achieved.
The temperature of the microtome and/or
chamber can be adjusted continuously down to
-35°C. For this, pre-select the desired
temperature as set value on the control panel.
The actual value is constantly measured and
sent to the control unit.
By means of an installed thermo-electrical
element, controlled temperatures down to
-50°C can be achieved on the specimen head.
On the left side of the microtome chamber,
there are freezing stations (fast freezing
stations) which can be cooled down to a
temperature of -35°C depending on the cryo
chamber temperature.This fast freezing station
has 12 positions for one chuck each.
The instrument can optionally be equipped with
an active deep freezing device.
The station can be cooled down to -60°C by
means of a Peltier cooling element. This Peltier
cooling element has four positions for one
chuck each. The eight positions correspond to
the conventional fast freezing stations.
The specimen temperature control serves for a

more efficient working with the cryostat. For
various specimens, different cutting
temperatures can be achieved very quickly.
After having cut, the specimen can be detached
quickly from the chuck by using the function
detach. Another possibility to detach the
specimen is to warm it up outside the chamber.
The specimen temperature control is supplied

via a secondary cooling circuit. The coolant
flows through the cooling head serving as an
evaporator of the system and cools it in
combination with a Peltier element.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
A thermo-electrical element is coupled with the

evaporator housing on the specimen head. Via a
set value input for the specimen head on the
control panel, the electronics control the
thermo-electrical element at any desired
temperature between +10°C and -50°C.
Inevitably, when working on the microtome the

dry cold air of the microtome chamber mixes
with the warm humid air outside the chamber.
Frost forms on the finned evaporator. The
increasing thickness of the frost reduces the
efficiency of the evaporator. For this reason, the
daily defrosting of the evaporator becomes
necessary. To carry out the defrosting cycle, a
heating warms the evaporator from below.
Set the time of the daily defrosting on the
control panel. The period of the defrosting takes
approx. 40 min. and varies according to the
thickness of the frost.
Possible frost built-up on the microtome or on
the knife carrier are not removed by defrosting
the instrument. However, the frost recedes after
defrosting as now the evaporator is fully efficient
again.
In addition, the instrument is equipped with an

immediate defrosting function.
To avoid condensation the sliding window is

heated when closed.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-2 CUTTING MOVEMENT
The microtome of this cryostat is a rustproof

rotary microtome.
The cutting movement is carried out by turning
the handwheel.
The rotary movement results in the vertical and
horizontal movement of the specimen clamp.
Sectioning is carried out by knives or blades,
which must be adjusted and fixed on the knife
carrier.
With the downward movement of the specimen,

sectioning is carried out (cutting movement).
The upward return travel of the specimen is
carried out by turning the handwheel further in a
clockwise direction. During this return travel, the
specimen clamping is drawn back automatically
to protect knife and specimen. If required, the
function retraction can be turned off.
The selected section thickness is delivered at

the upper reversal point of the return travel.
The number of the sections made can be shown
on the section counter on the display. After
each downward movement of the specimen
holder, the number on the section counter
increases by 1.
The sum of the sections carried out can also be
seen on the display. For this, trimming values
and sectioning values are added up. Section
counter and sum of section thicknesses can be
reset to zero at any time by means of the
RESET-button.
Moreover, the remaining travel to the front end
position can also be shown on the display. The
remaining travel, which is still available for
sectioning, is shown in microns. When the
specimen clamping is in the back end position,
the display shows 28 000 µm. This number
decreases, the further the specimen clamping is
moved towards the front, i.e. in the direction of
the blade.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-3 SPECIMEN COARSE FEED

AND TRIMMING FUNCTION
After changing the specimen or moving the knife

or knife carrier, it is necessary to adjust the
knife edge to the specimen again.This can
easily be done by means of the coarse feed and
the trimming function.
After the specimen and the knife are adjusted,

further gradual feed for trimming can be carried
out by pressing the button for trimming. If this
function is chosen, the specimen clamping
moves forwards by the pre-selected trimming
value whenever pressing the button for trimming.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-4 AUTOMATIC APPROACH SYSTEM
The automatic approach system is used for the

fast and exact approach of the specimen
towards the knife edge.
The function of the automatic approach system
is limited to the temperature range between
-5°C and -35°C.
Caution!
In case the specimen was frozen on to
the chuck with CO2 gas, liquid nitrogen
or with the Peltier element it is not
guaranteed that the automatic approach system
functions perfectly. For the specimen
temperature must not be lower than –35°C when
activating the ACA.
In case the temperature is lower than –35°C, it
is recommended to insert the chuck into the
specimen clamping and wait until the specimen
temperature has adjusted to the chamber and or
set specimen temperature.
The automatic approach system uses the

intrinsic capacity of the specimen to notice a
first contact between specimen and knife edge.
If specimen and knife edge get in contact with
each other, a very low current is measured via a
pre-amplifier, which is placed directly behind the
specimen holder. The signal form of the
detected current is transferred via the outlet of
the pre-amplifier to the micro-processor. A
corresponding software recognizes the
threshold value causing an immediate
interruption of the horizontal drive. The threshold
value is also determined regarding the
temperature.
The optimal function of the automatic approach
system is based on the fact that the knife is
conductively connected with the knife carrier
base, whereas the specimen holder is
separated by an isolating piece.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-5 OPTION M -
MOTORIZED CUTTING DRIVE
The motorized cutting drive facilitates routine

work and ensures an even cutting speed also for
harder specimens.
When using the motorized cutting drive a

regulated D.C. motor works on the handwheel of
the cryostat microtome by means of an
electromechanical clutch and a reduction gear.
The speed of the motorized drive can be pre-
selected continuously on the operating controls
from 0 to 250 mm/s. The selected speed will be
carried out in the cutting window.
Outside the cutting window a higher return
speed is determined by the electronic control
unit. Use either the operating controls or the
foot pedal to turn on/off the drive.
The limits of the cutting window can be changed

continuously and can be adjusted to the
specimen. This can be done in an automatical
mode or also by manual settings.
Three operating modes for the motorized cutting

drive are available. When in operating mode
"interval stroke", the cutting drive only moves as
long as the button START/STOP or the foot
pedal is pressed. The movement can be
stopped in any position.
When in operating mode "single stroke" the
cutting drive moves from the starting position to
the next lower reversal point.
When in operating mode "continuous stroke",
an unlimited number of sections is carried out.
To stop the continuous stroke, press the button
START/STOP or the foot pedal. The cutting
drive will stop after reaching the next lower
reversal point.
In case of danger, the motor drive can be

stopped in every operating mode by pressing
the emergency stop button or the emergency
stop in the foot pedal. Continue sectioning pull
out the emergency stop button or unlock the
emergency stop in the foot pedal.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-6 OPTION VACUTOME -

STRETCHING SECTIONS AND
DISPOSING OF SECTION WASTE
The compression of sections when gliding onto

the blade is a well known phenomena during
sectioning in general and especially during cryo-
sectioning. However, this can be enormously
reduced by using a Vacutome with a special
blade carrier.
For this, a vacuum can be set below the

vacuum anti-roll hood via an operating knob.
This vacuum anti-roll hood acts as a traditional
anti-roll guide. By means of the suction vacuum
prevailing in the slot between vacuum anti-roll
hood and blade edge, the cut is drawn on the air
cushion over the blade thus immensly reducing
the compression. The section remains on the
blade in stretched form.
The vacuum for stretching sections is turned off
immediately after reaching the end of the
specimen via an in-line valve, however,
depending on a correct setting of the
cutting/suction window.
Turn the vacuum anti-roll hood backwards to
transfer the cut onto a slide.
The Vacutome is also highly suitable for the

disposal of debris.
For this, the vacuum anti-roll hood is used as
described above. When the anti-roll hood is put
on, an air stream is generated in the suction
window.
Continue cutting and the penultimate section is
pushed forwards and reaches the area of the
suction slot. From here the section gets through
the blade carrier and the tubings into the filter
unit. Section waste is collected in the coarse
filter which can easily be replaced. It must be
disposed of according to the respective lab
regulations.
The air of the suction flow now passes the micro
filter and is filtered there. Afterwards, the filtered
air flows back into the rear area of the
cryochamber.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-7 OPTION O -
SPECIMEN FAST AND
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The specimen fast cooling and temperature

control serves for a more efficient working with
the cryostat. For various specimens, different
cutting temperatures can be achieved very
quickly.
There is the possibility to rapidly freeze-on the
specimen at -50°C on a chuck with the freezing
medium.
However, the freezing-on can also be carried out
on the fast freezing stations or with the Peltier
cooling element.
To bring the specimen to the desired cutting
temperature, switch over to temperature control.
The set value of the cutting temperature can be
selected on the operating controls.
The specimen fast cooling and temperature

control works with a refrigeration unit and an
electronic control unit. The coolant (brine) flows
through the cooling head of the system and
cools it.
While sectioning, the pre-selected cutting
temperature is kept constant by means of a
corresponding control unit.
The specimen can be detached directly on the

specimen head:
?? Set specimen temperature to –0°C to 5°C
(inside the chamber).
The following two processes are also possible:

?? Active detach function, in case the
instrument is equipped with this accessory
(inside the chamber).
?? Cooling block with 6 stations for one chuck
each (outside the chamber.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
3-8 OPTION D – INTEGRATED

AUTOMATIC UNIT FOR THE
APPLICATION OF DISINFECTION
MEDIA
The option D which is used in the HM 550 is a

fumigation unit for the application of disinfection
media onto the operation areas in the cryo
chamber which are accessible for the user
during the intended use.
Warning:
To guarantee the functionality and
safety of the fumigation unit, only
disinfection media must be used, which
do not contain flammable substances as
solvents.
Therefore, we recommend to use disinfection
media based on water.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4 WORKING WITH THE CRYOSTAT
4-1 PREPARATIONS ON THE

MICROTOME AND INSIDE THE
COOLING CHAMBER
Before sectioning, the specimen clamping and

the cryo chamber should be at a stable
temperature around the desired cutting
temperature.
Select a chamber and specimen temperature
corresponding with the consistency of the
specimen that should be sectioned.
All tools which are necessary to take off
sections or to manipulate the specimen must
also be cooled, as the section will stick to
them. For this reason, the required working
accessories should always be stored on the
shelves or brush tray in the microtome
chamber.
The heated sliding window should be closed
during breaks and while preparing work to avoid
warm air getting into the chamber.
Consequently, more favorable work conditions
with a lower frost built-up on the microtome and
knife are achieved.
In case the instrument is equipped with a

Vacutome, please note that both the coarse
filter and the micro filter are properly inserted in
the filter unit. When needed, replace them and
dispose of them according to the respective lab
regulations.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4-2 FREEZING-ON THE SPECIMEN
The specimen is frozen-on to the specimen

chuck with clinging groves by means of a
freezing medium.
To freeze-on specimens, use the fast freezing
device or the active deep freezing device on the
left side of the chamber.
When using the fast freezing device put some

freezing compound onto the specimen stage,
which should be outside the chamber at a low
positive temperature. Then put the specimen
onto the stage and surround it with some
freezing compound. Please note that the frozen
tissue remains connected with the freezing
medium and the chuck.
Then insert the specimen stage into one of the
fast freezing stations.
The standard version is equipped with a fast
freezing station with 12 stations. A cryostat with
option P has an active deep freezing device with
eight freezing stations and another four stations
with Peltier element.
Start the function "Fast freezing of standard

instruments" in due time before freezing-on the
specimen. It will take the deep freezing device
approx. 2 - 3 min. to achieve a temperature of
max. -60°C.
If the instrument is equipped with a heat

extractor (additional equipment) the specimen
can be frozen faster and more evenly. Put the
pre-cooled heat extractor onto the specimen
from above. This way, the specimen is frozen at
the same time from above and below, which
reduces the formation of artefacts considerably.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4-3 ORIENTATION AND TRIMMING
Clamp the specimen chuck together with the

frozen specimen into the specimen holder.
For this loosen the orienting lever (standard
version) and/or spring-loaded eccentric lever
(version with option O) and insert the chuck into
the specimen clamping. To loosen the chuck,
turn the eccentric lever.
Loosen the clamping lever to have the

possibility to adjust the specimen parallel in
relation to the cutting edge. Afterwards, press
the clamping lever to the rear.
To position the chuck parallel in relation to the
knife, please use the zero device of the
specimen clamp, i.e. the specimen clamping
together with chuck and specimen latches
noticeably into the zero position. Afterwards,
clamp the specimen clamping via the clamping
lever. The chuck is now in a parallel position
with regard to the knife.
After this orientation, now set the

cutting/suction window. Please note that the
lower cutting window limit corresponds with the
upper edge of the specimen.
With the motorized coarse feed specimen and

knife can roughly be adjusted.
The process of the first approach between
specimen and knife edge can also be carried
out via the automatic approach system.
Then carry out a further gradual feed by using
the function trimming. Turn the handwheel in a
clockwise direction resulting in the first contact
between knife and specimen. Continue this thus
achieving the desired level.
Any waste should be wiped away in an upward
direction with a brush.
When doing first cuts in combination with a

Vacutome, these sections are removed
automatically.
While trimming, determine the correct force of
the vacuum by continued cutting and varying it
via the operating knob.
The setting is optimal, when the last section
remains stretched on the blade, while the
penultimate section gets into the suction slot
when starting a new cut.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4-4 SECTIONING AND TAKING

OFF SECTIONS
For sectioning, pre-select the desired section

thickness by means of the buttons on the
operating controls.
Put the anti-roll plate against the knife by
means of the knob. Turn the handwheel in a
clockwise direction or use the motorized cutting
drive to carry out sectioning. The section slides
into the space between the knife and the anti-
roll guide.
Then remove the anti-roll guide by means of the
knob. The section sticks to the knife surface.
Transfer the specimen now onto a slide by
using a brush or tweezers.
For instruments which are equipped with a

Vacutome, also pre-select the desired section
thickness by means of the buttons on the
operating controls (see part 2-4).
In addition, set the desired vacuum on the
operating knob.
Put the vacuum anti-roll hood against the blade
by means of the lever. Turn the handwheel in a
clockwise direction or use the motorized cutting
drive to carry out sectioning.
At the same time, the vacuum prevailing in the

slot between vacuum anti-roll hood and blade
draws the section over the blade. The section
remains stretched on the blade. Open the
vacuum anti-roll hood to pick up the section
onto a slide.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4-5 HOW TO AVOID MALFUNCTIONS
To cut usable sections, the following points are

of utmost importance:
?? Condition of the knife edge, probably move it

horizontally to the left or right side.
?? Check adjustment of anti-roll guide and
correct it, if necessary.
?? Carefully remove frost from front and rear part
of the knife and from the anti-roll plate (i.e.
with ethanol, acetone or the like).
?? Tighten all clamping screws and clamping
levers on the knife carrier and specimen
holder.
?? Select the appropriate chamber and
specimen temperature according to the
specimen.
Note:
If the specimen was frozen with
liquid nitrogen or similar freezing
techniques, the specimen must
adapt itself to the cutting temperature.
?? Carefully select the required knife material

and profile.
?? Adjustment of knife height.
?? Adjustment of proper clearance angle.
Select a clearance angle of 8-12° according
to the facet angle of a steel knife.
?? Select a proper cutting speed:
The harder the material, the slower the
cutting speed!
?? Take care in bringing specimen and knife
together.
?? The most protruding point of the specimen

must be recognized for the optimal operation
of the automatic approach system.
?? The specimen must not be covered at all or
too thick by freezing medium.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? Moreover, for the functionality of the

automatic approach system and the
automatic window, a certain conductivity
must be given via the specimen chuck as
well as from the knife edge to the microtome
base.
For this reason, the original equipment such
as knife carrier and specimen chucks should
be used only.
?? The specimen clamping of the microtome is

connected with a sensitive electronic
detecting device. The temperature sensor on
the left side of the microtome housing is also
connected with such a device.
Malfunctions might occur after electrostatic
discharges on one of the above-mentioned
parts.
Recommendation: Before touching the
cylinder head or temperature sensor, touch
another metallic part, e.g. knife carrier, inner
wall of chamber or waste tray to guarantee a
safe discharge.
?? When working with the active deep freezing

device, sufficient time must have been
passed to allow this device reaching a
temperature of -60°C.
For optimal sectioning, the knife and anti-roll

guide must be cleaned of paraffin waste. Only
use a sharp knife and exactly adjust the anti-roll
guide in relation to the knife edge.
WARNING:
During defrosting, remove the
specimens from the cooling chamber,
as the temperature inside the chamber
will increase.
Do not leave or store tissue inside the cryostat
over a longer period. Due to a power failure or
other unexpected malfunctions of the
instrument, the specimen might be damaged.
How to avoid malfunctions when working

with the Vacutome:
?? Exactly adjust the cutting and suction

window to the specimen size, to avoid
inadvertent disposal of good sections.
?? Set the suction vacuum according to the
specimen and the selected section
thickness.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
4-5-1 POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ERRORS – CAUSE AND REMOVAL
Problem Cause Removal
Cryostat temperature cannot be Ambient temperature too high Lower ambient temperature by
achieved fresh air, climate. Please note the
specified temperature of +22°C!
Change site of installation

Cryostat is influenced by near,
heat-generating instruments
Change site of installation
Draught into the cryostat
Open the service door on the left
Soiled condenser side, clean the condenser
Defective cooling Call a service technician
Frost built-up on chamber wall Draught (open doors, windows) Change site of installation; close
and on microtome windows, doors
Retarded freezing-on of the Surface of the fast freezing Remove debris

specimen station is soiled
Lower part of the chuck is soiled Remove debris,

or damaged remove damage
Chatter while cutting Unfavorable clearance angle Readjust clearance angle
Insufficient knife sharpness Move the knife in the knife carrier
Knife not adequately clamped Check knife clamping
Chuck inadequately clamped Check clamping
Specimen inadequately frozen on Again freeze on the specimen

onto the chuck
Specimen grossed too thick – it Again freeze on the specimen

loosens from the chuck
Specimen very hard and Select new section thickness,

inhomogeneous reduce the specimen
Sticky sections Specimen not cold enough Select a deeper temperature
Knife and/or anti-roll plate are not Wait until the knife and/or the
yet cold enough – section melts anti-roll plate have reached the
corresponding chamber
temperature

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Sections do not stretch, although Knife and/or anti-roll plate are not Clean with a dry cloth or brush
the correct temperature has been clean
selected and the anti-roll plate
has been adjusted correctly Edge of anti-roll plate is damaged Replace anti-roll plate
Blunt knife
Move the knife
Sections break, fissures in the Specimen too cold Select a higher temperature
sections, sections are not
stretched properly Static charge/draught Remove the cause
Specimen not cold enough Select a deeper temperature
Spacious specimen Trim the specimen in a parallel

way; select a thicker section
thickness
Anti-roll plate not adjusted Readjust the anti-roll plate

properly
Anti-roll plate not aligned parallel Align parallel

towards the knife edge
Incorrect clearance angle Readjust the clearance angle
Blunt knife Move the knife

Sections roll over the anti-roll Anti-roll plate does not project Readjust the anti-roll plate
plate over the knife edge properly
Scratching noise while cutting Anti-roll plate projects over the Readjust the anti-roll plate
and during the return travel of the knife edge too much and
specimen clamping scratches on the specimen
Thick-thin-sections Knife sharpness Move the knife
Knife angle Readjust
Clamping on knife carrier Check clamping
Clamping on specimen holder Check clamping
Tight handwheel
punctual Debris and section waste Remove and clean
between microtome and base
plate
during the entire movement Soiled link block Please call a service technician
Toothed belt tension
No chamber illumination Defective lamp Check, replace
Defective starter Check, replace

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
Automatic approach system Temperature outside the area Check

(ACA) cannot be started
Specimen clamping outside the Check
cutting window
Contact between specimen and Check

blade/knife already at the ACA
start
Automatic approach system does Specimen too cold Check

not stop
Note:
In case of malfunctions and/or service work, please turn off the instrument and contact your
local dealer.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
5 MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF THE CRYOSTAT
5-1 SHUTTING-OFF FOR CLEANING
Cleaning, care and decontamination of the

cryostat depends on how frequently the
instrument is used. However, it is recommended
to shut the instrument off every 6 - 8 weeks.
Caution:
As the following work might be
hazardous because of the danger of
freezer burns on frozen parts and potential
contaminated material, it should only
be done by skilled or trained
personnel.
Please proceed as follows:
?? Wear protective gloves.

?? Remove knife/blade from the knife carrier and
store it in a knife case.
?? Remove the brush shelf, tools as well as
chucks.
?? Bring the handwheel handle into its upper
position, i.e. the specimen clamping is alsin
in its upper position.
?? Remove the middle and rear section waste
tray. Dispose of the section waste according
to the respective lab regulations.
?? Remove and/or suck off cold section waste.
?? If the instrument is equipped with the option
Vacutome, pull off the Vacutome connection
on the right side of the knife carrier and
insert the cleaning hose on the Vacutome
connection.
?? Turn off the mains switch and unplug the
unit.
?? When equipped with the option Vacutome
remove the coarse filter and if necessary the
fine filter and dispose of according to the
applicable lab regulations.
?? Loosen the clamping lever on the knife
carrier and pull off the knife carrier. If
necessary, treat it with disinfectant.
Caution:
Caution of freezer burns due to the
frozen knife carrier.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? Remove the left and right side sheet. For

this, turn the knurled screws approx. two
rotations.
?? Remove the sheets on the black grips with a
circular movement upwards/forwards.
Fig. 128

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
5-2 REMOVING THE MICROTOME
?? In the left rear part of the microtome there is

the so-called connector housing including
the two electrical connections and for the
option O (specimen cooling) two cool-
technical quick couplings as well.
?? Pull off the red and blue coded electrical
connector. For this, touch the connectors on
their connector housings.
?? Insert the blue coded connector (fig. 130.1)
into the park position 9 (fig. 130.9) of the fast
freezing station.
?? Insert the red coded connector (fig. 130.2)
into the park position 10 (fig. 130.10).
Warning: Fig. 129

Cover the connector sockets via the 2
attached caps, as cooling liquid is
critical for the electrical connectors.
12
!
Note: Read user manual 1
11 before disconnecting
Put a small cloth under the quick
coupling of the option O before pulling it
10
off, as a small amount of cooling liquid
might leak out.
9
?? For the option O pull off the quick coupling.

For this, touch the connectors on the ring
sleeve and pull them towards the operator to
the front and pull the connector off.
?? Insert the left connector into park position 11 3
(fig. 130.11) and the right one into park
position 12 (fig. 130.12) of the fast freezing Fig. 130
station. (If the positions are mixed up, this
will have no influence on the function.)
Note:
The described electrical/cool-technical
order as well as the corresponding
insertion of the connectors must be
striclty observed for the option O.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? Bring the handwheel handle into its lower

position, i.e. the specimen clamping is also
in its lower position.
?? Slightly lift the heated window on the handle HM550M
VD
and pull it forwards over the front arm rest.

?? Then swivel the window upwards and slightly
move it backwards. Then insert it into the
anchorage of the guide rails (fig. 131).
?? Unscrew the Allan screw (fig. 129.1) in the
0
1
2
3
middle of the front part of the microtome
base plate via an Allan screwdrive size
5 mm.
Caution:
It is recommended for all further work Fig. 131
to wear isolating gloves because of the
danger of freezer burns on the frozen
microtome.
?? Move the microtome to the left side until the

stop. This way, the clutch on the right side of
the microtome becomes free.
?? Move the microtome forwards and remove it
from the cryo-chamber.
?? Thoroughly clean and wash the interior.
Caution:
Chloric cleaning agents must not be
used for cleaning purposes. In case of a
malfunction hazardous gases might be
generated together with the cooling brine Tyfoxit
of the cooling system. Fig. 132
1
?? Pull off the red stopper at the bottom of the
chamber. The cleaning liquid is collected in
the container (fig. 132.1) with a volume of 4,8
l at the front lower side
Note:
Please observe the filling level!!
?? The red stopper must be inserted after

cleaning as otherwise cold air leaks out
during cooling operation. Thus generating
frost built-up.
?? The installation and re-setting up of the
instrument is carried out in reverse order.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
5-3 CLEANING AND CARE OF THE

MICROTOME
?? Carefully clean and dry the dismounted

microtome.
?? Carefully clean and dry the dismounted knife
carrier as well.
?? As there is condensated humidity inside the
microtome, dry the microtome components
inside the cooling chamber very carefully.
?? For this, the microtome can be treated in a
drying closet at temperature up to +60°C.
?? After each shutting-off or cleaning of the

cryostat, the cross roller bearing should be
lubricated.
?? By means of a pipette (fig. 133.3) the cross
roller bearings (fig. 133.4) can be reached Fig. 133
from an angle from behind below the housing
(fig. 133.1).
?? Fill the pipette with a small amount of
cryostat oil (cat. no. 350040).
?? Put one or two drops into the space (fig.
133.2) of the cross roller bearings.
?? The specimen clamping should be in the
lower position.
?? Also slightly lubricate the horizontal cylinder
guide behind the specimen clamping.
Note:
For the examination and re-
adjustment of the microtome a
routine maintenance should be
performed by trained service technician once a
year.
Cleaning and care of the microtome during

routine work:
Caution!
A regular and/or immediate
disinfection of the blade carrier, the
cryo chamber as well as all the
other potentially contaminated parts of the
instrument is highly recommended. All
commercially available cryostat disinfection
solutions can be used.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
5-4 CLEANING THE COOLING

LAMELLA
?? Open the cleaning opening via the attached

tool (fig. 135.1).
?? For this, insert the tool (fig. 134.1) through
one of the middle ventilation slots.
?? Turn the tool by 90° so that the t-shaped
holder latches into the adjacent slots.
?? Pull the tool to open the grid (fig. 134.1) of
the cleaning hole.
Note: 2
The grid of the cleaning hole is kept
on the right side by a magnet (fig.
134.2) an is inserted on the left side.
?? Remove the dust from the cooling lamella

by means of a commercially available
vacuum cleaner. Fig. 134
Note:
Carry out this cleaning in regular
intervals. Thus exending the lifetime
of the compressor. 1
Fig. 135

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
5-5 CHANGING THE

FLUORESCENT LAMP
The fluorescent lamp L8/12 of the cryostat is

integrated in the grip (fig. 136.1) of the heated
sliding window.
?? Before exchanging the lamp, turn off the

mains switch and unplug the instrument.
?? Open the sliding window halfway.
?? Turn the two red knurled screws (fig. 136.2)
which are placed on the right and left lower
side of the sliding window in a counter-
clockwise direction and remove them.
?? Remove the grip (fig. 136.1) from the upper
side of the sliding window.
?? Turn the lamp by 90° forwards or backwards
and remove it from the sockets (fig. 136.4).
?? Insert the new lamp from above into the Fig. 136
socket and turn it by 90°.
Note:
Only use the lamp type L8/12, cat.
no. 346190, which was installed in
the factory.
Note:
Whenever exchanging the
fluorescent lamp, please also
exchange the starter S10 Philips
(cat. no. 322710).
?? Turn the starter (fig. 136.5) in a counter-

clockwise direction and remove it from the
socket.
?? Insert the new starter into the socket.
?? Turn the new starter clockwise until the
starter is positively locked.
?? Place the grip (fig. 136.1) onto the

illumination ledge from above.
?? Screw in the two red knurled screw
clockwise from below and tighten them.
?? Plug in and then turn on the instrument and
check the illumination.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
PART 6 CONDITIONS FOR THE

TRANSPORTATION OF THE
INSTRUMENT
6-1 TAKING BACK THE INSTRUMENT

FOR REPAIR OR ROUTINE
MAINTENANCE
Repair or maintenance work are normally carried

out at the site of installation. If this is not
possible for some special reasons, the
instrument can be returned to MICROM. The
contact address can be found at the beginning
of this instruction manual.
?? To guarantee trouble-free function of the

instrument after transportation, please note
the below-mentioned measures for the
transportation preparation.
?? In addition, the conditions for storage and
transportation as mentioned in part 1-2 must
be observed during the entire transportation.
Biohazard:
Please also note the precautionary
measures described in our safety
precautions concerning biological
hazards!
Measures for closing down:
?? Turn off the instrument.

?? Unplug the unit.
?? Remove blade and/or knife from blade
and/or knife carrier.
?? Remove section waste trays, brush shelf,
blade/knife carrier and other accessories as
well as tools from the cryo chamber.
?? Before the transportation, empty all
containers for defrosting liquid and
disinfection solution to avoid the unintended
release of the fluids. When removing the
containers, please also note the
precautionary measures which are
described in the chapter "Safety
Precautions".
Note:
Clean and disinfect these accessories
according to the respective applicable
lab regulations and transport them in
dry condition.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
?? To remove the container for the disinfection

medium, first loosen the rapid action hose
(fig. 137). Then remove the container from
the supports.
?? Clean and disinfect the cryo chamber

according to the respective applicable lab
regulations.
?? Unscrew the handwheel handle for
transportation.
?? Before the transportation, loosen the
fastening screws of the rollers.
?? Keep the heated sliding window closed
during transportation.
Note:
If the new site of installation can be
reached in less than half an hour, keep
the sliding window closed so that the
cryo chamber does not heat up. This avoids the
formation of condensation water inside the
chamber.
fig. 137
Note:
It is recommended that at least two
persons are available for the
transportation.
Measures for turning on again:
?? Again install the blade carrier, section waste

trays and the brush shelf.
?? Attach the handwheel handle again.
?? After having turned on the instrument and
after having reached the set temperature, the
instrument is ready of operation again.
Note:
Blade carrier which was heated up to
ambient temperature, needs approx. 1 h
in the chamber at –25°C to be able to
section specimens again.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
For transportation outside closed buildings,

please observe the following measures:
?? Turn off the instrument.

?? Unplug the unit.
?? Remove blade and/or knife from blade
and/or knife carrier.
?? Remove section waste trays, brush shelf,
blade/knife carrier and other accessories as
well as tools from the cryo chamber.
Note:
Clean and disinfect these accessories
according to the respective applicable
lab regulations and transport them in
dry condition.
?? Clean and disinfect the cryo chamber

according to the respective applicable lab
regulations.
?? Unscrew the handwheel handle for
transportation.
Note:
To make sure that these is no
condensation water inside the chamber,
let the instrument approx.
48 h dry.
?? Loosen the fastening screws of the rollers to

move the instrument.
?? Arrange the dismounted accessories into the

intended transportation packing.
Note:
Before the further transportation, tighten
the fastening screws so that the
instrument does not move during
transportation.
?? Slightly tilt the cryostat and insert the foam

parts underneath it.
?? Place the case over the instrument.
?? Insert the wooden cover.
?? Attach the tightening strips around the
packing.

D- 69190 Walldorf
HM 550 Series
6-2 DISPOSAL OF THE INSTRUMENT

AFTER FINAL SHUTDOWN
After the final shutdown of the instrument, we

recommend to contact a local recycling
company for the disposal according to the
national applicable regulations.

D- 69190 Walldorf

MICRÓTOMO CRIOSTATO Microm HM-550 - MU

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HM 550 Series

MICROM International GmbH

The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations.

Errors and ommissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement without

This instruction manual is available in the following languages:

MICROM International GmbH

MICROM Ser. No. :..................................................

Instruction Manual No. 387748

Issued: February 19, 2004

MICROM International GmbH

Telefon: (06227) 836-0

MICROM International GmbH

1-1 Description of the HM 550 Series

1-2 Technical data HM 550 Series

PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2-1 Setting up the cryostat

2-2 Initial turn-on

2-3 Basic operational rules

2-4 Cutting process

2-5 Setting section thickness and trimming thickness

2-6 Chamber cooling

2-8 Turning on/off the function retraction

2-9 Indication of cutting processes

MICROM International GmbH

2-12 Customer-specific settings

2-13 Illumination of the cooling chamber

2-14 Service settings

2-15 Specimen orientation

2-16 Knife carriers

2-17 Option O – specimen cooling

2-18 Option M - motorized cutting drive

2-19 Option V - Vacutome

2-20 Knife carrier for Vacutome

2-21 Option P – active deep freezing device with Peltier element

2-23 Error code indication

MICROM International GmbH

PART 3 Theory of operation

3-1 Microtome cooling, defrost cycle

3-2 Cutting movement

3-3 Specimen coarse feed and trimming stages

3-4 Automatic approach system

3-5 Option M - motorized cutting drive

3-6 Option V - stretching sections and disposing of section waste

3-7 Option O – Specimen fast and temperature control

PART 4 Working with the cryostat

4-1 Preparations on the microtome and inside the cooling chamber

4-2 Freezing on the specimen

4-3 Orientation and trimming of specimens

4-4 Sectioning and taking off sections

4-5 How to avoid malfunctions

PART 5 Maintenance and care of the cryostat

5-1 Shutting-off for cleaning

5-2 Removing the microtome

5-3 Cleaning and care of the microtome

5-4 Cleaning the cooling lamella

5-5 Changing the fluorescent lamp

PART 6 CONDITIONS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE INSTRUMENT

6-1 Taking back the instrument for repair or routine maintenance

6-2 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

MICROM International GmbH