Rankin Basics Operator Manual

1. OVERVIEW

The Rankin Basics rotary microtome MCT25 is a manually operated rotary microtome for use in routine and research laboratories in the fields of biology, medicine, and industry.

It is designed for sectioning paraffin-embedded specimens. Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.

• This instrument should be operated by trained laboratory personnel only.
• All laboratory personnel designated to operate this instrument must read the Operator Manual carefully and must be familiar with all technical features of the instrument before attempting to operate it.

Front/side View Description

The diagram shows a front/side view of the microtome. Key components labeled are: Small handwheel, Waste tray, Base of the blade holder, Thickness display, Main handwheel, Thickness adjustment knob, Specimen clamp base, Quick cassette clamp, and Blade holder.

2. SAFETY

Be sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings provided in this section. Read these instructions carefully, even if you are already familiar with similar products.

Note: Safety devices are for accident prevention. Accident-free operation is the primary responsibility of the owner and designated personnel.

Warnings - Transport and installation

• [Warning] Once removed from the crate, the instrument may only be transported in an upright position.
• Never lift the instrument by the handwheels or the cassette clamp. Always remove the section waste tray before transporting.
• Exposure to extreme temperature changes and high air humidity may cause condensation. Wait at least 2 hours before use if condensation is suspected.
• Protective devices on the instrument and accessories must not be removed or modified.

Warnings - Personal safety precautions

When working with microtomes, personal safety precautions must always be taken. It is mandatory to wear work safety shoes, safety gloves, a mask, and safety goggles.

Warnings - Operating the instrument

• Be very careful when handling microtome knives and disposable blades due to their sharp cutting edge.
• Always remove the knife/blade before detaching the knife holder. Always put knives back into the knife case when not in use.
• Never place a knife with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a falling knife.
• Always clamp the specimen block PRIOR TO clamping the knife or blade.
• Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard before any manipulation of the knife or specimen clamp, before changing the specimen block, and during all work breaks.
• Take appropriate safety precautions when sectioning brittle specimens as they may splinter.
• Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during work.
• Do not attempt to clamp, approach, or orient the specimen during the retraction phase.
• Prior to sectioning, check that the specimen is securely clamped in the specimen clamp; failure to do so risks damaging the specimen.

Warnings - Cleaning and Maintenance

• LOCK the handwheel before each cleaning.
• Before each cleaning, remove the knife holder completely and clean it separately.
• Always remove the blade before detaching the knife holder.
• Do not use solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning.
• Ensure that no liquids enter the interior of the instrument when cleaning.
• Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access internal components for service and repair.

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

4. UNPACKING, TRANSPORTATION, AND STORAGE

4.1 Unpacking

• Open the crate, take out all accessories and user manual. Note: Keep the transport crate and included retaining elements for potential return shipments.
• Lift the instrument by holding it by the base plate and under the instrument on the back, lifting it out of the formed cushion.
• [Warning] Do not hold the main and small handwheels and handles to lift the instrument!

4.2 Transportation

To ensure trouble-free function after transportation, follow these instructions:

• Remove all section waste debris and movable parts from the instrument.
• Clean and disinfect all accessories according to applicable lab regulations and transport them in dry condition.
• Unscrew the handwheel handle for transportation if necessary.

Note: Use original packaging materials for transportation. If original packaging is unavailable, contact customer service via support@rankinbiomed.com.

4.3 Storage

Storage conditions:

• Storage environment: 0°C~40°C
• Relative humidity should be lower than 80%
• Atmospheric pressure 860hpa~1060hpa
• Clean room without corrosive gas and well ventilated

5. INSTALLATION

5.1 Instrument placement/working site requirements

• Place the instrument on a stable laboratory table.
• Room temperature permanently between +10 °C and +35 °C.
• Ensure obstruction-free access to the handwheel.

5.2 Assembling the Specimen Clamp

Quick Cassette Clamp

Components:

• 1. Clamping mechanism
• 2. Quick cassette release lever

Specimen clamp base

Components:

• 4. Clamp lock lever
• 5. Clamping slot
• 6. Adjustment knobs

Standard Specimen Clamp

Components:

• 1. Clamping mechanism
• 2. Clamp lock knob

Procedure for installing/replacing specimen clamp:

• Lock the handwheel.
• First, loosen the clamp lock lever (4), then slide the clamping mechanism (1) into the clamp lock slot (5).
• Adjust the specimen clamp to the desired position using the three adjustment knobs (6), and then lock the clamp lock lever (4).
• For Quick Cassette Clamp: Move the quick cassette release lever (2) forward. For Standard Cassette Clamp: Turn the clamp lock knob (2). Place the specimen cassette in either direction and then move the lever or knob (2) to secure the cassette.

5.3 Assembling the blade holder and base

[Warning] Do not insert the disposable blade when the blade holder is not firmly installed! ALWAYS remove the disposable blade before replacing the blade holder.

Steps:

1. Slide the base (8) onto the dovetail rail (7). Tighten the base (8) by turning the base lock lever (1) clockwise.
2. Turn the lateral movement lever (4) counterclockwise to assemble the blade holder top (6) onto the segment arc (10), then lock by turning the lateral movement lever (4) clockwise.
3. Use an Allen wrench (provided) to loosen the segment arc screw (9) and assemble the segment arc (10) of the blade holder onto the base (8).
4. After properly adjusting the angle (about 5°- 8°), tighten the segment arc screw (9) to firmly fix the assembly.
5. When installing the disposable blade, loosen the blade lock lever (2), insert and push the blade into the slot from the side, then tighten the blade lock lever (2).
6. When replacing the blade, first loosen the blade lock lever (2), pull up the blade guard (6), push the ejection button (5) to remove the blade.

5.4 Assembling the Section Waste Tray

The waste tray can be installed horizontally along the base and pushed from the outside to the inside.

6. OPERATION

7.1 Specimen cassette and blade insertion

[Warning] The handwheel must be locked before inserting the specimen clamp and blade! Pay extra attention during operation as the sharp blade might cause serious injury!

• To improve sectioning performance, the paraffin tissue block can be pre-frozen prior to insertion onto the specimen clamp.
• Turn the handwheel to move the specimen to the backward utmost position.
• Insert the blade into the blade holder and firmly secure it.

7.2 Section thickness setting

The desired section or trimming thickness can be set by turning the knob (1) located on the right top of the front and displayed on the window (2) next to the knob.

7.3 Trimming

• Slowly turn the handwheel (1) located on the left side of the microtome to move the specimen towards the blade according to the indication of the arrowhead.
• When the specimen is at the highest position, turn the main big handwheel located on the right side of the microtome for trimming.
• Repeat this process until the ideal specimen surface is acquired.

7.4 Sectioning

The desired section thickness can be set using the thickness adjustment knob located on the right upside of the instrument as described above.

• Adjust the cutting angle (from 0° to 8°) to ensure the best cutting performance, normally starting from a small angle. The harder the specimen, the bigger the cutting angle.
• The marked line on the right of the blade holder base indicates the cutting angles.
• Evenly turn the main hand wheel to section the specimen.

Note: 1. The rotation of the handwheel should be even, and the rotation speed should be compatible with the hardness of the specimen. The speed should be slower when sectioning harder specimens. 2. To ensure satisfactory section quality, the recommended practice is to evenly rotate the handwheel clockwise for a full circle.

Handwheel Operation:

• Pull handwheel out to unlock.
• Push handwheel in to lock at the top position (12 o'clock).

Handwheel screw

Handwheel lock at any position

6.5 After sectioning

• Carefully remove the blade from the holder and place it in the blade box following the laboratory safety regulations.
• Take the specimen out from the clamp.
• Remove the section debris from the instrument.
• Remove the waste tray and clean up the waste debris.

7. TROUBLESHOOTING

8. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Warnings

• Always remove the blade before detaching the blade holder from the instrument.
• Always put the knives/blades back into the knife case when not in use. Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and NEVER try to catch a falling knife!
• When using cleaners, comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the laboratory safety regulations.
• When cleaning the outer surfaces, do not use xylene, scouring powders or solvents containing acetone or xylene. Xylene or acetone will damage the finished surfaces.
• Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during cleaning.

8.1 Cleaning

Before each cleaning:

• Raise the specimen clamp to the upper end position and activate the handwheel lock.
• Switch the instrument off and unplug it.
• Remove the blade from the blade holder and insert it into a safe dispenser or other safe place.
• Remove knife holder base and knife holder for cleaning.
• Remove the specimen from the specimen clamp.
• Remove section waste with a dry brush.
• Remove specimen clamp and clean separately.

Instrument and outside surfaces

• If necessary, the varnished outside surfaces of the control panels can be cleaned with a mild commercial household cleaner or soap water and then be wiped with a moist cloth.
• To prevent paraffin from sticking to the surface, paraffin repellent can be used; to remove paraffin residue, xylene substitutes, paraffin oil, or paraffin removers can be used.
• The instrument must be completely dry before it can be used again.

Blade holder

• Take the blade holder apart for cleaning.
• Clean all parts of the holder. For cleaning and removal of paraffin, do not use xylene or cleaning fluids containing alcohol (e.g., glass cleaner).
• Dry the holder and reassemble.
• After cleaning the moving parts, apply a thin coat of good quality lubricant oil to them.

9. WARRANTY AND SERVICE

The manufacturer guarantees that the contractual product delivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality control procedure based on in-house testing standards, and that the product is faultless and complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed characteristics warranted. As the product is constantly updated, Rankin reserves the right to update the product without prior notice.

What your warranty covers:

• Defects in materials or workmanship that occur under normal use and care.

For how long after your purchase:

• Two years from the date of shipment.

What Rankin will do:

• Repair or replace your product.

How you get service:

• Locate your serial number and model > contact Rankin customer service at support@rankinbiomed.com to open a service ticket.

What your warranty does not cover:

• Damage from misuse or neglect.
• Products purchased from non-authorized retailers, dealers, or resellers.

Limitation of Warranty:

• The warranty stated above is the only warranty applicable to this product. All other warranties, express or implied (including all implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose) are hereby disclaimed.
• Repair or replacement as provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Rankin shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this product or arising out of any breach of any express or implied warranty on this product. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose on this product is limited to the applicable warranty period set forth above.

10. ACCESSORY LIST