Leica Biosystems CM1510 S
Leica Biosystems · Model CM1510 S
Coarse feed motorized in two speeds in each direction allows fast approach of the specimen to the knife, which saves time, especially when used during trimming Actively cooled, 10-position freezing shelf, with lowest possible temperature of - 45°C and convenient, on-demand, manual defrost saves time. Handwheel lockable in upper position support protection from injury when in locked position.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Frost / ice build-up in the cryochamber
MediumSymptoms: Frost on the chamber walls and microtome, ice on the chamber floor, poor sectioning.
Root cause: Cryostat exposed to air currents (open doors, HVAC), the sliding window left open at very low temperature, breathing into the chamber, or an obstructed quick-freeze-shelf defrost drain.
Poor sectioning quality
MediumSymptoms: Sections smear, splinter, or will not flatten.
Root cause: Specimen or blade / anti-roll plate not cold enough, specimen too cold, static / air currents, a blunt or damaged blade, wrong clearance angle, or a poorly positioned / aligned anti-roll plate.
Chamber will not reach or hold temperature
HighSymptoms: Chamber warmer than set point, long pull-down.
Root cause: Refrigeration system weak or low on refrigerant, or a door/window seal leak.
Motorised coarse-feed fault
MediumSymptoms: Two-speed coarse feed will not advance / retract the specimen.
Root cause: Coarse-feed motor or control fault.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Refrigeration compressor
Sealed-system work; refrigeration certification required.
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Disposable microtome blades
Class ConsumableRel. cost $R&R Easy
Anti-roll guide / plate
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
Sliding-window / door seal
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Coarse-feed motor
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration compressor Sealed-system work; refrigeration certification required. | Major service part | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Disposable microtome blades | Consumable | $ | Easy |
| Anti-roll guide / plate | Periodic replacement | $ | Fairly easy |
| Sliding-window / door seal | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Coarse-feed motor | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
Error Codes
Extracted directly from this unit's own service manual.
105Sensor broken
Call technical service.
-55Sensor short-circuited
Call technical service.
7.3Thermal circuit breaker (120V model only)
If the temperature of the cryochamber exceeds 60 °C, the thermal circuit breaker is automatically activated and turns the instrument off.
8.1General maintenance instructions
Have the instrument inspected by a qualified service engineer authorized by Leica at least once a year. Enter into a service contract at the end of the warranty period. Clean the instrument every day. Apply a thin coat of cryostat oil onto clamping device, guiding device of the knife holder base, clamping lever of the knife holder base, and the specimen cylinder from time to time. Remove visible dirt on the ventilation grid of the condenser with a brush, broom or vacuum cleaner.
8.2Automatic circuit breaker
To switch the automatic circuit breaker back on after it has been activated: Wait approx. 5 minutes (the automatic circuit breaker can be switched back on only after it has cooled). Switch the circuit breaker back on flipping it to the upper position. If the automatic circuit breakers cannot be switched back on or if they are activated several times, call Leica technical service!
8.3Cleaning
Remove frozen section waste from the cryochamber with a cold brush. Remove section waste tray for emptying. Remove storage shelves and brush shelf for cleaning. Switch off the cryochamber illumination. Remove infectious material from the cryochamber and dispose of according to applicable laboratory regulations. Do not use organic solvents or aggressive substances. Only use specified cleaning agents such as Leica Cryofect, alcohol or commercial disinfectants based on alcohol.
8.3.1Spray disinfection with Leica Cryofect
Select a temperature of -20 °C or higher. Remove knife or blade from the knife holder. Remove all specimen material, microscope slides and tools from the cryochamber. Remove section waste from the cryochamber. Allow the cryochamber to reach the previously selected temperature. Spray the disinfectant evenly on contaminated surfaces or soak a cloth with disinfectant and apply it. Allow at least 15 minute contact time. Wipe up with a cloth. Dispose of cloth in compliance with applicable waste disposal regulations. Set cryochamber temperature back to the originally selected value. If increased frost buildup occurs, start a manual defrost cycle. Place a vessel under the drain tube, pull the stopper at the bottom of the cryochamber to drain condensate/waste, replace the stopper, and dispose of waste liquid according to local regulations. Dry all components thoroughly before placing them back.
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Frost / ice in the chamber
- Move the cryostat away from air currents (doors, windows, HVAC vents).
- Close the sliding window fully and keep it closed at low chamber temperatures; wear a mask.
- Switch off, let the instrument thaw and dry completely, then restart.
- Clear the quick-freeze-shelf defrost drain.
- Confirm a dry chamber and stable temperature before sectioning.
Symptom: Sections smear or splinter
- Allow the specimen, blade and anti-roll plate to reach chamber temperature.
- Adjust the chamber temperature for the tissue type.
- Re-position and align the anti-roll plate with the knife edge and set the correct clearance angle.
- Fit a fresh blade.
- Reduce static / air currents and re-test.