Richard-Allan Scientific HM550
Richard-Allan Scientific · Model HM550
Open top cryostat with ergonomic design for working while standing or sitting Unit is designed to function in either the clinical or research laboratories depending on the configuration chosen Stainless-steel microtome is equipped with maintenance-free cross-roller bearings. Section thickness from 1 to 100µm Trim section thicknesses from 5 to 500µm Motorized coarse feed and reset movement with three different speed settings Horizontal feed range of 28mm Vertical cutting stroke of 60mm LC display conveniently located on top of unit shows relevant data such as set and actual temperature Unit also features graphical display, indication of section sum, remaining travel, number of sections and time, trim and fine section thicknesses, retraction function.
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.
Poor / uneven sections
HighSymptoms: Thick-thin sectioning, chatter, ribbons that will not form, scoring lines.
Root cause: Dull or nicked blade, incorrect clearance angle, a loose specimen / blade clamp, or worn feed mechanism.
Feed / advance mechanism fault
MediumSymptoms: Section thickness inconsistent or drifting, coarse feed will not advance / retract.
Root cause: Worn micro-feed mechanism, a stepper / clutch fault (motorised), or backlash.
Handwheel / drive fault
MediumSymptoms: Handwheel binds, the brake will not hold, or motorised sectioning stalls.
Root cause: Worn bearings, a brake fault, or the drive motor / belt (motorised).
Cryostat temperature / defrost fault (cryostat)
MediumSymptoms: Chamber or specimen head will not reach temperature, heavy frost.
Root cause: Refrigeration fault, a temperature-sensor fault, or a failed defrost cycle.
Specimen orientation / clamp fault
LowSymptoms: Block moves during sectioning, orientation will not lock.
Root cause: Worn specimen clamp or orientation mechanism.
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.
Blade holder / clamp assembly
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Micro-feed mechanism
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Handwheel bearings / brake
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Difficult
Cryostat refrigeration / temp sensor (cryostat)
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Specimen clamp / orientation head
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade holder / clamp assembly | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Micro-feed mechanism | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Handwheel bearings / brake | Major service part | $$ | Difficult |
| Cryostat refrigeration / temp sensor (cryostat) | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Specimen clamp / orientation head | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
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: Poor / uneven sections or blocks / paraffin problems
- Fit a fresh blade at the correct clearance angle and confirm both clamps are tight.
- Confirm the paraffin bath / cold-plate temperatures against a reference.
- Check the block is faced and at the right temperature.
- Cut a range of thicknesses to check feed consistency.
- Service the micro-feed / dispensing mechanism as isolated.
Symptom: Dispenser / valve / heater fault (embedding centre)
- Check the paraffin dispenser valve and its heater.
- Confirm the reservoir, warm plate and cold plate reach temperature.
- Clean solidified paraffin from the valve and nozzle.
- Replace the dispenser valve or a heater as isolated.
- Verify temperatures and a clean dispense after repair.
Symptom: Refrigeration / defrost fault (cryostat) / heavy frost
- Check the chamber and specimen-head temperature sensors.
- Confirm the defrost cycle completes.
- Inspect the door seal.
- Compare chamber temperature to an independent reference.
- Escalate a sealed-system refrigeration fault to a certified tech.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 47.4 in
- Length
- 30 in
- Weight
- 275 lbs
- Width
- 25 in
Documents & Manuals
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