The Aries microtome is an automatic rotary microtome that is particularly well-suited for cutting kerosene sections. While it is commonly used in histological applications, it is also highly effective for more delicate cuts required in research. If needed, the microtome can be operated in either manual or semi-automatic modes.

The unit features a casing made from a specialised solvent-resistant plastic that has no sharp edges, thereby reducing the risk of injury to operators. It offers the flexibility of both fully automatic and manual sectioning options.

Safety And Operator Comfort

The flywheel features an ergonomic handle to facilitate effortless cutting. The microtome's upper area is designed with a large work surface area, which is covered with a sheath slide. This allows the operator to conveniently place all the necessary cutting accessories, such as a pack of disposable blades, etc. The flywheel, designed with low friction for optimal cutting comfort, is equipped with a user-friendly dual-rotation flywheel lock system. This feature allows the sample arm to be stopped in any position.

The steel clamp is equipped with a quick-change device for easily swapping out both the sample and its fixed-tilt holder. Compatible with all types of standard biocassettes, the clamp can be interchanged by the operator with the optional biocassette ring attachment. For easy and precise specimen orientation, the clamp features two red indicator lights. When clearly visible, these lights signal that the orientation plane is at the absolute zero position. Located on the right side of the clamp is a bubble level, which allows for precise orientation of the sample across all three axes. You can replace the standard specimen holder clamp using the included Allen wrench, allowing you to adapt the clamp for super mega cassettes through a convenient quick coupling.

Reliability and Precision of the Cut

The blade holder features a dual-profile design, compatible with both low- and high-profile disposable blades, and comes equipped with a swing-action finger guard. Utilising a spring-loaded pin, users can insert or remove the blade without direct contact. Additionally, the blade holder offers three-position side-shifting capabilities (left, right, and center), allowing for full use of the entire blade wire without the need for blade removal. This range of clearance aligns with the length of a standard bio cassette, enabling users to utilise the entire microtome blade without having to disengage its lock.

The internal microprocessor electronically controls the stepper motor, ensuring that both the cutting and roughing thicknesses are extremely accurate. The automatic sample feed operates under high-precision electronic control. Via the knobs on the external control panel, users can adjust both the thickness of the cut and the feed speeds for quick and slow operations. The microtome features a completely silent sample retraction system, which not only extends the blade's lifespan but also repositions the sample to its initial upper location, away from the blade, during the return movement. If needed, the operator can choose to disable the automatic sample retraction feature.

The sample quickly and silently returns to its starting position during the roughing (trimming) stage. With high precision cutting capabilities, the system is versatile enough to handle a variety of sections, including those in kerosene, resin, routine, and laboratory research tasks. It operates within a range of 0.5 μm to 100 μm, utilising stepper motors and low-maintenance, backlash-free roller bearings.

The Aries microtome allows for the adjustment of both cutting and roughing thicknesses, which can be controlled through the display situated on the right side of the device or via an external control panel. Furthermore, the microtome is engineered for extremely fine cutting operations, featuring increments ranging from 0.25 μm to 1 μm. Four cutting modes can be set: automatic, manual, continuous, or single.

The Aries microtome features an integrated touch-screen control display for a clear display of information. Positioned on the operator's left side, this display allows comprehensive management of all microtome functions. Key operational parameters displayed include:

Cutting thickness,
Roughing thickness,
Toggling between "cutting/roughing" modes,
Partial and total section counting,
Single cut mode, and
Continuous cutting mode

Both control panels are easy to operate, even while wearing protective gloves, and are also easy to clean. The structure of the microtome is extremely stable, and it comes equipped with a powerful motor capable of performing particularly hard cuts. Users have the flexibility to use either re-grindable blades—by swapping out the blade holder, an optional accessory—or any type of disposable blade that is commercially available.

The microtome features an antistatic tray designed to collect waste sections. Conveniently located around the front working area, including the space below the blade holder, which is large and ergonomic, the tray is also detachable for easy cleaning. The microtome is anchored by two magnets positioned at the front base.

Speed and Operator Safety

The Aries microtome allows samples to be stored in their sectioning or roughing positions and easily retrieved when needed via a sample storage and recognition system. This innovative system enhances operator productivity by automating the process, thereby reducing the time needed to align each sample with the blade.

For the rapid exchange of samples, also known as blocks, the instrument comes equipped with a "Memory" function. This feature enables a swift return to the reference cutting position. The Memory function also allows operators to set a custom return position for the holder with the simple press of a button, to rough out samples faster. Furthermore, operators have the option to set two programmable memory positions by pressing two designated keys on the display simultaneously, facilitating fast sample repositioning.

To increase laboratory safety, the Aries microtome comes with an automatic electronic brake, which reduces the risk of injuries and cuts during operation. This safety feature ensures that the specimen remains securely in its upper position once motorized sectioning is complete, thereby preventing the handwheel from accidentally rotating. Additionally, a foot pedal is wirelessly connected to the microtome to facilitate convenient starting and stopping of the cutting process.

Sectioning thickness setting range
Range of slice thickness	0.25-100 μm
The settable values and cutting increments are	0.25 to 2.5 μm in increments of 0.25 μm 2.5 to 5 μm in increments of 0.5 μm 5.0 to 10 μm in increments of 1.0 μm 10 to 30 μm in increments of 2.0 μm 30 to 60 μm in increments of 5.0 μm 60 to 100 μm in increments of 10.0 μm
Trimming thickness setting range
Range of slice thickness	1-600 μm
The values that can be set and the roughing increments are	1.0 to 10 μm in increments of 1.0 μm 10 to 20 μm in increments of 2.0 μm 20 to 50 μm in increments of 5.0 μm 50 to 150 μm in increments of 10.0 μm 150 to 600 μm in increments of 50.0 μm
Retraction specifications	In manual mode: 5 to 100 μm in increments of 5 μm In automatic mode: speed dependent, can be deactivated
Blade holder displacement adjustment
Forward/Backward	±65 mm
Left/Right	±40 mm
Maximum Specimen Size
Max. sample size per standard clamp (HxWxD)	55x50x30 mm
Max. sample block size per clamp for Supermega cassette (HxWxD)	68x48x15 mm
Vertical stroke	72 mm ±1 mm
Specimen feed	30 mm ±1 mm
Cutting speed
Variable speed	0.5 to 420 mm/s ± 10%.
Specimen orientation
Horizontal	8
Vertical	8
Rotation	360°
Technical data
Power supply	220V ~ 230V at 50 ~ 60Hz
Fuses	F1A 250V
Maximum power draw	100 W
Safety Class	I
Size and weight
Width	475 mm
Depth (including tray)	580 mm
Depth (excluding tray)	510 mm
Height	340 mm
Weight	40 kg
Certifications	CE-IVD