Fully Automated Rotary Microtome Series
Fully automatic rotary microtomes for routine histology and high-throughput pathology, ±5% precision and a 50 x 70 mm cutting area: the RD-355AT with touchscreen control, 0.25–999 µm sections and cutting up to 420 mm/s, and the RD-355ATK with 0.5–100 µm sections and cutting up to 300 mm/s.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Section Thickness Setting Range
- RD-355AT: 0.25–999 µm, minimum increment 0.25 µm, RD-355ATK: 0.5–100 µm, five intervals
- Section Thickness Increments
- RD-355AT: 0.25 µm (0.25–0.5 µm) / 0.5 µm (0.5–2 µm) / 1 µm (2–10 µm) / 2 µm (10–20 µm) / 5 µm (20–50 µm) / 10 µm (50–100 µm) / 20 µm (100–200 µm) / 50 µm (200–600 µm) / 100 µm (600–999 µm)
- Trimming Thickness Range
- RD-355AT: 0.5–1,000 µm, minimum increment 0.5 µm, RD-355ATK: 0–500 µm
- Precision
- ±5% (both models)
- Cutting Speed
- RD-355AT: 0–420 mm/s (450–500 mm/s customizable), RD-355ATK: 0–300 mm/s
- Feed Speed
- RD-355AT: 300 and 800 µm/s, customizable, RD-355ATK: 1,250 µm/s per press, 200 µm/s held
Two fully automatic rotary microtomes for routine histology and high-throughput pathology workflows. Both cut motorized sections at ±5% precision on specimens up to a 50 x 70 mm cutting area.
- RD-355AT: a stepper motor drives the cut, controlled from a touchscreen that shows section and trimming thickness, section count and specimen travel (remote panel or foot switch optional). Single, continuous, step, rocking and full-handwheel manual modes. Sections 0.25–999 µm (0.25 µm minimum increment), trimming 0.5–1,000 µm, cutting speed 0–420 mm/s (450–500 mm/s customizable), specimen retraction 0–999 µm or off with one-touch memory return, XY 8° orientation with zero-scale marking, 20 or 28 mm horizontal and 60 or 70 mm vertical travel. 520 x 450 x 300 mm, 32 kg, AC 110–230 V.
- RD-355ATK: sections 0.5–100 µm in five intervals, trimming 0–500 µm, cutting speed 0–300 mm/s, XY 8° orientation with 360° rotation, specimen retraction up to 50 µm (5, 10, 15 or 50 µm, or off), standard cassettes up to 50 x 45 mm.
On the RD-355AT, rocking mode trims with short forward-and-back handwheel movements and keeps retraction on. The quick-release clamp system includes standard and universal cassette clamps; the blade holder takes high- and low-profile blades (a carrier for steel knives is optional), adjusts the cutting angle from 0° to 15°, and has three lateral positions to use the whole blade edge. Handwheel locking, alarms, overload protection, sleep mode, an anti-static waste tray and long-term-lubricated rails support daily use.
How It Works
A motor drives the cutting stroke while the specimen advances by the set section thickness on each stroke. On the return stroke the specimen retracts so the block does not touch the blade. Section and trimming thickness, cutting speed and retraction are set before cutting.
The RD-355AT is set from its touchscreen and cuts in single, continuous or step mode. It can also be run by hand: rocking mode trims with short forward-and-back handwheel movements without a full rotation and keeps retraction on, and full-handwheel mode cuts manually. One-touch memory return brings the specimen back to a saved position for repeated trimming.
The RD-355ATK sections from 0.5 to 100 µm in five intervals at cutting speeds up to 300 mm/s, with specimen retraction up to 50 µm.
Features & Benefits
Research identifier
This ID comes from the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI). Use it in data records and methods sections.
- Device type
- Microtome
OBI:0400168
Section Thickness Setting Range
- RD-355AT: 0.25–999 µm, minimum increment 0.25 µm
- RD-355ATK: 0.5–100 µm, five intervals
Section Thickness Increments
- RD-355AT: 0.25 µm (0.25–0.5 µm) / 0.5 µm (0.5–2 µm) / 1 µm (2–10 µm) / 2 µm (10–20 µm) / 5 µm (20–50 µm) / 10 µm (50–100 µm) / 20 µm (100–200 µm) / 50 µm (200–600 µm) / 100 µm (600–999 µm)
Trimming Thickness Range
- RD-355AT: 0.5–1,000 µm, minimum increment 0.5 µm
- RD-355ATK: 0–500 µm
Precision
- ±5% (both models)
Cutting Speed
- RD-355AT: 0–420 mm/s (450–500 mm/s customizable)
- RD-355ATK: 0–300 mm/s
Feed Speed
- RD-355AT: 300 and 800 µm/s, customizable
- RD-355ATK: 1,250 µm/s per press, 200 µm/s held
Handwheel Feed
- RD-355AT: slow 350 µm per turn, fast 1,000 µm per turn
Retraction Setting Range
- RD-355AT: 0–999 µm, adjustable or off, with memory-position return
- RD-355ATK: up to 50 µm (5, 10, 15 or 50 µm), or off
Cutting Modes
- RD-355AT: single, continuous, step, rocking and full-handwheel manual
Specimen Orientation
- RD-355AT: XY 8° with zero-scale marking
- RD-355ATK: XY 8°, 360° rotation
Maximum Cutting Area
- 50 × 70 mm (both models)
- RD-355ATK: standard cassette up to 50 × 45 mm
Horizontal Specimen Stroke
- RD-355AT: 20 or 28 mm ±1%, customizable
Vertical Specimen Stroke
- RD-355AT: 60 or 70 mm ±1%, customizable
Control and Display
- RD-355AT: touchscreen; remote panel or foot switch optional
Handwheel
- Lockable at any position
Specimen Clamp Types
- RD-355AT: quick-release; standard and universal cassette clamps
Blade Holder
- RD-355AT: high- and low-profile blades, optional steel-knife carrier; 0°–15° cutting angle; three lateral positions; blade guard and blade remover
Safety Features
- RD-355AT: handwheel lock, alarms, overload protection, sleep mode
Waste Tray
- RD-355AT: anti-static
Dimensions
- RD-355AT: 520 × 450 × 300 mm
Net Weight
- RD-355AT: 32 kg
Power Supply
- RD-355AT: AC 110–230 V, 50/60 Hz
Research Domain
- Cancer Research
- Developmental Biology
- Histopathology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Shipping weight
- 108.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 69.0 cm
- W: 59.0 cm
- H: 50.0 cm
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard - RD-355AT | RF-RD-355AT | $11,900.00 | Available | 69.0 × 59.0 × 50.0 cm |
| Precision - RD-355ATK | RF-RD-355ATK | $15,990.00 | Available | 69.0 × 59.0 × 50.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify section thickness accuracy monthly using certified thickness standards across the full working range.
Why: Environmental conditions and mechanical wear can gradually affect micrometer calibration accuracy.
Clean the advance mechanism weekly and apply manufacturer-specified lubricant to prevent backlash development.
Why: Accumulated debris and dry lubrication points can introduce inconsistencies in specimen feed rates.
Allow specimens to equilibrate to room temperature for 30 minutes before sectioning to minimize chatter and tearing.
Why: Temperature differences between specimen and ambient conditions can cause differential expansion and sectioning artifacts.
If sections appear compressed or torn, reduce cutting speed and verify blade sharpness before adjusting retraction settings.
Why: Cutting speed and blade condition are primary factors affecting section quality, and retraction adjustments may mask underlying issues.
Document blade changes and section counts to maintain consistency in studies requiring multiple cutting sessions.
Why: Blade wear can introduce gradual changes in section quality that may affect morphological and quantitative analyses.
Always engage the red protection bar on the blade holder when changing specimens or performing maintenance.
Why: The protection bar prevents accidental contact with the sharp blade edge during routine handling operations.
Use the three-segment blade positioning system systematically to maximize cutting edge utilization before blade replacement.
Why: Proper blade segment rotation extends consumable life while maintaining section quality throughout the blade's useful life.
Empty and clean the waste tray regularly to prevent specimen debris from interfering with automated functions.
Why: Accumulated waste can obstruct safety sensors and interfere with the specimen retraction mechanism.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Fully automatic rotary microtome
- Standard and universal cassette clamps (RD-355AT)
- Blade holder with blade guard
- Waste tray
- Power cable and user manual
Warranty
ConductScience provides a comprehensive one-year manufacturer warranty covering mechanical components and electronic systems, with technical support for calibration and operational guidance throughout the warranty period.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the minimum achievable section thickness and how consistent is it?
The RD-355AT sets sections from 0.25 µm (0.25 µm minimum increment) up to 999 µm; the RD-355ATK from 0.5 to 100 µm. Both are specified to ±5% precision.
How does the specimen retraction feature prevent compression artifacts?
On the return stroke the specimen moves back so the block does not touch the blade. Retraction is 0–999 µm on the RD-355AT, adjustable or off, with one-touch memory return; on the RD-355ATK it is up to 50 µm (5, 10, 15 or 50 µm) or off.
Can the microtome handle both routine histology and thicker sections?
Both cover routine paraffin sections. For sections thicker than 100 µm, choose the RD-355AT, which sets up to 999 µm.
What blade types are compatible?
The RD-355AT's blade holder takes high- and low-profile disposable blades, with an optional carrier for traditional steel knives. It adjusts the cutting angle from 0° to 15° and has three lateral positions to use the complete blade edge. Ask us about blade holders for the RD-355ATK.
What cutting speeds are available?
The RD-355AT cuts at 0–420 mm/s, customizable to 450–500 mm/s; the RD-355ATK at 0–300 mm/s.
Can it be operated by hand?
The RD-355AT has rocking and full-handwheel manual modes alongside single, continuous and step automatic cutting, and its handwheel locks.
What is the largest specimen it can cut?
Both models have a 50 × 70 mm maximum cutting area. The RD-355ATK takes standard cassettes up to 50 × 45 mm.
What maintenance procedures are required for consistent performance?
Clean the cutting area, blade holder and waste tray after each session and check thickness calibration periodically. The RD-355AT's rails are lubricated long-term; follow the operation manual for service intervals.
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