Cryostat Freezing Plus Microtome
Fully automatic cryostat freezing microtome with 0.5–100 μm sectioning, 0–600 μm trimming, dual-compressor cooling to −50°C, and 6 semiconductor quick-freeze stations reaching −65°C.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The Cryostat Freezing Plus Microtome is a fully automatic cryostat microtome built for rapid and precise frozen sectioning in histopathology laboratories. Its dual-compressor refrigeration system uses independent cooling zones for the chamber, stage, knife holder, specimen clamp, and tissue flattener to support stable sectioning across larger specimens.
This configuration combines 0.5–100 μm sectioning, 0–600 μm trimming, adjustable specimen retraction, and a 10.1-inch color touch display with multilingual operation. Additional safety and workflow features include a full-length knife guard, 360° handwheel locking, heated glass window, UVC disinfection, and anti-stick tissue flattener cooling for faster sample handling.
Key Features
- Fully automatic operation with dual compressor system and five-point independent cooling.
- 24 freezing stations plus 6 semiconductor quick-freeze stations (reaching −65°C in 15 minutes).
- 10.1-inch color touchscreen with multilingual controls.
- Automatic return-to-start workflow and programmable sleep mode.
- UVC disinfection, heated glass window, and integrated anti-stick tissue flattener.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Section thickness range | 0.5–100 μm adjustable (0.5 μm increments at 0.5–5 μm; 1 μm at 5–20 μm; 2 μm at 20–50 μm; 5 μm at 50–100 μm) |
| Trimming thickness range | 0–600 μm adjustable (5 μm increments at 0–50 μm; 10 μm at 50–100 μm; 50 μm at 100–600 μm) |
| Freezing chamber temperature | 10°C to −50°C adjustable |
| Specimen head temperature | 10°C to −50°C adjustable |
| Semiconductor (Peltier) cooling | Down to −65°C (reaches −60°C in 15 minutes) |
| Number of freezing stations | 24 |
| Semiconductor cooling stations | 6 |
| Vertical stroke | 65 mm |
| Horizontal stroke | 25 mm |
| Maximum specimen size | 55 × 80 mm |
| Specimen retraction | 1–60 μm adjustable, 2 μm increments |
| Motorized feed speed | 1.8 mm/s ± 0.45 mm/s |
| Display | 10.1-inch color touch screen |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 700 × 760 × 1160 mm |
| Weight | 210 kg |
| Packing dimensions | 790 × 810 × 1336 mm (225 kg) |
| Power | 600 W |
| Voltage | AC 220V ±10%, 50 Hz (standard) / AC 110V ±10%, 60 Hz |
| Noise | 47 dB(A) |
| Refrigerant | R404a |
| Operating environment | +5°C to +28°C, ≤80% relative humidity |
| Start-up current | 45–50 A |
| Handwheel lock | 360° arbitrary point locking |
| Certification | CE / ISO 13485 |
How It Works
The cryostat operates by maintaining tissue specimens at controlled sub-zero temperatures while performing precision sectioning with a microtome blade. The dual Danfoss compressor system creates a stable thermal environment within the fully enclosed chamber, preventing temperature fluctuations that could compromise section quality. Specimens are embedded in optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound and frozen using either the standard freezing shelf (-45°C minimum) or rapid Peltier stations (-65°C in 15 minutes).
During sectioning, the specimen head advances in programmable increments from 0.5 μm to 100 μm, with the ability to retract 0-90 μm between cuts to prevent blade damage. The microtome mechanism employs a precision drive system with horizontal stroke ≥22 mm and vertical stroke ≥65 mm, ensuring consistent section thickness across the cutting surface. Multi-axis specimen positioning (X/Y-axis ±12°, Z-axis 360°) allows optimal orientation for sectioning challenging tissue architectures.
The LED illumination system provides high-brightness, low-power lighting for enhanced visibility during manual sectioning procedures. UV sterilization capability maintains sterile conditions between specimens, while the integrated waste collection system manages tissue debris efficiently during extended sectioning sessions.
Features & Benefits
Vertical stroke
- 65mm
Freezing chamber temperature
- 10°C to -50°C
Maximum specimen size
- 55×80 mm
Display type
- 10.1-inch color touch screen
Certification
- CE/ISO 13485
Disinfection
- UVC Ultraviolet Disinfection
Cooling points
- Five-point independent cooling
Power
- 600W
Voltage
- AC220V±10%, 50Hz (standard) / AC110V±10%, 60Hz
Working noise
- 47 dB(A)
Compressor
- Dual compressor system
Freezing stations
- 24
Specimen retraction
- 1-60 μm adjustable
Peltier stations
- 6 (min temp -65°C, reaches -60°C in 15 min)
Weight
- 175.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 800.0 mm
- W: 700.0 mm
- H: 1190.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section Thickness Range | 0.5-100 μm adjustable with graduated increments | Many entry-level models offer limited thickness ranges of 2-50 μm | Enables ultrathin sectioning for specialized applications and thick sections for special staining protocols. |
| Specimen Preparation Capacity | 26 specimens simultaneously on freezing shelf | Standard models typically accommodate 8-12 specimens | Supports high-throughput laboratory workflows and batch processing requirements. |
| Cooling System Configuration | Dual Danfoss compressors plus 2 Peltier stations (-65°C in 15 min) | Single compressor systems with slower cooldown times | Provides redundant cooling capability and rapid temperature achievement for urgent specimens. |
| Temperature Control Range | Chamber: -10°C to -60°C, Peltier stations: -65°C | Basic models often limited to -20°C to -30°C range | Accommodates diverse tissue types requiring different optimal sectioning temperatures. |
| Specimen Positioning Control | Multi-axis: X/Y-axis ±12°, Z-axis 360° rotation | Limited positioning options in standard models | Enables precise tissue orientation for optimal sectioning plane selection and morphological preservation. |
This cryostat microtome provides comprehensive specimen processing capabilities with dual-compressor reliability, high-capacity specimen handling, and precision temperature control suitable for demanding histopathology and research applications.
Practical Tips
Verify section thickness accuracy using calibration standards before beginning critical diagnostic procedures.
Why: Ensures consistent section thickness for reliable morphological assessment and staining protocols.
Perform regular defrost cycles using the programmed time setting to prevent excessive frost buildup.
Why: Maintains optimal cutting conditions and prevents ice crystal artifacts in tissue sections.
Allow the dual compressor system 2-3 hours to reach stable operating temperature before processing specimens.
Why: Ensures consistent thermal conditions and prevents section quality variations due to temperature instability.
Use the specimen retraction function when sectioning hard or calcified tissues to prevent blade damage.
Why: Protects expensive microtome blades and maintains consistent cutting performance across diverse specimen types.
Optimize specimen orientation using the multi-axis positioning before beginning sectioning sequences.
Why: Proper tissue orientation maximizes morphological information content and reduces sectioning artifacts.
Utilize the integrated UV sterilization between different specimen types to prevent cross-contamination.
Why: Maintains diagnostic accuracy and prevents false-positive results in clinical pathology workflows.
Monitor chamber temperature stability using the LED display before processing urgent intraoperative specimens.
Why: Ensures rapid, high-quality sectioning for time-critical surgical decision making.
Setup Guide
Warranty
ConductScience provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support available for installation guidance and operational troubleshooting throughout the warranty period.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What section thickness range is achievable and what are the increment options?
The system provides section thickness from 0.5 μm to 100 μm with graduated increments: 0.5 μm steps from 0.5–5 μm, 1 μm steps from 5–20 μm, 2 μm steps from 20–50 μm, and 5 μm steps from 50–100 μm. Trimming range extends from 0 μm to 600 μm adjustable.
How quickly can the system achieve working temperature for urgent specimens?
The freezing chamber and specimen head both operate from 10°C to −50°C. The 6 dedicated Peltier stations reach −65°C, achieving −60°C within 15 minutes for rapid specimen processing.
What is the maximum specimen size that can be accommodated?
Maximum specimen dimensions are 55 × 80 mm, suitable for most routine histopathology samples. The system has 24 freezing stations on the standard freezing shelf.
Does the system include contamination prevention features?
Yes, the system includes integrated UVC ultraviolet disinfection and a fully enclosed chamber design. The quick collection waste cleaner manages tissue debris efficiently during sectioning procedures.
What maintenance requirements should be expected?
The dual compressor system requires standard refrigeration maintenance. The system includes both manual and programmable defrost options. Monthly lubrication of the specimen holder, blade holder slideways, and locking mechanisms is recommended (1–2 drops per point).
How does the specimen retraction feature work?
Programmable specimen retraction from 1–60 μm (2 μm increments) prevents blade damage during return strokes. This feature can be enabled or disabled based on specimen type and sectioning requirements.
What are the installation and environmental requirements?
The unit requires an ambient temperature of +5°C to +28°C with relative humidity below 80%. Air conditioning is recommended if room temperature exceeds 26°C. A 300 mm clearance on all sides is needed for ventilation. The start-up current is 45–50 A, so electrical circuit inspection is recommended before installation.
What warranty is included with the cryostat microtome, and are extended options available?
A standard two-year warranty is included with the cryostat microtome. Extended warranty options may be available upon request — contact us for details.
What is the difference between the fully automatic and semi-automatic models?
This model is the fully automatic version, featuring an upgraded cooling system compared to the semi-automatic configuration. The fully automatic system provides motorized feed at 1.8 mm/s (±0.45 mm/s) and automatic return-to-start functionality.
What is the difference between the RD-2290 and RD-2280 cryostat models?
The RD-2290 is fully automatic while the RD-2280 is semi-automatic. The RD-2290 also features an upgraded cooling system compared to the RD-2280.
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