Manual Microtome Series
Manual rotary microtomes for paraffin tissue sectioning, 0 to 60 µm, with handwheel drive and mechanical controls: the RD-315 for routine histology, research and teaching; the RD-465 with 20 µm specimen retraction and 75 x 60 mm specimens; and the RD-475 with 50 µm retraction and no electronics.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Cat, Dog, Gerbil, Hamster, Pig, Rabbit, Mouse, Rat, Guinea pig
- SKU family
- RF-RD-315/ RF-RD-475/RF-RD-495
- Sizing
- Model-specific dimensions confirmed from the selected configuration
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Microtomes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
Three manual rotary microtomes for paraffin tissue sectioning in histology, pathology, research and teaching labs. Each is driven by a handwheel, sections from 0 to 60 µm, and has mechanical controls.
- RD-315: cross-roller guides and bearings with permanent lubrication, ±5% precision, two-stage trimming, specimens up to 60 x 50 mm, XY 8° orientation with ±90° rotation, and a tool-free chuck change in about 5 seconds. Supports wide and narrow disposable blades and steel blades.
- RD-465: linear guide rails, ±5% accuracy, 0.5 µm minimum increment, adjustable 0–60 µm trimming, 20 µm specimen retraction, XY 8° orientation at any angle within 360°, and specimens up to 75 x 60 mm. The handwheel turns a full 360° or trims with 180° forward/backward strokes, and locks at any position.
- RD-475: three section ranges, adjustable 0–60 µm trimming, 50 µm specimen retraction (customizable), XY ±16° orientation with 360° rotation, 0°–10° blade angle, and a handwheel with a top lock and a 360° position lock.
Microtome Series Comparison:
| Feature | RD-315 | RD-465 | RD-475 | RD-495 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Manual handwheel | Manual handwheel | Manual handwheel | Manual handwheel with precision screw drive |
| Typical section thickness range | 0–60 µm | 0–60 µm | 0–60 µm | 0–60 µm |
| Typical trimming thickness range | Two-stage trimming; numerical settings not specified | 0–60 µm, adjustable | 0–60 µm, adjustable | Trimming function included; numerical settings not specified |
| Specimen retraction | 28 µm (Fixed/Mechanical) | 20 µm | 50 µm; customizable | 60 µm; can be disabled |
| Cutting modes | Manual rotary sectioning | Manual 360° rotation; 180° forward/backward trimming | Manual rotary sectioning | Manual rotary sectioning and trimming |
| Control panel | Mechanical controls | Mechanical controls | Mechanical controls; no electronics | Mechanical controls |
| Application | Routine histology, research and teaching | Routine pathology and research requiring flexible specimen handling | Routine histology and teaching; simple operation without electronics | Histology and research requiring larger specimens and flexible positioning |
| Price (USD) | $5,490 | $7,090 | $8,190 | $9,390 |
The RD-495, for larger specimens up to 70 x 70 mm, sells on its own page: Manual Rotary Microtome RD-495.
How It Works
The operator advances the specimen and cuts sections by turning the handwheel. Set section or trimming thickness before cutting. The handwheel locks for specimen loading and blade changes.
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 Range
- RD-315: 0–60 µm, four ranges
- RD-465: 0–60 µm, four ranges
- RD-475: 0–60 µm, three ranges
Section Thickness Increments
- RD-315: 0.5 µm (0–2 µm) / 1 µm (2–10 µm) / 2 µm (10–20 µm) / 5 µm (20–60 µm)
- RD-465: from 0.5 µm
Precision
- RD-315: ±5%
- RD-465: ±5%
Trimming
- RD-315: two-stage trimming
- RD-465: 0–60 µm, adjustable
- RD-475: 0–60 µm, adjustable
Specimen Retraction
- RD-315: 28 µm, fixed (mechanical)
- RD-465: 20 µm
- RD-475: 50 µm, customizable
Sample Orientation
- RD-315: XY 8°, rotation ±90°
- RD-465: XY 8°, any angle within 360°
- RD-475: XY ±16°, 360° rotation
Specimen Angle
- Adjustable on three axes
Maximum Specimen Size
- RD-315: 60 mm × 50 mm
- RD-465: 75 mm × 60 mm
Vertical Specimen Stroke
- RD-315: 0–60 mm
- RD-465: 60 mm
Horizontal Specimen Stroke
- RD-315: 0–28 mm ±1 mm
- RD-465: 35 mm
Blade Holder Movement
- RD-315: front/back ±25 mm, left/right ±20 mm
Blade Angle
- RD-315: 0°–10° section base angle
- RD-475: 0°–10°, adjustable
Guide Rails
- RD-315: imported cross-roller guides and bearings, permanently lubricated
- RD-465: imported linear guide rails
Handwheel
- RD-315: one-hand lock
- RD-465: 360° rotation or 180° forward/backward trimming; locks at any position
- RD-475: top lock and 360° position lock
Specimen Holder System
- Replaceable — paraffin block clamp and cassette clamp
Dimensions
- RD-315: 300 × 570 × 270 mm (L×W×H)
- RD-465: 620 × 300 × 290 mm
- RD-475: 580 × 490 × 315 mm
Net Weight
- RD-315: 30 kg
- RD-465: 45 kg
- RD-475: 35 kg
Shipping Package
- RD-315: 620 × 560 × 520 mm, 45 kg
Research Domain
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Histopathology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Toxicology
Species
- Cat
- Dog
- Gerbil
- Hamster
- Pig
- Rabbit
- Mouse
- Rat
- Guinea pig
Automation Level
- Manual
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard - RD-315 | RD-315 | $5,490.00 | Available | 62.0 × 56.0 × 52.0 cm |
| Intermediate - RD-465 | RD-465 | $7,090.00 | Available | 62.0 × 30.0 × 29.0 cm |
| Professional - RD-475 | RD-475 | $8,190.00 | Available | 58.0 × 49.0 × 31.5 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify thickness settings monthly using calibrated test blocks or micrometers to maintain sectioning accuracy.
Why: Mechanical wear can gradually affect thickness precision over time.
Clean and lubricate guide rails weekly using recommended lubricants to prevent binding and ensure smooth operation.
Why: Proper lubrication prevents premature wear and maintains sectioning consistency.
Allow paraffin blocks to equilibrate to room temperature before sectioning for optimal ribbon formation.
Why: Temperature affects paraffin hardness and cutting characteristics.
If sections compress or fold, check blade sharpness, cutting angle, and ensure specimen retraction is functioning properly.
Why: Multiple factors can contribute to sectioning artifacts requiring systematic evaluation.
Document sectioning parameters including thickness, specimen orientation, and environmental conditions for reproducible results.
Why: Consistent documentation enables protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Always engage blade guards when not actively sectioning and use proper blade disposal procedures.
Why: Microtome blades are extremely sharp and pose significant injury risk if handled improperly.
Trim excess tissue using the trimming function before beginning serial sectioning to improve section quality.
Why: Removing excess material reduces blade wear and improves ribbon formation.
Store the microtome with specimen holder retracted and blade removed to prevent accidental contact and damage.
Why: Proper storage prevents component damage and extends instrument life.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Microtome main body
- Universal adjustable cassette clamp
- Adjustable blade holder
- Waste tray
- Adjustment tools and hex keys
- User manual and operation guide
- Protective blade guard
Warranty
Your quote confirms warranty coverage, service arrangements and delivery timing for the selected configuration and destination.
Compliance
Is this a complete, ready-to-use microtome system?
Yes. The system ships as a complete, ready-to-use unit. Every order includes the microtome main body, a universal adjustable cassette clamp, an adjustable blade holder, and a waste tray. No additional components are required to begin sectioning — simply install your blade of choice and the instrument is ready for use.
Are disposable blades included with the microtome?
Low-profile disposable blades are not included in the standard package. They are available as an optional add-on and may be purchased separately. This gives you the flexibility to select the blade grade best suited to your specimen type — standard, low-profile, or heavy-duty — without paying for blades you may not need.
Does this microtome support rapid trimming mode?
Each model has a trimming function. The RD-315 uses two-stage trimming, the RD-465 trims with 180° forward/backward handwheel strokes and an adjustable 0–60 µm trimming thickness, and the RD-475 has an adjustable 0–60 µm trimming thickness.
What section thickness settings do the models offer?
All three section from 0 to 60 µm. The RD-315 uses four ranges: 0.5 µm steps from 0 to 2 µm, 1 µm to 10 µm, 2 µm to 20 µm and 5 µm to 60 µm. The RD-465 has four ranges with a 0.5 µm minimum increment, and the RD-475 three ranges.
How does the specimen retraction system prevent tissue artifacts?
On the return stroke the specimen moves back so the block does not rub the blade edge. Retraction is 28 µm on the RD-315, 20 µm on the RD-465 and 50 µm on the RD-475 (customizable).
What is the maximum tissue block size that can be accommodated?
The RD-315 takes specimens up to 60 × 50 mm, with 0–60 mm vertical and 0–28 ±1 mm horizontal stroke. The RD-465 takes up to 75 × 60 mm, with 60 mm vertical and 35 mm horizontal stroke. Confirm the RD-475's specimen size in your quote.
How do I optimize cutting angles for different tissue types?
The specimen holder adjusts XY 8° with ±90° rotation on the RD-315, XY 8° at any angle within 360° on the RD-465, and XY ±16° with 360° rotation on the RD-475.
What maintenance procedures are required for consistent performance?
Regular blade replacement, guide rail lubrication, and thickness mechanism calibration are essential, with detailed procedures provided in the operation manual.
Can this microtome handle frozen sections as well as paraffin blocks?
These are rotary microtomes for paraffin-embedded specimens. For frozen sections, use a cryostat.
Can this microtome series be used for cutting plastic materials?
These manual models are specified for paraffin-embedded tissue. Plastic cutting is specified for the Semi-Automatic Microtome Series (RD-485). Contact us about your material before ordering.
Is this microtome suitable for cutting cable materials and similar industrial samples?
The Manual Microtome Series can potentially handle cable materials depending on their composition and hardness. For specialized industrial materials like cables, we recommend consulting with our technical team to determine the optimal cutting parameters and blade selection to ensure clean sectioning without damaging the microtome or sample.
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