Semi-Automatic Microtome Series
Semi-automatic rotary microtomes for histology: sections from 0 to 100 µm in 0.1 µm steps, trimming up to 999 µm and up to 100 µm specimen retraction.
The RD-485 has a color touch screen; the RD-485 PRO adds remote control of every function, automatic specimen alignment and XY ±16° orientation.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- All Tissue Types
- SKU family
- RF-RD-485 /RF-RD-485PRO
- 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
Two semi-automatic rotary microtomes for histology sectioning in hospital pathology labs, research institutions and medical colleges. Both set section thickness from 0 to 100 µm in 0.1 µm steps and trimming from 0 to 999 µm, feed the specimen by motor at two adjustable speeds, and rotate the specimen clamp to any angle within 360°.
- RD-485: high-definition color touch screen showing mode, thickness, trimming, section count and retraction; 0.1 µm slicing accuracy; specimen retraction 0–100 µm (can be switched off); specimens up to 60 x 50 mm; XY ±8° orientation; 0–60 mm vertical and 30 ±1 mm horizontal travel; a handwheel with two independent locks; high- and low-profile blade holders included. Suitable for cutting plastics.
- RD-485 PRO: every function on an external remote control with its own display; automatic specimen alignment to the blade edge; section counting that skips trimming strokes; retraction 1–100 µm (can be switched off); X/Y ±16° orientation; 72 mm vertical and 32 ±1 mm horizontal stroke; a handwheel with three locks (360° position, top quick lock and electronic); adjustable sleep timer.
How It Works
The semi-automatic microtome advances the specimen block against a fixed blade by the set section thickness, from 0 to 100 µm in 0.1 µm steps, producing sections of uniform thickness. On the return stroke the specimen retracts (0–100 µm on the RD-485, 1–100 µm on the RD-485 PRO, or off) so the block does not touch the blade.
Two motorized feed speeds move the specimen: a fast feed for positioning (1–3.5 mm/s on the RD-485, 1–5 mm/s on the RD-485 PRO) and a slow feed of 0.1–1 mm/s as the block approaches the blade. A jog control moves it 1–100 µm at a time.
The specimen clamp rotates to any angle within 360° and tilts XY ±8° on the RD-485 or ±16° on the RD-485 PRO, so the tissue can be aligned with the cutting plane.
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
- 0–100 µm in 0.1 µm increments (both models)
Trimming Thickness Setting Range
- RD-485: 0–999 µm, ±1 µm
- RD-485 PRO: 0–999 µm in 0.1 µm increments
Specimen Retraction
- RD-485: 0–100 µm, can be switched off
- RD-485 PRO: 1–100 µm, can be switched off
Precision And Error
- RD-485: ±1%
Slicing Accuracy
- RD-485: 0.1 µm
Fast Feed Speed Adjust
- RD-485: 1–3.5 mm/s
- RD-485 PRO: 1–5 mm/s
Slow Feed Speed Adjust
- 0.1–1 mm/s (both models)
Jog Distance
- 1–100 µm (both models)
Maximum Specimen Size
- RD-485: 60 mm × 50 mm
- RD-485 PRO: wax block clamp 50 × 60 × 40 mm, or standard cassette clamp
Specimen Horizontal Feeding
- RD-485: 30 mm ±1 mm
- RD-485 PRO: 32 mm ±1 mm
Specimen Vertical Feeding
- RD-485: 0–60 mm
- RD-485 PRO: 72 mm
Specimen Orientation System
- RD-485: XY ±8°
- RD-485 PRO: X/Y ±16°
Specimen Clamp Rotation
- At any angle within 360° (both models)
Specimen Clamp
- Paraffin block clamp or cassette clamp
Blade Holder
- RD-485: high- and low-profile holders included, both with finger guards
Blade Holder Movement
- RD-485: front/back ±35 mm, left/right ±25 mm
Blade Angle
- 0°–15° (both models)
Control and Display
- RD-485: high-definition color touch screen
- RD-485 PRO: external remote control with display screen
Handwheel Locks
- RD-485: 2 (360° position lock, top quick lock)
- RD-485 PRO: 3 (360° position lock, top quick lock, electronic lock)
RD-485 PRO Functions
- Automatic specimen alignment
- Section counting that skips trimming strokes
- Adjustable sleep timer
- One-button return
Compatible Specimens
- Paraffin blocks and cassettes
- RD-485: suitable for cutting plastics
Waste Tray
- Wide, removable
Voltage And Frequency
- RD-485: AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz, 150 VA; AC 110 V ±10%, 60 Hz available
- RD-485 PRO: AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz, 150 VA
Operating Environment
- RD-485 PRO: 5–30 °C, relative humidity ≤80%
Dimensions
- RD-485: 580 × 490 × 315 mm (L×W×H)
- RD-485 PRO: 620 × 540 × 350 mm (L×W×H)
Net Weight
- RD-485: 35 kg
- RD-485 PRO: 45 kg
Shipping Package
- RD-485: 660 × 520 × 420 mm, 45 kg
- RD-485 PRO: 710 × 610 × 450 mm, 53.5 kg
Research Domain
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Histopathology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section Thickness Control | 0–100 µm with 0.1 µm increments | Manual systems often provide coarser adjustment increments | Precise thickness control enables consistent section morphology critical for quantitative histological analysis. |
| Specimen Size Capacity | 60 mm × 50 mm (RD-485); 50 × 60 × 40 mm wax block (RD-485 PRO) | Entry-level models often accommodate smaller specimens | Larger specimen capacity reduces need for tissue trimming and enables processing of intact organ sections. |
| Feed Speed Range | 0.1–3.5 mm/s (to 5 mm/s on the RD-485 PRO) | Fixed-speed systems limit operational flexibility | Variable speed control optimizes sectioning quality across different tissue types and research protocols. |
| Specimen Positioning | 360° rotation with XY ±8° (RD-485) or ±16° (RD-485 PRO) | Multi-axis positioning enables optimal tissue alignment for consistent section architecture and morphological analysis. | |
| User Interface | Color touchscreen (RD-485); remote control with display (RD-485 PRO) | Basic digital displays or mechanical controls | Intuitive interface reduces training time and improves operational efficiency during extended sectioning sessions. |
| Specimen Retraction | 0–100 µm (RD-485) or 1–100 µm (RD-485 PRO), can be switched off | Fixed retraction or manual adjustment systems | Customizable retraction prevents specimen damage while accommodating diverse tissue characteristics and sectioning protocols. |
These semi-automatic microtomes combine 0.1 µm thickness steps from 0 to 100 µm with flexible specimen positioning. The RD-485 is run from its color touch screen; the RD-485 PRO from a remote control, with automatic specimen alignment and wider XY adjustment.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard - RD-485 | RF-RD-485 | $9,990.00 | Available | 66.0 × 52.0 × 42.0 cm |
| PRO Version - RD-485PRO | RF-RD-485PRO | $13,990.00 | Available | 71.0 × 61.0 × 45.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify thickness accuracy using calibration standards at multiple points across the 0–100 µm range (the RD-485 is specified to ±1%).
Why: Regular calibration verification prevents systematic errors in section thickness that could affect downstream analysis results.
Clean specimen debris from the cutting area and feed mechanism after each sectioning session to prevent buildup that could affect precision.
Why: Accumulated debris can interfere with mechanical movement and compromise thickness consistency across sequential sections.
Use the fast feed (1–3.5 mm/s; to 5 mm/s on the RD-485 PRO) for specimen positioning and slower speeds (0.1-1 mm/s) for actual sectioning operations.
Why: Speed optimization reduces sectioning time while ensuring optimal section quality and minimizing blade wear.
Adjust specimen retraction based on tissue hardness and section thickness requirements, using minimal retraction for soft tissues and increased retraction for harder specimens.
Why: Optimized retraction settings prevent specimen damage while maintaining efficient sectioning workflow.
If sections show thickness variations, verify specimen alignment using the XY orientation controls and check blade condition and positioning.
Why: Poor specimen alignment or blade issues are common causes of inconsistent section thickness that can be corrected through proper adjustment.
On the RD-485 PRO, use the remote control when sectioning hazardous or infectious specimens to maintain safe working distance from cutting area.
Why: Remote operation reduces exposure risk while maintaining full control over sectioning parameters and specimen handling.
Document section thickness settings, specimen orientation, and feed speeds for each protocol to ensure reproducibility across experiments.
Why: Consistent documentation enables protocol standardization and supports reproducible research results across multiple sectioning sessions.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Semi-automatic microtome main unit
- Standard and universal cassette clamps (RD-485)
- High- and low-profile blade holders with finger guards (RD-485)
- Remote control (RD-485 PRO)
- Removable waste tray
- Power cord and user manual
Warranty
ConductScience provides a comprehensive 1-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support for installation, calibration, and operational guidance.
Compliance
What is the minimum achievable section thickness for routine histological applications?
Both models set section thickness from 0 to 100 µm in 0.1 µm increments, covering routine histological sections (3–5 µm) as well as thinner or thicker preparations.
How does specimen retraction affect section quality during automated cutting?
Retraction moves the specimen back on the return stroke, so the block does not touch the blade. It is 0–100 µm on the RD-485 and 1–100 µm on the RD-485 PRO, and can be switched off on both.
What specimen dimensions can be accommodated in the sectioning area?
The RD-485 takes specimens up to 60 × 50 mm, with 0–60 mm vertical and 30 ±1 mm horizontal travel. The RD-485 PRO takes a 50 × 60 × 40 mm wax block or a standard cassette, with 72 mm vertical and 32 ±1 mm horizontal stroke.
Can the feed speed be adjusted during sectioning operations?
Yes. The slow feed is adjustable from 0.1 to 1 mm/s on both models, and the fast feed from 1 to 3.5 mm/s on the RD-485 or 1 to 5 mm/s on the RD-485 PRO.
How is specimen orientation maintained during multi-section protocols?
The specimen clamp rotates to any angle within 360° and tilts XY ±8° on the RD-485 or X/Y ±16° on the RD-485 PRO, so tissue can be aligned with the cutting plane and held there.
What maintenance procedures are required for sustained precision?
Replace blades regularly, clean specimen debris from the cutting area and waste tray, and check thickness calibration periodically. The RD-485 is specified to ±1% thickness precision.
Is the system compatible with both paraffin and frozen section protocols?
Both models are rotary microtomes for paraffin blocks and cassettes; the RD-485 is also suitable for cutting plastics. For frozen sections, use a cryostat.
How does the touchscreen interface improve sectioning workflow efficiency?
On the RD-485 the high-definition color touch screen shows sectioning mode, thickness, trimming, section count and retraction, so settings can be checked and changed at a glance. The RD-485 PRO puts every function on a remote control with its own display.
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