Roundfin RD-355A Microtome

NHS histopathology departments, hospital diagnostic laboratories, and routine pathology services that require a semi-automatic rotary microtome with the broadest section-thickness range in the Roundfin portfolio are the primary procurement context for the Roundfin RD-355A Microtome. The 0.25–999 μm section thickness range supports the full spectrum, from ultra-thin research sections to thick histology and plant anatomy sections, within a single instrument, making the RD-355A appropriate for laboratories with diverse sectioning requirements. Medigear.uk supplies the RD-355A and can provide NHS procurement documentation.

Animal and plant quarantine facilities and agricultural diagnostic laboratories benefit from the RD-355A's explicit design suitability for animal and plant quarantine applications, combined with the broad 0.25–999 μm section thickness range that accommodates the diverse tissue types encountered in plant pathology, animal tissue examination, and quarantine inspection sectioning. The dual-voltage AC220V/110V and dual-frequency 50Hz/60Hz compatibility support international laboratory environments with different power standards. Medigear.uk can advise on RD-355A configuration for quarantine and agricultural applications.

Forensic medicine departments, medico-legal investigation services, and forensic pathology laboratories benefit from the RD-355A's stated suitability for forensic medicine use, as well as the foot control switch that supports hands-free section operation. The emergency stop function and multiple safety protection systems support the operational reliability and safety standards expected in forensic laboratory environments. Medigear.uk can advise on the procurement of the RD-355A for forensic medicine departments.

Scientific research institutions and university departments requiring highly varied section thicknesses across research programmes will find the Roundfin RD-355A available through Medigear.uk. The 0.25–999 μm range provides a single instrument that produces ultra-fine research sections and very thick sections for plant anatomy, neurological, or materials science applications. Medigear.uk can discuss the RD-355A supply terms and compare them with those for other models.

Widest Section Thickness Range in the Roundfin Microtome Portfolio

The RD-355A's 0.25–999 μm section thickness setting range, with a 0.25 μm minimum increment, is the broadest in the Roundfin microtome portfolio, extending from ultra-fine diagnostic and research sections at the thin end to very thick sections for plant anatomy, neurological research, and materials science applications at the thick end. No other model in the Roundfin range approaches this upper limit, making the RD-355A the only choice for laboratories requiring routine production of thick sections above 100 μm alongside standard diagnostic histopathology sectioning within a single instrument.

Stated Suitability for Forensic Medicine and Quarantine Departments

The RD-355A is explicitly designed for forensic medicine departments and animal and plant quarantine facilities alongside standard hospital and laboratory applications — a broader named application scope than other Roundfin microtomes. For procurement officers in forensic pathology, medico-legal investigation, agricultural quarantine, or plant pathology services, this explicit design suitability provides direct specification alignment with their operational context without requiring extrapolation from a standard histopathology specification.

Foot Control Switch for Hands-Free Section Operation

The foot control switch enables hands-free initiation and management of sectioning cycles, freeing the operator's hands for concurrent specimen management, ribbon handling, or other tasks during the cutting cycle. The foot switch is a practical operational advantage in complex sectioning workflows — particularly in forensic and research settings where specimen-handling requirements during sectioning may occupy both hands — and is not available on all Roundfin semi-automatic models.

Dedicated Emergency Stop Function for Enhanced Safety

The dedicated emergency stop function provides immediate, single-action cessation of all instrument activity, in addition to the standard handwheel locking mechanisms available on all Roundfin models. Combined with the safety emergency braking system, safety alarm system, driver overload protection, and auto-sleep protection system, the RD-355A offers the most comprehensive safety protection package in the Roundfin microtome range — directly relevant for the forensic and quarantine laboratory environments where the instrument is specifically designed to operate.

OLED Display for Clear Parameter Visibility

The OLED display shows section and trimming thickness, number of sections, stroke data, and cutting speed in high contrast, without backlight glare, providing reliable visibility of parameters across varied laboratory lighting conditions. This comprehensive single-screen display of all key operational data reduces the need for the operator to consult separate readouts or perform mental calculations during the sectioning workflow.

Dual Voltage AC220V/110V and Dual Frequency 50Hz/60Hz

The dual-voltage and dual-frequency compatibility make the RD-355A the most internationally deployable instrument in the Roundfin microtome range, operating natively on both European 220V/50Hz and North American 110V/60Hz electrical standards without a voltage converter. This is directly relevant for international institutions, global distributors, and laboratories operating across multiple jurisdictions with different electrical infrastructure standards.

Universal Blade Holder with Three Lateral Segments

The universal blade holder accommodates both high- and low-profile disposable blades, with lateral movement enabling use of the full blade cutting length across three segments without direct blade contact during repositioning. This three-segment utilisation maximises the productive life of each blade before replacement, reducing blade consumption costs in high-volume sectioning workflows. The red bar safety guard covers the entire blade length at all times, and the push bar enables replacement without direct blade handling.

Multiple Integrated Safety Protection Systems

The RD-355A integrates five distinct protection systems — emergency braking, alarm, driver overload protection, auto-sleep protection, and emergency stop — alongside the physical blade guard and push-bar replacement system. This comprehensive safety architecture addresses both mechanical and operator safety across the full range of operational scenarios, supporting safe use in the diverse application contexts for which the RD-355A is designed, including forensic, quarantine, and research environments.

Section Thickness Range: 0.25–999 μm

The widest range in the Roundfin microtome family. Minimum increment 0.25 μm. Supports ultra-thin diagnostic sections through to thick research and botanical sections.

OLED Display

High-contrast display shows section thickness, trimming thickness, section count, stroke, and cutting speed—clear readability across varied lighting conditions.

Foot Control Switch

Hands-free sectioning control via foot pedal. Free operator's hands for specimen and ribbon management during cutting cycles.

Emergency Stop Function

Dedicated emergency stop for immediate cessation of all instrument activity, beyond standard handwheel locking.

Multiple Safety Protection Systems

Safety emergency braking, safety alarm, driver overload protection, auto-sleep protection, and emergency stop — the most comprehensive safety package in the Roundfin range.

Dual Voltage: AC220V/110V

Compatible with both European and North American electrical standards without a voltage converter. Dual frequency 50Hz/60Hz.

Trimming Range: 0.5–1000 μm

Full trimming range from 0.5 μm to 1000 μm, with a minimum increment of 0.5 μm.

Universal Blade Holder

High- and low-profile disposable blades are compatible. Three lateral segments without direct blade contact. Red bar guard covers full blade length.

OLED Parameter Display

Section and trimming thickness, section count, stroke, and cutting speed are all shown in real time.

Multi-Sector Design

Applications to hospitals, medical colleges, animal and plant quarantine, forensic medicine, and research institutions are explicitly listed.

Certification: CE, ISO 13485

Medical device quality management certification. Supports procurement governance for NHS, forensic, quarantine, and research institutions.

Warranty: 1 Year + Lifetime Technical Support

Annual warranty with ongoing technical access. Customisation accepted through Medigear.uk.

The Roundfin RD-355A Microtome is a semi-automatic rotary microtome suited to NHS histopathology departments, hospital diagnostic laboratories, animal and plant quarantine facilities, forensic medicine departments, and scientific research institutions requiring the widest section thickness range in the Roundfin microtome portfolio alongside hands-free foot control, OLED display, emergency stop, multiple safety protections, and dual voltage international compatibility. Its 0.25–999 μm section thickness range, OLED display, foot switch, emergency stop, dual-voltage support, CE and ISO 13485 certification, and 1-year warranty with lifetime technical support deliver a versatile and safety-focused semi-automatic sectioning solution for routine, research, forensic, and quarantine applications. Contact Medigear.uk for specifications, pricing, or expert procurement assistance.