Roundfin RD-355AT Microtome

NHS histopathology departments, hospital diagnostic laboratories, and specialist pathology services that require the most advanced fully automated sectioning capability within the Roundfin microtome range represent the primary procurement context for the Roundfin RD-355AT Microtome. The fully automatic operating mode with motorised specimen feeding eliminates the manual handwheel rotation required by all other Roundfin models, thereby supporting higher consistency and throughput in high-volume diagnostic sectioning environments. The manual mode provides fallback operational flexibility for specific sectioning tasks. Medigear.uk supplies the RD-355AT and can provide NHS procurement documentation.

Research institutions, medical colleges, and university histology laboratories benefit from the RD-355AT's German stepper motor, which delivers precise, reliable, and quiet slicing — directly relevant in shared research and teaching laboratory spaces where instrument noise affects the working environment. The specimen retraction function, specifically designed to reduce consumable usage, provides an economic advantage for high-volume blade use, and the remote control panel supports operator positioning flexibility during sectioning. Medigear.uk can advise on RD-355AT configuration for research and educational settings.

Laboratories upgrading from semi-automatic to full-automatic sectioning — whether from other Roundfin semi-auto models or competing platforms — will find the RD-355AT's dual automatic and manual modes provide a smooth transition. Operators familiar with manual or semi-automatic operation can begin using the instrument in manual mode while developing confidence in fully automated operation. Medigear.uk can advise on the procurement and configuration of the RD-355AT upgrade.

Private pathology laboratories and commercial sectioning facilities requiring the highest level of sectioning automation in the Roundfin range will find the Roundfin RD-355AT available through Medigear.uk. The dual-voltage AC220V/110V and dual-frequency 50Hz/60Hz compatibility support international deployment across varied electrical environments. Medigear.uk can discuss the supply terms for the RD-355AT and customisation options on request.

The Only Full-Automatic Model in the Roundfin Microtome Range

The RD-355AT is the sole full-automatic model in the Roundfin rotary microtome portfolio, introducing motorised specimen feeding that automates the cutting cycle in its automatic mode. Every other Roundfin model — the manual RD-315, RD-465, RD-475, and RD-495, and the semi-automatic RD-485, RD-485 PRO, and RD-355A — requires manual handwheel rotation for each cutting stroke. For laboratories that have reached the operational capability ceiling of semi-automatic sectioning and require full motorised automation, the RD-355AT is the only option within the Roundfin portfolio.

German Stepper Motor for Precise, Reliable, Quiet Sectioning

The German stepper motor powering the RD-355AT's motorised specimen-feeding system delivers sub-micrometre positioning precision, high repeatability, and quiet operation, distinguishing it from lower-precision motor types. The stepper motor's discrete, step-based operation ensures that each specimen advance is controlled to the specified increment, regardless of load variation, thereby supporting consistent section thickness throughout the cutting session. The quiet operation is a practical advantage in shared research and teaching laboratory environments.

Dual Full-Auto and Manual Modes for Flexible Operation

The RD-355AT's dual operating modes — fully automatic with motorised feeding and conventional manual with handwheel control — provide operational flexibility that a single-mode instrument cannot offer. For high-volume routine sectioning, the automatic mode delivers speed, consistency, and reduced operator fatigue. For specific tasks requiring close manual control, or for operators transitioning from manual instruments, the manual mode offers a familiar operating experience. This dual-mode capability makes the RD-355AT appropriate both as a primary full-auto instrument and as an accessible upgrade path from manual platforms.

Specimen Retraction Function Reduces Consumables Cost

The stated economic benefit of the RD-355AT's specimen retraction function — specifically that it reduces consumables usage — is a meaningful procurement consideration for high-volume laboratories where blade and specimen consumption costs are significant. By preventing the block face from contacting the blade during the return stroke, retraction reduces blade edge wear and specimen surface damage that would otherwise require additional trimming, thereby reducing per-section consumables costs over the instrument's working life. Retraction is adjustable from 0–220 μm and can be turned off when not required.

Remote Control Panel for Ergonomic Operation

The remote control panel enables full instrument operation without direct interaction with the instrument's built-in controls, allowing the operator to position themselves optimally during the sectioning cycle for ribbon management, specimen observation, or ergonomic posture. Remote-control operation is a meaningful ergonomic advantage for histotechnicians performing extended sectioning sessions, reducing repetitive reaching and fixed posture associated with direct instrument panel operation.

0–300 mm/s Adjustable Cutting Speed

The explicitly specified cutting speed range of 0–300 mm/s reflects the RD-355AT's motorised design, which enables precise, operator-set cutting velocity rather than handwheel-speed-dependent cutting rate. Adjustable cutting speed allows section quality optimisation for different specimen types — softer specimens benefiting from lower speeds, and harder specimens tolerating higher speeds — without the operator variability inherent in manual speed control.

OLED Display and Foot Switch for Full Workflow Control

The OLED display provides high-contrast, real-time readout of all key parameters during sectioning, and the foot switch provides hands-free section control for concurrent specimen and ribbon management. Together, these interface features support efficient, well-monitored full-auto sectioning without requiring the operator's eyes or hands to be diverted from the specimen and section during the cutting cycle.

Comprehensive Safety Suite for Automated Operation

The safety and emergency braking system, security alarm system, driver overload protection, auto-sleep protection system, emergency stop function, and full-blade-length red bar guard address the safety considerations specific to a motorised, automated instrument, where unattended or minimal-attendance operation creates risk profiles distinct from those of purely manual instruments. This comprehensive safety suite supports safe deployment of the RD-355AT in the full range of laboratory environments for which it is designed.

Dual Voltage International Compatibility

Dual-voltage AC220V/110V and dual-frequency 50Hz/60Hz compatibility make the RD-355AT deployable across both European and North American electrical infrastructure without a voltage converter, supporting international procurement and cross-border laboratory deployment flexibility.

Full Automatic Operating Mode

Motorised specimen feeding eliminates the need for manual handwheel rotation—Full-auto operation for consistent, high-throughput sectioning cycles.

Manual Operating Mode

Conventional handwheel operation is available alongside full-auto mode. Provides familiar control for specific tasks and operator transition from manual instruments.

German Stepper Motor

Precise, repeatable, and quiet motorised specimen feeding. Sub-micrometre positioning accuracy for consistent section thickness.

Section Thickness Range: 0.5–100 μm

Graduated increments from 0.5 μm to 10 μm. Trimming range 0–500 μm.

Cutting Speed: 0–300 mm/s

Adjustable motorised cutting speed. Optimise for specimen type without operator handwheel speed variability.

Remote Control Panel

Full instrument control from a separate handheld unit. Supports ergonomic operator positioning and hands-free operation.

OLED Display

Real-time readout of section thickness, trimming thickness, section count, stroke, and cutting speed.

Foot Control Switch

Hands-free sectioning control via foot pedal. Concurrent ribbon and specimen management during cutting cycles.

Specimen Retraction: 0–220 μm

Adjustable, turn on or off. Reduces wear on blade and specimen consumables during return strokes.

Emergency Stop and Safety Systems

Emergency stop, safety braking, security alarm, driver overload protection, and auto-sleep protection.

Dual Voltage: AC220V/110V

International compatibility without a voltage converter. Dual frequency 50Hz/60Hz.

Certification: CE, ISO 13485

Medical device quality management certification. Customisation accepted. Medigear.uk can advise on all supply and OEM options.

The Roundfin RD-355AT Microtome is the only full-automatic model in the Roundfin rotary microtome range, suited to NHS histopathology departments, hospital diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, medical colleges, and commercial pathology services requiring fully automated motorised specimen feeding, consistent reproducible sections, and dual automatic and manual operating modes in a single precision instrument. Its German stepper motor, 0.5–100 μm section thickness range, 0–300 mm/s cutting speed, remote control panel, OLED display, foot switch, specimen retraction function, and 1-year warranty with lifetime technical support deliver the most advanced automated sectioning solution in the Roundfin range. Contact Medigear.uk for specifications, pricing, or expert procurement assistance.