In early the 20th century, the rocking microtome, comprising three moving parts, is extremely reliable. It was designed only for cutting paraffin sections the tissue moves through an arc as it advances towards the knife which is held rigid causing the sections to be cut in a curved plane. Although rocking microtome has been re-appearing in portable cryostats, disadvantages like limitation in size of a specimen to be cut, lightness of its frame and its tendency to move during cutting process pave the way for more precise rotary microtome to replaced it.

Manual rotary microtome is often used in histology laboratories often require many repetitive performing functions. In the course of one day, a laboratory technologist may use between 40 and 50 cassettes or blocks a day, hence turning the microtome wheel for at least a 1000 time. This is not only repetitive work, but turning microtome’s wheel also requires force or forceful exertion. Other repetitive microtome-related functions such as replacement of specimens and use of trimming wheel increase the probability of acquiring MSD.

Today, a semi automatic rotary microtome motor specimen feed driven is now available in the market. It is rotary microtome with a high performance for manual sectioning of a variety of biological and industrial specimens. Through this machine, increases cutting versatility and facilitated slow, steady operation free from vibrations. This motorized two speed coarse specimen could feed of 300 um per second and 900 um per second. To minimize the risk of developing repetitive motion disorders (RMD), it was designed in two modes of section by manual rotary action and rocking action. To improve safety, two independent hand wheel locking systems and an optimized knife guard system integrated into the knife holders. The internal mechanism and knife holder rest on a heavy and rigid base to render a shake proof operation. The sturdy knife holder in addition to knife elevating and leveling provides lateral movements for complete use of knife edge. The angle adjustment up to 30 degree is indicated on a reference scale. The knife supplied with the microtome is fabricated from high carbon fine grain tool steel which is heat-treated for proper temper and tested for micro structures. While the proven precision micrometer feed mechanism remains unchanged, the microtome base plate has been strengthened to increase the stability of the instrument. The entire line of accessories, the knife holder base, knife holders and, above all, the specimen clamping system, have been totally reworked to fulfill user requirements without compromising performance. Lately, protective cover is designed and hinged to the base and swings back so that the interior parts will be completely exposed for convenient cleaning, lubrication & setting etc., The feed mechanism is dependent on the vertical movement of the object block. With every complete revolution of the counter balanced drive wheel the feed pawl engage precisely on to the teeth of the ratchet gear which moves towards and advances the object holder through a cone, inclined plane mechanism in such a precise increments that tissues can be selected even in one micron thickness. To adjust section thickness from 1 to 50 microns in steps of one microns, a feed indicator is located in the front and feed settings controlled by a knurled knob at the back of the microtome, And lastly, a safely device automatically disengages the feed mechanism to prevent jamming and damage to the feed screws when feed limit is reached.