Leica RM2155 Fully Motorized Rotary Microtome – Used and Refurbished
The Leica RM2155 Rotary Microtome is a precision histology instrument designed for producing consistent, thin sections of paraffin-embedded tissue and other appropriately prepared specimens. Combining fully motorized sectioning with manual cutting capability, the RM2155 offers laboratories the flexibility to automate routine tissue sectioning while retaining direct operator control for more challenging specimens.
The Leica RM2155 provides a section thickness range of 0.5–60 µm, motorized sectioning speeds from 0.5–420 mm/s, and a precision step-motor specimen feed system. Its zero-backlash feed mechanism, adjustable specimen retraction, and selectable trimming functions help support accurate, repeatable section preparation.
Unlike power-assisted microtomes that use electronic specimen advancement but require manual handwheel rotation for every cutting stroke, the RM2155 can perform the cutting movement automatically. This makes it particularly useful for high-volume histology laboratories, pathology departments, and research facilities processing large numbers of tissue specimens.
This Leica RM2155 is available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange. The instrument is inspected, cleaned, and tested before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.
Key Features
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Fully motorized rotary microtome with manual sectioning capability
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Section thickness range of 0.5–60 µm
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Motorized sectioning speeds of 0.5–420 mm/s
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Two motorized sectioning modes and one manual mode
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Precision zero-backlash specimen feed system
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27 mm horizontal specimen feed
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70 mm vertical specimen stroke
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Motorized coarse feed at 900 µm/s
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Step-Trim function with 5, 15, and 30 µm increments
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Adjustable specimen retraction in manual and motorized modes
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Electromechanical handwheel brake
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Emergency-stop safety system
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Adjustable specimen orientation
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Quick-release specimen clamping system
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Precision knife-holder positioning
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Overview
Rotary microtomes are essential instruments in histology, pathology, and biomedical research laboratories, where thin sections of tissue must be prepared for staining and microscopic examination.
The Leica RM2155 combines precision mechanical construction with electronically controlled specimen movement and motorized cutting.
Its step-motor feed system advances the specimen by the selected thickness, while the vertical cutting stroke can be performed automatically or manually.
This combination allows operators to select the most appropriate sectioning method for different specimens and workflows.
For routine paraffin sectioning, motorized operation can reduce repetitive handwheel movement and help maintain consistent cutting speeds. For delicate or difficult specimens, manual operation provides greater tactile feedback and direct control.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Leica Microsystems |
| Model |
RM2155 |
| AIE Inventory Number |
3511G |
| Instrument Type |
Fully Motorized Rotary Microtome |
| Section Thickness Range |
0.5–60 µm |
| Thickness Increments, 0.5–1 µm |
0.5 µm |
| Thickness Increments, 1–20 µm |
1 µm |
| Thickness Increments, 20–60 µm |
5 µm |
| Sectioning Modes |
Two Motorized, One Manual |
| Motorized Cutting Speed |
0.5–420 mm/s |
| Return Stroke Speed |
Approximately 120–420 mm/s |
| Horizontal Specimen Feed |
27 mm |
| Vertical Specimen Stroke |
70 mm |
| Electric Coarse Feed |
900 µm/s |
| Trimming Steps |
5, 15, 30 µm |
| Manual Specimen Retraction |
5, 10, 15, 20 µm; Deactivatable |
| Motorized Specimen Retraction |
10, 30, 70 µm, Speed Dependent |
| Maximum Specimen Size |
50 × 60 × 40 mm |
| Specimen Orientation |
±8° Horizontal and Vertical |
| Specimen Rotation |
±90° |
| Knife Holder Adjustment |
±25 mm North/South; ±20 mm East/West |
| Maximum Sectioning Area |
65 mm Without Retraction |
| Manufacturer Dimensions |
15.7"W × 21.7"D × 11.4"H |
| AIE Listed Dimensions |
20"W × 24"D × 12"H |
| Manufacturer Net Weight |
Approximately 97 lb |
| Electrical Requirements |
Verify Installed Voltage Configuration |
| Condition |
Used / Refurbished |
| Warranty |
90 Days |
Manufacturer specifications describe the RM2155 platform. The exact blade holder, specimen clamp, foot switch, and other accessories supplied with AIE inventory unit 3511G should be confirmed before purchase.
Common Applications
The Leica RM2155 is suitable for routine histology, surgical pathology, anatomical pathology, veterinary diagnostics, tissue morphology studies, biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, and preparation of tissue sections for microscopy.
The instrument is primarily intended for paraffin-embedded specimens, although certain compatible materials may be sectioned using appropriate specimen preparation methods and cutting accessories.
Its motorized cutting capabilities make it particularly useful for laboratories processing multiple tissue blocks throughout the day.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The RM2155 is well suited to hospital pathology departments, clinical histology laboratories, independent diagnostic laboratories, veterinary pathology facilities, academic research institutions, pharmaceutical research laboratories, biotechnology companies, and histology service providers.
Laboratories seeking to increase sectioning throughput while maintaining the option for manual cutting may find the RM2155 particularly attractive.
Fully Motorized and Manual Sectioning
The most important distinction of the Leica RM2155 is its ability to operate in both motorized and manual sectioning modes.
In motorized operation, the instrument drives the vertical cutting movement automatically at the selected speed.
This reduces the physical effort associated with repeated handwheel rotation and can help maintain consistent cutting conditions during extended sectioning sessions.
The RM2155 also provides manual operation, allowing the operator to control the cutting stroke directly.
This flexibility is valuable because different tissues and embedding materials can respond differently to cutting speed and technique.
Two Motorized Sectioning Modes
The RM2155 provides two motorized sectioning modes in addition to manual operation.
These modes allow operators to select a cutting workflow appropriate to the specimen and laboratory procedure.
Motorized sectioning can be especially useful for repetitive processing of routine paraffin blocks, while manual operation remains available for difficult specimens or procedures requiring more direct control.
The selected operating mode should always match the specimen characteristics and blade configuration.
Adjustable Motorized Cutting Speed
The Leica RM2155 offers motorized sectioning speeds from 0.5 to 420 mm/s.
Adjustable speed is important because cutting performance depends on tissue consistency, embedding medium, blade condition, section thickness, and specimen preparation.
Slower cutting speeds may be appropriate for certain delicate or difficult specimens, while faster operation can improve efficiency during routine sectioning.
The ability to adjust speed allows operators to optimize the cutting process rather than relying on a fixed motorized stroke.
Precision Zero-Backlash Specimen Feed
The RM2155 incorporates a precision specimen feed system designed to minimize mechanical play during specimen advancement.
Its step-motor-driven mechanism advances the specimen horizontally by the selected section thickness.
Reducing backlash helps improve the consistency of specimen positioning between cutting strokes.
This is particularly important when preparing thin sections, where small variations in feed movement can affect section quality.
Section Thickness Control from 0.5–60 µm
The RM2155 offers a broad section thickness range suitable for both routine histology and specialized research applications.
Thickness is adjustable in 0.5 µm increments between 0.5 and 1 µm, 1 µm increments from 1 to 20 µm, and 5 µm increments from 20 to 60 µm.
Routine paraffin histology commonly uses sections around 3–5 µm, depending on the tissue and staining protocol.
The broader range allows operators to prepare thicker sections for applications where additional specimen depth is desirable.
Step-Trim Function
The Leica RM2155 includes a Step-Trim function with three preset trimming increments: 5, 15, and 30 µm.
Trimming removes excess paraffin or embedding material to expose the desired tissue surface before collecting sections.
The Step-Trim feature allows operators to advance the specimen in defined increments during block preparation.
Once the tissue surface is properly exposed, the operator can select a finer section thickness for routine slide preparation.
Motorized Coarse Feed
The RM2155 provides motorized coarse specimen advancement at approximately 900 µm/s.
This allows rapid positioning of the specimen relative to the blade during setup, trimming, and block changes.
Motorized coarse feed reduces the need for repeated manual adjustments and can improve efficiency when processing multiple specimens.
The instrument's horizontal feed travel is 27 mm.
Adjustable Specimen Retraction
Specimen retraction moves the tissue block slightly away from the blade during the return portion of the cutting cycle.
This helps reduce unnecessary contact between the specimen and cutting edge.
In manual mode, the RM2155 offers selectable retraction values of 5, 10, 15, or 20 µm.
During motorized sectioning, retraction varies with cutting speed, with manufacturer-specified values of 10, 30, or 70 µm.
Retraction can be deactivated when required for a particular application.
Specimen Orientation and Positioning
The RM2155 supports horizontal and vertical specimen orientation adjustments of approximately ±8°, along with specimen rotation of ±90°.
These adjustments help operators align the tissue block with the cutting blade.
Proper orientation is important for producing sections from the intended tissue plane and minimizing uneven cutting.
The specimen clamping system is designed for convenient adjustment and replacement of compatible specimen holders.
Knife Holder Adjustment
The Leica RM2155 provides adjustable knife-holder positioning to accommodate different specimen and blade configurations.
The manufacturer specifies approximately ±25 mm of north/south adjustment and ±20 mm of east/west adjustment.
Correct blade positioning and clearance angle are important for obtaining consistent sections and reducing compression, chatter, or tearing.
Blade-holder compatibility should be confirmed for the particular AIE unit.
Safety Handwheel and Electromechanical Brake
The RM2155 incorporates an electromechanical handwheel brake.
The brake helps secure the specimen head during blade changes, specimen mounting, and other procedures requiring the cutting mechanism to remain stationary.
The instrument also incorporates emergency-stop functionality for motorized operation.
These safety features are particularly important on a fully motorized microtome because the cutting stroke can occur without continuous manual handwheel rotation.
Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sectioning
The RM2155 is especially useful for sectioning formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens.
After processing and embedding, the tissue block is mounted in the specimen clamp and trimmed until the desired tissue surface is exposed.
The operator then selects the appropriate section thickness and cutting mode.
Sections can be collected and transferred to a tissue flotation bath before mounting on microscope slides.
Prepared sections may be used for hematoxylin and eosin staining, special stains, immunohistochemistry, and other compatible histological procedures.
Leica RM2155 vs. Microm HM335E
The Leica RM2155 and Microm HM335E are both precision rotary microtomes, but they differ significantly in automation.
The Microm HM335E is a power-assisted manual rotary microtome. It incorporates electronic specimen feed functions while the operator manually performs the cutting stroke.
The Leica RM2155 can perform both specimen advancement and the vertical cutting movement automatically.
It also provides manual sectioning when direct operator control is preferred.
For laboratories performing repetitive routine sectioning, the RM2155's fully motorized operation can offer an ergonomic and productivity advantage.
Motorized Microtome vs. Manual Rotary Microtome
A conventional manual rotary microtome requires the operator to rotate the handwheel for each cutting stroke.
A motorized microtome can perform this movement automatically at a selected speed.
Motorized operation may reduce repetitive physical effort and provide more consistent cutting speeds during extended sectioning sessions.
However, section quality still depends on specimen preparation, blade condition, instrument adjustment, and operator technique.
The RM2155 offers the flexibility of both approaches in a single instrument.
Refurbishment and Testing by American Instrument Exchange
American Instrument Exchange inspects and tests used microtomes before shipment.
For the Leica RM2155, relevant testing includes evaluating the motorized cutting mechanism, manual handwheel operation, specimen feed, coarse feed, control interface, trimming functions, retraction system, electromechanical brake, and installed safety features.
The instrument is inspected for mechanical wear, damaged components, and other conditions that could affect sectioning performance.
The knife-holder assembly, specimen clamping system, and accessible surfaces are cleaned and evaluated as appropriate.
Customers requiring a particular blade holder, specimen clamp, or sectioning demonstration should discuss those requirements with AIE before purchase.
The refurbished RM2155 includes a 90-day warranty.
Shipping and Installation
The Leica RM2155 is a benchtop rotary microtome.
The manufacturer specifies dimensions of approximately 15.7 inches wide × 21.7 inches deep × 11.4 inches high, including the handwheel. AIE lists approximately 20 inches wide × 24 inches deep × 12 inches high for its inventory unit.
The manufacturer specifies a net weight of approximately 97 pounds.
The microtome should be installed on a stable, level workbench with adequate clearance for specimen loading, blade changes, and operator access.
Electrical requirements should be verified against the instrument's rating plate before installation.
Following setup, the motorized cutting mechanism, safety systems, specimen feed, and sectioning performance should be checked before routine use.
Related Equipment
Histology laboratories using the Leica RM2155 may also require other microtomes and cryostats, tissue flotation water baths, laboratory ovens, microscopes, and laboratory refrigerators.
American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished histology equipment, rotary microtomes, cryostats, microscopes, tissue flotation baths, and other laboratory instruments for clinical, academic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical research laboratories.
Leica RM2155 FAQs
Is the Leica RM2155 fully motorized?
Yes. The RM2155 supports fully motorized cutting as well as manual rotary sectioning.
What is the section thickness range?
The instrument provides a section thickness range of 0.5–60 µm.
How fast can the RM2155 section specimens?
The motorized cutting speed is adjustable from approximately 0.5–420 mm/s.
Does the RM2155 have a manual sectioning mode?
Yes. Operators can perform cutting strokes manually when direct control is preferred.
What is the Step-Trim function?
Step-Trim allows specimen advancement in increments of 5, 15, or 30 µm during initial block trimming.
Does the Leica RM2155 have motorized coarse feed?
Yes. The instrument provides motorized coarse specimen feed at approximately 900 µm/s.
Does the microtome include specimen retraction?
Yes. Retraction is adjustable in manual mode and varies with cutting speed during motorized operation. It can also be deactivated.
What is the maximum specimen size?
Leica specifies a maximum specimen size of approximately 50 × 60 × 40 mm, depending on the specimen holder configuration.
What is the difference between the Leica RM2155 and Microm HM335E?
The Leica RM2155 supports fully motorized cutting and manual sectioning. The Microm HM335E uses electronically assisted specimen positioning but requires manual handwheel operation for cutting.
Is the RM2155 suitable for routine paraffin histology?
Yes. Routine paraffin-embedded tissue sectioning is a primary application.
Does the RM2155 include a foot switch?
The RM2155 supports foot-switch operation, but inclusion of a foot switch should be verified for AIE inventory unit 3511G.
Does the refurbished Leica RM2155 include a warranty?
Yes. American Instrument Exchange includes a 90-day warranty.
