Quick Answer: The Rotary Microtome, Erma Type is a handwheel-driven microtome, listed under the Erma pattern name, that cuts serial sections from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. An Erma type rotary microtome is used to produce ribbons of thin sections for mounting and staining.
What Erma Type Means in the Listing
‘Erma type’ is a pattern name used in laboratory catalogues for a style of rotary microtome. The name tells you the family of instrument rather than a specification. The listing does not detail the section-thickness range, clamp or knife holder, so compare this model with LabEquip’s plain Rotary Microtome on those points before ordering.
Whatever the pattern, the working principle is shared by all rotary instruments. Turning the handwheel carries the block vertically past a fixed knife; the feed then advances the block by the chosen thickness, and the paraffin sections join edge to edge into a ribbon. The ribbon is floated on warm water, which relaxes compression, and picked up on slides in sequence so that serial order is kept.
The blocks it cuts come from tissue processing and embedding, for which LabEquip lists an Automatic Tissue Processor with Thermostat.
Applications
- Paraffin section cutting for histology practical classes
- Preparing serial sections of small organisms or embryos
- Sections for staining practice with haematoxylin and eosin or special stains
- Research projects that need modest numbers of paraffin sections
Specifications
| Instrument | Rotary microtome, Erma type (pattern name) |
| Operation | Manual handwheel |
| Specimen path | Vertical, past a fixed knife |
| Material cut | Paraffin wax tissue blocks |
| Result | Serial section ribbons for slides |
| Thickness range and accessories | Confirm at enquiry |
Care & Handling
- Trim wax blocks cleanly before clamping them in the Erma type rotary microtome, since loose or chipped wax at the edges breaks the ribbon.
- Keep one soft brush for lifting sections and a separate one for sweeping away wax debris.
- Wind the block back from the knife and fit the guard before changing blades.
- Cover the microtome between sessions and check that the feed moves freely before each use.
Why Choose LabEquip
University and college histology labs that want a standard manual instrument for classes choose this Erma pattern model. It is listed in the LabEquip Microscope & Optics range; use the contact page to compare it with the plain handwheel model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Erma type mean?
It is a pattern name used in catalogues for a style of rotary microtome. It indicates the general design family rather than a specification, so compare thickness range and knife holder when choosing between models.
What is the correct way to face a new block?
Trim into the block with the coarse feed or a thick setting until the full face of the tissue is exposed, then change to the working thickness. Chilling the block face briefly on ice before cutting the sections you keep helps them come off cleanly.
Why float sections on a water bath?
Sections are slightly compressed and wrinkled as they leave the knife. Floating them on water a little below the melting point of the wax lets them expand and flatten before being picked up on a slide.
How do I keep sections in serial order?
Cut a continuous ribbon, lay it on a dark card or directly on the water bath in sequence, and pick up consecutive lengths onto numbered slides. Breaking the ribbon at marked points keeps the order clear.
What knife angle should be used?
The clearance angle between the knife and block face should be small, just enough to stop the block rubbing the back of the blade. Follow the setting marked on the knife holder, and adjust slightly if sections compress or skip.
What safety steps are needed when sectioning?
Lock or park the handwheel before touching the block or blade, keep the guard over the edge when not cutting, and never try to catch a falling blade. Dispose of used blades in a sharps container.
Last Updated: September 2026
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