Monitoring cutting forces with an instrumented histological microtome

Abstract

Summary A modification to the knife mounting of a histological microtome is described which can sense the load on the knife when a section is being cut. The performance of this microtome is described in general terms. The variation in force on the knife can be used to give information about the texture of the sample being cut.

Production of high-quality extremely-thin histological sections by ultrasonically assisted cutting

“…Setting a correct blade angle during microtomy is known by (Allison and Vincent, 1990) to reduce unwanted compressive stresses and improving blade longevity. In conventional cutting (for cutting speeds ranging from low to medium) an increase in cutting speed typically increase the cutting forces and affect the surface finish detrimentally, which were found by WILLIS and VINCENT, (1995). This is mainly due to an increase in imposed strain-rate in the workpiece material, which is referred to as the strain-rate hardening effect.…”

Ultrasonically Assisted Cutting of Histological Sections for Reducing the Environmental and Financial Impact of Microtomy

“…A further factor that affects cutting force is cutting speed. For conventional cutting, it was known that an increase in cutting speed would dramatically increase the cutting force required as well as affect the surface finish [15]. This is mainly due to the increase in strain rate, which causes an increase in cutting resistance.…”

“…This is mainly due to the increase in strain rate, which causes an increase in cutting resistance. Through the testing of microtomy forces, Vincent showed that the optimum speed for a good quality surface finish was around 15 mm/s [15]. The final key factor that affects the surface finish and overall cutting force is the temperature.…”