Durability test of microtome blades in sectioning of demineralized porcine rib samples

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the factors affecting the durability of the microtome blade used for sectioning pathology samples. Experiments were carried out to repeated sectioning of demineralized porcine ribs at a constant cutting thickness using an originally developed sectioning apparatus. Changes in cutting force, damage to the cutting edge and quality of the section due to repeated sectioning were measured, and the effects of microtome blade hardness, cutting edge angle and specimen characteristics on the durability of the microtome blade were investigated.