Vibrating blade microtome VT1200

semi-automaticfor histologyfor research

Overview
The semi-automatic Leica VT1200 vibrating blade microtome is designed for sectioning fresh or unfixed specimens in neuropathology (fresh brain slicing), neurophysiology (patch-clamp) and electrophysiology. The instrument provides manual control of sectioning parameters (section thickness and cutting stroke) for each individual section. Vertical blade deflection can be measured with the optional Leica Vibrocheck device and minimized using the adjustable blade holder. The VT1200 was developed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Peter Jonas (Institute of Science and Technology, Klosterneuburg, Austria) and his former group.

Key features

• Manual control of section thickness and cutting stroke for each section
• Adjustable blade holder and Vibrocheck compatibility to minimize vertical deflection and preserve viable cells on the section surface
• Magnetic specimen holders for quick handling and reproducible orientation
• Adjustable amplitude and sectioning speed to match application requirements
• Designed for fresh specimen workflows in neuropathology, neurophysiology and electrophysiology

Configurations and options

• Basic instrument (14048142065): Leica VT1200 – basic instrument without blade holder, ice tray, metal buffer tray or specimen disc. Semiautomatic vibrating blade microtome for sectioning unfixed specimens. Vertical specimen feed: max. 20 mm.
• Configuration 1 (14912000001): Leica VT1200 with blade holder, ice tray, metal buffer tray and specimen disc. Blade holder secures full razor blade and includes an adjustment screw to reduce vertical deflection below 1 µm. Vertical specimen feed: max. 20 mm.

Downloads
Datasheets, brochures and conformity/certificate PDFs related to the Leica Vibratome Series and VT1200 are available as downloadable PDF documents on the product page.

Technical specifications

• Sectioning frequency: 85 Hz (± 10 %)
• Amplitude: 0–3 mm, adjustable in 0.05 mm increments
• Sectioning speed: 0.01–1.5 mm/s (± 10 %)
• Return speed: 2.5 mm/s (± 10 %)
• Total vertical specimen stroke: 20 mm (motorized)
• Cutting range: 45 mm (adjustable)
• Weight (basic instrument): 56 kg
• Dimensions (L x W x H, basic instrument): 600 mm x 250 mm x 230 mm

Intended use
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.