Mechanical Trimming of Embedded Blocks for Ultramicrotomy

Abstract

Plastic-embedded blocks can be trimmed readily in a lathe. The use of a milling tool as a cutter and the addition of an eccentric chuck to the lathe faceplate are requisites for easy operation. The eccentric chuck allows the tissue to be centered, regardless of its position within the plastic matrix. The milling tool cuts smoothly and avoids the risk of tearing the plastic, sometimes experienced when a regular lathe tool is used.