™
Tissue-Tek® Autowrit
e
Slide Printer
3/4/2011
© 2011 Sakura Finetek Europe, B.V.
All Rights
The Netherlands
Reserved
Printed in
Manufactured for:
Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc., Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.A.
Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-0023, Japan
Sakura Finetek Europe B.V., 2408AV Alphen a/d Rijn, NL
Made in Germany
0003371-01C
3/4/2011
Revised
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
INTRODUCTION
INSTALLATION &
SOFTWARE
OPERATING
ACCESSORIES
CARE OF THE
Safety Instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 1.1
General Description ........................................................................................................................................................... 1.2
Physical Characteristics ..................................................................................................................................................... 1.3
Description of Accessories............................................................................................................................................... 1.10
Components and Specifications....................................................................................................................................... 1.11
SETUP
General Information ........................................................................................................................................................... 2.1
Unpacking .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2.1
Positioning the Instrument.................................................................................................................................................. 2.5
Installing the Unload Station .............................................................................................................................................. 2.7
Installing the Infrared Absorbing Glass .............................................................................................................................. 2.8
Installing the Curing Lamp ................................................................................................................................................. 2.9
Electrical and Data Connections ...................................................................................................................................... 2.10
Installing the Printer Cartridge.......................................................................................................................................... 2.11
Filling and Loading the Slide Magazines.......................................................................................................................... 2.13
CONFIGURATION
Software Configuration....................................................................................................................................................... 3.1
Printer Driver Settings ........................................................................................................................................................ 3.7
Installing the Sakura Data Management Software ........................................................................................................... 3.11
Performing a Test Print .................................................................................................................................................... 3.14
INSTRUCTIONS
Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................................................ 4.1
Understanding the Control Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 4.1
Printing Slides .................................................................................................................................................................... 4.6
Refilling Slide Magazines ................................................................................................................................................... 4.7
Operating the Unload Station............................................................................................................................................. 4.8
Standard Accessories ........................................................................................................................................................ 5.1
Optional Accessories ......................................................................................................................................................... 5.2
INSTRUMENT
General Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................... 6.1
Daily Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................................. 6.1
Removal and Replacement................................................................................................................................................ 6.2
Removing and Replacing the Ink Cartridge........................................................................................................................ 6.4
Cleaning the Print Head ..................................................................................................................................................... 6.6
Transportation.................................................................................................................................................................... 6.7
Page
ii
Revised 3/04/11
Section
TROUBLESHOOTING
SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT
General Information ........................................................................................................................................................... 7.1
Replacing the Curing Lamp................................................................................................................................................ 7.2
Service Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 8.1
Replacement Accessory Items........................................................................................................................................... 8.1
Optional Accessory Items .................................................................................................................................................. 8.1
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARTS
Revised 3/04/11
1.1
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
Safety Instructions
The Tissue-Tek® AutoWrite™ Slide Printer operating
manual includes important instructions and information
related to the operating safety and maintenance of the
instrument. It is important to read the operating manual
carefully prior to the operation of the instrument for the
first time and to keep the manual with the instrument at all
times.
This instrument has been built and tested with the
following safety regulations on electrical measuring control,
regulating and laboratory devices:
IEC 61010-1 2
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1-92
UL 61010A-1
In order to ensure safe operation, the operator must
always comply with the instructions and warnings contained
in this operating manual.
NOTE:
accessories may neither be removed nor modified. Only
authorized and qualified persons may access and repair
the internal components of the instruments.
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the
manufacturer only establishes the basis for accident
prevention. Primary responsibility for accident-free
operation is above all the institution which owns the
instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who
operate, services, or repairs the instrument.
nd
ed.
The protective devices on both the instrument and
Safety Precautions
CAUTIONS and NOTES are provided throughout this
manual to indicate levels of potential hazards as defined
below:
CAUTION
NOTE
Safety Features
The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer is equipped
with several safety features, which help keep the operator
and the instrument safe from harm.
If the door of the main cover is open, the UV curing
lamp will not flash.
If an error code exists, the instrument will not function
until slides have been removed from each station and
the error code has been removed from the system.
All error messages are accompanied by an audible
alarm (the instrument alarm stops after 5 consecutive
beeps). To clear the error, press the [ERROR] key.
Indicates a potential hazard in which
failure to follow instruction may result
in damage to the AutoWrite
other property.
Indicates a reminder or other helpful
information.
™
and/or
1.2
Revised 3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
General Descri
The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer (Figure 1-A) is
a high resolution ink-jet printer designed to print on
microscope slides used in pathology and cytology
laboratories. The uniquely formulated ink provides easy to
read printing that is chemically resistant and smudge- proof.
The high resolution (360 dpi) makes it possible to print
alpha and numeric characters, as well as barcodes and
graphics.
magazines; each magazine holding up to 150 slides. The
magazine can be easily loaded with standard 25 x 75 mm
painted slides. The printer can batch print 13 slides per
minute or individually print at 10 seconds per slide. The
control panel controls the printer functions and the print
jobs, defined by the control software. The panel also
indicates the current printer status and processes in
progress. The printer can be used as a stand alone
system or as a network integrated system.
The AutoWrite Slide Printer accommodates three slide
ption
Slides are dispensed one at a time from the slide
magazines down a central chute and are captured by the
print sledge assembly. The print head uses ink jet
technology and is driven by a Windows
driver, similar to a traditional paper printer. Once printing
is complete, the slide is moved to a drying area positioned
under a curing lamp. The UV flash generated by the lamp
cures the ink into the slide assuring mechanical and
chemical resistance to the printed information. The slide is
then delivered into the slide bin or the optional unload
station.
-
®
-based printer
Figure 1-A
Revised 3/04/11
1.3
Physical Ch
Slide Magazin e (Figure 1-B)
aracteristics
The three slide magazines are positioned in the
magazine receptacles located on the top of the instrument
and hold up to 150 slides each. Slides are loaded with the
slide writing surface positioned on the left. The slide
magazines are designed to accommodate commercially
available slides.
Delivery Chute (Figure 1-C)
The delivery chute is responsible for the transport of
the slide from the magazine to the transfer point. The slide
is pushed from the magazine onto the delivery chute, where
it travels to the transfer point and activates a sensor that
signals the print sledge.
Transfer Point (Figure 1-D)
The transfer point is the position between the delivery
chute and the print sledge. It contains a sensor that is
activated by a slide and acts as a holding station until the
print sledge becomes available.
Section 1
Figure 1-B
Figure 1-C
Figure 1-D
1.4
Revised 3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
Print Sledge (Figure 1-E)
The print sledge retrieves the slide from the transfer
point and moves it quickly back and forth under the print
head printing directly on the slide. The print sledge th en
transports the printed slide to the drying station.
Figure 1-E
Print Head (Figure 1-F)
The print head delivers the ink by way of an ink jet,
producing clear, legible printing on the slide.
Figure 1-F
Drying Station (Figure 1-G)
The slide is deposited into the drying station by the
print sledge. Warm air is gently blown on the slide to dry
the printed surface which prepares the printing for the UV
light cure.
Reflective Cover (Figure 1-H)
damage and the operator from UV exposure.
Figure 1-G
The reflective cover protects the curing lamp from
Figure 1-H
Revised 3/04/11
1.5
Ink/Transport Cartridge Receptacle
(Figure 1-I)
The transport cartridge is inserted in the cartridge
receptacle when the instrument is transported. For routine
operation, the transport cartridge must be replaced by an
ink cartridge.
Slide Debris Tray (Figure 1-J)
The slide debris tray collects debris that accumulates
during the printing of multiple slides.
Transport Cartridge (Figure 1-K)
The transport cartridge is needed to keep the print head
from drying out during transportation or when the
instrument will not be used for an extended period of time.
Section 1
Figure 1-I
Figure 1-J
Figure 1-K
1.6
Revised 3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
Ink Cartridge (Figure 1-L
)
The ink cartridge contains a uniquely formulated ink
designed specifically to print on slides. Once the ink is
printed on the slide, it is dried and cured, making it
chemically resistant and smudge-proof.
Curing Lamp (Figure 1-M)
The curing lamp is a specialized UV light bulb used to
cure the ink printed on the slide. The curing renders the
printing smudge-proof and heat and reagent resistant.
Slide Bin Assembly (Figure 1-N)
The slide bin assembly is used for the delivery and
collection of printed slides.
Figure 1-L
Figure 1-M
Figure 1-N
Revised 3/04/11
1.7
Unload Station (Figure 1-O)/Unload Trays
(Figure 1-P) (Optional)
An automatic unload station (Figure 1-O) is available
as an optional accessory. It is used as a collection system
for printed slides. It contains ten removable trays (Figure
1-P) that accommodate ten slides per tray. The printed
slides are pushed onto the tray one at a time until the tray
is full at which time, the tray is indexed up one tray. An
audible signal notifies the operator when no more trays
are available.
Section 1
Figure 1-O
Figure 1-P
1.8
Revised 3/04/11
..
..
..
.. ..
.. ..
INTRODUCTION
Control Panel (Figure 1-Q)
The control panel controls the printer functions and
print jobs, as defined by the control software. It also
indicates current printer status, processes in progress,
errors and/or error messages, and controls the optional
unload station. The panel consists of a membrane
keyboard with a two-figure, seven-segment display, six
pressure-sensitive function keys (four of the keys include
an LED indicator) and two LED displays.
1
9
8
7
6
Figure 1-Q
Display
1
..
—
is a two-figure, seven-segment LED
display used to indicate current printer status, processes
in progress, errors and/or error messages.
[POWER] key
2
..
—
is used to switch between the
POWER ON mode and the STANDBY mode. The LED on
the [POWER] key provides three indications:
On – the instrument is in the POWER ON mode.
Power is supplied to all printer systems and the printer
is ready to print.
Flashing – the instrument is in the STANDBY mode.
Power is removed from all internal components
except for the computer processing unit. When in the
STANDBY mode, the printer performs a print head
clean at regular intervals (approximately 4 times a day)
and switches into the POWER ON mode for a short
period of time.
Off – the instrument is disconnected from the power
source.
3
4
5
[ONLINE] key
and is used to interrupt a print job in progress. The LED
on the [ONLINE] key provides three indications:
On – the instrument ready and awaiting a new print
job.
Flashing – a data transmission is in progress or a
print job is being carried out.
Off – no data transmission or print jobs are in
progress or a print job has been temporarily
2
interrupted.
[ERROR] key
[ERROR] key provides two indications:
Flashing – an error has occurred. The corresponding
error code shows in the display.
Off – the instrument is working trouble-free.
[TRAY LOAD] key
elevating tray of the optional unload station.
NOTE:
not equipped with an unload station.
No function is assigned to this key if the printer is
[LOADED] key
magazine or an ink cartridge.
[CLEAN] key
and to carry out a print test.
INK EMPTY LED
cartridge levels. The LED provides three indications:
Off – the ink cartridge contains enough ink for printing
without restrictions.
Flashing - that the ink cartridge is low on ink - flashing
starts when remaining ink is less than 25%. Printing
may continue, but it is advisable to change the ink
cartridge soon.
On - the ink cartridge is empty (less than 10%) and no
further printing is possible.
MAG. EMPTY LED
levels. The LED provides two indications:
Off - the magazines are full or, up to that point, no
further slide has been requested from a magazine
that has just been emptied.
Flashing - indicates that there is a magazine empty.
The number indicated on the display signifies which
magazine is empty. If several magazines are emptied
at the same time, their corresponding numbers are
indicated in a recurring sequence.
3
—
indicates data transmission status
4
..
—
Indicates errors. The LED on the
5
..
—
controls the movement of the
6
..
—
is used to confirm exchange of a
7
..
..
—
is used to initiate print head cleaning
8
..
—
is used to indicate printer ink
9
..
—
indicates slide magazine
Revised 3/04/11
1.9
.. .. .. ..
.. ..
Section 1
Rear of Instrument (Figure 1-R)
Print Interface Connection
1
..
The printer interface
connection is a serial port connection used to connect the
printer with the PC by means of a serial cable.
3
2
..
Two x 3.15A melting fuses.
..
The instrument power is turned on
Secondary Fuses
Power Switch
and off by pressing the power switch located on the back
of the instrument.
Power Connection
4
..
The power connection is used
Printer Rating Label
located at the rear of the instrument and indicates the
instrument serial number and electrical specifications.
Unload Station Rating Label
unload station rating label is located at the rear of the
unload station and indicates the unload station serial
number and the electrical specifications.
5
..
The printer rating label is
6
..
(not shown)
The
to connect the instrument to a power source using the
power cord provided. The other end of the power cord must
be plugged into an appropriately grounded AC electrical
outlet.
1
2
3
5
Figure 1-R
4
1.10
Revised 3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
Description of
4
1
6 3 11
Power Cord
UV Ink Cartridge
ink
UV Curing Lamp
cure the ink that is printed on a slide
Slide Bin Assembly
CD ROM
Serial Printer Cable
1
Supplies power to the instrument
2
3
4
5
Contains printer driver software
6
Accessories
Printer cartridge containing UV
Lamp that produces a UV light to
Delivers slides after printing
Connects printer to the PC
Figure 1-S
5
9
12
8
10
7
Printer cartridge
Three magazines accommodate
Fuses
Transport Cartridge
containing cleaning fluid used during transport
Slide Magazines
150 slides each
Tool set and Replacement
Screwdriver
Allen Key size 2.5
11
Brush
Fuses (2) 3.15 A
9
10
8
2
7
12
Section 1
Components and
Specifications
Printer Interface:
Drive Type:
Power Supply Requirements
Model 8030 AutoWrite Slide Printer
Rated Voltage and Current:
AC 100-120 V 10%, 50-60Hz, 4.0 Amps
AC 200-240 V 10%, 50-60Hz, 2.8 Amps
Admissions:
All instrument-specific admissions are located on the
rear panel of the instrument.
Maximum Power Draw: 480 VA
Fuse Rating: 2 x 3.15 A T (UL-listed)
Safety Standards
Complies with: IEC 61010-1 2
1010.1-92, UL 61010A-1
Dimensions
Without Magazine:
nd
ed., CAN/CSA C22.2 No.
Centimeters: 41(W) x 58(D) x 46(H)
Inches:
16.1(W) x 22.8(D) x 18.1(H)
With Magazine Slide Printer:
Centimeters: 41(W) x 58(D) x 56(H)
Inches:
16.1(W) x 22.8(D) x 22(H)
Instrument Weight
Weight, unpacked: Approx. 28 kg (62 lbs)
Weight, packed: Approx. 65 kg (143 lbs)
Unload Station
Weight, unpacked: Approx. 14 kg (31 lbs)
Weight, packed: Approx. 32 kg (71 lbs)
Computer Requirements
Type:
Processor Clock Rate: 800 MHz (minimum)
PC Pentium III or higher
Main memory RAM: 512MB (recommended) 256MB
Hard Drive:
(minimum)
6GB of free hard drive space
(minimum)
Operating Systems: Windows®1 NT 4.0 (sp 6+),
Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro,
Windows Vista, Windows 7
1
Microsoft, Windows and Access are registered trademarks of
the Microsoft Corporation.
Revised 3/04/11 1.11
Software:
Operating Conditions
Operational Temperature: 15C to 35C (59F to 95F)
Relative Humidity:
Atmospheric Pressure: 80kPa – 106kPa
Storage Temperature:
Storage Relative Humidity: 15-90% (non-condensing)
Protect from direct sunlight
Performance Data
Load Capacity:
3 magazines, 150 slides per magazine
Print Speed2:
Batch–job printing:
Single-slide printing: 10 seconds per slide
Ink Cartridge Capacity:
60,000 print jobs or 3.5 months whichever comes first
Curing Lamp Lifespan:
Approx. 150,000 flashes
Print Resolution3:
360 x 360 dpi/180 x 180 dpi, Selectable
Printable Objects:
Non-beveled edge glass microscope slides 75 x 25
mm, max. 1.2 mm in thickness
Print Formats:
Slide
Print Surface:
Max. 25.4 x 18.0 mm
2
Average value-exact speed in each individual case depends on
system configuration and software used.
3
Measured in addressable dots per inch.
Serial connection via serial port
(RS 232C)
CD ROM (mandatory for system
upgrades)
Microsoft Access®-version 2002
(recommended)
30-80% (non-condensing)
0C to 50C (32F to
122F)
15 slides per minute
1.12
Revised 3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
Format
Width
Height
Dots
MM
Dots
MM
Slide
360
25.4
256
18.0
Print Specifications
The quality of the prints depends largely on the objects
being printed.
Printable microscope slides
Only standard microscope slides with a painted surface
can be printed in the AutoWrite Slide Printer. Printing
directly onto glass is not possible. Beveled edge
microscope slides are not recommended.
Print Area
The printing area parameters listed are defined in the
printer driver.
Print Resolution
The print head of the instrument has a maximum
resolution of 360 dpi in both directions (vertical and
horizontal).
Each printed line has a maximum height of 128 dots
corresponding to 9.03 mm. In the horizontal direction, the
printed surface is limited only by the size of the object to
be printed.
These values mu st be considered when defining the
print area ("paper size") in the application (program) that is
being used to generate the print command. The correct
printing area must also be defined for applications using
the direct mode, since the standard Windows® GDI
functions are used for printing.
Print Quality
The quality and resolution of the prints depend on:
The slide material and color
The surface finish and roughness of the slide print
field
The final resolution of the printed slide is not only
determined by the resolution of the print head alone. If the
slide surface is not capable of 360 dpi resolution, "running"
ink would lead to poor printing result. In such cases, it is
better to work at a lower resolution. The printer driver
allows the resolution to be changed from 360 dpi to
180 dpi. Refer to Section 3, Software Configuration, for
further details.
Printing Bar codes
Printing readable bar codes depends on various factors
which need to be taken into consideration to achieve results
suitable for reliable and durable archiving. The main
factors influencing the bar code results are:
Printer technology
How the bar code is created
The object being printed on
The type of scanner used to read the bar code
Printer technology
As a dot matrix printer, the AutoWrite Slide Printer can
process information only in the form of dots printed or not
printed.
Revised 3/04/11
1.13
Creating bar codes
Since there is only limited printing space on a slide, the
bar code should not contain more information than is
necessary. An error-checking code should be used, making
it easier for the bar code scanner to recognize possible
errors. Some codes support error correction.
When calculating and creating bar codes, remember
the resolution capabilities of the printer. The module size
is the width of the smallest element of a bar code
(Figure 1-I).
Module/Smallest
element
Figure 1-I
Wider bars and spaces are calculated in multiples of
the module size. The module size is an integral factor of
the printer resolution since only "whole" dots can be
printed (Figure 1-J).
Figure 1-J
A reading error may occur (e ven if the print appears to
be crisp and correct) if, due to conversion, the module
width and resolution no longer match.
NOTE:
The data should not be printed as a bar code only,
but also as text (line of optical characters above or below
the bar code) to ensure that no information is lost.
Printing Surfaces
Section 1
To obtain reliable results, high-quality slides should be
used. Printable slide areas that only allow for low resolution
may be fine for printing text (depending on font type and
size), but are not suitable for printing bar codes. The printer
resolution should be selected to correspond to the
resolution of the print medium. Even a perfect-looking bar
code can sometimes be difficult to scan due to low
contrast. Depending on the color of light used to illuminate
the bar code symbol a slide color providing a good contrast
should be used.
Bar Code Scanners
In addition to the correct bar code creation and the
quality of the slides, the features of the bar code scanner
used also have an impact on scanning results.
Important features include:
Reading tolerance:
Difference between the actual bar code width
0
and nominal module size
Light color:
0
There should be a high contrast to the color of
the slides being used.
Optical resolution:
Must be better than the module size.
0
Depending on the application (program) used to
generate bar code information, the following features
should also be considered:
Maximum readable distance
Resistance against
reagents
The ink's absolute resistance to wiping can not be
guaranteed under all foreseeable laboratory conditions, as
the surface finish of the used slide's print field is decisive
in this regard. Therefore, the print field of the printed slide
should not be touched or wiped while damp.
NOTE:
All slides must be tested before use. Sakura
Finetek assumes no responsibility for any damage due to
prints of poor quality or prints made with non-reagentresistant ink.
1.14
Revised
3/04/11
INTRODUCTION
Revised 3/04/11
2.1
Section 2
INSTALLATION & SETUP
General Informati
This section provides detailed installation and setup
instructions for the Tissue-Tek
The installation steps must be followed correctly to ensure
proper operation and service. The operating manual
includes important instructions and information related to
the operating safety and maintenance of the instrument. It
must be read carefully prior to operating the instrument.
The Tissue-Tek AutoWrite Slide Printer is a precision
instrument that must be handled accordingly. Rough
handling or dropping the instrument will disturb or damage
internal components. Always handle the instrument with
care.
Select a place where sufficient clearance can be
provided around the instrument. The AutoWrite printer
needs approximately 65 x 50 cm (165 x 127 in.) of space.
Additional space is required for the PC containing the
control software.
on
®
AutoWrite
™
Slide Printer.
Unpacking
The AutoWrite Printer is packaged in an inner carton
and a sturdy wooden crate (Figure 2-A). Inspect the crate
to ensure there are no visible signs of damage. If there is
evident damage, immediately file a complaint with the
carrier and notify Sakura Finetek USA Technical Support
Department.
Environmental Factors
As with all sensitive electronic instruments, prolonged
exposure to excessive humidity and temperature should
be avoided. Temperature and humidity should be held
relatively constant. The ambient temperature range for
operating the instrument is 15C to 35C (59
The ambient operating humidity range is 30-80% relative
humidity.
F to 95 F).
Figure 2-A
Unpacking the AutoWrite Slide Printer
1. Remove the eight screws on the upper portion of the
wooden crate (Figure 2-B) to release the lid.
2. Lift the lid up and away from the crate.
Figure 2-B
2.2
Revised 3/04/11
INSTALLATION & SETUP
3. Remove the accessory box (containing accessories
and packing material) located directly beneath the lid
(Figure 2-C).
5. Remove box containing ink cartridge (Figure 2-E)
from the inner carton.
Figure 2-C
4. Loosen the eight screws at the bottom of the wooden
crate (Figure 2-D).
Figure 2-D
Figure 2-E
6. Remove the inner carton (Figure 2-F) surrounding the
instrument.
Figure 2-F
7. Lift the wooden crate up and away from the
instrument.
Revised 3/04/11
2.3
8. Remove the screws (Figure 2-G) holding each leg to
a metal piece on the floor of the crate.
Figure 2-G
9. Push the metal pieces aside and lift the printer from
the crate. Remove all packing material and place on a
firm level surface directly on the bench or on top of
the unload station.
CAUTION: The instrument is very heavy and large;
therefore, it is strongly recommended that it always
be lifted and transported by at least two people,
positioned on each
side.
CAUTION: Always transport the printer in an upright
position.
10. Lift and open the main cover.
one
Section 2
11. Remove the transport medium holding the print
sledge and drying station air duct (Figure 2-H).
Figure 2-H
12. Close the main cover.
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