The present disclosure relates to a punching device for punching network nodes on a mold insert, comprising: a first horizontal guide rail, a mounting seat, a first driver, a punching mechanism, a laser distance meter, a host computer, a displacement operation controller, and a work platform, wherein the laser distance meter is configured to measure at least one of thicknesses and hole diameters, spacing between the network nodes, and flatness of the mold insert, the displacement operation controller derives an appropriate value of electrical current from measurement results of the laser distance meter and sends it to the host computer, and the host computer supplies electricity to the electromagnetic mechanism in accordance with the value of electrical current, so as to perform an operation of punching the network nodes. In addition, it also relates to a method of punching network nodes on a mold insert using a punching device.

A rotary microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology is used for specimens (6) of different sizes. To maintain optimized cutting conditions, an adaptation to different specimen sizes is required without incurring disadvantages in terms of operation. An adjustment possibility is provided for the length of the vertical cutting movement (10). However, the moment that is generated by the vertical carriage (7) and that acts on the drive shaft (12) then changes. To maintain balanced moments of the drive movement, the counterweight has to be accordingly adapted by an adjustment weight (31). For this purpose, means are provided which, in an ergonomic and effective manner, permit the adjustment of the cutting stroke and also the necessary adaptation of the counterweights in one operation step. The rotary microtome according to the invention is suitable in particular in a histological routine in which mixed specimens are present in standard cassettes and also in macro-cassettes and in which, therefore, a rapid change of the cutting stroke length is desired along with good balance of the drive movement.