Machine Comparison
Kern Evo vs Makino a500iR
Kern Microtechnik vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Kern Evo and the Makino a500iR are both 5-axis machining centers, but they serve different jobs. The Kern Evo is a micro-milling machine with 300 x 280 x 250 mm of travel and a 50 kg load limit. The Makino a500iR travels 900 mm (35.4 in), 750 mm (29.5 in) and 800 mm (31.5 in) and carries 400 kg (880 lb.).
The Kern Evo is stronger on spindle speed: 50,000 rpm on an HSK 25 nose against 14,000 rpm standard on the Makino a500iR, where 20,000 and 24,000 rpm are extra-cost options. The Makino a500iR is stronger on size, with three times the X travel and eight times the table load. It carries 90 tools as standard, with 133, 218 or 311 as options; the Kern Evo holds 32, 63 or 95.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Kern Evo | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 300 mm | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 280 mm | 750 mm (29.5 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 50 kg | 400 kg (880 lb.) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 50,000 rpm ▲ | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK 25 | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Tool Capacity | 32, 63 or 95 | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) |
Advantages
Kern Evo
- 50,000 rpm spindle against 14,000 rpm standard (20,000 and 24,000 optional)
- HSK 25 spindle nose for small tools
- Suits small parts and shops with limited floor space
Makino a500iR
- 900 mm (35.4 in) of X travel against 300 mm
- 750 mm (29.5 in) of Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z travel against 280 mm and 250 mm
- 400 kg (880 lb.) table load against 50 kg
- CAT40 or HSK-A63 spindle taper for larger tools
Verdict
These machines do not compete for the same part. The Kern Evo is for micro-milling with small tools at 50,000 rpm, on parts that fit 300 x 280 x 250 mm and weigh no more than 50 kg. The Makino a500iR is for larger five-axis parts and heavy fixtures, up to 400 kg (880 lb.) and 900 mm (35.4 in) of X travel, with a CAT40 or HSK-A63 spindle. Pick by part size and tool size; a shop considering one is rarely considering the other.