Chiron Micro5

$250,000 - $350,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

50 mm (1.97 in)

Y Travel

50 mm (1.97 in)

Z Travel

50 mm (1.97 in)

Max Spindle

80,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

Proprietary micro-tool interface

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Chiron Micro5 is a precision 5-axis micro-machining center designed for high-accuracy production of miniature components. With a machining cube of 50 x 50 x 50 mm, this machine targets the medical, watchmaking, dental, electronics, and precision technology sectors where parts measured in single-digit millimeters demand sub-micron positioning and mirror-like surface finishes.

The Micro5 uses a parallel kinematic design with direct drives on all five axes, eliminating backlash and providing the acceleration dynamics needed for micro-machining. The high-speed spindle reaches 80,000 RPM, enabling effective cutting with micro-endmills as small as 0.1 mm diameter. The machine's granite-based construction provides exceptional thermal stability and vibration damping, critical when tolerances are measured in microns.

One of the Micro5's defining characteristics is its energy efficiency, consuming less than 500 Wh during operation — a fraction of what conventional machining centers require. The compact footprint of approximately 1 m2 makes it suitable for cleanroom environments and space-constrained production cells. The 60-tool magazine provides capacity for complex micro-parts requiring many small-diameter tools without manual intervention.

Chiron designed the Micro5 with full automation in mind. An integrated pallet system supports up to 6 pallets for unattended production, and the machine can be integrated into larger automation cells. The Fanuc control system provides the interpolation accuracy needed for simultaneous 5-axis micro-machining. Competing platforms include the Kern Micro HD, Willemin-Macodel 508MT, and Datron neo. New Micro5 machines price between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on configuration.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	50 mm (1.97 in)
Y-Axis Travel	50 mm (1.97 in)
Z-Axis Travel	50 mm (1.97 in)
Max Spindle Speed	80,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	Proprietary micro-tool interface
Tool Capacity	60
Pallet Capacity	6
Max Workpiece Cube	50 mm (1.97 in) side length
Axis Drives	Direct drives on all axes
Machine Construction	Granite base
Energy Consumption	< 500 Wh
Machine Footprint	Approx. 1 m²
CNC Control	Fanuc
Positioning Accuracy	Sub-micron
Machining Cube Max Side Length	50 mm
Low Energy Consumption	< 500 Wh

Specifications sourced from chiron-group.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

80,000 RPM spindle enables effective cutting with micro-endmills down to 0.1 mm diameter, opening up parts that conventional machines cannot produce
Sub-micron positioning accuracy with direct drives on all five axes eliminates backlash entirely for the tightest micro-machining tolerances
Energy consumption under 500 Wh is a fraction of conventional machining centers, reducing operating costs and enabling cleanroom deployment
Compact 1 m2 footprint fits into cleanroom environments and allows dense production cell layouts with multiple machines
60-tool magazine is generous for a micro-machining platform, supporting complex parts without manual tool changes
Integrated 6-pallet automation enables unattended production runs for high-volume micro-component manufacturing

Limitations

50 mm machining cube severely limits part size — this is exclusively a micro-machining platform with no flexibility for larger work
80,000 RPM spindle requires specialized micro-tooling that is expensive and has limited availability compared to standard HSK tooling
Chiron's North American service network for the Micro5 is very limited, as most installations are in Europe
Granite construction and parallel kinematics require Chiron-trained technicians for service, with limited third-party support options
Proprietary tool interface means no compatibility with standard HSK or BT toolholders used across the rest of a shop

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing micro-implants, bone screws, dental abutments, and surgical instrument components requiring sub-micron accuracy Watch and jewelry manufacturers machining miniature movement components, cases, and precision decorative parts Electronics and semiconductor companies producing micro-connectors, sensor housings, and precision mechanical components Dental labs and implant manufacturers needing automated 5-axis production of custom abutments and prosthetic frameworks Precision optics manufacturers machining micro-lens mounts, fiber optic components, and miniature mechanical assemblies Research institutions and prototyping labs requiring 5-axis micro-machining capability in a compact, energy-efficient package

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Chiron Micro5 cost?

New Chiron Micro5 machines typically price between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on spindle configuration, automation options, and tooling package. The 6-pallet automation system and high-tool-count magazine add to the base price. Used Micro5 machines are rare on the secondary market due to the specialized nature of the platform.

02 What size parts can the Micro5 machine?

The Micro5 has a 50 mm machining cube, meaning parts must fit within a 50 x 50 x 50 mm envelope. This makes it purpose-built for micro-components like watch parts, dental implants, micro-connectors, and miniature medical devices. For larger parts, Chiron offers the Micro5 XL with a 120 mm machining cube.

03 How does the Micro5 compare to the Kern Micro HD?

Both target the micro-machining segment. The Kern Micro HD offers a larger work envelope and is established in the micro-mold market. The Chiron Micro5 counters with higher spindle speed (80,000 RPM), integrated 6-pallet automation, and a more compact footprint. The Micro5 is more production-oriented while the Kern excels in one-off precision work.

04 Can the Micro5 run unattended?

Yes. The integrated 6-pallet system allows the Micro5 to run unattended for extended periods. Combined with the 60-tool magazine, the machine can process multiple pallets of micro-parts without operator intervention. Chiron also offers integration options for robotic loading cells.

05 Why does the Micro5 use only 500 Wh?

The Micro5's low energy consumption comes from its compact size, lightweight moving components, and efficient direct-drive motors. The small machining envelope means less mass to accelerate and decelerate. This makes it suitable for cleanroom environments where heat generation must be minimized and enables significant energy savings when running multiple machines.

06 What control system does the Micro5 use?

The Micro5 runs on a Fanuc control system configured for micro-machining applications. The control provides the interpolation resolution and servo loop speeds needed for sub-micron positioning accuracy during simultaneous 5-axis micro-machining operations.