Chiron Micro5 Five Axis
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Chiron Micro5 Five Axis is Chiron's specialized precision micro-machining center, engineered for high-accuracy simultaneous 5-axis production of miniature components. Building on the base Micro5 platform, the Five Axis configuration provides full simultaneous 5-axis capability through direct-drive A and C axes, enabling complex contoured surfaces, undercut features, and compound angles on parts measured in single-digit to low tens of millimeters. The Micro5 Five Axis targets the medical device, dental, watchmaking, precision instruments, and micro-electronics sectors where tolerances measured in microns and surface finishes approaching Ra 0.1 µm define product requirements.
The Micro5 Five Axis features a machining cube of 50 x 50 x 50 mm, optimized specifically for micro-components. The high-speed motorspindle reaches 80,000 RPM with Chiron's proprietary micro-tool interface, enabling effective cutting with endmills as small as 0.1 mm diameter. The parallel kinematic machine structure provides the stiffness and dynamic response needed for micro-machining — at these scales, nanometer-level positioning errors translate directly into part rejection. A granite machine base provides exceptional vibration isolation and thermal stability, critical when thermal growth of even a few microns disrupts tolerances.
Five-axis simultaneous capability on the Micro5 Five Axis eliminates secondary setups on complex micro-components, reducing handling-induced errors that dominate at the micron scale. A full 360° C-axis and tilting A-axis enable access to all features of miniature implants, surgical instruments, watch escapement components, and micro-connectors in a single setup. The 60-tool magazine and integrated 6-pallet automation system support unattended production of multiple part programs without operator intervention.
The Micro5 Five Axis runs on a Fanuc control configured for micro-machining applications. Energy consumption remains under 500 Wh, supporting cleanroom and sensitive-environment deployment. Competing platforms include the Kern Micro HD, Willemin-Macodel 408S MT, and Datron neo. New Micro5 Five Axis machines price between $300,000 and $450,000 depending on automation 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 |
| A Axis Range | Tilting (simultaneous 5-axis) |
| C Axis Range | 360° continuous (simultaneous 5-axis) |
| Axis Drives | Direct drives on all five axes |
| Tool Capacity | 60 |
| Pallet Capacity | 6 |
| Max Workpiece Cube | 50 mm (1.97 in) side length |
| Machine Construction | Granite base with parallel kinematics |
| Energy Consumption | < 500 Wh |
| Machine Footprint | Approx. 1 m² |
| Positioning Accuracy | Sub-micron |
| CNC Control | Fanuc (micro-machining configuration) |
| English | Greek |
| Chiron | ΧείÏÏν (translit. CheÃrÅn) |
| Phonetic | IPA |
| Kahy Ron | /Ëkaɪ rÉn/ |
| Father | Mother |
| Cronus | Philyra |
| Brothers | Sisters |
| Hadeszeusposeidon | HeraDemeterHestia |
| Daughters | Son |
| Endeishippoocyrhoe | Carystus |
| Machining Cube Max Side Length | 50 mm |
| Num Axes | 5-axis |
Specifications sourced from chiron-group.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 80,000 RPM spindle with direct drive enables cutting with endmills as small as 0.1 mm, producing features and surface finishes impossible on conventional machining centers
- Full simultaneous 5-axis capability eliminates secondary setups on complex micro-components, removing the handling and re-fixturing errors that dominate at micron tolerances
- Sub-micron positioning accuracy across all five direct-drive axes provides the precision foundation for micro-medical, micro-optics, and watch component production
- Granite base with parallel kinematics delivers superior vibration isolation and thermal stability versus cast-iron or polymer-composite alternatives for micro-machining
- 60-tool magazine combined with 6-pallet automation enables unattended production of complex micro-parts across multiple pallets without operator presence
- Under 500 Wh energy consumption allows cleanroom and temperature-controlled environment deployment where heat generation must be minimized
Limitations
- 50 mm machining cube is the defining limitation — the Micro5 Five Axis is exclusively a micro-component machine with no flexibility for parts larger than a golf ball
- Proprietary 80,000 RPM micro-tool interface requires specialized tooling that is expensive and sourced from few suppliers compared to HSK standard tooling
- Chiron's service network for Micro5 Five Axis installations is primarily European, with limited North American field support infrastructure
- Parallel kinematic structure requires factory-trained Chiron technicians for calibration and maintenance — third-party service is not an option
- High per-machine cost ($300,000+) for a 50 mm work envelope demands clear micro-component production economics before justification
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Micro5 Five Axis machines typically price between $300,000 and $450,000. The simultaneous 5-axis capability, 6-pallet automation, and 80,000 RPM direct-drive spindle add cost over the base Micro5 configuration. The high unit price reflects the specialized precision engineering required for sub-micron accuracy at this scale.
02
The base Micro5 provides 5-axis positioning (3+2) for angled features but may not offer full simultaneous contouring in all configurations. The Micro5 Five Axis is explicitly configured for simultaneous 5-axis interpolation, enabling complex contoured surfaces and compound-angle features in a single continuous toolpath. This is essential for micro-turbine blades, dental abutment contouring, and miniature prosthetic surfaces.
03
The 80,000 RPM direct-drive spindle is designed to run micro-endmills down to 0.1 mm (100 microns) diameter. At these diameters, cutting speed is achieved through extremely high spindle RPM rather than the feed rates used on conventional machining. The direct-drive spindle provides the concentricity and balance precision needed to run such small tools without breakage.
04
Yes. The Micro5 Five Axis is designed for cleanroom-compatible deployment. Energy consumption below 500 Wh minimizes heat generation, the compact 1 m2 footprint fits within cleanroom bay allocations, and the enclosed machine design limits particle emission. Many medical and semiconductor customers operate Micro5 machines in ISO Class 7-8 cleanroom environments.
05
The Kern Micro HD is a well-established competitor with a larger work envelope (160 x 160 x 100 mm) and a strong reputation in precision mold and tooling micro-machining. The Chiron Micro5 Five Axis counters with higher spindle speed (80,000 RPM vs approximately 60,000 RPM), integrated 6-pallet automation, and the smallest footprint in its class. The Kern is better for slightly larger micro-mold work; the Chiron Micro5 excels in highest-speed production of the smallest components.
06
The Micro5 Five Axis uses a Fanuc control system configured specifically for micro-machining applications. Fanuc's high-speed, high-accuracy mode provides the interpolation resolution and servo loop speeds needed for sub-micron positioning during simultaneous 5-axis micro-machining. The control is optimized for the short tool paths and rapid direction changes characteristic of complex micro-component programs.
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