Kern Microtechnik 5-Axis Machining Centers

Kern Micro Vario

Est. $700,000 - $1,100,000 Specs verified 2026-10-06 · rainfordprecision.com Updated 2026-10-06

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm

Y Travel

220 mm

Z Travel

250 mm

Tool Capacity

HSK 40: 18-, 102- and 210-pockets

Accuracy

< 1,5 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, P)

Repeatability

< 1 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, Ps)

How much does the Kern Micro Vario cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$700,000 - $1,100,000

Our best estimate for a 5-axis machining center in this class — not a quote from Kern Microtechnik. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Kern Micro Vario is a 5-axis machining center with 350 mm of X, 220 mm of Y and 250 mm of Z, offered with four spindles and specified for a positioning accuracy of < 1,5 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, P). The figures on this page are from the maker's brochure as hosted by an authorised distributor.

Which spindle is fitted decides what the machine does. On HSK 25-E there are two: a roller-bearing spindle at 50.000 rpm and 6 kW (S1), and an air-bearing spindle at 80.000 rpm and 5,5 kW (S1). HSK 32-E gives 40.000 rpm and 6,3 kW (S1). HSK 40-E gives 42.000 rpm and 15 kW (S1). Only the 15 kW spindle has real power for stock removal. The air-bearing spindle is the one for the smallest tools. The tool capacity row names HSK 40 only, with 18-, 102- and 210-pockets, so ask which magazines go with the other interfaces.

How tight is the machine? Repeatability is < 1 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, Ps) and circular deviation is < 3 µm (ISO 230-4) in both GYX and GXY. Temperature control accuracy is ± 80 mK. A machine that holds its own temperature that closely will show up any drift in the room, the coolant or the part, so those need the same attention.

The part envelope is a cylinder: up to 350 mm (13.78 in) in diameter and up to 200 mm (7.88 in) high, at no more than 50 kg (110,23 lbs). The rotary axis is 360° infinite at 200 rpm, and the swivel axis covers 220° (opt. 280°) at 100 rpm with 300 Nm of clamping. Feed rate is 30 m/min (1,181in/min) with acceleration up to 10 m/s². The machine weighs 5.200 kg (11,464.04 lbs), against ca. 8.000 kg for the Pyramid Nano with its 500 mm of X and Y.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm
Y-Axis Travel	220 mm
Z-Axis Travel	250 mm
Max Clamping Surface	Ø 350 x 200 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	50 kg (110,23 lbs)
Feed Rate	30 m/min (1,181in/min)
Acceleration	up to 10 m/s²
Rotary Axis	360° infinite / 200 rpm
Swivel Axis	220° (opt. 280°) / 100 rpm
Clamping Swivel Axis	300 Nm
Spindle Options	HSK 25-E: 50.000 rpm 6 kW (S1) Roller bearing; HSK 25-E: 80.000 rpm 5,5 kW (S1) Air bearing; HSK 32-E: 40.000 rpm 6,3 kW (S1) Roller bearing; HSK 40-E: 42.000 rpm 15 kW (S1) Roller bearing
Workpiece Height	up to 200 mm (7.88 in)
Workpiece Diameter	up to 350 mm (13.78 in)
Positioning Accuracy	< 1,5 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, P)
Repeatability	< 1 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, Ps)
Circular Deviation Gyx	< 3 µm (ISO 230-4)
Circular Deviation Gxy	< 3 µm (ISO 230-4)
Tool Capacity	HSK 40: 18-, 102- and 210-pockets
Max Tool Diameter (full magazine)	70 mm (2.76 in)
Max Tool Length	155 mm (6.10 in)
Temperature Control Accuracy	± 80 mK
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640
Machine Weight	5.200 kg (11,464.04 lbs)

Specifications sourced from rainfordprecision.com (authorised dealer / distributor, not the manufacturer's own site) — verified 2026-10-06

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Four spindle options, from HSK 25-E at 80.000 rpm on air bearings to HSK 40-E at 42.000 rpm with 15 kW (S1)
Positioning accuracy < 1,5 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, P) and repeatability < 1 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, Ps)
Circular deviation < 3 µm (ISO 230-4) in GYX and GXY
Temperature control accuracy of ± 80 mK
HSK 40 magazines with 18-, 102- and 210-pockets
Rotary axis 360° infinite at 200 rpm; swivel axis at 100 rpm

Limitations

Workpiece weight stops at 50 kg (110,23 lbs)
The 280° swivel range is an option; 220° is standard
Three of the four spindles are rated between 5,5 kW and 6,3 kW (S1), so only HSK 40-E suits heavier cuts
Tool capacity is stated for HSK 40 only; no magazine sizes are given for HSK 25-E or HSK 32-E
Tools are limited to 70 mm (2.76 in) in diameter and 155 mm (6.10 in) in length

Best For

Micro-machining with the 80.000 rpm air-bearing HSK 25-E spindle Parts toleranced around a positioning accuracy of < 1,5 µm Round parts up to 350 mm (13.78 in) in diameter and 200 mm (7.88 in) high Unattended running from a 210-pocket HSK 40 magazine Harder or larger features with the 15 kW (S1) HSK 40-E spindle

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Which spindle options does the Kern Micro Vario have?

Four are listed. HSK 25-E with roller bearings: 50.000 rpm and 6 kW (S1). HSK 25-E with air bearings: 80.000 rpm and 5,5 kW (S1). HSK 32-E with roller bearings: 40.000 rpm and 6,3 kW (S1). HSK 40-E with roller bearings: 42.000 rpm and 15 kW (S1).

02 How accurate is the Micro Vario?

The brochure gives a positioning accuracy of < 1,5 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, P), repeatability of < 1 µm (VDI/DGQ 3441, Ps) and circular deviation of < 3 µm (ISO 230-4) for both GYX and GXY. Temperature control accuracy is ± 80 mK. Repeatability and positioning accuracy are different measures, so match each to the tolerance it governs.

03 What size and weight of part fits the Micro Vario?

A workpiece up to 350 mm (13.78 in) in diameter and up to 200 mm (7.88 in) high, weighing no more than 50 kg (110,23 lbs). The maximum clamping surface is given as Ø 350 x 200 mm. Travels are 350 mm in X, 220 mm in Y and 250 mm in Z.

04 How does the Micro Vario compare with the Micro HD?

Both have 350 mm of X, 220 mm of Y and 250 mm of Z. The Micro HD is listed with 60 m/min rapid traverse on X, Y and Z; the Micro Vario's brochure gives a feed rate of 30 m/min (1,181in/min) and acceleration up to 10 m/s².

05 How heavy is the Micro Vario?

The brochure lists the machine at 5.200 kg (11,464.04 lbs). Check the floor loading for that weight, and allow room around the machine for service access and any automation.