Kern Microtechnik 5-Axis Machining Centers

Kern Pyramid Nano

$1,200,000 - $1,800,000+ Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Tool Capacity

Up to 209 tools

Spindle Power

8.5 kW (11.4 hp)

Max Workpiece ⌀

300 mm (11.8 in)

Overview

The Kern Pyramid Nano is the absolute pinnacle of Kern Microtechnik's machining center lineup, purpose-built for applications where nanometer-level surface quality and sub-micron dimensional accuracy are non-negotiable. With travels of 500 x 500 x 300 mm and a temperature-controlled enclosure that maintains thermal stability within fractions of a degree, this machine targets the most demanding precision manufacturing applications in optics, medical devices, and micro-electronics tooling.

The Pyramid Nano shares the hydrostatic guideway architecture of the Micro HD but adds Kern's proprietary nano-finishing technology that pushes achievable surface finishes down to Ra 0.02 um on hardened steel. The HSK-E40 spindle runs up to 50,000 RPM with vibration levels so low that single-point diamond turning quality is approached through conventional milling. Every linear axis rides on hydrostatic bearings fed by temperature-controlled oil, eliminating the mechanical contact and resulting stick-slip that makes conventional linear guides unsuitable for nano-precision work.

Kern designed the Pyramid Nano's enclosure as an integrated climate chamber rather than a simple splash guard. The machine maintains internal temperature stability to within 0.1 degrees Celsius regardless of ambient shop conditions, which is essential when holding tolerances measured in tenths of microns. The polymer concrete base weighs several tons and provides the vibration damping foundation that makes these accuracy specs possible in a production environment rather than a metrology lab.

Automation options include Kern's integrated workpiece handling system supporting pallet changers and robotic loading. The tool magazine accommodates up to 209 positions, and the Heidenhain TNC 640 control manages complex 5-axis simultaneous toolpaths with the dynamic precision required for optical surface generation. For shops producing injection mold inserts for Fresnel lenses, contact lens molds, or micro-fluidic devices, the Pyramid Nano delivers finished surfaces that bypass polishing entirely.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Spindle Speed	500 - 50,000 RPM (HSK-E40)
Spindle Motor Power	8.5 kW (11.4 hp)
Tool Capacity	Up to 209 tools
Tool Interface	HSK-E40
Max Workpiece Diameter	300 mm (11.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	80 kg (176 lb)
Positioning Accuracy	< 0.5 um
Surface Finish	Ra 0.02 um achievable
Guideway Type	Hydrostatic on all linear axes
Rotary Axes	A-axis / C-axis trunnion, direct-drive torque motors
Thermal Stability	< 0.1°C internal temperature variation
Machine Base	Polymer concrete (mineral cast)
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640
Machine Weight	Approx. 8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
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Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Achieves Ra 0.02 um surface finishes on hardened steel, approaching single-point diamond turning quality through milling
Integrated climate chamber maintains 0.1°C thermal stability, enabling sub-micron accuracy regardless of shop environment
Hydrostatic guideways on all axes with temperature-controlled oil deliver zero stick-slip and nanometer-level positioning
Polymer concrete base provides exceptional vibration damping for production-environment precision that rivals metrology lab conditions
209-tool magazine and pallet automation support lights-out operation on complex multi-operation precision jobs
Heidenhain TNC 640 control with full 5-axis simultaneous capability handles optical surface generation toolpaths

Limitations

Price exceeding $1.2 million makes this a specialized capital investment justified only by the highest-precision applications
Limited work envelope of 300 mm diameter and 80 kg max weight restricts the machine to small precision components
Requires a reasonably clean, climate-controlled facility to get the most from the machine's thermal management system
Kern's limited dealer and service presence outside Europe means longer lead times for support in North America and Asia
Operating costs are high due to hydrostatic oil system maintenance and the specialized tooling required for nano-finishing

Best For

Optical mold manufacturers producing Fresnel lens molds, contact lens inserts, and reflector tooling requiring mirror finishes Medical device companies machining micro-implants and surgical instrument components to sub-micron tolerances Micro-electronics tooling shops creating mold inserts for connectors, micro-fluidic devices, and semiconductor packaging Watch and luxury goods manufacturers needing decorative and functional surfaces finished directly on the machine Research institutions and national labs requiring production-capable nanometer-precision machining Shops replacing EDM sinking and manual polishing on precision mold inserts with single-setup milled finishes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Kern Pyramid Nano cost?

The Kern Pyramid Nano typically prices between $1,200,000 and $1,800,000 or more depending on configuration, automation level, and tooling packages. These machines are built to order and rarely appear on the used market.

02 How does the Pyramid Nano differ from the Kern Micro HD?

The Pyramid Nano adds Kern's nano-finishing technology and an integrated climate chamber for tighter thermal control. While the Micro HD achieves Ra 0.05 um surfaces and sub-micron positioning, the Pyramid Nano pushes to Ra 0.02 um and sub-half-micron positioning. The work envelopes are similar, but the Pyramid Nano's thermal and vibration management are more advanced.

03 What surface finishes can the Pyramid Nano achieve?

The Pyramid Nano can achieve Ra 0.02 um on hardened tool steels, which is near-optical quality. On softer materials like brass and aluminum, even finer finishes are possible. These finishes eliminate the need for manual polishing on precision mold inserts.

04 Does the Pyramid Nano require a temperature-controlled room?

The machine's integrated climate chamber handles most of the thermal management internally, maintaining 0.1°C stability. However, installing the machine in a temperature-controlled room (ideally 20°C +/- 1°C) maximizes accuracy and reduces the load on the internal thermal management system.

05 What industries use the Kern Pyramid Nano?

Primary users include optical mold makers, medical device manufacturers, micro-electronics tooling shops, luxury watch makers, and research institutions. Any application requiring mirror-finish surfaces and sub-micron dimensional accuracy on small precision parts is a candidate.