For
the last five years, the Micro5 has been leading a small revolution in the
dynamic and highly precise world of machining tiny medical instruments,
delicate jewelry and the most intricate watch parts. The FACTORY5 five-axis
machining center is extremely compact and can be set up very quickly almost
anywhere – in the production hall or right at the work station. The »5« in the
name stands for the ideal 5:1 ratio of machine size to workpiece, for five
times lower weight, and for maximum efficiency. Energy consumption is 50 times
lower in comparison to conventional systems.
Example applications
Watch plates (brass)
Instrument jaw (stainless steel)
Dial (brass)
Bracelet clasp (stainless steel)
»Small like a fridge, quiet like a modern dishwasher and low in energy consumption like a coffee machine, the Micro5 is smart, for more than just machining.«
Ronny Elsmann
Head of CNC Application Technology, Medical & Precision Technology Center of the CHIRON Group
Taking on user feedback
The prototype CNC machine was first presented »en miniature« at the SIAMS 2016, Swiss trade fair for
micro-technology production tools. Two years later, Samuel Vuadens’ team tried
out the first Micro5 machining center in full industrial operation with five (!)
customers. Now, 25 machines are producing high-precision components and the
customers are always in discussion with CHIRON Swiss, supplying valuable
feedback which often leads to new functions and optimization which benefit all
users.
…
from 50 rounds of optimization to the current Micro5 generation
The
newest generation of Micro5 has undergone more than 50 improvements, small and
large, enhancing its practical reliability, efficiency and autonomy. The
double-torque spindle is key for higher efficiency operation. This helps reduce
the machining time, which is already considerably shorter than larger machines.
Features
of the Micro5:
Five-axis complete machining
High-precision and the best surface quality
Highly dynamic milling spindle with max. 80,000
rpm
Very high static rigidity 2 x 10^6 N/m
Repeat accuracy 0.5 μm, positioning precision
< 2 μm
Constructed for the ideal sphere of activity
Compact 1,050 x 665 x 1,800 mm (L x W x H)
Very low energy usage (500 Watt)
Intuitive operation via HMI panel
Reduced noise 49 dB
Storage capacity for max. 8 workpiece holders,
can be expanded with Feed5
Tool storage for up to 40 tools ATC 15
Tool change in under 5 seconds
Integrated zero-point clamping system
Option for vacuum clamping
Autonomous machine calibration
Glass door for optimum view into the working
area
Optional: Increased autonomy with the Feed5
handling system
Early users were particularly keen to achieve increased autonomy –
they wanted the Micro5 to allow automatic loading for higher production
capacity. We responded with the Smartfactory Project. This is a complete
production line which is fully scalable in all aspects to meet specifications.
The Feed5
automatic handling system
Feed5 is a six-axis handling robot which can load and unload the
Micro5. The new module acts as a fully automatic
guide for workpieces and
tools. As compact as the Micro5, the Feed5 is particularly useful for enabling
increased autonomy and productivity for bigger series. The handling system
equips the machine and the tool change takes less than five seconds. The
maximum workpiece size for the Micro5 is 50 x 50 x 50 mm (L x W x H).
The newest generation of the Micro5 and the Feed5
handling system are premiering at the OPEN HOUSE ONLINE from June 15 to
18, 2021. The Micro5 has been in operation at the CHIRON Group Medical &
Precision Technology Center machining park since November 2020. According to Ronny Elsmann, Head
of CNC Application Technology, »it’s
impressively proving its quality in dynamic, high-precision micromachining.«
The Micro5 is also a highlight on the »micro
on tour« show truck – stopping off at four locations in Switzerland from
August 30 to September 10. On board you’ll find nine partners, who are holding
video and product presentations, as well as talks and personal discussions
about innovative solutions and services in precision manufacturing.
