Metal Cutting Package
Equipped with high-pressure gas assist interlocks and capacitance Z-axis height tracking to cut stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum with dross-free edges.
Heavy-Duty Small Format Design
High-Power Laser Processing in a Compact Footprint
The only thing compact about the Kern MICRO is its physical table footprint. Built upon the exact same industrial engineering principles as our heavy-duty large format systems, the MICRO platform can be equipped with Kern's proprietary super-pulsed CO2 laser sources ranging from 100W up to 650W.
Manufactured entirely at our factory in Wadena, Minnesota, USA, the MICRO combines high-speed vector cutting with precision raster engraving. Featuring high-torque servo motors on a precision-machined steel chassis, it delivers long-term continuous production performance for aerospace components, custom architectural signage, educational labs, and high-precision job shops.
- Heavy Steel Weldment Chassis: Arrives 100% factory assembled and aligned to minimize installation downtime.
- Moving Y-Axis Motion Package: High-speed servo drives hold ±0.0005" repeatability across all cutting operations.
- Full CO2 Power Range: Configurable with 100W, 150W, 200W, 400W, or 650W US-built laser sources.
Technical Parameters
System Specifications & Work Envelope Options
Review engineering tolerances, electrical requirements, and physical dimensions for export planning and shop floor layout integration.
| Specification Parameter | Engineering Value |
|---|---|
| Laser Classification | Class 4 CO2 Laser System |
| Laser Output Power | 100W – 650W Super-Pulsed CO2 |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002" (Mapped table under controlled environment) |
| Repeatability | ±0.0005" |
| Work Envelope Options | 24" × 24" or 48" × 24" |
| Physical Footprint (W x L x H) | 70" × 36" × 56" |
| Standard Part Clearance | 3.0" (Custom gantry heights available on request) |
| Electrical Requirements | 230V / 1-Phase or 230V / 3-Phase |
| Specification Parameter | Engineering Value |
|---|---|
| Laser Classification | Class 4 CO2 Laser System |
| Laser Output Power | 100W – 650W Super-Pulsed CO2 |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.0508 mm (Mapped table under controlled environment) |
| Repeatability | ±0.0127 mm |
| Work Envelope Options | 610 × 610 mm or 1219 × 610 mm |
| Physical Footprint (W x L x H) | 1778 × 914 × 1422 mm |
| Standard Part Clearance | 76.2 mm (Custom gantry heights available on request) |
| Electrical Requirements | 230V / 1-Phase or 230V / 3-Phase |
Material Processing Versatility
Proven Material Compatibility
The MICRO system processes a wide array of industrial materials with edge finishes that eliminate secondary deburring, sanding, or polishing.
| Material Type | Vector Cutting Capability | Raster Engraving & Marking | Typical Industrial Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast & Extruded Acrylic | Supported (Flame-Polished Edges) | Supported (High Contrast Details) | Architectural Displays, POP Signs, Instrument Panels |
| Mild Steel & Carbon Steel | Supported (With Metal Option) | Supported | Precision Brackets, Shims, Hardware Components |
| Stainless Steel | Supported (With Metal Option) | Supported | Medical Instruments, Tags, Industrial Gaskets |
| Aluminum & Anodized Aluminum | Supported (Thin Gauges) | Supported (Permanent Anodized Marking) | Nameplates, Electronics Chassis, Identification Tags |
| Hardwood, Plywood & MDF | Supported (Clean Edges) | Supported (Deep Etching) | Architectural Models, Inlays, Branded Goods |
| PE, PU & Kaizen Foam | Supported (Zero Tooling Wear) | Supported | Tool Control Inserts, Protective Packaging |
| Natural Leather & Synthetics | Supported (Sealed Edges) | Supported | Automotive Trim, Luxury Upholstery, Apparel |
| Granite, Marble & Stone | Not Applicable | Supported (Precision Engraving) | Memorials, Decorative Architectural Panels |
Modular Industrial Options
Advanced Production Upgrade Packages
Tailor your MICRO system to your exact manufacturing requirements with factory-integrated hardware and optical accessories.
K-Vision Camera System
Nozzle-mounted optical camera detects preprinted fiducial marks, automatically compensating for material stretch, distortion, and angular misalignments.
Pipe & Tube Rotary Attachment
Servo-driven chuck or wheel rotary fixtures enable 360-degree cylindrical cutting and marking on pipes, tubing, and round industrial shafts.
Fume Extraction & Spark Arrestor
Multi-stage HEPA filtration recirculates clean air while spark arrestors prevent hot metal particulate from entering exhaust lines during metal processing.
Proprietary Motion Control
KCAM® Laser Software Integration
In-house developed KCAM control software provides intuitive machine control, job time estimation, and direct compatibility with global design standards.
Direct CAD File Compatibility
Seamlessly imports .DXF, .PDF, .AI, and G-CODE vector files from design platforms like CorelDRAW, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, and SolidWorks.
Corner Power-Density Control
Automatically regulates laser power modulation during acceleration and deceleration around sharp radii, preventing corner burns and kerf widening.
Automatic Path Optimization
Built-in nesting algorithm reorganizes toolpaths to reduce total travel distance, increasing daily throughput and cutting productivity.
Tool Offset Kerf Compensation
Applies precise inside and outside vector offsets to maintain exact dimensional part tolerances without altering original CAD drawings.
UL Certified Electrical Panel
Every system includes a UL-certified electrical enclosure designed for worldwide industrial power compliance, with optional CUL and CE safety listings.
2.5" S-Focus Lens & Air Assist
Includes high-purity optical lens assembly with continuous positive-pressure air purge to keep debris and outgassing away from optical surfaces.
Manufacturing Proven Excellence
Case Study: Precision Industrial Wood Etching & Custom Fabrication
Laser Etch Technologies (Buffalo, MN) has operated Kern laser systems continuously since 1999. Utilizing Kern's high-speed engraving control, they produced intricate hardwood architectural panels, including historical wood etchings showcased at Target Field in Minneapolis and custom artisan throne structures for international delegates.
Owner Tim Pawelk notes that the rigid steel framework and high-speed raster capabilities of Kern platforms provide the repeatability necessary to process multi-thousand piece batch runs without drift or focal loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kern MICRO Platform Technical FAQ
Common questions from international buyers, facility directors, and OEM procurement managers.
The MICRO system can be configured with Kern super-pulsed CO2 laser sources ranging from 100W up to 650W, delivering maximum beam energy density for thick non-metal materials and sheet metal cutting.
The MICRO platform is available in two table sizes: 24 x 24 inches (610 x 610 mm) and 48 x 24 inches (1219 x 610 mm), engineered specifically for manufacturing operations with limited floor space.
Yes. When equipped with the optional Metal Cutting Package and automatic height follower, the MICRO system cuts mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass with nitrogen, oxygen, or compressed air assistance.
Kern CO2 laser sources carry a comprehensive factory warranty up to 3 years. Global technical support is provided directly by experienced factory technicians via remote diagnostics, quick spare parts shipment, and worldwide distributor networks.
Factory Engineering Consultation
Request a Custom Quote or Sample Cut Test
Ship your raw materials to our Minnesota factory. Our application team will process test cuts, optimize feed rates, and provide an official quotation with factory warranty coverage.