Embedded Files
This guide covers how to make a single sided printed circuit board (PCB) with the LPKF S104 Protomat.
Starting up the machine
Make sure the machine is turned on by pressing the on switch behind the machine on the back left.
Start by opening the software called LPKF CircuitPro PM 2.7. This is the software used to operate the LPKF ProtoMat machine. The program will go through a series of "Connection steps".
If any maintenance windows pop up, select "Not performed yet".
Example of maintenance:
Choosing the correct template
A New Document window will pop up
Select the Templates tab
Choose either a SingleSided_Top or SingleSided_Bottom depending on your project
To make a double-sided board check out the Double Sided PCB guide
Load the gerber files in this window by choosing your files. Select the Import Data button.
The red circle shows the import button
For KiCAD files:
For KiCAD files:
Navigate to the folder with your files
Select the B_Cu.gbr (bottom/back) or F_Cu.gbr (front/top) file depending on which template you are using
Select the Edge_Cuts.gbr file (you can use Ctrl + click to select multiple files)
Select the PTH.drl (plated through hole) file if you have through holes on your board
Click open
For Autodesk Fusion or Eagle files:
For Autodesk Fusion or Eagle files:
In your unzipped CAMOutputs folder go to CAMOutputs > Gerbers
Select your copper_bottom.gbr or copper_top.gbr depending on which template you are using
Select your profile.gbr file (you can use Ctrl + click to select both)
Click open
Select the Import Data button again and go to CAMOutputs > DrillFiles
Select the drill_1_16.xln file if you have through holes on your board
Click open
Examples of what imported files look like:
Single sided bottom file with through holes
Green - bottom copper file
Blue - drill file
Yellow - board outline file
Single sided top file without holes
Red - top copper file
Yellow - board outline file
Generate toolpath
Open the Technology Dialog window to generate the toolpath.
In the Isolate tab:
Use the arrows to change the process to 4/4, this will remove all unused copper
Uncheck the 0.8 end mill because it is not loaded in the machine
Ensure the copper layer thickness is correct
99% of the time we use 1/2oz copper (18um)
If you are using 1oz copper input 35um
Change to the Contour routing tab
Change to process 2/6 or 3/6, this will ensure there are only 2 tabs
Click Start to generate the toolpath, the other tabs do not need to be edited
You can ignore warnings for Fiducials and Pockets in the Computation Results.
Once you have generated the toolpath, you should see many different colors on your board representing the different paths that our tools will take.
If everything looks good, change to the Machining View tab near the top of the window.
Info About Tools (Optional Read)
Info About Tools (Optional Read)
The protomat uses many different tools loaded in the machine to remove copper and drill holes in the board.
This machine uses several different types of tools to remove copper and cut the entire board:
Universal Milling Tool: This is a tapered pointy tool that is used the most to remove copper. It is used to accurately isolate all of the traces by cutting around the paths for your board.
End Mill: This is a wider, flat tool that is used to remove all extra unneeded copper after the Universal Milling Tool.
Drill Bit: This is used to drill the holes through the entire board. These holes are used to mount components or create vias.
Contour Router: This tool is used to cut out our board outline and separate it from the rest of the board.
Each tool can come in many different sizes (diameters) and that is why there are so many spots in the tool magazine.
The Universal Milling Tools and End Mills are used to only remove the thin layer of copper on top of the board while the Drill Bits and Contour Routers cut all the way through the board.
Underneath the FR4 circuit board material is a Spoilboard which is a soft material that can be cut into and replaced when well used.
Tool Magazine
Open the Tool Magazine
Check there are no red x's next to tools on the left, this means the tool you need is not in the machine
If there is an x, you have 3 options:
Ask a staff to put it in the machine (usually if it is not in the machine, we don't have it)
Skip the toolpath
Use a different tool with that path
Select Ok
If you have a red x, see the following options:
Skip the toolpath:
Go to the Toolpath tab above the camera view
Open the toolpaths dropdown
Right click on the toolpath for the missing tool
Select Deactivate toolpath
To swap the tool needed:
Go to the Toolpath tab above the camera view
Open the toolpaths dropdown
Right click on the toolpath for the missing tool
Select Assign Tool
Pick the closest sized tool that we have loaded in the machine
You will need to check the Tool Magazine to see what is loaded
Placement
Tape down your board of FR4 on the machine ALIGNED WITH THE FRONT LEFT CORNER
Cover the holes in the board with tape, this ensures that vacuum table can hold the board down well
On the computer, right click the image of your board and select Placement.
You can only drag or rotate your design if the Placement window is open.
Avoid cutting over tape! You can move your tape if needed.
To check the location of your design on the physical board:
Select the Mouse cursor tool. (Red cross means it is selected)
Then click outside the corner of your board to move the head of the machine to that location.
You can approximately see where the head is above the board (represented by the blue dot)
Before moving the board on the screen, unselect the Mouse cursor tool. If you don't things don't usually move properly.
You can approximate the location of the head to ensure it is avoiding any holes by looking directly in front of it and to the side.
From the front view, the center of the head is aligned with the small notch. On the side view it is aligned with the dot.
Cutting out the board
In the operate section, ensure the dropdown is set to <Process All>
Click the green play button to start
If there are any popups about maintenance or expired tools select Remind me later and Ignore.
The material should already be mounted, select Ok.
Ensure that the copper thickness is still correct and the material thickness should be between 1.49-1.51mm.
The placement should already be done, select Ok.
Save your file with your name in it.
If it is the first job since the software opened, there will be a spindle warmup.
The machine will start cutting. Unfortunately there is no time estimate.
When finished, you can twist your PCB out of the large FR4 board with the two tabs.
Check the board
Check the board
Sometimes the machine can have issues, here are some indicators that it didn't cut properly:
Too much copper removal:
Not enough copper removal:
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