First PCB

This guide covers how to make a single sided printed circuit board (PCB) with the LPKF U4 Protolaser.

Prepping the board

Before placing the board in the machine, it is helpful to clean the copper with scotch brite then isopropyl alcohol in the area that you are going to make the board.

Starting up the machine

Begin by pressing the power button on the machine under the red e-stop button.

This will power on the computer.

Once it turns on, open LPKF circuit pro on the computer.

The program will ask you if the signal lights are working, check that the three lights are on and select yes

New Project

We need to select the correct template for our project:

Choose either a DCI Lab Single Sided Top PCB or DCI Lab Single Sided Bottom PCB depending on your project
To make a double-sided board check out the Double Sided PCB guide

Material

Now we will choose the material for our board.

Select the FR4 Single-Sided, 1.5mm 35um profile
Click Select material

Warm Up

Before completing the following steps, skip to the Processing tab and select the red "Open laser shutter" button. This will start the warm up while you are setting up your file.

Import

Under the Import tab, select the Add files for import button.

The machine can also take DXF's but we will use Gerber 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:

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 Add files for import button again and go to CAMOutputs > DrillFiles
Select the drill_1_16.xln file if you have through holes on your board
Click open

Double check that the Targets are assigned to a layer
Select Import at the bottom
The example shown is for a single sided bottom board

Layout

Typically you can just skip this section but here are some features if needed:

Toggle visibility of layers - right click and select Visible
Rotate the board
Add fiducials (for double sided boards)

Scan Fields

Select Compute scan fields
Leave all options at default and select Compute

Note: A scan field is the area that the laser can reach without moving the table only by moving the mirrors inside the laser

← The board in this tutorial should be small enough to fit in just one scan field.

For reference, this is a larger board that needs multiple scan fields. →

Tools

Typically you can just skip this section but here are some features if needed:

A “tool” is specific settings for the laser to complete a specific task
For example if the board is not cutting out properly, adjust the cut tool settings
It is recommended to adjust the repetitions or speed
Please get staff help for adjusting tools

Workflow

Select the Contour box
Select Contour routing without gaps
Select Apply

Typically you do not need to make any other changes but here are some features if needed:

You can select what tool is applied to a certain process
You can uncheck a certain process to skip it

Toolpaths

Now change to the Toolpaths tab and select Compute Toolpaths.

Then you will see the toolpaths needed to make the board.

Processing

Next move on the to Processing tab. Here we want to place where we want to cut out our PCB on the bed.

Measure the thickness of your material with calipers.
Then slide the door up to open and place your material on the bed.
It is recommended that you wear gloves while handling the material.

Double click on the board to place the red marker
The laser will move so the red pointer is on the spot that you selected

Right click on your board
Select Placement
Click and drag on your board to move it around

Note: You can only move the board around while the Placement window is open

Place the board in a spot that will help minimize material waste and avoids any holes on the FR4 board.
Click Ok to close the Placement window
At this point, save your file!

Next click Start Production
It will ask you to mount the material, but you should've already done so, so click OK.
Input the material thickness you measured earlier it should be around 1.55 - 1.6 mm