iLab Name: LPKF Mill
iLab Kiosk: BRK Packaging and Assembly Core
FIC: Dimitrios Peroulis 
Owner: Mihailo Bradash
Location: BRK 2254 - Galley
Maximum Wafer Size: 

Overview

General Description

Maximum PCB Overall material Size: 230 X 330 mm200 X 260 X 10mm
Maximum PCB Platable Size: 200 X 260 mm (for reference if through hole plating will be required)

Please Read this Before Requesting Training on this Tool

Ok, so I read that, and I don't think it's a good fit.  Now what..?

A simple google search for prototype PCB fabrication will turn up many options for online short run PCB services. Review their capabilities carefully as they do vary from service to service. Some offer same day turn around!Image Removed

Examples: https://www.pcbway.com/ https://jlcpcb.com/ https://www.4pcb.com/

Ok, so you still want to use the LPKF. Please continue below for more information!

Specifications

Technology Overview 

 The modified LPKF milling machine now makes use of a "Duet 3" 3D printer control board and it's respective interface. This along with a revamped z-drive and spindle motor allow for the use of true 3D milling operations as compared to the prior 2D. 

Sample Requirements and Preparation

Items that require milling should be prepared as either a Gerber, or IPT/SLDPRT (3D CAD) file type.

Depending on your file type preparation for milling will be different, please see the appropriate sub sections within the "Standard Operating Procedure" section. 

Standard Operating Procedure

System start up

1. Enable the tool in iLabs and make sure tool has started up

1. Start the and power is switched on. 
2. Turn on and log-in to the machines PC.
3. Check that the switch on the dust extraction unit is set to the automatic manual position.
4. Set the desired extraction power (75-100% depending on size of board)
5. Open the cover of the Protomat S103 and set the main switch to the ON position.
6. Close the cover.
7. Start the CircuitPro software on the PC.  A series of initialization steps will take place automatically.  Once these complete, the Protomat S103 is ready to use.
   1. It is possible that the mill/drill head is equipped with a tool, used by a production process in the past, and mill cannot identify the current state during initialization.  When CircuitPro is checking the tool status two things may occur:
      1. Tool status is known - the tool will be placed into the corresponding position of the tool magazine.
      2. Tool status is unknown - you will be prompted to select which tool is currently in the spindle (1-15, or none).  Click OK.

Processing Gerber Files utilizing Circuit Pro

1. Open CircuitPro template. File > New > select the appropriate template for your project.
2. Press the import icon, or alternativley, File > Import.

Image Removed

1. 1. Hold down Ctrl while selecting all required layers for your project > click Open
   2. Change the "Layer/Template" column for each row, to map the data to the appropriate layer within CircuitPro. > press OK
      1. More about Gerber File Format and ODB++ File Format.
   3. Check settings on layers to make sure they are correct
      1. If NC drill layer is improperly displayed you may need to change the N digit from 4 to 3.  This setting signifies how many zeros the software uses.  The setting is normally either 2:4 or 2:3
      2. Click on the layer and review the overall dimensions for correctness.  You may need to change from English units to metric depending on export options in the design software.
   4. Press OK and your design should be displayed on screen.

Board Production in Circuit Pro

System Shutdown

1. Save the current CBF file
2. Exit CircuitPro Software by clicking File > Exit.
3. Open the cover of the Protomat S103 and set the main switch to the OFF position.
4. Log off the PC.

Questions & Troubleshooting

Process Library

1. From the desktop screen select and open the "LPKF" hyperlink.
2. From here you should be within the "Duet Web Controller"  on the main "Dashboard" page, and ready to initialize the machine. 
3. To initialize the machine navigate to the "Home All" button and select, note make sure there is nothing preventing movement of the axis on the machine as this can result in a crash.
4. Once machine has been homed navigate to the "Upload and Start" button at the top of the screen, and select. 
5. Upload your file as detailed by the file types below. If you have any issues with this step and or any following, please stop the machine and contact The responsible engineer for this tool.

Gerber files

3D CAD files

Questions & Troubleshooting

References

RP Tools & Materials Price List.pdf

 20170516 Service Questionaire

Mill manual.

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