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Summary of Contents for LPKF ProtoMat C30
- Page 1 Manual ProtoMat C30/C 30-S English, version 1.0 LPKF Laser & Electronics AG Osteriede 7 D-30827 Garbsen Telefon : ++ 49 - 51 31 - 70 95 - 0 Telefax : ++ 49 - 51 31 - 70 95 - 90 eMail : lpkf@lpkf.de...
- Page 2 Copyright (c) 2000 LPKF AG Distribution or reproduction of this manual and use of its content permitted only with the written approval of LPKF AG. Right to make modifications reserved. No liability is accepted for the content. In particular, we accept no liability for damage caused by information given, information absent, or erroneous information.
- Page 3 LPKF. We have taken great trouble to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this document. However, LPKF accepts no liability for the use of the document, including breach of copyright or other infringement against third parties which may arise from this.
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Page 4: Setup
Danger! This symbol is used to highlight danger to life or health. Caution! This symbol is used to identify hazards which may cause damage. Note: This symbol is used for notes intended to help you avoid faults in operation or to help you improve your procedures. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 5 Solder foil: special foil for cutting aperatures for the connections to be soldered BoardMaster: Machine control software CircuitCAM: Software for data preparation IV. Target Group This manuel is written for people with basic knowledge in PCB production. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 6: Table Of Contents
4.4 Functional elements on the plotter head ..18 5.0 Use of LPKF BoardMaster ... . . 19 6.0 Setup ......20 6.1 Switch-on sequence . - Page 7 7.3 Programing the HOME position in LPKF BoardMaster ......26 7.4 Creating a new registration hole system ..27 8.0 Tutorial on creating a printed circuit board30...
- Page 8 13.10.3 Special commands ..... . 61 13.10.4 Special command for the motor controller ..63 ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
- Page 9 14.0 Concluding remarks ....66 15.0 Konformitätserklärung für LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) ......67 15.1 Declaration of conformity .
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Page 10: Introduction
Introduction 1.0 Introduction The LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) circuit-board plotter is a system for the production of circuit board prototypes and engraving films, and for engraving aluminium or plastic. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the functions of the LPKF BoardMaster driver program before using the plotter. -
Page 11: Safty Notes
Ask your supplier of the materials. • Always work with the vacuum device! • When using chemicals please take note of the safety notes on the containers or separate security sheets delivered with them! • Keep the workplace tidy. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 12: General Information
3.1 Scope of supply 1. One LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) machine unit with integrated electronics 2. One null modem cable (LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) control unit to computer), 9/25-pin AT-adapter 3. One set of accessories (adhesive tape, various Allen keys, 5... -
Page 13: Installation
Set up the circuit-board plotter so that the cables connecting the electronics unit are free to move. › Connect the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) to COM1 or COM2 on the computer using the null modem cable. › Plug the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) control unit into the electricity supply. -
Page 14: Computer-Controlled Functions
Computer-controlled functions 4.0 Computer-controlled functions 4.1 Connection to a PC The LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) has two serial ports. The first (25-pin) is used for connection to the controlling computer (PC). The second port (9-pin) is intended for future applications. -
Page 15: Machine Orientation
Computer-controlled functions 4.2 Machine orientation Description of the machine's main positions: fig. 2: LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S): The X axis has the greater travel 1- PAUSE position. The plotter head travels to this point to load or turn the material to be machined. -
Page 16: Displays And Connections
ProtoMat C30 POWER 1- Operating indicator for the integrated SMCU machine controller 2- Motor for the longitudinal axis (X axis) 3- Plotter spindle (DC motor) 4- Lever for opening the tool collet (Only ProtoMat C30/S) 5- Working depth limiter ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 17 Computer-controlled functions Description of the rear: fig. 4: Rear view of the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) 1- Vacuum system connection 8- X motor 2- Serial port (9-pin) for expansion units 9- Y motor 3- Serial port (25-pin) for connection to PC...
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Page 18: Functional Elements On The Plotter Head
(Caution - do not adjust.) 3- Working depth limiter 8- Fixing screw for working depth limiter 4- Motor cover 9- Plotter head base plate 5- Mounting flange for the DC motor 10- Lever for opening the tool collet (Only ProtoMat C30/S) ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 19: Use Of Lpkf Boardmaster
All LPKF circuit-board plotters are controlled through an asynchronous interface (RS232C). In the case of the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S), this is set at 9600 Baud, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, no parity, hardware handshake and FIFO off in the Windows control panel. -
Page 20: Setup
It is useful, but not essential, to keep to the following switch-on sequence: 1. Computer 2. LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) 3. Start up the BoardMaster program If, for whatever reason, it should be necessary to switch the machine off and back on, you must switch briefly to the BoardMaster MACHINE SETTINGS... -
Page 21: Functional Test With Lpkf Boardmaster
Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster 7.0 Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster Danger! Make sure that no other persons are working on the machine when the first functional test is taking place. First check that the parameters for the serial port: •... -
Page 22: Home Position And Registration Hole System
Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster 7.1 HOME position and registration hole system The HOME position must be on the machine's axis of symmetry (registration hole system) for double-sided base. Double-sided base material are rotated about this axis of symmetry. Inaccuracies in the HOME position result in misalignment when double- sided base are rotated during the machining process. - Page 23 Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster Carry out the following steps: › Make registration holes in double-sided base material. › Secure the material and drilling backing (2 mm) onto the base plate using the registration hole pins. (see also the section entitled "Securing the board onto the machine bed").
- Page 24 Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster fig. 9: › Right-click on the project. fig. 10: The PLACEMENT dialog box opens. › Specify the position in the Reference point box as x=0, y=0 and confirm by clicking on OK. › Select the DRILLINGPLATED process from the production phase list box.
- Page 25 This can be done directly by amending the Home position in the MACHINE PARAMETERS dialog box (see the section entitled "Programming the Home position in LPKF BoardMaster"). The correct value can be calculated using the formula given above. The Y coordinates must always be added to the correction value.
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Page 26: Programing The Home Position In Lpkf Boardmaster
7.3 Programing the HOME position in LPKF BoardMaster As previously explained, the Home position of the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) must lie precisely on the machine's axis of symmetry (the registration hole system with the red plastic slides) when you are machining double-sided base. -
Page 27: Creating A New Registration Hole System
Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster 7.4 Creating a new registration hole system The registration holes in the red registration hole strips grow with use over time will no longer be as precise as they originally were. New holes must be drilled in the strips if this is the case. - Page 28 Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster fig. 16: › Switch on the motor by clicking (raise/lower head) to drill a hole approximately 4 mm deep. Do not move the position of the plotter head in the Y axis again. › Use the arrow buttons in BoardMaster to move the plotter head...
- Page 29 Functional test with LPKF BoardMaster › Now secure the base material in this position with adhesive tape (we recommend Tesakrepp 5250) on all four sides. Danger! Please note that very sharp tools are involved and that they may become hot. Always work with the vacuum system switched on to avoid injury from swarf..
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Page 30: Tutorial On Creating A Printed Circuit Board30
› Select the first machining phase, DRILLINGPLATED. › Click on to select the drilling data. Selected data is shown lighter. › Click on AUTO-MOTOR-ON . (Right motor button in BoardMaster). › Click on START. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 31 AUTO-MOTOR-ON button. › To start the machining use the START button. › Then move to the Pause position and turn the material if you are machining a double-sided base. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 32: Reprogramming The Machine Data
SIZE and saved by BoardMaster. See the BoardMaster Manual for more detailed information.The coordinates for the Home position are generated automatically. The X value is set at 0 and the Y value corresponds to half the value specified for Y under Size. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 33 Pause position correspond to the values in the Size box. You can enter any coordinates here. › Click OK to quit this box. › BoardMaster must be shut down and restarted. The new values are saved when the MACHINE SETTINGS... dialog box is closed and you quit BoardMaster. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 34: Tools, Material And Accessories
Tools, material and accessories 9.0 Tools, material and accessories 9.1 Tools The tools for the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) come in two different lengths. Tools used to machine the material surface (milling and engraving) are 36 mm long while tools used for drilling or contour milling are 38 mm long. -
Page 35: Materials Used For Machining
Tools, material and accessories 9.2 Materials used for machining In general, all base materials supplied by LPKF can be used for machining. You are free to machine all other materials at your own risk. Please follow the manufacturers' instructions. However, phenol resins of lesser quality, such as FR 2, can adversely affect the milling quality. - Page 36 You should therefore always work with the vacuum system switched on. Carcinogenic dusts or hazardous gases may be produced when working with unknown materials. Ask your supplier or the manufacturer before you begin machining. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 37: Procedures For Milling And Drilling
It is important that no adhesive tape, drilling or milling swarf is left between the individual layers to ensure that the base material lies absolutely flat. Small particles under the base material have an adverse affect on the uniformity of the milling depth. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 38: Operating The Working Depth Limiter
The milling depth is set by adjusting the knurled nut (2) on the working depth limiter. Turning the wheel clockwise increases the milling depth and also the milling width in the case of LPKF universal milling cutters due to their conical shape. -
Page 39: Changing A Tool (C30)
› Move and fix the fixing screw. 10.4 Changing a tool (C30/S) The plotter spindle collet on the ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) is operated by a lever which simultaneously disengages the DC motor via a clutch as a spring packet opens the collet. -
Page 40: Drilling
Caution! Make sure that the board is positioned securely before milling. Switch on the vacuum system. Ensure that the (36 mm long) LPKF universal milling cutters being used are sufficiently sharp before you start milling. The milling width is preset in CircuitCAM by selecting the isolation track width and the appropriate tool. -
Page 41: Contour Milling In Base Material
LPKF micromilling cutters can be used to create even finer isolation channels but their service life will be only approximately 20% of that of the LPKF universal milling cutters mentioned above. Caution! Do not confuse micromilling cutters and universal milling cutters. -
Page 42: Milling Wide Isolation Channels And Rubouts
Bottom: LPKF universal milling cutter Set the traverse speed as appropriate for the engraving depth and the material when engraving. Use an LPKF universal milling cutter or LPKF double chamfered cutter. Danger! Switch on the vacuum system, even when engraving. -
Page 43: Milling Solder-Stop Sheets
› Start the milling procedure a second time if this is not the case. 10.11 Milling layout films fig. 29: LPKF HF milling cutter Layout filmscan be machined with LPKF HF milling cutters. › Secure the film base (plexiglas or glass sheet) onto the machine bench with Tesa tape. -
Page 44: Staining Milled Films
Treat only one film per container when removing coatings to prevent any damage to the second film resulting from contact between its reverse and a surface which is wet from the stain. Caution! Follow the safety instructions on the quick-acting coating remover container. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 45 Any remaining coating must be removed with a fine hand brush. This method is more economical and kinder to the environment than the quick-acting method of removal. The film can be left in the water bath as long as you want. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 46: Tool Libraries In Boardmaster
30: The DRILLING AND MILLING TOOL PARAMETERS dialog box opens and you can now LOAD a suitable tool library from the directory selected. The tool library directory is called C:\LPKF30\BMASTER. Tool libraries have the extension .TOL fig. 31: ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 47: Cleaning The Board
This can be done manually or in a board brushing machine. Place the board on a flat surface to clean it by hand. Brush the board with a wet board cleaner (such as the LPKF PAD board cleaner) in the preferred direction of the conductor paths. The point of brushing is, firstly, to remove the layer of oxidation, and, secondly, to remove any burrs resulting from the use of a blunt tool. -
Page 48: Practical Tips
Drill deflection cannot be avoided even with a sharp tool if, for example, the glass fibre structure of FR4 materials penetrates the copper. Drill deflection is very slight for materials with additional, removable copper film (FR4 material with 18 µm or 9 µm copper coating). ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 49 The film may buckle after a while if elastic adhesive tape is used to secure the film. It is particularly important that the milling backing is flat (LPKF engraving film backing). • Burrs will be produced when milling film if either the tool is blunt or milling is too deep.
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Page 50: Appendix
32: › Mark the insertion depth of the spindle (1). › Unscrew and remove the collet lever (2) (ProtoMat C30/S). › Undo the Allen screws in the holding block (3). › The motor can now be lifted out vertically. Gently twist backwards and forwards if necessary. -
Page 51: Lubricating The Carriage Guide Wipers
The machine may be damaged if the distance is too small when drilling. Caution! Use only graphite to lubricate the working depth limiter. 13.2 Lubricating the carriage guide wipers You must make sure that the carriage guide wipers on the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) are always well lubricated. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 52: Carriage Guide Wipers Of The Y-Axis
Now you have to lubricate all four carriage guide wipers of the Y-axis with the help of the one-time syringe (See following image). The prescribed quantity of oil for one carriage guide wiper totals 0,5 ml. fig. 35: ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 53: Carriage Guide Wipers Of The X-Axis
13.2.3 Oiling the rear wipers › Move the carriage to the tool change position. The supply ports are now behind the guide wall. Use the syringe to inject oil through the port and into the hole on both sides of the wiper. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 54: Oiling The Front Wipers
9600 baud Default setting SerialPort1 pinouts: Signal Meaning Transmit Data Receive Data Request to Send Clear to Send GND-I Ground (isolated) Data Carrier Detect Data Terminal Ready A signals are electrically isolated; all contacts not mentioned are not used. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 55: Serialport2 Serial Connection
13.6 Connecting the plotter head The plotter head is connected to the control unit with a 15-pin socket. The position of the socket is described in the section entitled "LPKF ProtoMat 91S displays and connections". A further 5-pin cable supplies the plotter spindle. -
Page 56: Eproms
Appendix 13.7 EPROMs The software for the control unit is held on two EPROMs. The LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) must be partially dismantled if the EPROMs need to be replaced. Proceed as described under "Removing the electronics unit". Use only an PLCC pliers to remove the EPROMs as otherwise the mounting contacts might be damaged. -
Page 57: Removing The Electronics Unit
› Undo feet 1, 2, 3, 4 and the Allen screws 5, 6 on the underside of the machine. Remove the cover with the limit switches. The control unit has now been released. Caution! Check that the machine is disconnected from the mains by removing the mains connector. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 58 Appendix fig. 39: View of the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) circuit board H S -M o to r * L im it-S w itc h lo c a te d a t c o v e r M a in F u s e 3 ,1 5 A...
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Page 59: The Command Set
The last character transmitted in a command file must be a semicolon or a line feed character (0A hex.). Unrecognized commands are ignored by the control unit, but their parameters can lead to unwanted plot absolute or plot relative commands. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 60: Hp-Gl Standard Commands
PC as an ASCII string in the form ("W Xmin,Ymin,Zmin,Xmax,Ymax,Zmax <cr>"). OS {;} Output Status The control unit sends its status cell to the PC in ASCII hex ("S xxxx <cr>"). ProtoMat C30/C30-S... -
Page 61: Special Commands
Toggles between the echo mode (n=1) and the non-echo mode (n=0). In echo mode, the machine confirms every correctly completed command with the message "C<cr>". !EM (n){;} External Motor Switches the milling/drilling motor on (n=1) or off (n=0) ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 62 Sets the new milling time t=[ms]. !TR (x,y,z){;} Plot Three-D Relative Executes a spatial movement from the current position to the relative coordinate (x,y,z). !TS (t){;} Time to Stabilize Sets a stabilization time t=[ms] between the individual commands. ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 63: Special Command For The Motor Controller
Direct commands are special commands which are executed by-passing the command buffer immediately they are interpreted. !CB{;} Clear Buffer Deletes all commands from the command buffer. !GO{;} Go On Clears the stop command and continues command execution. !RC{;} Repeat Command Repeats the most recently executed command. ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 64 The command set implemented is a subset of the HP-GL. Be aware when controlling the device from any other CAD system that the resolution of the HP-GL commands is substantially smaller than that of normal pen plotters. The step size is 7.9375 µm/step. (6.35 mm/800 steps). ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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Page 65: Table Of Available Tools
Appendix 13.11 Table of available tools Tools marked with an asterisk (*) are available for the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S). 38 mm Name Diameter in mm Length 36mm Delivery time S = stock part Universal milling cutter 0.2 - 0.4 Micromill 0.1 - 0.2... -
Page 66: Concluding Remarks
Furthermore, we hereby draw attention to all remaining risks unknown to the manufacturer which might occur due to incorrect use of the machine. LPKF shall not be held responsible for damage resulting from use of the LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S). -
Page 67: Konformitätserklärung Für Lpkf Protomat
Niederspannungsrichtlinie ( 73 / 23 / EWG ) und der EG-Richtlinie EMV ( 89 / 336 / EWG ). 4. Die LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) ist nach dem Stand der Technik und nach den anerkannten sicherheitstechnischen Regeln gebaut worden. Bei der Erstellung fanden auch bestehende DIN- Vorschriften Anwendung. -
Page 68: C30 (C30/S)
Laser & Electronics AG Osteriede 7 D-30827 Garbsen, Germany 2. The machine identified as LPKF ProtoMat C30 (C30/S) is a circuit- board plotter, suitable for the production of circuit board prototypes and engraving films, as well as for the engraving of aluminium or plastic. -
Page 69: Index
Faulty sections ....................25 Fräsbohrplotter ....................68 Functional test ....................21 Fuses ........................56 Hardware handshake ..................21 HOME position ....................15 Checking 22 Test program 22 HP-GL ........................61 Isolation milling ....................40 Konformitätserklärung ...................68 Layout film ......................43 Lever for collet ....................39 Limit switch ....................20, 60 ProtoMat C30/C30-S... - Page 70 Supply ports ....................... 54 Switch-on sequence ..................20 Tool change ......................15 Tool combo box ....................31 Tool library ......................46 Transport securing devices ................ 13 Traverse range ................... 20, 32 Traverse speed ................41, 42, 43, 48 ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
- Page 71 Vacuum system ............12, 13, 29, 30, 38, 40, 42 Vacuum system connection ...............17 Vitrification of the drilled hole ..............49 Wipers ........................53 Working depth limiter ...........16, 17, 18, 27, 30, 31, 38, 50 X motor .........................17 Y motor .........................17 ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
- Page 72 Index ProtoMat C30/C30-S...
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