Making printed circuit boards (PCBs) using an LPKF plotter

Abstract

Purpose

To present the steps for creating printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Protel and an LPKF plotter.

Design/methodology/approach

The LPKF ProtoMat C20 plotter and three kinds of software (Protel99se, CircuitCam, BoardMaster) were used to rapidly produce PCBs.

Findings

Small quantities of PCBs can be created in the laboratory using a mechanical plotter, giving a fast method that generates no chemical pollution.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the file formats and steps needed to produce PCBs using an LPKF plotter.

Citation

He, D.F. and Itozaki, H. (2006), "Making printed circuit boards (PCBs) using an LPKF plotter", Circuit World, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 40-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/03056120610663399