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LPKF ProtoMat® S42
State-of-the-art rapid PCB prototyping in an entry-level package
General
          
  • Entry level system for precision prototypes
  • Easy operation with quick-release tool change
  • Vacuum table and fiducial recognition camera available
The LPKF ProtoMat® S42 introduces a new entry-level circuit board plotter for in-house rapid PCB prototyping. This compact system provides precision and performance for quickly and easily milling and drilling circuit board prototypes in a single day. In-house PCB prototyping eliminates production delays and the high cost of outside vendors, reducing a product's development time and time-to-market dramatically. Design data also remains securely in-house and under control. The S42 in particular is a perfect entry-level tool for educational and other settings where economy is a critical issue.

Ideal for colleges and technical schools
The LPKF ProtoMat® S42 is an excellent tool for colleges and technical institutions, allowing students and instructors to produce printed circuit boards that are production quality and chemical free, immediately in the classroom environment. Low consumable costs, instant turnaround, and no need for external vendors encourages more practical exercises and experiments in the classroom or laboratory.

Performance
Each ProtoMat® S42 is carefully calibrated at the factory for unsurpassed overall accuracy. As a result, the plotter can mill and drill all types of PCBs with fine traces, using reliable, well-tested technology. Its milling head travel speed of 50 mm (approx. 1.97") per second and high-performance 42,000 RPM spindle motor makes it an excellent entry-level performer for producing quality PCBs in-house.

Convenience and easy handling
The ProtoMat® S42's simple operation is quick and easy to master. Board production can begin within minutes of switching on the machine, and it requires no external air compressors or other products. A standard RS-232 or USB cable connects the S42 to any compatible Windows computer.

Silence and security
An optional acoustic cabinet reduces system sounds and acts as a protective cover. The plotter can safely operate in any work environment.

Integrated head lighting
Shadow-free illumination of the milling area from integrated head lighting makes direct quality control faster and easier. Accuracy for double-sided boards can be increased with the addition of an optional fiducial recognition camera, as well as a vacuum table.

CAM software included
Each ProtoMat® S42 includes LPKF CircuitCAM Lite and BoardMaster software for importing PCB data from any CAD package and for controlling the operation of the plotter. This easy-to-use software, developed by LPKF, processes the same data sent to PCB manufacturers.

Options
There are various options available for the S42 to improve productivity and convenience. These options can be factory mounted or retrofitted

Vacuum tabletop
This option holds the work piece tightly against the work surface, eliminating any substrate irregularities such as twisting or warpage. The tabletop also prevents the material from slipping without the need for masking tape.

Fiducial recognition camera
Improve the ease-of-use and the precision of front-to-back registration of multilayer boards by using a Fiducial Recognition Camera. The accompanying driver software integrates seamlessly with LPKF's BoardMaster software and provides automatic recognition and alignment to existing fiducials in the circuit board. The fiducial camera option requires one additional USB 2.0 port in the host computer.

Acoustic cabinet
The optional acoustic cabinet reduces system sounds and acts as a protective cover. The plotter can safely and quietly operate in any work environment.