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Why LPKF
LPKF CircuitCAM -- the software interface to your CAD/EDA system

LPKF's CircuitCAM offers powerful editing options for data modification, as well as the ability to import practically every major file type. Modify designs on-the-fly to take advantage of the special abilities of LPKF ProtoMat circuit board plotters.

Simple integration

LPKF CircuitCAM processes the same data and data files required by a commercial board fabricator -- there is no need for an intermediate step. CircuitCAM automatically imports aperture tables and tool lists, followed by Gerber and NC drilling files. CircuitCAM provides useful tools for editing this data:

  • Data import: Imports Gerber®, GerberX, HP-GL™, Excellon®, Sieb & Meier, DXF, Barco®, ODB++®
  • Data export data: Exports Gerber®, GerberX, HP-GL™, LMD, Excellon® formats
  • Intelligent insulation: This process guarantees removal of copper using various automatic and individually adjustable insulation options, reducing milling time and increasing tool life, with up to four different tools per insulation strategy and freely definable rub-outs -- including polygons
  • Design rule check: Automatically checks track/gap spaces
  • Auto contour routing: Automatically generates routing paths with definable breakout tabs
  • Auto ground plane: Automatically generates ground planes
  • Direct drawing input: Draws simple front panels or printed circuit boards
  • Editing directly: For example, modifying line-widths, changing hole diameters, shifting holes, adding copper areas, etc.
  • Software wizard: Integrated program assistant guides the user and reduces the learning curve
  • True type fonts: CircuitCAM understands TTF and TTC during text functions
  • Auto assign: Automatically assigns production phases/tools for BoardMaster
  • Machining order control: Modifies cutting direction and sequence

Simple and functional
LPKF CircuitCAM operates easily under the Windows operating system, with programmable toolbars and input instructions. A software wizard guides even inexperienced users through the program sequence step-by-step, from data import, through path generation, to the export of production data.

Compatible with every standard CAD/EDA
CircuitCAM supports all standard data formats

  • CAD data accepted
  • Gerber®
  • Extended Gerber (RS 274 X)
  • DPF (Barco®)
  • Excellon
  • Sieb & Meier
  • DXF
  • HP-GL™
  • ODB++®
  • CircuitCAM for Windows
  • CAD data importing and editing
  • Milling data and routing path generation
  • BoardMaster for Windows
    Controlling the LPKF circuit board plotter
  • Tool library
  • Process control

High performance CAM station
LPKF CircuitCAM is an independent CAM workstation, with controls for production data control, editing, data modification, step-and-repeat, different design rule checks, generation of ground planes, TrueType font access, contour routing paths, and more. CircuitCAM quickly converts file type as well, such as AutoCAD® DXF data into Gerber files.

Special applications with LPKF CircuitCAM software


  • Defined insulation at the push of a button
    LPKF's insulation parameters and options can be individually adjusted and executed. The use of several tools guarantees optimal, reliable removal of the copper around the conductor lines.
  • RF- and microwave layouts
    LPKF CircuitCAM is particularly well-suited for processing RF and microwave layouts from original data. For example, DXF data is easily processed using the intelligent polygon fill function.
  • Contour routing path generator
    LPKF CircuitCAM can generate routing paths automatically, including the creation of cutting paths for internal slots or openings, and the outer contour of the circuit board. CircuitCAM can be programmed to produce defined breakout tabs at the same time.
Specifications LPKF CircuitCAM LITE LPKF CircuitCAM PCB
Import formats Gerber Standard (RS-274-D), Gerber Extended (RS-274-X), Excellon NC Drill (version 1 and 2), Sieb & Meier NC Drill, HP-GL™ Gerber Standard (RS-274-D), Gerber Extended (RS-274-X), Excellon NC Drill (version 1 and 2), Sieb & Meier NC Drill, HP-GL™, Barco® DPF, AutoCAD™ DXF, ODB ++®
Supported shapes Circle, square, rectangle (also rounded or angled), octagon, oval, marker, IEC 1182 (1000 - 1024) including thermal reliefs, fiducials, etc., special (arbitrary definable).
Export formats LPKF BoardMaster (LMD) LPKF BoardMaster (LMD), Gerber Standard (RS-274-D), Gerber Extended (RS-274-X), Excellon NC Drill, HP-GL™
Editing functions Original modification, relocating, duplicating, rotating, mirroring, erasing, extending/severing lines, line/path extension/shortening, line path/segment parallel shifting, line path/object polygon conversion (Fill), curve linking/closing
Special functions Contour routing path generator with breakout tabs Contour routing path generator with breakout tabs, volume operations, joining/separating objects, step & repeat (multiple PCB), polygon cut-out, ground plane generation with defined clearance, batch functions
Display functions Zoom window (freely definable), zoom in/out, overview, redraw, individual layers selectable/visible, panning (keyboard), layer in solid/outline/center line display, 16 pre-set colors (up to 16 million freely available), different colors for tracks and pads of the same layer, different colors for insulation tools
Marker functions Single element, total layer, all layers, pad groups, selection and limiting to specific layers possible for lines/polygons/circles/rectangles/pads/holes (multiple choice and restriction to specific layers possible)
Graphic functions Lines (open/closed), circle, polygon, rectangle, pad, hole, text (TTF)
Control functions Measuring Measuring, design rule check
Insulation methods Single insulation method, additional multiple insulation of pads, removal of residual copper spikes (spike option), milling out of large insulation areas (rub-out), concentric or in serpentines maintaining minimum insulation spaces, zone insulation (only PCB version)
Insulation tools 1 - 2 tools 1 - 4 tools
Languages English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese
Hardware and software specifications Microsoft® Windows® 95/98/NT/2000/XP, 700 MHz processor or better, min. 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended), screen resolution min. 1024x768 pixels
Supplied with LPKF ProtoMat® C20, C40, M30/S LPKF ProtoMat® C60, C100/HF, M60, 95s/II, H100, X60, L60, Upgrade from LITE available