Why in-house PCB prototyping?

LPKF's in-house prototyping systems generate high-quality boards that either match or surpass the standards of externally sourced PCB prototypes. Prototype PCBs can be manufactured and evaluated within a single day, eliminating the need for hazardous and messy chemical etching tanks.

LPKF PCB prototyping systems operate directly from CAD data, providing the necessary adaptability for a wide range of projects, including PCBs, RF enclosures, contour routing, controller housings, faceplates, signs, inspection templates, test fixtures, and even solder paste stencils.

LPKF In-House PCB Prototyping Features

  1. Automatic Tool Change
    No more manual changing of drill bits, the automated tool change allows you to leave the machine unattended as it swaps out the required bit.
  2. Fiducial Positioning Camera
    The camera captures the fiducials and automatically aligns and reloads to the right placement
  3. Vacuum Table
    Easily work on flexible PCBs with no fear as the vacuum table holds the flexible PCB securely to the platform.
  4. Multilayer Lamination
    Suitable for even multi-layered PCBs
  5. Through-hole plating
    Suitable for through-hole PCBs
  6. Auxiliary SMT assembly equipment
    A full range of in-house prototyping equipment from start to finish (pick and place, stencil printer, and reflow oven)

Advantages of In-house prototyping

Reduction in production time

In-house prototyping eliminates the time waiting for production house to respond, as well as lengthy back-and-forth communication. This means the time taken for R&D and production reduces, allowing for a quicker market launch. 

Ensures Confidentiality

Prevent potential leaks and keep your Intellectual Property safe by performing your research in-house with no external third party production house. 
Government bodies such as the military may wish to keep certain research private, and will benefit from in-house prototying.

Creative Freedom

Save time and money as in-house allows the freedom to create and experiment quickly, without being charged by external vendors for changes in the prototype. 

Easy Fixing

Something wrong with your PCB? Quickly rework, adjust, trim or tune your existing PCBs 

Highly Compatible

Work with any CAD programs with the standardised file formats

Multi-Function ProtoMat

The ProtoMat functions as a PCB router and circuit tracer, allowing you to mill, drill and route. 

Highly Convenient

Perform all the activities above and more right in your own lab

What does it mean for me?

Benefits for School/Universities
  • Students cover all stages from design to production and facilitates faculty research projects
  • Expose students to industrial equipment
  • Save money

Benefits for microwave/RF
  • Several design revision completed within a single day.
  • Adjust and optimise filters and antennas.
  • Develop 2.5D aluminum RF housings.
  • Craft custom shielding or employ 3D scribe-and-fold structures.
  • Work with a range of materials, including FR4, Teflon, and unfired ceramics.
  • Enhance proficiency in simulation software for improved effectiveness.

Benefits for Military/Government
  • Keep sensitive information secret
  • Avoid outsourcing to third parties
  • Suitable for analog, digital, RF and MW designs and substrates for sharing between various groups or departments

Benefits for Smaller Companies
  • Produce stencils, housings, faceplates, and mechanical components on top of PCBs.
  • Ideal for manufacturing low-volume quantities.
  • Gain a competitive edge with the advantage of speed against larger competitors.
  • No need to wait for prototype delivery - fabricate and test in your lab today.

Benefits for Larger Companies
  • Various applications allow utilization across multiple departments.
  • High-mix versatility, whether producing a single product or hundreds.
  • Scalable redundancy made simple: multiple machines at different locations, all operating cohesively.
  • Faster prototyping cycles enable a quicker time to market, outpacing the competition.
Back to blog