With the new ProtoMat line LPKF continues its innovation efforts in circuit board prototyping. In recollection: over the past few years the German company introduced the ProtoLaser S for structuring circuit boards and a series of simple SMT Prototyping components for occasional use or training purposes. This time itrsquo;s a revision of the best known product group: the ProtoMat S-series circuit board plotters were thoroughly reengineered. Even at a first glance yoursquo;ll notice: all S-series ProtMatrsquo;s come inside a new modern looking acoustic cabinet; reducing noise emissions while increasing safety.  Three models available LPKF introduces three models with different performance and features. Even the entry-level version, the ProtoMat S43 with a 40,000 rpm spindle motor, is suitable for most structuring jobs, drilling and depaneling circuit boards. The system is also excellent for engraving front panels. More convenient is the S63: The all-rounder in Rapid PCB Prototyping masters 2.5D material processing and features a spindle speed of 60,000 rpm. This also makes it fit for drilling test adapters or housing production. Entirely new is the dispenser, which applies soldering paste to the circuit board with absolute precision. Even the fiducial camera, a 15 position automatic tool change and automatic milling width adjustment are standard; letting nothing stand in the way of e.g. precise machining of double-sided circuit boards or multilayer components. The top-of-the-line ProtoMat S103 not only features a standard 100,000 rpm spindle but also a vacuum table and pneumatic milling depth limiter. This allows the unit to mill and drill delicate materials with ultimate precision ? typically in RF or microwave applications. The vacuum table securely mounts substrates on the plotter. With its help the ProtoMat S 103 also gently cuts irregularly shaped, flexible circuit boards from large panels. Britta Schulz, Director of the Rapid PCB Prototyping Division, explains the development objectives: bdquo;Wersquo;re incorporating requirements from users in this new ProtoMat family. Each ProtoMat can be upgraded to the next evolution with simple means ? from S43 to S63 or right to the S103. The upgrade sets are available now and represent another way of safeguarding the investment. We have also completely revised the Softwareldquo;.  Custom software The completely revised CircuitPro software by LPKF is aimed at a wider range of users. During installation the following methods can be set to structuring ? the software then ensures a smooth work flow, for example, through-plating or labeling PCBs. Compared to the previous versions LPKF CircuitCAM and LPKF BoardMaster all functions were combined into one program ? from data migration to PCB labeling without polluting wet chemistry. While inexperienced users are guided step-by-step through the production processes by finely tuned wizards step by step, proficient users can continue using menu functions.  E-Line expansion Aside from the new S-ProtoMatrsquo;s, LPKF is introducing a low priced entry-level model. The ProtoMat E33 features a 30,000 rpm spindle and doesnrsquo;t take up much more than a size DIN-A3-sheet (16.5rdquo; x 11.7rdquo;). The system is able to structure, drill and route circuit boards. While the machining speed isnrsquo;t quite the same as the S-series, it still features outstanding precision. No upgrade options are planned for the LPKF ProtoMat E33.  Evolution in Rapid PCB Prototyping Other prototyping systems were also reengineered. Britta Schulz notes: bdquo;We have attained a very advanced level and the widest product range for PCB Prototyping in the market. But wersquo;ll still continue working on new and existing systemsldquo;.