S63 Protomat Milling Machine

Air Management System

Oven

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Description

Illustration

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Description

Illustration

1

Scissors

7

Disposable gloves

2

Cutting Plier

8

Heavy-Duty gloves

3

Paper tape

9

Squeegee

6

Backing sheet (Absorbent fleece)

10

ProConduct Paste

5

Protection film

11

Roller

4

Board cleaning solution

12

Underlay Material

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Open the S63 Protomat enclosure and place the 'Underlay Material' on the vacuum table attached to the S63 Protomat. If the 'Underlay Material' appears to be curved, flatten it out by affixing small amounts of paper tape along it's borders to the vacuum table edges.
Select a copper-clad board and place it on top of the underlay material.
Align the copper-clad board along the edges and use strips of paper tape to affix the board firmly onto the Vacuum table.

Switch on the S63 Protomat and pull down the enclosure lid.

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Find LPKF's Circuit Pro application shortcut and launch it.

You will be presented with a list of previously opened projects. If you wish to open an existing project (from the 'Projects' tab), choose the project at this point.

Use the 'Template' tab to choose the configurations template for the current project. Since we are milling a two-layer board, choose the 'DoubleSided with ProConduct' template file.

Next select 'View->Layout->Sandard CAM' to setup the standard layout.

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If the computer running CircuitPro is not connected to the milling machine, then the connection must be established manually. Ensure that the serial to usb cable behind the milling machine is firmly attached to the USB port of the computer.

Navigate to 'Machining' option on the main toolbar and select 'Connect'.

In the pop-up dialog box, select S63 from the drop down list and click 'Connect'

CircuitPro performs a series of checks. If all the checks succeed, a connection with the milling machine has been successfully established.

If an error is reported during the checks, please inform the maintenance personnel regarding the error. Do not proceed unit the error is resolved.

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Initiate the 'Process Planning Wizard' by selecting the respective icon from the wizards toolbar within CircuitPro

Checkout 'Process PCBs' from available choices and click on 'Next' to proceed.

Checkout 'Double-sided' from available choices for the number of layers and click on 'Next' to proceed.

Checkout 'FR4/FR5' from available choices for substrates and click on 'Next' to proceed.

Checkout 'LPKF ProConduct' for the through-hole and via electroplating process and click on 'Next' to proceed.

A summary of the selected options will be listed. Click on 'Done' to complete process planning.

Since we will not be applying solder mask on the finished board, we do not have the option to select the surface finishing technique.

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Initiate the 'Import Wizard' by selecting the respective icon from the wizards toolbar within CircuitPro. We will import the gerber and drill files prepared prior to the milling process.

Via and through-hole drill sizes need to be large enough to ensure that the ProConduct paste flows through and hardens evenly over their inner surface area. A drill hole diameter greater than 0.8 mm or 32 mils is ideal. Furthermore, it is ideal to have a via diameter that is at least 20 mils larger in diameter than the diameter of the drill hole to ensure that there is enough leftover copper (Annular Ring) that is not drilled off.

Use the file selection wizard to browse to the location of your gerber files and Control-click and drag to select all the layers and drill files. Click on 'Open' to proceed.

Choose the appropriate label for each imported gerber file from the drop down list. For e.g. the bottom layer gerber file will be assigned the label 'BottomLayer'.

Appropriate labels assigned for each file in a two-layer design. The layout for each file imported is also shown at the bottom when the respective file is highlighted.
Since we will be plating the via holes using ProConduct later in this tutorial, we will use the 'DrillPlated' option for the drill file.

You can verify the drill sizes in your design by selecting the drill file and then selecting the Apertures/Tools tab. The General tab on the right panel allows for custom 'Units' for the drill sizes.

The drill sizes for the drill file must match the available sizes for the drill bits in the kit. Take care to match the drill sizes with the available drill bits while designing your board.

The Apertures/Tools tab when selected while other layers are selected provides a summary of the drill sizes while milling over the design. Best results are achieved when the drill sizes are limited to vary within 0.1 mm. In this example, some of the dimensions do not meet this criteria. This could potentially cause the milling tool to leave unwanted copper traces in areas with specified clearances. Consult the design tool manual to adjust these settings.

The Text View Tab lists the contents of the highlighted layer's Gerber file.

Message View displays preview loaded times and paths to the files imported.

When a layer is highlighted within the top panel, the Options tab (bottom right panel) provides a list of customizable options.

Once the gerber file import process is complete, click on the "OK" button to close the panel and return back to the main window. The layout for the design will be displayed in the "CAM View" panel. On the left, a listing on all the layers imported will be presented. The number of CAM routes will be displayed between the brackets beside each layer.

The "Hide Empty Layers" option may be enabled to have a compact listing of only the necessary layers imported in the previous step.

Assigned layer settings for each imported file can be modified using the set of configurable options available for each layer.

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To obtain a finer milling finish (removal of copper traces between circuit lines), "Rubout" layers maybe created for one or more layers in the design. The Rubout layer selection wizard maybe instantiated by clicking on the appropriate icon as shown in figure.

Rubout regions may be created for all layers or for individual layers. Instantiate the Rubout dropdown list by clicking on the dropdown caret beside the Roubout region creation icon. Select the appropriate option, from the dropdown list, to create the Rubout region for your design.

Rubout regions can be specified by "Absolute" dimensions or can be defined relative to an anchor point (Asterisk symbol in 'CAM View').

It is also possible to use the CAM view to select an anchor point and while holding the left mouse button, click and drag the cursor to define a Rubout region. Once the Rubout region has been defined click on "Close" to quit the Rubout selection panel. New Rubout layers will be created in the list of layers.

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To assist the CAM head in the alignment of different layers of the design, it is necessary to create Fiducial markings in close proximity of the board outline. The create fiducials wizard may be initiated by selecting the appropriate icon, as shown, from the wizards toolbar.

Select 'Fiducial' from the drop down list to enter the fiducial creation model in the 'CAM View'.

Fiducial may be created at Absolute positions specified by the x and y co-ordinates or they maybe relative to an anchor point. It is also possible to use the left mouse click to create a fiducial marking in the 'Cam View'.

Create one or more fiducial markings in close proximity to the board design outline. Make sure it's far enough so that the protection film does not cover up the fiducials during the drilling phase later in the milling process. Exit the Fiducial creation panel by clicking on close once the required number of fiducials have been created.

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Before we start the milling process, the routing toolpaths for insulation and contour of the imported design must be generated. The 'create insulation and contour routing toolpaths' wizard may be initiated by selecting the appropriate icon, as shown, from the wizards toolbar.

A technology dialog will be instantiated where custom options for milling both insulation and contour is available. Under insulation, one may choose between different methods which varies the amount of milling effort.

For designs that do not include a Rubout region, the 'Basic' method is only available option. For designs with Rubout regions defined, the 'Basic, pads double', 'Partial Rubout' and 'Complete Rubout' methods are available.

If the design comprises of most trace widths about 40 mils or more, the 'Basic,pads double' method would be sufficient and fast. For more complex designs which many components in close proximity, the 'Partial Rubout' option is the better option. For the best insulation, choose 'Complete Rubout'. The best insulation method for a specific design is dependent on both the quality of the milling output and efficient use of the drill bits. The 'Complete Rubout' method may offer the best insulation, but takes longer to process and uses the most amount of resources (in terms of drill bits)., thereby reducing it's tool life.

Access the detailed customization options under 'Insulation', using the 'Show Details' button. It is possible to customize the specific drill bits (Primary) used for a specific Source of insulation. Insulation width and pad insulation values can be customized as well. For most designes, you may use the illustration of the settings, on the right side, as a reference.

Under 'Contour Routing', one may choose between different methods which varies the slotting scheme used for clipping off the design from the base copper plate. The options available are 'No gaps', which completely separates the design from the base board, the other options are 'Horizontal Gaps', 'Vertical Gaps', 'Edge Gaps', 'Corner gap' and 'Equidistant Gaps'. The 'No Gaps' option would be ideal when the design does not include 'vias' or 'through-holes'.

When the design includes 'vias' and 'through-holes', they need to undergo a plating process (involving the ProConduct paste) which will be explained later.

Access the detailed customization options under 'Contour routing', using the 'Show Details' button. It is possible to mill a contour gaps around either the 'Inside' or 'Outside' edge of the board outline. Depending on the proximity of components in the design, one may choose between either of the options. Unless, otherwise required, the illustration on the side has the recommended settings to be used.

Unless otherwise specified, you may use the illustration on the side as reference, for configuring the settings for 'Drills', 'Fiducials' and 'Pockets' under 'Convert to Toolpaths'.

Once the settings have been configured, click the 'Start' button to generate the toolpaths for the design.

The tool path generation step needs to be revisited every time a change is made to the settings or configuration is any of the previous steps.

Once the toolpaths have been generated, a summary of the Computation results are displayed. The required tools (drill bits) for the job is summarized. You may safely ignore the 'Pocket conversion check' warning. Click on 'Close' to exit the summary dialog.

The 'Toolpaths' tab at the bottom left panel in the main view, may be selected to review the toolpaths generated during each phase of the board production process.

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Prior to selecting the drill bits for the tool magazine, It is recommended to configure the 'Material Settings' depending on the type of copper clad board used during board production. Access this dialog box by Navigating to 'Edit' in the main toolbar. Under 'Edit' select 'Material Settings'. Consult the Material Settings Table at the bottom of this tutorial to assign the recommended settings for 'Copper Thickness' and 'Material Thickness'.
The 'Location' section can be configured to set up the board corners (Bottom Left and Top Right Icons). Use the 'Processing Panel' to navigate the camera head to the desired position and mark off the corners by clicking the associated icon. Select the 'Camera Head' (Icon) as the active head from the 'Select Head' section within 'Processing Panel'.

It is essential to configure material settings so that the milling head may record the correct drill bit height during the tool training process (which comes later in this step of the tutorial).

When the milling machine is used for the first time, the tool clamps behind the tool magazine (located behind the vacuum table platform) need to be populated with the required drill bits. In this step we will determine the drill bits missing. The 'Tool Magazine Selection' wizard may be initiated by selecting the appropriate icon, as shown, from the wizards toolbar.
The blue box highlights the tool magazine summary in the 'Machining View' tab. Appropriate color coding, based on the color of the distance rings affixed to the drill bits, indicate the specific type of drill bit.

This step requires a connection to be established between the computer and the milling machine. Please consult the step to establish a connection at the beginning of this tutorial if a connection has not been previously established.

The 'Tool Magazine Selection' dialog has a summary of required tools for the current design. A missing drill bit has a 'cross' next to it.
The 'Machine Tools' section allows for customization of the tool magazine.
An empty circle indicates that the tool (drill bit) associated next to it is not in the milling head and is available for 'pick up'. Click on the circle to allow the milling head to drop off the drill bit it is currently holding and pick up the selected drill bit.
A circle with crosshairs indicates that the tool associated next to it is in the milling head. Click on the circle to allow the milling head to drop off the drill bit into it's designated clamp behind the tool magazine.
A 'Holder' checkbox next to each tool, when selected, enables additional options (if available) such as 'Check milling width...' and 'Discard Tool'.
A tool life bar next to each tool indicates the life spent for the associated tool.

If the life bar is in red, consult with the maintenance personnel to replace the worn out tool.

Prior to milling, the milling head must be trainined for adjusting the tool height (Distance from the copper board to the drill bit tip).
Tools that need training prior to milling are the Universal drill bit, Micro Cutter drill bit and the End Mill drill bit. Initiate the tool height learning procedure by checking out the 'Holder' check box associated with the tool that needs training. Click the 'Check milling width...' button at the bottom.

A dialog opens up which prompts to define the milling area to check the milling width of the tool that needs training.
Use the mouse cursor to locate a scratch area (location must be sufficiently distanced away from the fiducial holes inserted earlier) on the board. A box with yellow outline and crosshairs indicates the current position of the scratch area. Move the box to the desired position on the board (Ensure that the location selected stays within board boundaries).

At any stage, for precise determination of a location on the board, utilize the "Processing Panel' to navigate the milling head to the desired location.
For finer movements of the milling head, modify the value in the distance textbox within X/Y positioning section. To change perspective of the camera, use the 'Select Head' section and activate the 'Camera Head' icon. The 'Camera View' at the bottom left corner presents a live feed from the camera head.

When a milling area has been located, click on 'OK' to allow the tool to proceed with the milling width check.

The milling machine confirms the current drill bit on the milling head and performs an adjustment. It performs a tool exchange if required.
The machine then initiates the spindle warm up process (2 minute duration, occurs only once during board production). Once the spindle is warmed up, the progress bar dialog will close and the milling head proceeds with the check milling width process.

If the milling head does not pick up the selected tool, click on 'Abort' and consult the maintenance personnel for assistance.

Depending on the drill bit, the milling head mills a line (Universal drill bit or Micro Cutter) or a circle (End Mill), and adjusts the camera head to provide an updated camera view feed. If the focus looks good, click "OK" to confirm. Click "No" for the milling head to retry focussing the camera.

The milling machine communicates the camera feed to the computer, where the image is processed to determine milling width corrections if necessary. If corrections are required, the 'Check milling width results' dialog will provide the proposed correction required. Click on 'Store correction" to store the proposed correction into the milling machine.
The "Tool Magazine Selection" dialog is presented once again. Please repeat this procedure for the Universal Drill bits, Micro Cutter Drill bits and End Mill Drill bits. Once all the drill bits that need training are covered, click on "OK" to exit the "Tool Magazine Selection" wizard.

If the proposed correction is visibly incorrect, click on the "Measure Again" button to fix the issue. If the issue persists, consult with the maintenance personnel for a resolution.

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Ensure that the copper clad board has been affixed firmly to the vacuum table top and the enclosure lid is in the closed position.
The Air Management Unit should be on standby. If the Air management Unit needs maintenance, consult with the maintenance personnel for proper cleaning of the vacuum bags.
Initiate the 'Board Production' wizard by clicking on the appropriate icon as illustrated.

You will be presented with a illustration of mounting the copper clad board onto the vacuum table top. Since this process was covered in the Board Setup step, we will proceed by clicking on 'Start'.

Warning messages indicating 'Tool Clamp Maintenance' and 'Check Tool Life!' need to be reported to maintenance personnel if encountered.

The 'Material Settings' dialog configuration was covered as a part of 'Tool Maganzine Selection' step. It is essential to configure the same during the 'Tool Magazine Selection' step. Click on 'Continue' to accept the configured settings and proceed.

The placement dialog box (Which can be manually access from the 'Machining' option in the main toolbar), allows for relative positioning (based on an anchor point, rotation as well as creating multiple copies of the design along both the design's vertical and horizontal dimensions. You can also use the mouse to grab the design (along the black outline) within the 'Machining View' and move it to a desired milling location on the board.
It is advisable to preserve as much space possible on the copper board all the while maintaining a distance from the board extremities. Once you have chosen the preferred location on the copper board, click on the 'Continue' button.

If you wish to mill multiple copies of the same design, please use one or two fiducial markings at most. More fiducials tend to make it difficult for the milling head to locate them on the copper board. In case you need to remove fiducials at this step, abort the board production wizard and switch to 'CAM View'. Then carefully select the fiducial marking and hit 'Delete' on the keyboard to remove it.

CircuitPro offers the option to save the current configuration which comprises of the configuration settings, template and the design. If you wish to save a copy of the same, you may do so at this stage.

Once the placement of the design has been decided, the milling machine proceeds to 'Drill Fiducials', 'Mill the bottom layer' and 2.5D insulation milling. You can view the milling progress via the 'Machining View'.
This process takes anywhere between 10 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the design milling area and its complexity (more vias).

Once the milling for the bottom layer is complete, the machine will prompt to open the milling machine's enclosure lid in order to flip the board along it's symmetry axis.

It is advisable to keep the alignment as close to the initial board setup as possible. This makes it easier for the milling head camera to find the fiducials faster. Remember to affix the flip side of the board with paper tape before closing the enclosure lid to continue to the next process (Top layer milling).

When the enclosure lid is closed, confirm it by accepting the pop-up dialog. Next the milling unit will attempt to locate the fiducial markings and re-align the design (Top Layer) in the machining view with the locations of the physical markings.

Most often, the milling head will not be able to locate the fiducial markings (due to a mismatch between the initial board alignment and the alignment after flipping the board). If the the milling head is not able to find the fiducial marking, the Alignment dialog will present options to adjust alignment parameters, 'Find and Center', 'Accept Current Position', 'Retry' or 'Abort' the board production process.

Utilize the milling head navigation buttons in the 'Processing Panel' to move it and locate the fiducials manually. Ensure that the camera head icon is active under the 'Select Head' section.
Use appropriate displacement values (in mm) to move the milling head to an approximate location of the fiducial. The Camera View at the bottom will present the expected circumference of the fiducial. Move the milling head to match the expected dimensions of the fiducial with the actual fiducial on the copper board. Once a match is determined, click on 'Accept Current Position'. The milling head will attempt to find the next fiducial.

Designs with low fiducial count (one or two for each copy), normally require that the initial fiducial location be manually determined. The milling machine locates the rest of the fiducial markings and prompts for a confirmation. However, after the design's vias are drilled, there is a high probability that the milling head might find it difficult to distinguish between the fiducial markings and the design's vias if they are in close proximity. In such a situation, the manual process of locating fiducials must be repeated.

Once all the fiducials have been located, the milling machine movies into the next phase where the via hole center are marked. After this, the top layer is milled and the contour along the design outline is routed. This process takes anywhere between 10 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the design milling area and its complexity (more vias).

After the top layer has been milled, the machine prompts to dismount the copper board from the vacuum table top. This is to ensure that ProConduct Protection film has been applied over the top and bottom layers of the design. Open the enclosure lid and dismount the copper board (Save the paper tape for later use).

If your design does not cover the entire region of the copper board, you will need to cut out sections of the protection film. Size the cut outs to match the outline of the design.
Avoid covering up the fiducial markings by leaving enough space between the fiducial and the design outline as shown in the sequence of images. This is to ensure that the milling head camera is able to locate the fiducial marking once the board is mounted onto the vacuum table for drilling.
Peel out the protection film and apply it carefully over the design area. Use the 'Roller' to roll out any air bubbles.
Repeat this procedure for the top and bottom layers of the design.

Air bubbles under the protection film might cause the ProConduct paste to spread over to the regions underneath. This might introduce undesired shorts in the design. It is advisable to use cleaning alcohol or PCB cleaner to ensure that the surface is free of copper filings, flint or dust.

Mount the board with protection film onto the vacuum table and affix it firmly with paper tape. Close the enclosure lid and confirm it on CircuitPro. The milling machine will now search for fiducial marking to align the design with the actual location of the board. Use the processing panel as outlined earlier to manually locate the markings if required.

Once the fiducials are identified, the milling machine proceeds to drill the via holes. This procedure takes anywhere between 5 minutes and 1 hour depending on the complexity of the design (number of vias).

When the drilling process is complete, CircuitPro prompts for a board dismount and the rest of the board production process is to be performed manually.
Dismount the 'Underlay Material' and leave the vacuum table exposed. Store the 'Underlay Material' in the materials shelf for later use.

The next procedure is to prepare the ProConduct for application over the area of protection film. ProConduct paste bags are stored in the cooler to retain it's viscosity during the course of its shelf life. Consult the ProConduct paste usage table for the number of ProConduct bags required for your design. If your design is less than 4"x4" in dimension, you will require one bag of ProConduct paste.

Wear disposable gloves before applying the ProConduct paste. Choose a flat surface to place the board. Place the 'Backing sheet (Absorbent fleece)' below the copper board so as to absorb any paste that may flow through the board down to the surface.
Make a sideways slit on one of the corners of the bag and apply a thin line of the paste along the edges of the protection film as shown in the image.

Use the squeegee to spread the ProConduct paste over the surface of the protection film so as to fill up the via holes. Maintain the same direction while moving the squeegee over the surface of the protection film so as to maintain an even spread of the paste over the surface of the protection film. If the via holes do not well up, apply and spread more paste over the protection film until all the holes are filled.

Over a short period of time some of the paste will be absorbed by the backing sheet underneath. However, to ensure that connectivity is maintained within the vias, it is essential to use the vacuum table to suck out the remaining paste inside the vias.

Place the board along with the backing sheet directly on top of the vacuum table and switch on the 'Air Management System'. Set the 'Air Management System' to full speed and let the vacuum force the absorbent fleece to accelerate the process of clearing the vias of any remaining paste.

Holding the board in front of a light source will help clarify which of the remaining vias need to be cleared up.

ProConduct paste tends to dry at room temperature, so it is advisable to be quick and efficient while performing this process.


ProConduct paste is expensive and must be used conservatively. While handling the ProConduct paste, it is advisable to have an additional helping hand so as to ensure that the paste does not spread over to areas other than the copper board.

After the paste has been satisfactorily applied, switch the 'Air Management System' to standby and dismount the copper board and Backing sheet from the vacuum table.
Set the oven temperature to 325° and the timer to 35 minutes.
Let the oven heat up for 5 minutes.

Dispose off the gloves and peel off the protection film before placing the board in the oven. Do not attempt to clean off any excess ProConduct at this stage.


While peeling off the protection film, traces of ProConduct paste might stick to the skin. Wash hands thoroughly with normal soap until all traces of the paste has been removed.

Wear heavy duty gloves before opening the oven. Place the board in the oven (preferably the center rack) and close it. Set the oven to heat up for 30 minutes.

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Confirm the prompt from CircuitPro to complete the board production process. A sample board is shown for illustrative purposes.
Any via holes that appear to be filled up can be pierced later if they are header holes. Clean the board using the PCB Cleaning solution. Test for ground and supply connectivity before soldering components onto the board.

Click on 'File->Exit' to close CircuitPro. CircuitPro prompts the user for moving the milling head to a safe position (This position is randomly assigned). Switch off the milling machine and ensure that the enclosure lid is firmly shut.

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#

Description

Qty.

1

FR4 double-sided ½ oz. copper clad base material 12” x 9” x 39 mil (Part# 119574)

10

2

Single Sided laminate material for outer layers, ⅛ oz. Cu w/ protection foil. 12” x 9” x 8 mil (Part# 119571)

20

3

Prepreg bonding material. 12” x 9” x 6 mil (Part# 119572)

40

4

Pressing cardboard cushion 12” x 9” x 26 mil (Part# 119573)

4

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Board Type

Board Dimensions

Specified Thickness

CircuitPro Material Settings

Amount of ProConduct Paste

Single-Sided Flexible Copper Board (Laminate)

12" x 9"

0.008" (8 mil)

Copper Thickness (µm) = 9
Material Thickness (mm) = 0.8

2 Packs (One side)

Double-Sided Copper Board

12" x 9"

0.039" (39 mil)

Copper Thickness (µm) = 18
Material Thickness (mm) = 1.8

3 Packs (One side)

Double-Sided Copper Board

10" x 8"

0.032" (32 mil)

Copper Thickness (µm) = 18
Material Thickness (mm) = 1.6

3 Packs (One side)

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Drill Type

#

Size

Qty.

Universal Milling Tool

1

0.20 - 0.30 mm

10

Fine Line

1

0.10 - 0.15 mm

2

End Mill

1

0.79 mm (0.0311")

1

2

1.00 mm (0.0394")

2

3

2.00 mm (0.0787")

2

Long End Mill

1

1.00 mm (0.0394")

1

2

2.00 mm (0.0787")

1

Drill Bits

1

0.40 mm (0.0157")

2

2

0.50 mm (0.0197")

2

3

0.60 mm (0.0236")

2

4

0.80 mm (0.0276")

2

5

0.90 mm (0.0315")

2

6

1.00 mm (0.0394")

2

7

1.20 mm (0.0472")

1

8

1.40 mm (0.0551")

1

9

1.50 mm (0.0590")

2

10

1.60 mm (0.0629")

1

11

1.80 mm (0.0708")

2

12

2.00 mm (0.0787")

2

13

3.00 mm (0.1181")

2

Contour Router Bits

1

1.00 mm (0.0394")

2

2

2.00 mm (0.0787")

2

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Drill Type

#

Size

Qty.

End Mill

1

2.00 mm (0.0787")

2

Long End Mill

1

2.00 mm (0.0787")

2

Drill Bits

1

0.15 mm (6 mil)

3

2

0.25 mm (10 mil)

5

3

0.39 mm (15.7 mil)

3

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If a new drill bit needs to be affixed to an empty slot/clamp, choose the position in CircuitPro. If there is no drill bit present at the chosen position, it will be specified as 'NONE'.

Use the drop down menu to assign a new drill bit to the position. Select the drill bit and manually affix it onto the tool clamp behind the tool magazine.
If a drill bit needs to be exchanged with another, use the drop down list to replace the existing drill bit with the new drill bit (Do not use the 'Discard Tool' option in this scenario, as the drill bit life has not been expired).
For drill bits that have not been used before, a 'New Tool' designator will be displayed in the drop down list.
When replacing drill bits back to their container, follow a top to bottom method for used and unused drill bits (Used drill bits are at the top and unused drill bits follow).

Take extreme care when affixing a new drill bit or removing one to/from their respective tool clamp. The drill bit clamps onto two positions above and below its distance ring.

When a drill bit has reached its end of life, select the 'Tool Magazine Selection' option and check out the 'Holder' box beside the expired drill bit. The 'Discard Tool' option will be highlighted.

Click on 'Discard Tool' and select 'Yes' in the pop-up dialog prompt. Open the milling machine's enclosure lid to manually remove the drill bit.

Do not forget to label expired drill bits. Use a paper tape mark the expired drill bit appropriately.
When replacing drill bits back to their container, follow a top to bottom method for used and unused drill bits (Used drill bits are at the top and unused drill bits follow).