CopperCAM is a specialized application for Windows that converts and Excellon files from electronic CAD software into precise CNC toolpaths for isolation milling, drilling, and board cutouts. Unlike design-focused tools, CopperCAM is a dedicated CAM utility built to bridge the gap between your PCB design and a physical milling machine. 1. Initial Setup: Tool Library and Parameters

CopperCAM does not open schematic files (like .sch or .brd files directly from Eagle/KiCad). It requires the industry-standard manufacturing files. You must export these from your EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software.

: Verify that the drill holes align with the copper pads. If they do not, manual shifting may be required.

: If milling a bottom-layer PCB, flip the layers horizontally to ensure the design is correctly oriented for the machine.

: "Corn bits" are often recommended as they combine a drill bit with an endmill, allowing one tool to bore various hole sizes through circular interpolation. 2. Importing and Aligning Layers

Before exporting, simulate to catch errors.