TRACKMAKER SOFTWARE

TrackMaker is our proprietary PCB CAM software developed specifically for MIPEC CNC milling machines. The best advantage of our software is unmatched ease of use. Unlike other software packages on the market, TrackMaker is designed for complete simplicity, meaning no prior CNC programming knowledge is required. Users can start milling immediately without a steep learning curve.

Core Features & Formats

IMPORT DATA Gerber D & X, Excellon, ODB++, DXF, Sieb & Meyer, HPGL and others

EXPORT DATA Colinbus BFF, Gerber, Excellon, G-code, HPGL and others

DESIGN REVIEW Full-featured design control, supporting detailed error listing

SUPPORT FOR TOOLS Wide range of tools to remove copper on defined parts of PCB

STEP & REPEAT Easy copying of PCBs in any number of rows and columns

EDITING AND ADDING Simple modifications of PCB layers, adding soldering surfaces and paths

POWERFUL OPTIMIZATION Toolpaths designed to make milling and drilling efficient

ONE-CLICK IMPORT All PCB layers can be imported with a single click

The primary purpose of TrackMaker is the complete preparation and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCB) on MIPEC milling machines. Using data generated by TrackMaker, the machine performs the following core operations:

• Milling insulation paths: Cuts along the contours of tracks, pads (footprints), and other conductive elements to isolate connections from the surrounding copper clad laminate.
• Copper Rub-Out: Optionally removes remaining copper in non-conductive areas where no electrical connections exist.
• Drilling & Cutouts: Drills all necessary through-holes and mills internal cutouts or final board outlines.

Source data for toolpath calculations consist of PCB artwork layer images and drilling files created by modern EDA layout tools (KiCad, EAGLE, Altium, etc.). Most EDA software exports layer artwork in the industry-standard Gerber format (originally developed for photoplotters). Because raw Gerber images cannot be fed directly to CNC machinery, TrackMaker processes them through an advanced contouring algorithm to calculate precise physical toolpaths—the boundary lines that isolate PCB elements mechanically. Drilling data, exported in Excellon format, is automatically converted by TrackMaker into machine-executable instructions.

The Complete Fabrication Workflow

1. Import of artwork images (Gerber files): Import layers individually or load an entire directory with automatic layer mapping.
2. Import of board outlines and drilling data: Load Excellon files or reconstruct drill patterns directly from artwork elements if needed.
3. Data Alignment & Editing: Align imported layers to a common origin and make optional edits to board outlines or cutouts.
4. Contouring & Strategy Configuration: Set milling strategies, select tool diameters, and run automated Design Rule Checks (DRC).
5. Copper Removal Definition: Define optional rub-out areas for complete copper isolation.
6. Toolpath Calculation: Execute automatic contouring algorithms for insulation and drilling paths.
7. Execution: Position the copper clad laminate on the machine table and start the automated milling sequence.

Advanced Editing, GUI & Project Management

TrackMaker includes a robust built-in editing suite. Users can manually modify imported artwork, relocate holes, resize pads, change trace geometry, and create board outlines directly within the software. Editing tools allow full graphical transformation of elements before toolpaths are generated.

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) features an intuitive layout with customizable tabbed panels. The left panel houses the Layer Navigator for project-wide settings, while the right panel gives quick access to machine operations and active tools. Entire projects are saved into a single unified file containing all board layers, calculated contours, drill maps, and machine tool representations. Quick actions like loading projects or layers can be performed instantly via Windows Explorer Drag & Drop.