User guide

Programming Basics 7-1
7 Programming Basics
Overview
This chapter introduces the fundamentals of developing dispensing programs in FMW. These
skills prepare you for more complex programming in the next two chapters.
It is essential to be familiar with the tools you will use to program, such as the Vision System
software. This chapter explains the use of Model Fiducial Finder and Corner Finder in the
Vision System. You will be taught basic tips on how to define and recognize good fiducials
and how to set up for edge detection.
The following subsections provide guidance on how programs are built in FMW and also
what tools are used to create them. Read this section before going on to programming. Part
of this exercise requires use of the Tutorial Board and FMW. You will not be dispensing, but
you will be using the board.
Estimated time to complete: 60 minutes
Theory and Use of Programs
All complex dispensing systems require software programs to control the dispensing system
components. The software controls the flow of fluid, temperatures and motion by controlling
the individual components of the system. FMW controls almost all of the dispensing system
components.
Programs are written for specific dispensing applications on specific dispensing systems.
Typically, a program written on one dispensing system must be modified slightly before it can
deliver the same degree of accuracy on another system. Therefore, it is important to write
the program on the same machine that will run the program.
Programs are composed of command instructions like any other machine-control program.
The instruction lines are cryptic, but can be easily identified. Commands can contain location
instructions, telling the dispensing head where to move, when to start dispensing and in what
shape, instruct the system to check fluid flow rate or temperature, to purge, and where to
look for and how to find fiducials. Basically, any function you want performed during a
dispensing run should appear as a command somewhere in your program.