Manual

5-2 Programming Basics and Setup
Program Instructions
Programs are composed of command instructions that are executed sequentially. Basically, any function
you want performed during a dispensing run should appear as a command at the point in your program
when you want the function to execute.
Typical programs include both dispensing and maintenance functions. Dispensing functions instruct the
Dispensing Head where to move, when to start dispensing, and how much fluid to dispense. Maintenance
functions include items such a purge instructions and flow rate procedures.
Fluid Files
Fluid files record information about the dispensing fluids used in your programs. For information on
setting up a fluid file, see “Fluid Setup” later in this section.
Vision Files
An essential component of the programming and production process of fluid dispensing is the Vision
System. The Vision System is capable of automatically locating features on the workpiece so that
dispensing patterns can be placed accurately. The Vision System hardware consists of a Camera, light
source, vision processor board, and video mixer board.
The Vision System has three tools or methods to find fiducials. A fiducial is a distinct shape or object on
the board or part. The vision system uses these objects for location reference. See “Teaching Fiducials”
later in this section.
FmNT controls all programming and dispensing functions and uses the Asymtek Vision for Windows
(AVW) library in conjunction with the vision processor software to perform fiducial location and edge
detection functions.
Heater Files
Heater files record information about heater configuration. For more information, refer to “Heater
Controls” in the Tools section.
Recipe
A Recipe contains all of the components for conducting a production run:
Program File (dispensing and maintenance commands)
Fluid File
Vision File
Heater File (if applicable)
FmNT automatically creates a Vision File during a programming session and attaches it to the current
dispensing program. The Fluid File must be created, saved, and attached to a program before it becomes
part of the Recipe.
These elements, when saved and assembled as one file, are collectively called a Recipe. This facilitates
the transferring of the file among machines and ensures the proper heater and fluid files remain attached.
Recipes are saved with a .rcp extension in the Recipe folder.