Manual EasyCoat 6.2.1
Manual EasyCoat 6.2.1
EasyCoat®
Version 6.1.2
User Guide
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Trademarks
Asymtek®, Select Coat®, and EasyCoat® are registered trademarks of Nordson Corporation.
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Patents
For relative patent information, visit the Nordson patent website: www.nordson.com/electronics-patents.
Manual Conventions
Bold Text Dispensing system labels, buttons and switches, and software menu selections
and commands appear in this text style.
[Bracketed Text] [Bracketed Text] indicates a single key or key combination to press on a
computer keyboard, such as [Enter] or [Alt + Tab].
Text > Text Refers to a series of menu bar commands in the EasyCoat software.
WARNING! Personnel Safety Warning. This symbol appears in a shaded text block to warn
you about actions that could cause personal injury or death.
CAUTION! Property Damage Caution. This symbol appears in a shaded text block to warn
you about actions that could cause serious damage to the machinery, software,
parts being processed, and facilities.
NOTE This symbol appears next to helpful information relating to text that precedes it, or
information you must know before proceeding.
• Training
1.4 Training
Training is available both on site and at regional support centers depending on the need. Contact your
local service organization. Contact information is listed at the front of this manual.
• Easy-to-use integrated cut, copy, paste, and delete functions common in Windows
applications.
• Multiple coating instruction commands that can be edited at once, minimizing the time
required to make programming and pattern changes.
• Full production line integration supported through a SMEMA compatible system interface
conveyor and data logging.
• Vibration • Moisture
• Dirt • Solvent
Conformal coating is used in a variety of applications. These include:
• Automotive Applications
• Industrial Applications
• Dip
• Brush
• Manual Spray
• AR = Acrylics • UR = Urethanes
• SR = Silicones • ER = Epoxy
• XY = Paralyne
The selection of a coating material is application dependent and is based on a variety of factors: Material
considerations include the following:
• Why are you applying conformal coating? (humidity, vibration, thermal shock,
solvents, etc.)
• What type of cure mechanism are you planning to use? (UV, IR, Convection, Humidity)
• Will the coating selected meet the environmental requirements of your industry or location?
• Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) a major concern for your facility?
NOTE Refer to this section for first time installation only. Upgraded versions of EasyCoat
include separate installation instructions.
This section covers the following topics:
• Setup Wizard
• EasyCoat CD-ROM
NOTE EasyCoat installation is performed at the factory prior to shipping. This procedure is
included should the software need to be reinstalled.
To install EasyCoat:
1. Perform a coating system startup in accordance with the manual applicable to your coating
system. Refer to the applicable coating system Installation, Operations, and Maintenance
Manual.
2. Close any programs running Windows.
3. Insert the EasyCoat 6.2 Install CD into the CD drive of the coating system.
4. If the installation file doesn’t run automatically, locate the “setup.exe” file on the
installation CD and double click on it (Figure 2-1).
5. Select Next on the EasyCoat 6.2 installation shield welcome screen (Figure 2-2).
By selecting SL-94x No Camera, the installation will skip Step 11 through Step 13.
10. The Teledyne Dalsa CamExpert component will now be installed (Figure 2-8).
11. Select OK when the DALSA Smart DHCP message appears (Figure 2-10).
12. Select OK when the Sapera Load License message appears (Figure 2-11).
13. Select OK when the “EasyCoat has been Installed” message appears (Figure 2-12).
14. Select “Yes, I want to restart my computer now” and select FINISH (Figure 2-13).
15. Verify that the EasyCoat 6.2 and Sapera CamExpert icons appears on the desktop
(Figure 2-14).
If SL-94x No Camera was selected, the Sapera CamExpert icon will not appear on the
desktop.
16. If the EasyCoat 6.2 and Sapera CamExpert icons do not appear, connect the laptop/PC to
the dispensing system.
17. Copy the system correction file SNXXXXX.PMC (SNXXXXX is the coating system serial
number) to the root directory of EasyCoat 6. 2.
4. Verify that the license manager window shows the following active licenses (Figure 2-17).
If not proceed to Step 5.
2.4.2 Configuration
During the installation process, you will be prompted to define your system and equipment.
1. When prompted, select language and select OK (Figure 2-18).
10. After EasyCoat startup, a Confirm window will appear to start the Setup Wizard, select OK
(Figure 2-22).
1
3
2
5
The Setup window opens listing the tools that were selected that need to be calibrated.
NOTE To use the automated cameral calibration feature, your vision software license must have
the “vision license.txt” file. If this file does not exist, go to Step 7.
3. Jog the camera to the fiducial utilizing the greed model box (Figure 2-25).
Upon clicking Teach Model, the example number 2 will appear in the top left.
5. Select Next.
6. When the camera calibration is complete, one of two windows will appear:
a. An error message will appear stating the calibration routine has failed.
1) Rerun the calibration routine.
b. A Confirmation Calibration window will appear displaying the calibration results
(Figure 2-26).
1) Select Yes to accept the camera calibration.
7. There are two ways to verify the camera calibration routine is correct:
a. Open the live video view (F4) and check the reticles.
There should be no odd stretching in the X or Y directions and clicking on a
location should move the camera to that location.
b. When the Confirmation Calibration window appears the Microns Per Pixel values will
be close to each other. If the values are not close, the camera calibration is not correct.
8. Perform Step 8 through Step 20 if the vision software license, “vision license.txt” file, is not
installed, otherwise go to Step 21.
9. Click Next to configure the Genie Camera.
10. Choose the Teach Tool (Genie camera) to be calibrated (Figure 2-27).
11. Click OK.
12. Position the Teach Tool (Genie camera) over the point to be used for camera calibration.
13. Click Next.
14. Position the crosshairs over the same point taught with the Teach Tool.
15. Click Next.
16. Using the mouse, click on the calibration point in the vision window.
17. Click Next.
18. Repeat Step 9 until all four points have been calibrated in the vision window.
19. Click Next.
20. Click on the video display to move the robot to the crosshairs to that location.
21. Click on Next.
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time the Genie Camera was
configured.
22. Click Next to perform the SC-400 Applicator Rotate/Tilt Calibration (Figure 2-28).
You will be prompted to move the tip of the tool to a reference point for each rotate and
each tilt combination which can vary depending on the type of rotate/tilt mechanism.
Pick a point that is easily recognizable to go to the same point for each rotate/tilt
combination.
NOTE The tip of the applicator must get close without touching the target. Do not
include the distance height when moving the applicator.
23. Move the applicator to the reference position and press OK (Figure 2-28).
Setup Wizard will automatically cycle through all rotate/tilt combinations for that tool,
and you will be asked to move to each reference point.
24. Repeat Step 23 until the Calibration Complete message appears (Figure 2-29).
NOTE If a Calibration Complete message does not display, EasyCoat cannot find the
reference position.
You will then be prompted to confirm the reference positions (Figure 2-30).
26. Press OK when prompted that the system is about to move to Reference Position 1.
27. Repeat Step 26 until all six reference positions have been confirmed.
After all reference positions have been confirmed, you will be prompted that the system
is about to move to Safe Z (Figure 2-31).
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time Rotate/Tilt Calibration was
completed.
29. Select Next to teach XY Offset.
You will be prompted to move the applicator to the reference point (Figure 2-32).
30. Move the applicator to the reference point and click OK.
31. Move the robot to its upper limit and position the camera crosshairs over the same reference
point.
32. Click OK (Figure 2-33).
XY Offsets for the tool have been taught relative to the camera.
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time XY Offset was completed.
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time Z Offset was completed.
38. Teach the X Beam Location by moving the needle into the X beam. The needle finder
indicator will turn green when the needle is intersecting the laser beam. Press the Teach
button and follow the prompts.
The X beam is the beam that determines the X position of the applicator and is
contained in the trough of the needle sensor that is parallel to the machine's X-axis.
39. Teach the Y Beam Location by moving the needle into the Y beam. The needle finder
indicator will turn green when the needle is intersecting the laser beam. Press the Teach
button and follow the prompts.
The Y beam is the beam that determines the Y position of the applicator and is
contained in the trough of the needle sensor that is parallel to the machine's Y-axis.
Tolerance values entered are only observed and measured while using the Check
Needle Instruction. If the needle position is out of tolerance, it will call the designated
Error Recovery Procedure (Typically a Find Needle Procedure). If no Error Recovery
Procedure is designated, an error will still be generated, and production will stop.
40. Click Close.
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time Needle Finder was
completed.
The Film Coater Required Tasks will be the same steps as completed for the SC-400
Applicator in this example.
42. Select Next for Fixture Configuration.
The Fixture Configuration and Camera windows open automatically and the Camera is
automatically selected as the pointer (Figure 2-36).
43. Press the tab for the fixture you are configuring.
There will be a separate tab for each fixture configured in EasyCoat. The default fixture
is Fixture A, see 4.7 Multiple Fixtures for multiple fixtures.
44. Teach the coordinates as described below. See Figure 2-37 for coordinate locations. This
example is for a front-right constraint, which is the normal setting for a left-to-right
conveyorized system.
a. Move the robot until the camera crosshairs are directly over the corner edges of the
constrained board.
b. Press Teach X to teach the X coordinate and press Teach Y to teach the Y coordinate.
45. Select the applicator from the drop-down list (Figure 2-37).
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time Fixture was completed.
Board
Board Travel Stop
Top View Y
X
Front View
X
NOTE If two or more tools are being used, select a tool with the wider nozzle to
prevent damage to the needle.
2 3 4 5 6 7
The Required Tasks list shows the completion date and time Safe Z was completed.
59. Select Next.
If a required task was not performed a warning will appear listing the tasks to be
completed before EasyCoat can be fully enabled (Figure 2-41).
The Setup window opens listing the tools that were selected that need to be calibrated.
Upon clicking Teach Model, the example number 2 will appear in the top left.
7. Select Next.
8. When the camera calibration is complete, one of two windows will appear:
a. An error message will appear stating the calibration routine has failed.
1) Rerun the calibration routine.
b. A Confirmation Calibration window will appear displaying the calibration results
(Figure 2-44).
1) Select Yes to accept the camera calibration.
2) To verify the camera calibration routine is correct, open the live video view (F4)
and check the reticles.
There should be no odd stretching in the X or Y directions and clicking on a
location should move the camera to that location.
9. If the local beam locations need to be reset, click YES, otherwise select NO (Figure 2-45).
10. Select the tool in the dropdown menu that will be the master tool (Figure 2-46).
The master tool is the tool identified to teach the locations of all of the relevant
configured tools.
11. Place the putty where the camera should be taught (Figure 2-47).
12. Jog the camera to the center of the putty.
13. Select OK to teach the camera location of the XY Offset.
XY Offsets for the master tool have been taught relative to the camera.
14. Select NO if this is the first time you are running one time setup (Figure 2-48).
15. Jog the master tool to a location on the front rail (Figure 2-49).
16. Select Next.
EasyCoat will perform a tool finder teaching routine with the master tool.
After the tool finder is taught, the master tool will perform a verification process.
19. Job the master tool to the engraved crosshair on the tool finder (Figure 2-53).
The master tool should be no higher than 10 mm above the starting location.
A Move Automatically prompt will appear once the tool finder has been located.
21. Follow the prompts to perform one time setup on the remaining required tasks
(Figure 2-55).
22. If rotate and tilt were selected for the next tool during configuration, see 2.5.2.1 SL-940 and
SL-1040 Setup Wizard , otherwise proceed to Step 23.
23. If laser height sensor was selected for the next tool during SL-1040 configuration, see
2.5.2.2 SL-1040 Setup Wizard for Laser Height Sensor.
When the referenced positions have been confirmed, a Calibration Complete message
will appear (Figure 2-57).
7. Follow the prompts to perform the remaining steps for rotate/tilt calibration.
When the referenced positions have been confirmed, an applicator is about to move to
safe Z message will appear (Figure 2-59).
Perform this procedure if the laser height sensor tool was selected.
To setup the laser height sensor:
1. Select Next to start the laser height sensor one-time setup (Figure 2-60).
3. Select OK.
4. Jog the camera to the same reference point from Step 2 (Figure 2-62).
5. Select OK.
Setup Wizard shows the laser height sensor calibration complete (Figure 2-63).
The laser height readings are maintained in the event viewer log screen (Figure 2-64).
• Starting/Exiting EasyCoat
• Operator Screen
• Edit Screen
• Jog Window
• Running Production
The coating system will find Home in the Z-axis, Y-axis, and X-axis, respectively.
1 2 3 4
11
10
5
9
6
8 7
Select the Controls tab to adjust the fluid pressure, actuation pressure, heater pressure, or air assist
pressure. The choices on this tab depend in the tool selected, see 3.8 Setting and Monitoring Fluid Air
Pressure (Figure 3-5).
Home Z-axis Moves the tool arm to the top of the Z-axis.
The Edit Screen opens (Figure 3-9). Items on the Edit Screen are described in
Table 3-2.
1
13
7
8
9
10
NOTE If the Edit Screen is open but hidden by the Operator Screen, select View > Edit Mode to
bring the Edit Screen to the front.
Breadcrumbs Custom
Menu Figure 3-11 Edit Screen Toolbar Buttons
3.6.5 Inspector
The inspector displays the properties for the program, procedure, pattern, or instruction selected.
Figure 3-13 shows the properties for the main pattern of program 1. Properties include the Image Name,
Image Offset, Pattern Name, Pattern Length and Pattern Width. See Appendix B - Instruction Properties
for a description of the inspector properties.
You can change a property by clicking in the Value textbox and entering a new value.
To open the jog window, press the Jog button located on the left panel of the Operator or Edit Screen.
The jog menu has two buttons at the top of the screen. Select Robot Jog to jog the robot and Conveyor
Jog to jog the conveyor.
1. Select the Robot Jog button in the Jog window to access the robot and automatically
have the current active tool selected.
Figure 3-15 Robot XY Jog Controls Figure 3-16 Robot Z Jog Controls
2. Press the down arrow in the text box to select a different tool to jog (Figure 3-17).
3. Select the XY button to display the XY Jog arrows. Select the Z button to display the Z Jog
arrows. See Table 3-5 for a description of the Robot Jog Controls.
Table 3-5 Robot Jog Controls
Robot Jog Controls
Moves the robot to the right at slow speed.
Moves the robot to the right at fast speed.
Moves the robot to the left at slow speed.
If the tool is configured with rotate and/or tilt, a Tool button will be visible in the jog
window. Select the Rotate/Tilt button to access the rotate/tilt jog controls (Figure 3-18 and Figure 3-19).
1. Select the Conveyor Jog Button to access the conveyor jog panel (Figure 3-20. and
Figure 3-21).
2. Press the right arrow or move the conveyor belt/chain to the right.
3. Press the left arrow or move the conveyor belt/chain to the left.
Figure 3-20 Conveyor Jog Buttons - Single Lane Figure 3-21 Conveyor Jog Buttons - Dual Lane
Unloads a product from the fixture. Does not move the product to
the downstream machine.
Select to move the rear conveyor rail (Dual lane systems only).
Select to move the front conveyor rail (Dual lane systems only).
The Operator Screen shortcut key legend lists the keystrokes to move the conveyor and robot
Help>Shortcut Key Legend.
The Edit Screen shortcut key legend displays a list of shortcut keystrokes used in testing programs and
programming using the graphics display for online and offline.
NOTE The coating system must be equipped with Electronic Pressure Control (E/P) regulators
to set and monitor applicator’s specific pressures through EasyCoat software. Pressure
can be adjusted from both the EasyCoat Operator and Edit Screens.
To adjust pressure (Operator Screen) (Figure 3-22):
1. Select the Controls tab at the bottom of the Operator Screen.
2. Select the applicable tool tab.
3. Adjust the pressure as follows:
a. Click and drag the slider bar to the right or left to increase or decrease the pressure
setting.
or
b. Enter the desired fluid pressure by typing over the current pressure setting displayed
above the slider bar and press the [Tab] key or [Enter] key.
The fluid pressure is displayed above the slider bar.
On will turn the valve On until you turn it Off. Closing the Pressure Adjust utility will
automatically turn the valve Off. Using Pulse will turn the valve On as long as you are
clicking on the pulse button. Once the pulse button is off, the valve will turn Off.
NOTE For systems equipped with Laser Fan Width Control (LFWC); when a LFWC function is
executed, the pressure will automatically be adjusted to read the width defined by LFWC
configuration. This will overwrite what was previously set in Utilities > Pressure Adjust.
NOTE When EasyCoat is shutdown, if pressures were changed, EasyCoat will update the current
ECW.ini configuration file and make a backup copy with the date and timestamp. Always
make sure to have a backup copy as EasyCoat saves twenty backups.
Item Description
1 Fluid Pressure Monitor
2 Fluid Pressure Adjustment Slider
NOTE If the coating system is equipped with manual regulators, the pressure gauges are
generally on the front panel and the regulators are in the front cabinet.
2. Select the desired program from the list and press OK.
The program name will be shown at the bottom of the Operator Screen (Figure 3-27).
3. If the system is configured with upstream and downstream machines, press Run
Once production has started, the SMEMA communication will automatically load and
unload the product.
4. If the system has an upstream SMEMA sensor, instead of an upstream machine, the
conveyor will start when the board reaches the sensor and moves the board to the board stop
pin, proceed to Step 6.
5. If the system has a SMEMA sensor instead of a downstream conveyor, when the coating
sequence is complete, the system will unload the board over the downstream SMEMA
sensor and the conveyor will stop. It will allow another board to load at the dispense station
and once it finishes dispensing it will not unload the board until the downstream SMEMA
sensor is clear.
If a board image has been imported into the recipe, it will be displayed in the right panel
(Figure 3-27).
3. Select Run Production from the control panel to start the program.
NOTE See 5.12 Running a Program for instructions on running a program from the Edit Screen.
WARNING! The procedures in this section should only be performed by a trained service
technician.
If your coating system is not configured with a camera, select the applicable pointer
(i.e. Tool Flange or laser pointer).
• Calibrate Rotate/Tilt: Calibrates the rotate/tilt feature. This only applies if the fluid
applicator is configured for tilt and/or rotate.
• Characterization: Set the default dispense height, speed, and pattern width and
calculates the proper On and Off response times of each tool.
You can also define the fluid shape, tool shape, and tool color in this window. These features are for
graphics display only and are not related to the actual shape and color.
To configure the tools (Figure 4-2):
1. Select Configure > Tool from the EasyCoat Edit Menu.
The following paragraphs define the buttons in the Tool Configuration window.
NOTE This procedure must be accurate to produce quality scanned images and to ensure the
graphics display coordinates are precise.
7. Select Next.
8. Select Yes to accept camera calibration. If camera calibration is not acceptable, select No
(Figure 4-6).
The camera should be adjusted to achieve the best image so that fiducials and dispense locations are
accurately recognized. With the part loaded in the dispense station, jog the camera in position to view the
areas of the workpiece that need to be in focus. If adjustment is necessary, refer to the applicable coating
systems Installation, Operations, and Maintenance manual.
The digital zoom feature lets you zoom in and out of images on the video display screen, which will help
in identifying fiducials. Use the keyboard combinations in Table 4-1 to zoom in and out of the
workpiece.
Adjusting the digital zoom will adjust the robot jog speed accordingly (zooming further in results in
slower jogging). If the robot starts jogging slower than usual, check the zoom level in the video window.
The zoom level may need to be temporarily reset to 1x.
Table 4-1 Digital Zoom Keyboard Commands
Keyboard
Description
Combination
Within the live video window, press Zoom In/Zoom Out button
Mouse Scroll Wheel Place the cursor over the live video and scroll in or out.
Ctrl + Zooms in up to 10x the normal image
Ctrl - Zooms out
Zooms in to the corresponding zoom level. The exception Ctrl
Ctrl + (any number 0-9)
+ 0, results in a 10x zoom.
NOTE If you change this value, it will change the value that was set during
Characterization, which may result in inaccurate drawing.
3. Select Save.
Figure 4-8 Film Coater Example Figure 4-9 SC-300 Bead Example
NOTE The stop location does not indicate the constraint location. If the front rail is fixed and the
product flow is left-to-right, the constraint is Front Right, even if the stop is mounted on
the rear rail.
2 2
Z Y Z Y
1 X 1 X
Z Y Z Y
2
1, 2 X 1 X
Configuring a Fixture on systems equipped with a camera is now part of the Setup Wizard process. Setup
Wizard has configured a fixture on systems equipped with a camera as part of EasyCoat installation, see
2.5 Setup Wizard. To access configuring a fixture go to Edit Screen > Utilities > Setup Wizard and
follow the setup process.
2. Enter a name for the new fixture and select OK (Figure 4-14).
3. Select a name of the program in the program tree to display and change the Fixture
association for that program (Figure 4-15).
NOTE Conveyorized systems with multiple fixtures will use the same XY coordinates. The
board stop will be fixed and the Z value (substrate height) will vary.
4.8 Characterization
4.8.1 Characterization
During this process you will be setting the default dispense height, dispense speed, and fan width (also
known as fluid shape and pass width in Area Coat instructions) for all instructions that use this tool. The
values can be changed to custom values in any instruction if desired.
NOTE A characterization must be performed for each tool and each coating material used or as
required to ensure quality and consistent dispensing and accurate placement of coating
instructions.
Many variables, such as material type, temperature, viscosity, substrate type, robot velocities, and
dispenser response times affect the coating process. Characterization improves coating placement
accuracy, and repeatability. The characterization wizard helps you adjust program values to compensate
for these variables. The characterization process consists of defining the following values:
• Coating Height
• Coating Width
NOTE All of these variables are interrelated. Make your selections based on the results you want
to achieve. Contact your Asymtek representative for additional information.
The characterization automatically calculates dispensing ON and OFF times. Characterization
compensates for such variables as:
• Fluid viscosity
• Mechanical settings such as preload and micro adjust of the valve which determines the
speed that valve opens and closes.
When you perform a characterization, the coating applicator will dispense three stripes of material all
traveling from left to right. You will then be prompted to select the best pass for both the start and end
values. The values will be stored in the ECW.ini file. The coating applicator will then dispense three
verification stripes of material in a serpentine motion to verify the On and Off response times are landing
on target.
NOTE A characterization may be performed from both the Operator and Edit Screens. The
following steps describe how to perform a characterization from the Edit Screen. To
perform a characterization from the EasyCoat Operator Screen, select Configure >
Tool > Toolname and follow the screen prompts.
To perform a characterization:
NOTE Make sure you have selected the proper tool as the pointer in the Edit Screen
(Figure 4-16). This is the tool that will be used to teach the positions.
3. The three target positions and the substrate height positions are stored in the
LocalRegistry.ini file and will automatically be used. If you have changed where you are
placing the characterization sheet into the workcell then select Clear Positions, otherwise
proceed to Step 4.
4. Select Next.
5. When prompted to teach the substrate height, select No if you previously performed a
characterization and your characterization sheet will be located in the same position. If your
characterization sheet will be in a different location select Yes.
NOTE If characterization has never been done, it will force you into the teach substrate
window. The Wizard will automatically select the tool that you are using as the
pointer to teach the substrate height.
6. Teach the substrate height.
a. Place a characterization sheet (Figure 4-19) in the workcell.
b. Lower the tool tip to the substrate and select Teach Z.
c. Select OK.
7. Enter the dispense height.
The following variables should be considered along with a material evaluation, which is
helpful in determining the optimum height and speed to be used prior to the
characterization.
- Height of tallest component to be coated
- Width of coating stripe
- Coating material flow rate and viscosity
- Coating stripe overlap
8. If the fluid applicator is configured with the rotate and a cross-cut nozzle, enter the desired
rotate position and select Next.
9. Enter the desired dispense speed and select Next.
You will be prompted to insert a characterization sheet into the workcell, ensuring the
orientation of the card is matching the display.
NOTE Refer to the characterization sheet (Figure 4-19) for Step 10 through Step 12.
10. Position the Camera or tool tip over the left intersection (represents the ON response time
target) of the dotted lines and select Next.
11. Position the Camera or tool tip over the right intersection (represents the OFF response time
target) of the dotted lines and select Next.
12. Position the Camera or tool tip over the right dotted line (identifies if the characterization
sheet is skewed and will apply that skew factor) and the back line and select Next.
The Wizard will now apply three coating passes to the characterization sheet. Each line
represents a different ON and OFF response time. The center line represents the current
response time (Figure 4-20).
The robot will move the camera to center line which is the current response time.
Step 17:
Verification Verify start and
Passes end points of
each coat lines
up on dotted
lines
Step 14a:
Draw a line
that crosses
coat path
start points Step 14c:
Draw a line
Step 14b: that crosses
Teach start coat path
point here end points
Step 14d:
Teach end
point here
14. You will be prompted to position the Camera over the edge of the coating stripe that is
closest to the starting line (Figure 4-20a).
a. Moving in the Y axis only, move the Camera to the line that is closest to the dotted line.
Positioning the Camera between two lines will result in a calculated value.
b. Select Next.
The position will be taught and the new ON response time will be calculated.
This point may or may not be on the coat pass.
The robot moves the Camera to the center line end position.
c. Moving in the Y axis only, move the Camera to the line that is closest to the dotted line.
Positioning the Camera between two lines will result in a calculated value.
This point may or may not be on the coat pass.
d. Select Next.
The position will be taught and the new OFF response time will be calculated.
15. Measure the stripe width using the Camera (tick marks are every 0.050 inches if viewing in
English and 1mm if viewing in metric) and enter it when prompted to set the width of the
dispense pattern (Figure 4-21).
The coating parameters will be displayed for your approval (Figure 4-22 and
Figure 4-23).
If alignment is not achieved, perform the characterization procedure again. If the first
and third lines of the verification passes are perfectly aligned on the dotted lines, but the
center line is off on both lines, then on each line and then off, perform the following:
a. Verify the Camera to tool offset is correct.
b. Verify the robot pattern is not skewed.
c. Verify hardware and bracketry is level and installed correctly.
18. When you are satisfied with the settings, select Next.
The new values will be saved in the ECW.ini file and a backup of the previous ECW.ini
file with a date and timestamp added to the name.
NOTE Make sure you have selected the proper tool as the pointer in the Edit Screen
(Figure 4-26). This is the tool that will be used to teach the positions.
3. Select the tab for the tool to be configured and select the Configure button
(Figure 4-27).
Clicking the Clear Vectors button will delete the fluid vectors for that tool mode.
4. If you have changed the position of the characterization sheet into the workcell, select Clear
Positions, otherwise select Next.
5. When prompted to teach the substrate height, select No if you previously performed a
characterization and your characterization sheet is located in the same position. If your
characterization sheet will be in a different location, select Yes (Figure 4-29).
NOTE If characterization has never been done, the teach substrate window will open
and you will be required to teach the substrate height. The Wizard will
automatically select the tool that you are using as the pointer to teach the
substrate height.
10. Position the Camera or tool tip over the left intersection (represents the ON response time
target) of the dotted lines and select Next (Figure 4-32).
11. Position the Camera or tool tip over the right intersection (represents the OFF response time
target) of the dotted lines and select Next.
12. Position the Camera or tool tip over the right dotted line (identifies if the characterization
sheet is skewed and will apply that skew factor) and the back line and select Next.
14. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the first spot and select Next
(Figure 4-34).
15. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the second spot and select Next
(Figure 4-35).
16. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the third spot and select Next
(Figure 4-36).
17. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the fourth spot and select Next
(Figure 4-37).
18. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the fifth spot and select Next
(Figure 4-38).
19. Position the Camera or tool tip over the center of the sixth spot and select Next
(Figure 4-39).
20. Select Next and six (6) coating spots will now be dispensed to verify the action calibration
(Figure 4-40).
21. If calibration needs to be performed again, select Calibrate Again, otherwise proceed to
Step 23 (Figure 4-41).
22. Select Next and the Camera or tool tip will now be positioned above the six (6) verification
dots.
The Camera will automatically verify the six (6) verification dots.
The Wizard will now apply three coating passes to the characterization sheet. Each line
represents a different ON and OFF response time. The center line represents the current
response time (Figure 4-42).
The robot will move the camera to center line which is the current response time.
Step 27:
Verification Verify start and
Passes end points of
each coat lines
up on dotted
lines
24. You will be prompted to position the Camera over the edge of the coating stripe that is
closest to the starting line (Figure 4-42a).
a. Moving in the Y axis only, move the Camera to the line that is closest to the dotted line.
Positioning the Camera between two lines will result in a calculated value.
b. Select Next.
The position will be taught and the new ON response time will be calculated.
This point may or may not be on the coat pass.
The robot moves the Camera to the center line end position.
c. Moving in the Y axis only, move the Camera to the line that is closest to the dotted line.
Positioning the Camera between two lines will result in a calculated value.
This point may or may not be on the coat pass.
d. Select Next.
The position will be taught and the new OFF response time will be calculated.
25. Measure the stripe width using the Camera (tick marks are every 0.050 inches if viewing in
English and 1mm if viewing in metric) and enter it when prompted to set the width of the
dispense pattern (Figure 4-43).
The coating parameters will be displayed for your approval (Figure 4-44 and
Figure 4-45).
28. If alignment is not achieved, perform the characterization procedure again. If the first and
third lines of the verification passes are perfectly aligned on the dotted lines, but the center
line is off on both lines, then on each line and then off, perform the following:
a. Verify the Camera to tool offset is correct.
b. Verify the robot pattern is not skewed.
c. Verify hardware and bracketry is level and installed correctly.
29. When you are satisfied with the settings, select Next.
The new values will be saved in the ECW.ini file and a backup of the previous ECW.ini
file with a date and timestamp added to the name.
NOTE The Conveyor Settings window also contains inverter configuration settings.
See 4.11 Inverter Configuration later in this section.
2. Enter the desired property values.
See Table 4-2 for a description and default value for each property.
3. Select OK when done.
4. Select Utilities > Apply Width from the EasyCoat Operator Screen (Figure 4-50).
Change 0 to 1.
See Table 4-3 for a description and default value for each property.
3. Select OK when done.
When you press on the SafeZ (inches) value field, the Teach Field button appears.
The value entered is the current Z-coordinate of the tool tip and should be a positive
number since it is relative to the Tool Flange.
If you wish to edit this value manually, select the property field and enter a new value.
4.12.3 Z Speed
This value is the maximum robot Z speed. Z speed may be altered if dips or other related issues occur. To
edit the Z speed, enter the desired value and select OK.
NOTE This procedure should be done on initial setup and whenever there is a change in Tool
Offsets (X, Y or Z), if the needle finder is moved, or if the fixed conveyor rail position
has changed.
4.14.1.1 Wildcards
To add flexibility to the bar code system, wildcard characters can be used in the part number field
(Table 4-4).
Example:
The program XYZ01.EasyCoat is used to coat all boards with a barcode beginning with XYZ.
1. Enter XYZ* in the Part Number field and XYZ01.EasyCoat in the Filename field.
2. From the Operator Screen, select the Change Product button, and select the part number
that was just created.
When wildcards are used, EasyCoat scores multiple matches depending on the number of characters
matched. The match with the highest score is selected. When the scoring results in a tie, an error is
generated.
NOTE Wildcard characters are configurable. To change the wildcard characters, you must edit
the following entries in the [IDSystemManager] section of the EasyCoat.INI file.
MultipleLetterWildCard = *
SingleLetterWildCard = ?
8. Select Teach to teach the location of the instruction to the current camera location
(Figure 4-57).
NOTE Do not use the Reconfigure function if you have not been trained to configure the coating
system. For detailed information on system configuration, see 2.4.2 Configuration.
Contact your Asymtek representative for additional information and assistance.
WARNING! Always make a backup copy of the EasyCoat.INI file prior to reconfiguring the
system. If the system is configured incorrectly, rename the backup copy to
EasyCoat.INI to restore the original configuration.
To reconfigure:
1. In the EasyCoat Edit Window, select Configure > Reconfigure.
NOTE If you have added a new tool, configure the tool and run a characterization from the
Configure > Tools menu.
• The Begin Idle procedure is executed when the Idle Timer expires.
• The During Idle procedure executes when the During Idle Timer expires.
NOTE To use this feature, the idle timer must be enabled in the Production Configuration
window (Figure 4-60). The idle procedures must be included in the macro program or
product program from the program idle procedures, see 5.6.1.1 Idle Behavior.
The idle timer is primarily used while running production. When production stops, the Begin Idle
procedure will run once. If the operator moves the applicator out of the solvent cup, the Begin Idle
procedure must be run again to return the applicator to the cup. Once the operator starts production again,
the End Idle procedure will automatically run, and the timer will be in effect as long as production is
running.
If the idle timer is enabled, it will automatically run the End Idle procedure once when entering Edit
mode. When exiting Edit mode, the Begin Idle procedure will automatically run once.
To set idle timers (Figure 4-60):
1. Select Configure > Production from the EasyCoat Edit Screen.
3. Enter the desired number of seconds in the Timer Period field. The default is 0 seconds.
This value will be coating material dependent. Some materials dry quicker than others.
Set the time so that the material does not have time to tack over and start curing on the
nozzle.
4. If you are using a During Idle procedure, press Enable During Idle Timer and enter the
desired number of seconds in the Timer Period field. The default is 0 seconds.
NOTES If an Idle procedure is not found when its timer expires, the Event Monitor displays the
"Idle Timer expired but no BEGIN IDLE (or DURING IDLE) found" warning message.
Production will be halted.
NOTE To use this feature, periodic timers must be enabled and configured in the Production
Configuration window and the macro file must contain the procedures (Periodic,
Periodic1 etc.), see 5.6.1.3 Periodic Behavior.
The default macro file only contains one periodic procedure, which does not have any
executable instructions. The programmer can add appropriate instructions for the
specific application. All other periodic procedures (Periodic1, Periodic2) will have to be
added to the macro file. The default production configuration only has one periodic
procedure included, which must be enabled in the Production Configuration window to
be functional. Additional periodic timers can be added by clicking on Add Periodic
Task in the Production Configuration window.
A new sequentially numbered periodic timer will be added to the list (Figure 4-61).
If you chose the Time Mode, enter the desired number of seconds. When the timer
elapses, the matching Periodic1 procedure will be executed ONLY if the robot is not
busy at that moment. If the robot is in the middle of running a board, it will reset that
timer, and will only execute the procedure if the robot is not busy when the timer
elapses.
If you chose the Count Mode, enter the desired number of products. When the product
count has been satisfied, it will then execute the matching Periodic1 procedure.
Example- Periodic may Call Quick Check to verify the fan width is correct every 5
products, Periodic1 may Call Find Needle every 2 products, and Periodic2 may call
Brush Box every 10 products.
To turn off timers (Figure 4-61):
1. Select Configure > Production from the EasyCoat Edit Screen.
NOTE If the periodic procedure is not found when the periodic timer expires, the Event Monitor
displays the warning message "Periodic (or Periodic1, Periodic2…) should have been
run, but none found.” Production will be halted.
4.16.3 AutoStart
The AutoStart feature allows EasyCoat to start production without operator intervention. The AutoStart
Delay Timer starts when EasyCoat finishes initializing and prevents production from starting until the
timer runs out, giving the operator a chance to cancel the AutoStart. This feature is primarily used with
board ID options, or dedicated lines, where the operator does not need to change the product.
To enable AutoStart and set a delay (Figure 4-61):
1. Select Configure > Production.
NOTE You can create a procedure called Startup. This procedure will execute when EasyCoat is
loaded, see 5.6.1 Reserved Procedures.
4.16.4 Homing
If Prompt Before Home is selected, the system will prompt you before homing the robot.
The selected level has a black dot in the button. The levels are in a hierarchy:
a. The Event Level will log all Events, Warnings, and Errors.
b. The Warning Level will log only Warnings and Errors.
c. The Error Level will only log Errors.
d. The selected level has a black dot in the button.
5. Select the sources of the messages you want displayed and written. Selections are indicated
by check marks.
When configuring a product map, you should assign logical names to your program files and organize the
files into logical groups. This will help the operator find the correct product programs quickly and easily.
To configure a product map (Figure 4-64):
1. Select Configure > Product Map to display the Product Map configuration window.
You must select a folder or a file in the tree view for the editing features to become
active, otherwise they are grayed out.
2. Select the Expand Tree button to expand the entire directory tree structure to show all files
and folders in the Product Map.
When the tree is expanded, the button changes to Collapse Tree. Use this button to
collapse the entire directory tree.
The path and filename appear in the Filename field. The product program will now load
when the name is selected from the Product Map.
NOTE EasyCoat includes a maintenance program for cable tensioning, which reminds the
operator to tension the cables every 90 days. The Cable Tensioning Reminder program is
run by selecting Utilities > Robot Utilities > Tension Procedure.
The Maintenance Configuration window expands to include Add and Delete buttons
and procedure information.
3. Select the Name drop-down list and select New Item (Figure 4-67).
4. Enter the time period, units, message, name, section, and key.
5. Select OK.
NOTE The procedures in this section describe how to add and delete procedure reminders in the
maintenance manager. To create a new procedure, see 5.9.12 Creating a Maintenance
Procedure.
5. Selecting Primary prompts the Primary Custom Buttons window to appear (Figure 4-69).
This window allows you to enter the name(s) of the button(s) to appear.
6. Enter a name for the Primary custom button(s) and select OK.
7. If required, selecting Secondary prompts an Operator Screen Secondary Custom Buttons
window to appear (Figure 4-70).
This window allows you to enter the name(s) of the button(s) to appear.
8. Enter a name for the Secondary custom button(s) and select OK.
Qadence and Laser Fan Width were entered as an example.
9. Shutdown and restart EasyCoat.
The Primary and Secondary (if customized) custom button(s) will appear on the
selected screen (Figure 4-71).
2
Item Description
1 Primary Buttons
2 Secondary Buttons
10. Create a procedure with the same name, in a macro program or, if it is a product-specific
procedure, in a product program.
4.21 Utilities
The utilities menu lets you communicate directly with system components. The items on the menu vary
depending on system configuration.
Item Description
Home Robot Sends the robot to the home position.
Opens a screen where you can view the state of inputs and toggle
the state of digital outputs on and off. Digital outputs are hardware
IO Tool outputs such as a solenoid to actuate a fluid applicator, toggle or
rotate, which have only On and Off states. This is very useful in
troubleshooting or testing newly installed hardware.
Opens a screen where you can send an ACL (Automove Control
Terminal Language) instruction to the Robot. ACL is the proprietary language
in which the robot runs.
Opens a screen where you can set analog outputs. Analog outputs
Analog Outputs are a variable converting a voltage to a pressure, temperature or
light intensity.
Arrow Keys Move
Select the arrow keys to move the robot.
Robot
Restore robot settings to default values. This removes system
specific information (maximum travel limits for example) and applies
Restore Defaults the default values. A calibration restoration CD is provided for your
specific configuration and is located in the recovery folder of the
system computer.
Opens a screen where you can download an ACL file. This is where
you download your machine specific ACL file located on your
Download ACL
calibration restoration CD and the filename is the serial number of
the machine (SNXXXXX.acl).
Tension Procedure Runs the tension procedure.
Figure 4-74 Utilities - Robot Utilities Menu
Item Description
Opens a screen where you can toggle inputs and outputs on and off.
IO Tool This is very useful in troubleshooting or testing newly installed
hardware.
Opens a screen where you can send an ACL (Automove Control
Terminal Language) instruction to the conveyor. ACL is the proprietary
language in which the conveyor runs.
Load Board Loads a product into the fixture.
Unloads a product from the fixture. Does not move the product to the
Unload Board
downstream machine.
Restore Defaults Restore the conveyor settings to default values.
Download File Opens a screen where you can download an ACL file.
Figure 4-77 Utilities - Conveyor Utilities Menu
4.21.6 Inverter
This feature allows you to invert the board when the system is configured with an inverter.
Item Description
Inverts a board. Only present when system is configured with an
Invert
inverter.
Figure 4-78 Utilities - Inverter Menu
WARNING! Only trained service personnel should perform this procedure. Always make a
backup copy of the ECW.INI file before making changes. If the system is
configured incorrectly, rename the backup copy to ECW.INI to restore the
original configuration.
You will be prompted to enter a password. Both the default user name and password are
“Admin”.
There are three predefined access levels. Each level has different access rights. The
Admin is the highest level (Figure 4-82).
6. Select a username to set the access level and password for that user.
Access levels and passwords are set in the property panel at the right of the screen.
7. Select Control Points to set level limits for specific features (Figure 4-85).
8. Select Close to close the Password Control window and return to the Edit Screen.
NOTE You should complete Section 4 - Configuration and Characterization before attempting
the exercises in this section.
This section covers the following topics:
5.3 Programs
5.3.1 Product Programs
Product programs contain instructions for coating products. Typically, each product requires a separate
program. A product may be a single board or a pallet containing multiple boards.
All product programs contain a pattern section and a procedure section. The pattern section includes a
Main Pattern that is automatically created when a new product program is created. The Main Pattern is
the only executable pattern, all other patterns will be placed in the Main Pattern using the Place Pattern
instruction, see 5.4 Patterns.
Procedures are typically used for maintenance operations, as they do not contain any product-specific
position information. Call procedure instructions in the main pattern allow execution of procedures as part
of the main pattern during production. Procedures can also be executed from periodic or idle procedures,
or by clicking on one of the custom buttons on the Operator or Edit Screen, see 5.6 Procedures.
3. Select Open or select File > Open Product Program from the menu bar.
The Open dialog box appears. All product programs end with the .ECW file extension.
The Open dialog box appears. All macro programs end with the .ECM file extension.
4. Select the macro program you want to open and select Open.
5.4 Patterns
Pattern coordinates are relative to the Product Frame. Most coating is done within patterns. Patterns
eliminate repetitive programming or editing tasks by allowing a set of instructions to be repeated at
multiple locations. For example, to coat six duplicate circuit boards on a pallet, you only need to create
one pattern. You can then execute the pattern six times with Place Pattern instructions in the Main
(executable) Pattern, see 5.9.1 Creating a Pattern.
Each pattern, including the Main Pattern, has an Edit Frame which is the virtual origin used for teaching
and editing only. The pattern will be executed at the coordinates of the Place Pattern instruction in the
Main Pattern, except the Run Procedure/Pattern (F6) which will be executed at the Edit Frame, see
5.9.10 Placing Patterns.
5.6 Procedures
Procedure coordinates are relative the robot base frame and are useful for common operations, such as
purging and nozzle cleaning, or for coating operations that are common across a wide range of products.
Procedures can be placed in a product program or in a macro program. If you want a procedure to be
available to more than one product program, place it in a macro program. Procedures that contain
product-specific instructions should be placed in a product program. To execute a procedure, insert a call
procedure instruction in a pattern, see 5.9.12.1 Calling Procedures.
NOTE A product program can only execute a procedure in a macro program containing that
procedure is loaded. If not, you must stop production and open the Edit Screen to load the
correct macro program.
NOTE There are several procedures that are pre-programmed but can be edited to support a
specific machine configuration. They are Go to Front, Z Home, Clear Conveyor, Index
Board, Index Release, and Toggle Lights.
To modify a reserved procedure, double click on the procedure name and insert the desired program
instructions (Figure 5-4), see 5.6.1 Reserved Procedures.
Idle behavior is defined by the instructions in the Begin Idle, During Idle, and End Idle procedures. These
procedures allow a sequence of operations to be performed when products are not being coated while
running production. These procedure names are reserved and can only be used for idle behavior. Only an
error or operator-initiated stop prevents the idle procedures from executing.
• The Begin Idle procedure is automatically executed when the Idle Timer expires if there is
not a board present to coat. The timer starts each time a board has finished coating. Typically,
the Begin Idle procedure places the nozzle in a solvent bath.
• The During Idle procedure executes when the During Idle Timer expires. The timer starts
when the idle timer expires. The During Idle Timer can only be enabled if the Begin Idle
Timer is enabled. Typically, the During Idle procedure is used to perform procedures, such as
periodic purges to prevent materials from curing in the nozzle while the system is idle.
• The End Idle procedure is executed when production resumes, either when a new board
enters the workcell, or when the operator starts production by selecting the Run Product
button on the Operator Screen. Typically, the End Idle procedure purges the solvent from the
nozzle before resuming production.
NOTE To execute idle timers automatically during production, the Idle Timers must be enabled
and timers have to be set, see 4.17.1 Setting Idle Timers.
Any Idle procedures that are contained in the macro file are globally available to all Product Programs.
Sometimes you may need a product specific procedure that will only be available to that Product
Program. This can apply to both idle and periodic procedures, as well as an Index Board procedure:
• Only one Begin Idle, one During Idle, and one End Idle procedure can exist in a
macro program.
• Production must be stopped and the Edit Screen opened to load a new macro program.
EasyCoat will always look in the Product Program first, and if a procedure is present, it will execute that
product specific procedure. If not, it will run the corresponding procedures from the macro file.
Periodic behavior is defined by the instructions in the periodic procedures. These procedures allow a
sequence of operations to be performed periodically during production. The procedure names are reserved
and can only be used for periodic behavior. Periodic procedures are named Periodic, Periodic1, Periodic2,
Periodic3, etc.
A Periodic procedure is executed when its periodic timer expires. Periodic Timers can be configured to
execute on an elapsed-time (seconds) or number-of-products-coated (count) basis. Only an error or
operator-initiated stop prevents a periodic procedure from executing. Periodic behavior is commonly used
in conjunction with optional process controls to ensure accurate placement of coating and Fan Width
Control or a Needle Finder.
NOTE To execute periodic procedures, the Periodic Timers must be set, see 4.17.2
Setting Periodic Timers.
Any Periodic procedures that are contained in the macro file are globally available to all Product
Programs. Sometimes you may need or want a product specific Periodic procedure that will only be
available to that Product Program. This can hold true for Idle and Periodic procedures, but it could also
hold true for an Index Board Procedure:
• Only one periodic procedure can exist in a macro program for each timer.
• Production must be stopped and the Edit Screen opened to load a new macro program.
EasyCoat looks for periodic procedures in the product program first, and then in the currently loaded
macro program. If you place a periodic procedure in the product program, it is executed and any periodic
procedure with the same name in the macro program is ignored.
Pattern C
Y
Frame
X
Z
B
Y
Product Frame
X
Z
Z Z Z
Product Length A A
B
C
Y
Y Y Y
X
X
0,0,0
Base Frame
X X
Fixture, Front
Actual View Right Constraint Exploded View
• Safe Z Height
NOTE A product can be a board or a pallet (carrier) containing one or more boards. If a pallet is
used, the dimensions of the pallet are used to calculate the Product Frame.
5.8 Properties
Every program, pattern, procedure, mask region, and instruction have properties. Properties include items
such as the fixture, pattern coordinates, and instruction approach height, etc. The inspector displays the
properties of the selected item and allows you to change the properties (Figure 5-6). You can undock the
Inspector of instructions by right clicking and selecting Inspector or use the shortcut Ctrl>I.
Program
Property
List
Main
Pattern
Property
List
Figure 5-6 Program Properties
Property fields can contain one or more of the following buttons in addition to numeric and text values
(Figure 5-7).
• List - Causes a drop-down menu to appear that lists possible values for the property.
Select a value to enter it into the field.
• More - Displays the Conditional Editing window. Allows you to enter additional settings
for Set Outputs, If, and While instruction properties.
• Teach Field - Enters the current X, Y, or Z coordinate of the active tool tip in the selected
field.
More Button
Teach Button
List Button
Numerical values can be edited by selecting the value and typing in a new one and pressing the [Tab] key
or [Enter] key on the keyboard, by teaching a new coordinate, or by making a delta change, see 5.15.1
Delta Changes.
When you open the inspector, the simple property list is displayed (Figure 5-8). Select Show Advanced
to show the complete property list (Figure 5-9). Property lists vary depending on the instruction.
Figure 5-8 Simple Property List Figure 5-9 Advanced Property List
The Program Wizard opens (Figure 5-10). Choose a 1-sided product or a 2-sided
product. Most of the programs will be a 1-sided product unless you have the Inverter
Option and are doing invert and return.
If coating a single board, use its dimensions. If using a pallet or carrier, enter the pallet
dimensions.
NOTE Product dimensions are used to calculate the Product Frame Origin (Main
Pattern Edit Frame) and determine where the program will execute. It is also
used to display the outer dimensions of the product in the Graphic Display and
scale imported images to the entered dimensions, see 5.14 Graphic Display.
It is recommended to create the program and scan the board image on the production
system, and then bring that program to an offline computer to teach the coating
instructions.
7. Select OK.
The Program Wizard closes, and you will be prompted to enter a program name.
The Product Map opens (Figure 5-12). Select the Product Map folder in the tree view to
activate the editing features at the top of the window.
The Product Map window closes and you will return to the Edit Screen.
The program can now be opened from the Operator Screen Control Panel by selecting
Change Product.
This property will always default to the default fixture set in the Fixture configuration.
If the product uses a different fixture, click on the drop-down arrow button to select a
different fixture. Only configured fixtures are listed, see 4.7 Fixture Configuration.
NOTE Every program contains a Main Pattern, which consists of an Edit Frame (Figure 5-15).
12. Make sure the Main Pattern Edit Frame was calculated correctly.
a. Expand the properties of the Main Pattern, then press on the Main Pattern Edit Frame
(Figure 5-16).
NOTE The Main Pattern Edit Frame X and Y properties are automatically calculated
and should NEVER BE TAUGHT. They should always be 0,0,0. (Figure 5-16).
a. Select Save or select File > Save Product Program As from the menu bar.
b. Enter a program filename.
c. Select the folder where you want to save the product program.
d. Select OK.
14. Create the patterns required to coat your product and insert instructions into the patterns as
needed, see 5.9.1 Creating a Pattern.
15. Enter Place Pattern instructions in the Main Pattern to execute the patterns, see 5.9.10
Placing Patterns.
16. Test each pattern by selecting it and selecting Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or by
pressing the [F6] key to execute the pattern at the current Edit Frame of the Pattern.
NOTE If desired, you can run the program without fluid by pressing the Applicator
On/Off button on the front panel of the coating system prior to running the
program. The button will be dark when Off.
17. You can also adjust the speed limit by selecting Configure > Robot Settings in the Edit
Menu and entering the desired speed limit (Figure 5-17).
NOTE The speed limit does not effect on/off distances or start/stop distances.
Therefore, fluid dispensed with the speed limit feature activated does not
accurately reflect the conditions when the fluid is dispensed at full speed. To
detect the possibility of a collision, the fluid must be dispensed at full speed. In
addition, the ability to negotiate tight curves for continuous path coating
commands may be exaggerated with the speed limit feature activated.
18. Test the completed program by selecting Run > Run or pressing the [F9] key, to execute the
Main Pattern.
NOTE Prior to creating a pattern, you need to decide what to use for the Edit Frame
(Figure 5-18).
Utilize a point at the front left corner so all the coordinates will be positive.
Utilize a point that is easily recognizable so that pattern can be used for step and repeat
purposes.
Utilize a fiducial, tooling hole or even the actual left corner of the individual board if
rectangular.
The reference point will establish 0,0,0 of the new pattern for editing and teaching
purposes only.
Do not use the main pattern edit frame for individual patterns, as you will not have an
offset to step and repeat.
Do not use a point that is on a breakaway (Figure 5-18), as it may not be suitable for
step and repeat purposes. It must be on the individual board.
A camera window will automatically open if the Camera is the pointer. If another
pointer was previously selected, change the Pointer to the Camera and the camera
window will open. For systems that do not have a Camera, you can teach the
coordinates of a Pattern Edit Frame using the Laser Pointer or the tip of any configured
tool.
For future reference, choose a name that describes the pattern's purpose. Typically, Top
or Bottom is generally used, but if dual applicators are configured, an individual pattern
can be created for each applicator (Top Fan, Top Needle).
4. Move the pointer and align the crosshairs to the easily recognizable point and select Teach
XY. If a hardware tool is used, align the tool over the point and select Teach XY.
5. If the pattern has a different Z height than the product (Z-height taught in the Fixture
Configuration), you will need to select one of the Dispensing Tools as the Pointer in the
Create Pattern Window.
This will toggle the tool down if using a dual valve configuration.
6. Manually jog the tool tip down to just touch the substrate.
7. Select Teach Z.
Doing this for every pattern will ensure that your substrate height is actual. If you are
dispensing .500" above the substrate, you are .500” above.
8. Select OK when done.
See 5.9.2 Adding Program Instructions to insert instructions into the pattern.
To test pattern instructions, select Run > Run Procedure/Pattern (F6) to execute that
pattern at the Edit Frame. Since all programs are run from the Main Pattern, a Place
Pattern instruction must be placed in the Main Pattern to run a pattern during
production, see 5.9.10 Placing Patterns.
Moves the tool the specified X, Y, and Z distances from the current
Move Relative
position.
Instructs the robot to perform a Find Home operation and leaves the
Find Home
robot at the Home position.
NOTE Highlight the pattern to see the pattern properties. Highlight the instruction to see the
instruction properties. See Appendix B - Instruction Properties for a description of all
instruction properties.
Show When Show Patterns is displayed, all coating elements on the product
Show/Hide Patterns Patterns image are displayed.
Hide When Hide Patterns is displayed, all coating elements on the product image
Patterns are hidden.
Item Description
The acceleration distances can be displayed for a selected element when in select mode. The Start
and Stop Distance Grips toggle between show/hide acceleration display.
When Show Start Stop is displayed, the start/stop handles (acceleration
distance) are displayed for the selected element. The diamonds in the
picture below show the start/stop distance.
Hide When Hide Start Stop is displayed, the start/stop handles (acceleration
Start/Stop distance) are not displayed for the selected element.
This feature lets you change the opacity (transparency) of a coating element. This is
beneficial if you want to view the item being coated. To change the opacity, click on
Opacity the up or down arrows below the button. The current opacity is displayed below the
arrows. Opacity range is from 0 - 70%. The higher the number, the more transparent
the element.
The zoom feature lets you zoom in to the current product image, so you can see the
image in greater detail. To zoom in/out, click on the up or down arrows above the
Zoom zoom button. The current zoom magnification is displayed below the arrows.
This feature zooms in to the center of the image. To reposition the zoom center, use
the gripper tool to reposition the image. Zoom range can be set from -10 to +10.
The Micro Jog window and a camera window will appear (Figure 5-21).
The Micro Jog window allows the movement of the tool in small segments based on the
Step Size in mm inputs.
The camera window allows the operator to view the tool location relative to where to
the components are located to the product.
6. Enter the Step Size in mm.
The number entered represents the distance the tool will move within the segment.
Figure 5-22 and Table 5-4 describes micro jogging with the tool movement to the Micro Jogging window.
1 5
2 6
3
7
4
4
5
3
6
2
1 7
2. Select the Switch to Instruction List button to view a list of instruction categories
(Figure 5-23).
Instruction
Category
Buttons
3. Select the Coat instruction to expand it and then select the desired instruction (Figure 5-24).
4. Select the Show Advanced tab in the properties window (Figure 5-23).
5. Set the Approach Height (mm) (Figure 5-25).
The Approach Height is the maximum height the tool will be at before descent.
6. Set the Depart Height (mm).
The Depart Height is the height that the tool backs away from substrate.
7. Set the Diagonal Height (mm).
The Diagonal Height is the height the tool will approach the product.
The Rotate is the angle the tool will rotate on the X and Y planes.
9. Set the Tilt (deg).
The Tilt is the angle the tool will tilt to dispense around the substrate.
10. Repeat Step 5 through Step 9 to adjust the parameters to set a second tool.
3. Select the Program Tree button to view the list of available patterns.
Available patterns are listed in the left pane of the Edit Screen. If patterns are not
displayed, select the arrow next to Patterns.
The active tool should move to the XY pattern origin and the coordinates should display
0,0,Z, where Z is the tool's height above the pattern.
6. Select the Switch to Instruction List button to view a list of instruction categories
(Figure 5-27).
Instruction
Category
Buttons
NOTE All available instructions are categorized by buttons on the Edit Screen. Click
on the tab to open it (Figure 5-35). As you move the mouse along the
instruction buttons, a tip appears displaying the instruction name if the Show
Hints is enabled in the Help pull down menu.
9. Select the button on the toolbar to open the live video (Figure 5-28).
10. Select an Instruction Category to expand it and then select the desired instruction
(Figure 5-29).
11. Use the jog controls to position the camera crosshairs to the instruction start point and select
Teach.
Note the position of the arrows (->) next to the coordinates in the Inspector. The arrows
indicate which coordinates are active and will be taught when the Teach button is
selected in the camera window.
12. If the instruction has more than one coordinate, move to the camera crosshairs to the next
coordinate and press Teach.
For instructions with more than one coordinate, press the Teach button in the camera
window will teach the position indicated by the arrows and then move the arrows to the
next position. For example, if the arrows are at "Begin X" and Begin "Y", that position
will be taught and the arrows will then move to "End X" and "End Y".
NOTE The system must be equipped with the Fiducial Find camera to use this feature.
A fiducial is a distinct shape or object on the board. The camera uses fiducials for location reference and
the fiducial model is shown in the upper left of the fiducial model teach window. Fiducial instructions can
be added to any pattern. The fiducial instruction contains information about the fiducial, such as the
expected position, the model image, the light settings, and the acceptance and confusion thresholds. There
should be one fiducial instruction for each fiducial.
A single fiducial produces a translational correction (X and Y only). Two or more fiducials should
produce a translation and rotation best fit for the pattern. The correction from a fiducial instruction is in
effect until the pattern containing it completes execution. Fiducial instructions are normally placed before
coating instructions in a pattern, and the correction they produce applies to the remaining instructions in
the pattern (including Place Pattern instructions). Table 5-5 lists the default fiducial variables that are
associated with fiducials.
NOTE Make sure the camera is selected as the pointer in the Edit Screen.
1. Open the product program and select a pattern.
2. Select the button on the toolbar or press [F4] to open the live video.
3. Move the camera crosshairs over the desired fiducial.
This tab will not appear if the fiducial find option is not configured on the system.
5. Select Fiducial .
The green box (smaller box) represents the size of the fiducial.
The pink box (larger box) represents the size of the search area for the fiducial.
NOTE Resize the green fiducial box so that the edges of the box touch the
outside edges of the fiducial. This makes it easier for the camera to find
the fiducial.
11. Select the button to teach the fiducial image and location.
12. Perform a check to see if the fiducial is detected by the camera.
Available patterns are listed in the left pane of the Edit Screen. If patterns are not
displayed, select the arrow next to Patterns.
2. Select the Switch to Instruction List button to view a list of instruction categories.
NOTE All instructions are categorized by instruction tabs on the Edit Screen. Select
the tab to expand it (Figure 5-35). As you move the mouse along the instruction
buttons, a tip appears displaying the instruction name if the Display Hints is
enabled on the Help pull down menu.
Program
Instruction
Tabs
NOTE When you create an instruction, the tool shown at the top of the instruction button list is
entered into the tool property of the instruction (Figure 5-36). The active tool tip
coordinates are entered into the first set of coordinate properties (Begin X and Y
properties) with the exception of the Spot instruction which only has a single X, Y
location.
3. To change tools, select List button and select a new tool or switch to the Jog View and
select the Tool from the drop-down list (Figure 5-37).
You can also select the tool in the Inspector (Figure 5-40).
4. Select the instruction category tab to view a list of available instructions (Table 5-1).
5. Hold the Ctrl key and click on the desired instruction, a round capture symbol will
appear and drag and drop the instruction to the desired location on the graphic image.
The coating element will appear on the graphic image. The color and shape depends on
the tool and coating instruction selected (Figure 5-38).
6. You may resize the coating instruction by dragging the Begin Point or End Point on the
coating element (Figure 5-39).
7. You may move the coating instruction (element) by placing the mouse pointer on the
orange center circle and moving the image to the desired location on the board.
NOTE The Begin Point varies from instruction to instruction. For example, the coat instruction
is where the coating will start, but for an Area Coat instruction, this defines one corner of
where the area will be filled. You can reverse the beginning and ending points to
optimize the program path by right clicking on the selected instruction (Figure 5-40).
8. Move the mouse pointer over the instruction in the program tree to view the entire
instruction.
The selected tool and the instruction coordinates will be displayed. This information
also appears in the Inspector (Figure 5-40). You can also right click on any instruction
and unlock the Inspector (or Ctrl>l) to view the full list without scrolling through the
properties.
NOTE When a pattern or program instruction is selected in the Edit Window, additional tools
appear on the right bar of the screen (Figure 5-40). These tools are described in Table 5-2.
In addition to using the zoom and panning features described in Table 5-2, you can also use the online or
offline camera to view a detailed image of the workpiece, or live image of the current location. The robot
must be homed before this feature is available.
1. Select the button on the toolbar or press [F4] to open the camera window.
2. Select the camera window to view the image (Figure 5-41).
You can also reposition the robot or virtual robot by single clicking on the camera
window. The robot or virtual robot will move to the position where you last single
clicked.
The online camera shows a reticle which shows the shape of the coating for alignment
of the coating passes.
The offline camera shows the same reticle but adds the Tool Shape so you know the
outer dimension of the physical tool to avoid collisions.
You can also reposition the robot or virtual robot by double clicking on the graphics
display. The robot or virtual robot will move to the position where you last double
clicked.
When an instruction is inserted into a pattern, it will capture the current position into the
active set of coordinates of that instruction.
NOTE The area between the mask regions may be too small and may not allow the valve to turn
the on or off depending on the valve on and off times.
NOTE Mask Regions are for areas without tall components. Tall components will require
programming to go around.
To create a mask region:
1. Start EasyCoat and select Edit > Edit Mode to open the Edit Screen.
2. Make sure the desired product program is open. If not, open the Edit Screen.
3. Highlight the pattern where you want to create a mask region.
4. Select the Coat tab.
5. To teach a mask region on the graphics display, hold down the [Ctrl] key and select the
Create Mask Region button and drag and drop it to the desired location. Drag and drop
the start and stop handles to the desired location on the graphics display (Figure 5-43).
6. To teach a mask region using tool, pointer, or offline camera, move the active tool tip or
camera crosshairs to the first corner of the mask region you are going to create and insert a
mask region instruction by single clicking on the mask region instruction.
This will capture the first set of coordinates in the mask region.
If you are using the Active Tool, click on the Teach icon to move the active set to the
next set of coordinates. If you are using a camera, click on the Teach button on the
camera screen.
7. Move the active tool tip or camera crosshairs to the diagonally opposite corner of the
desired mask region and teach the second corner.
8. Select the Name property field. Enter a new name for the mask region, then select the
[Enter] key. Some examples of component designators to utilize are J2 and TP3.
9. Select Save .
NOTE Verify and inspect the mask region in the graphics display or verify the position
NOTE Place pattern commands are included used primarily in the main pattern,
however they may be used in any pattern. Generally, individual patterns are
written for a single board (component side or solder side), then placed in the
main pattern. If there are more than two boards and the boards are equally
spaced in the X-axis and the Y-axis, it may be more efficient to use the place
pattern array instruction, see 5.15.3 Pattern Array.
2. Select the Control tab and select the Place Pattern button to insert a place pattern
instruction in the Main Pattern.
3. Move the active tool tip or camera crosshairs to the point where you want the pattern to start
and teach that location using the Teach icon, or the Teach button on the camera screen.
Make sure your location is at the same point that was used as the Edit Frame when the
pattern was created.
4. Select the List button in the Pattern Name property field and select a pattern.
In the Event Monitor the error “Pattern not Found” appears until a pattern is selected.
The current coordinates of the tool are entered in the X Placement and Y Placement
properties of the instruction. All instructions in the pattern are executed relative to these
coordinates. This does not change the patterns Edit Frame coordinates as the Edit Frame
coordinates will remain where the pattern was created.
5. If you want to change the X placement or Y placement coordinates, move the active tool tip
or camera crosshairs to the desired location and teach that XY location.
6. If the panels have boards that need to be rotated, enter the desired rotation value in the
Property section.
NOTE If the pattern named in a place pattern instruction is not found, production is
stopped. A “Pattern <name> not found" error message will be displayed.
6. Select Save .
NOTE To include the procedure in your program, you must insert a Call Procedure instruction,
see 5.9.12.1 Calling Procedures.
To display a window containing a message and/or a picture describing the maintenance procedure steps,
include a script instruction in the procedure. Script Instructions have properties of Image, Pause Message,
and Window Caption (Figure 5-47). As each step is completed, the operator selects the OK to move to the
next instruction.
EasyCoat includes a maintenance program for cable tensioning. The Main Pattern has only two
instructions. The first instruction calls the Tension Procedure, which in turn calls the Exercise Cable
Procedure. The second instruction is the Ini File Write Instruction.
When creating a new maintenance program, you may load the program Cable Tension Procedure.ECW
and save it as a new program with File > Save Product Program As instruction. Then edit the procedure
instructions as needed.
To run a procedure within a product program or a macro program, you must place a Call Procedure
instruction in a pattern or procedure.
To call a procedure:
1. Highlight the pattern or procedure in which you want to place the Call Procedure
instruction.
Product Program procedures are listed first and then Macro Program procedures.
To call one of the reserved procedures included with EasyCoat, you must load the
Macro1.ECM macro program.
4. Select Save .
5. Test the pattern or procedure by selecting the pattern or procedure and select Run > Run
Pattern/Procedure or pressing the [F6] key.
NOTE If you are running a product program from the Edit Screen and the called
procedure is not found, the program stops and a "Program had Error" message
appears on the Edit Screen. An error is also displayed in the Event Monitor on
the Operator Screen. If production is running and a called procedure is not
found, the program stops and the Event Monitor (if the log is configured to
display errors) displays "Procedure <name> not found."
Creating a new macro file will prompt an error to appear confirming that the current
macro file will be closed. Select Cancel to keep the current macro file open and then
select view product program (Figure 5-49).
7. Select Save .
• Modify existing instructions by teaching new coordinates or altering values in the Inspector.
• Cut, copy, paste, delete, and move patterns, procedures, and instructions.
NOTE You cannot delete the Main Pattern from a product program. Every Main Pattern must
have at least one instruction or the program will not run.
To edit a program:
1. Make sure the EasyCoat Edit Screen is open.
2. If not, select Edit > Edit Mode from the Operator Screen.
3. Open the product program and select the pattern that you want to edit.
The tools on the right bar of the Edit Screen will assist you in panning and zooming in
on the graphic image of the board (Table 5-2).
4. Follow the instructions in the following sections to add, modify, or delete program
instructions and patterns.
If patterns are not visible, select Switch to Program Tree to view the program
structure.
2. After the pattern has been selected, select Switch to Instruction List to view available
instructions.
3. Make sure the desired tool is selected.
4. Select an instruction in the current program (Figure 5-51).
5. Follow the steps in 5.9.2 Adding Program Instructions to add a new program instruction.
If patterns are not visible, select Switch to Program Tree to view the program
structure.
2. Select Edit > Create Pattern from the Edit Screen menu bar.
If you want to create a pattern within a pattern, make sure the correct pattern is selected.
3. Enter the pattern information and select OK, see 5.9.1 Creating a Pattern.
You must include a place pattern instruction in the main pattern to execute the pattern,
see 5.9.10 Placing Patterns.
5.11.3 Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete
You can cut, copy, paste, or delete an instruction, pattern, or property. You can also copy patterns,
procedures, and instructions from one program or pattern and paste them in another.
WARNING! EasyCoat does not have an undo feature. Be careful when using the delete
feature as that information cannot be recovered.
2. Make sure the Inspector is visible. If not, press Switch to Inspector to view the Inspector
(Figure 5-55).
Note the arrows (->) next to the coordinates in the Inspector. The arrows indicate which
coordinate will be taught when you press the Teach button. Using the GoTo Pointer
will move the camera to selected active properties.
5. Select the property to edit.
6. Jog the camera crosshairs to the desired location.
You can jog the camera using the arrow keys on the keyboard, with the jog tool on the
Edit Screen, or by single clicking on the Camera Window.
If not, select Hiding all Patterns on the right toolbar. The icon will change to
Showing All Patterns when patterns are displayed.
3. Select the instruction you want to edit either by clicking on the instruction in the instruction
list or clicking on the instruction in the graphics display.
The selected instruction will be highlighted in the instruction list or show white in the
graphics display with the outlines and crosshatches still the color of the tool. The
handles will appear on the instruction in the graphic display (Figure 5-54).
4. To move a coating element, place the mouse pointer in the center circle and click and drag
the coating image to the desired location (Figure 5-39).
5. To resize an element, click and drag on the beginning or ending point (Figure 5-39).
2. Make sure the Inspector is visible. If not, select Switch to Inspector to view the
Inspector (Figure 5-55).
Note the arrows (->) next to the coordinates in the instruction properties. The arrows
indicate which coordinate will be taught when you select the Teach button.
3. Select the desired property.
4. Enter the new value and click Enter or move to the desired location and select the Teach
Field .
Alternatively, you may select the Teach button the left toolbar.
You can also modify coordinates by moving the camera crosshairs to the desired
location and selecting Teach in the video window, see 5.11.5 Modifying Instruction
Coordinates Using the Camera.
Using the Delta Changes method allows you to incrementally change the value in the
property by the amount you specify. To move the location 0.050” to the right, type
++.05 in the property box and select enter, see 5.15.1 Delta Changes.
5. You can edit rotation and tilt, by entering rotation and tilt degrees.
To use the rotation/tilt feature, the coating system must be configured with a fluid
applicator that supports rotation and/or tilt. To teach a current rotate or tilt property, the
pointer must be the same tool as the instruction. Selecting the instruction and then
clicking on Goto Tool, will move to the instruction and will change the current pointer
to selected tool.
6. To select a different tool for the instruction, select the down arrow in the tool section of
the Inspector and select a new tool (Figure 5-56).
When asked to update the dispense height of the instruction with the tool’s
characterization data, select Yes (Figure 5-57).
7. You can swap the beginning and end points of the instruction by right clicking on the
instruction and selecting Swap Endpoints (Figure 5-58).
Swapping endpoints lets you define the movement of the tool over the entire board and
therefore optimize coating time.
NOTE If the program does not run, make sure place pattern and call procedure
instructions have been placed in the main pattern and that the fixture product
dimensions and pattern placements are correct.
NOTE See 3.9 Running Production for instructions on running a program from the Operator
Screen.
Option Description
On Turns on the graphic display.
Selecting this feature, provides a sharper graphic image by
Display Antialiasing
smoothing jagged edges.
Display Axis Titles Turns the axis titles on and off.
Displays the path of the tool. The moves are represented by red
Display Moves
lines on the graphic display.
Display Pattern Outlines Shows the “stripes” in a coating sequence.
The scales are shown on the graphic display with the units of
measurement selected. The rulers show the X and Y coordinates of
Display Scales the board from the robot base frame origin and the X and Y
dimensions and coordinates from the currently displayed pattern
origin.
Solid Brush displays the areas of an image coated by an instruction
Display Solid Brush in a solid color. When Solid Brush is off, the coated areas are
displayed in a hatch pattern.
Show Grip Full Opacity Turns Grip opacity on and off.
Turns Grip hint on and off. The Grip Hint is shown at bottom of the
Show Grip Hint
screen.
Show Grip Hover Turns Grip Hover on and off.
Start/Stop Distances Displays tool start and stop distances.
If the length and width dimensions of the product are not exact, the graphics display
coordinate system will not be accurate.
Ensure the camera lighting is off prior to scanning, otherwise donut shaped light rights
will appear on the image.
Prior to the scanning process, the user defines the field of view. The field of view is a percentage of the
camera window that will be scanned. Setting the field of view to 90 will produce 90% of the window
scanned. The smaller the number inputted, the more images that will be scanned and stitched together. A
smaller field of view enhances quality; however, it also requires additional images to be captured and
thereby slows the scanning process.
Upon completion of the scanning process the final image generated will be a .jpg file and is named the
same as the product program (1 for Side 1 and 2 for Side 2). If the program is named Test.ecw, the
scanned image will be named Test1.jpg for Side 1 and Test2.jpg for Side 2. The individual images are
stored in a programs folder within the EasyCoat folder unless the file was saved in a different location
(Figure 5-59 and Figure 5-60).
NOTE Prior to scanning an image, make sure the camera has been calibrated.
1. Position the board on the conveyor and adjust the sensor, stop pins and board clamps as
necessary. Refer to the applicable coating system Installation, Operations, and Maintenance
manual for instructions.
2. Create a product program, see 5.9 Creating a Product Program, or select the File>Scan
Product Image>SideX.
3. When prompted, select OK to scan the image. If the new program wizard is being used, you
will be prompted to confirm the scan.
A smaller field of view produces a sharper image, but the scanning process is slower.
You will be prompted to place the board on the conveyor rails (Figure 5-62).
This puts the coating system a paused state and will be safe to open the hood to verify
the product is loaded correctly to the board stop.
The image will not display unless the product length and width has been entered.
3. In the EasyCoat Edit Screen, select File > Import Board Image.
4. Select First Side or Second Side. The first side is the side that will enter the workcell first.
NOTE If you crop the image in a bitmap editor such as Windows Paint before importing it, you
can skip the following steps. Click on Done to finish importing your image.
To crop an image:
1. Drag the corner handles to their respective corners of the board, aligning the cursor
crosshairs with the corners. For more precise handle placement, click inside the magnified
crosshair window (Figure 5-63). Clicking near the corner of the board will snap it to the
crosshairs. Each time you drag a handle to a corner of the board, the image of the board
is redrawn.
2. Hold down the [Ctrl] key before clicking and dragging the last corner. This will snap the
top, bottom, left, and right center handles to the sides of the board.
3. Check the cropped image. Make sure the vertical and horizontal edges of the board are
parallel with the sides of the window. If there is any distortion, adjust the position of the
side handles in the left pane.
4. When you are satisfied with the cropped image, select Done to finish importing the image.
The image fills the area in the graphic display defined as the product length and width.
Corner
Handle
Cropped
Image
• Add: ++
• Multiply: **
• Divide: //
For example, to add 2 to a value of a numeric property.
1. Select the property value (highlight the value).
2. Type ++2.
3. Press [Enter].
Pattern Array repeatedly places a pattern on a rectangular grid. This instruction is useful for coating
boards that are panelized or palletized with many boards on a single panel or pallet. The boards must be
spaced evenly in the X-axis and the Y-axis, see Appendix B - Instruction Properties.
To place a pattern array by calculating the pitch:
1. Identify the point that was used for the Pattern Edit frame to be placed.
2. Position the camera over the front left board edit frame.
3. Insert a place pattern array instruction.
4. Select Teach at the bottom left corner of the front left board.
NOTE After the first board has been taught, the last board will be calculated based on the pitch
entered.
4. Choose the pattern flow of execution by determining which will have the shortest cycle
time (Figure 5-65).
5.15.4 Stepping
This feature allows you to step through a program, one instruction at a time. Each click on the Step
button performs one instruction. Stepping always starts at the beginning of the Main Pattern.
To start stepping at the beginning of a pattern other than Main:
1. Select the first instruction in the pattern and toggle the breakpoint on.
2. Run the pattern (F6).
3. When the program pauses at the instruction, use the Step button or F8 to step through
the instructions in the pattern line by line.
Utilize the move tool instruction in the Motion tab to perform a diagonal move to go
around tall components.
Utilize a dispense height to characterize the tool(s) that can coat the majority of the
board.
For a single pattern, perform all moves with one applicator then utilize the next
applicator to minimize the toggling between applicators.
For multiple boards (step and repeat), create a pattern for each applicator and place the
patterns twice in the Main pattern (Figure 5-67).
4. Minimize circle and arcs.
Non-linear moves may slow down the program cycle time to negotiate curves.
If the board is mirrored in the Y axis, change the Y axis instead of the X axis.
6. Highlight all Spot instructions using the Ctrl key and repeat Step 5.
7. If any exist, highlight all Move Tool instructions using the Ctrl key and repeat Step 5.
8. Highlight the Corner 1 (X) and Corner 2 (X) Mask Regions using the Ctrl key and repeat
Step 5.
9. Place mirrored patterns in the Main Pattern (Figure 5-70).
• Teach the two (2) opposite corners of where to coat using the center of the crosshairs on the
camera.
The applicator will automatically step over half of the designated width from the point
that is taught when spraying, so the edges of the coating will land where you taught.
• Choose the direction of travel that will take the least amount of passes to optimize cycle
time.
• The taught end point may not be where the applicator will finish.
If the applicator needs to do an odd number of passes, the applicator will end on the
side where the applicator was taught.
If the applicator needs to do an even number of passes, the applicator will not end on
the side where the applicator was taught (Figure 5-72).
• Start and stop distances will vary depending on direction of travel. The first pass determines
the sides of the start and stop distances.
The begin point side will be the start distance (Figure 5-73).
NOTE Fields that are not specified for each instruction in the file to be imported; the values from
the currently selected tool will be used (i.e. Tool, Dispense Height, etc.).
“Coat” Instruction (read each column top to bottom, left to right)
Approach Height Diagonal Height End Y Stop Distance
Begin X Dispense Height Skip Masks Target Height
Begin Y Dispense Speed Rotate Tilt
Depart Height End X Start Distance Tool
“Area Coat” Instruction (read each column top to bottom, left to right)
Approach Height Dispense Height Pass Overlap Target Height
Begin X Dispense Speed Pass Width Tilt
Begin Y End X Rotate Tool
Depart Height End Y Start Distance X Direction
Diagonal Height Skip Masks Stop Distance
Each data file can have a number of different instructions. For example, the ASCII text file will create
both an Area Coat Instruction and a Coat Instruction. Begin X and Y and End X and Y coordinates are
specified for each.
Area Coat,0.5,0.5,4.00,5.00
Coat,4.5,5.25,1.5,5.25
5. From the EasyCoat Edit Screen, select Utilities > Import Data.
If the ImportDialog window did not open and the following error appeared, select OK
and repeat Step 3 and select a Procedure or Pattern to import the ASCII text file to
(Figure 5-77).
7. Select Next.
By default, EasyCoat will select all rows and columns as the range of data to be
imported. The user can select the range of data to be imported by selecting each
instruction individually by holding the Shift key and selecting the instruction to import
(Figure 5-78).
8. Select Next
EasyCoat will import the instructions into the pattern and returns a message that the
import was successful (Figure 5-79).
9. Select OK.
If the data was not formatted properly an error message will appear with the instruction
that contains the error (Figure 5-80).
The error message displayed has a semicolon instead of comma. Correct the ASCII
text file and repeat Step 5.
10. Choose the property type for each column and type based on the imported ASCII text file
(Figure 5-81).
If all instructions are the same, there will be only one drop-down list for all rows.
If there are different instructions, there will be separate drop-down list for each row.
The imported instructions will appear in the Program Tree when the import has
completed (Figure 5-84).
5. From the EasyCoat Edit Screen, select Utilities > Import Data.
If the ImportDialog window did not open and the following error appeared, select OK
and repeat Step 3 and select a Procedure or Pattern to import the ASCII text file to
(Figure 5-88).
8. Select Next.
By default, EasyCoat will select all rows and columns as the range of data to be
imported. The user can select the range of data to be imported by selecting each
instruction individually by holding the Shift key and selecting the instruction to import
(Figure 5-90).
9. Select Next
EasyCoat will import the instructions into the pattern and returns a message that the
import was successful (Figure 5-91).
11. Select the property type for each column and type based on the imported ASCII text file
(Figure 5-92.).
If all instructions are the same, there will be only one drop-down list for all rows.
12. Select Next.
If the data was not formatted properly an error message will appear with the instruction
that contains the error (Figure 5-94).
The error message displayed has a flowing point value. There is a semicolon
instead of comma between the X and Y data fields. Correct the ASCII text file and
repeat Step 5.
The imported instructions will appear in the Program Tree when the import has
completed (Figure 5-96).
5. Select Save.
The product program file name is changed to a TXT file. For this example,
testTXT.TXT is the product program file name (Figure 5-98).
6. When exiting, a confirmation window will appear, select Yes (Figure 5-99).
7. If you click on No or Cancel, you will be prompted with an ECW window (Figure 5-100).
a. Select OK.
b. Repeat Step 3 through Step 6.
Command Description
Acts like and IF instruction, with the condition being whether the
UNIT CHECK value in the Map at the UNIT CHECK Index is a 0 or 1. If it is a 0,
then it is FALSE. If it is a 1, then it is TRUE.
Must be in a pair with a UNIT END instruction (matching index).
UNIT START
This designates the start of a unit.
Must be in a pair with a UNIT START instruction (matching index).
UNIT END
This designates the end of a unit.
If the error message is longer than the screen can show, double-click on it and the full text of the message
will be displayed in a dialog box (Figure 6-2).
• Tool Offset
If EasyCoat fails to find a procedure or pattern, it displays an error message that includes the name of the
procedure or pattern not found. This error message occurs:
• If the procedure called by a Call Procedure instruction is not in the loaded macro program.
• If a Place Pattern or Call Procedure instruction was not included in a pattern or procedure.
• If a Place Pattern or Call Procedure instruction was inserted without selecting a pattern or
procedure to place or call.
NOTE All patterns except the Main Pattern are executed by the Place Pattern
instruction. The Main Pattern is executed when the program is run and all
program instructions are executed from the Main Pattern.
EasyCoat Program Execution Exception (Class: ECompile Error) = MAIN: An IF, REPEAT, or
WHILE instruction does not have a matching END statement.
In addition, if an arc command has too tight a radius for the set velocity and acceleration, an error
message will be generated. To correct this error, you may need to decrease the coating speed.
3. If the Tool Flange is selected, select another tool, then select GoTo Tool again. The
Camera/Laser Pointer Z offsets are -7.906 (200.8 mm) which may cause problems if the
GoTo coordinate is too high above the coating surface.
4. Verify the GoTo coordinates are valid. If they are out of the physical travel limits, you will
receive an error message stating the axis is exceeding the travel limits. This error may occur
if you enter a value rather than teach a value.
1. Select the Begin or End coordinates and select the GoTo button. If the robot can
physically go to the coordinates, the error can usually be corrected by setting the
appropriate Start or Stop Distance.
2. If the robot will not go to the selected set of coordinates, the error could be Z-axis related or
the wrong tool offsets may have been referenced when the instruction was taught. Check the
Z coordinates or re-teach the instruction.
Example: If the acceptance threshold is set to 600 and the confusion threshold is set to the default 600,
and the scores for the three circles are 671, 710 and 810 respectively, the software will accept the first
circle as the fiducial. The first circle is accepted because its score is above the acceptance threshold and it
is the first image with a score above the confusion threshold.
If we raise the confusion level to 700, the software will accept the second circle as the fiducial because,
with a score of 710, it is the first image with a score greater than the 700 cutoff level.
If we raise the confusion level to 750, the software will accept the third fiducial since its score of 810 is
greater than the 750 cutoff level.
If we raise the confusion level to 900, the software will accept the highest score found, in this instance the
third circle with a score of 810, since there are no scores above the confusion level.
Alternately, we can change the search area to exclude these circles from the search area or increase the
model size to include them as part of the model, thereby eliminating the possibility of capturing them as
alternate models.
Abort Program
Description: Ends program with error (returns False to Robot Controller). If this instruction is executed
during production, production will be stopped with a "Coating program had error" message.
Properties:
Property Description
Log Message Enter the text message to appear in the log.
Add Fault
Description: Use this instruction to add a clearable fault message to the operator display. This instruction
is typically used in user-created error handling procedures, which have no pre-programmed fault
messages. The message will appear in the Event Monitor and Fault Monitor.
Typically, error handling procedures are created to handle faults generated by the following instructions:
• End Flow Measurement
• Fan Quick Check
• Fan Width
• Position Verify
Properties:
Property Description
Blue On Makes fault message text blue when set to True.
Fault Message Text of message.
Green On Makes fault message text green when set to True.
Red On Makes fault message text red when set to True.
Yellow On Makes fault message text yellow when set to True.
Arc Coat
Description: Specifies a single coating pass in an arc. Begin, midpoint, and end coordinates must be
specified.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height Approach start motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate where dispensing begins.
Begin Y Y coordinate where dispensing begins.
End X X coordinate where dispensing ends.
End Y Y coordinate where dispensing ends.
Midpoint X X coordinate that determines radius of arc.
Midpoint Y Y coordinate that determines radius of arc.
Depart Height Depart end motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. If Depart
Height is greater than dispense height, then tool tip is moved to Depart Height
after dispensing is completed. Use to avoid collisions with components on
board.
Pass Width How wide the pass will be.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Start Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to accelerate before dispensing. Value of 0
causes heavy fluid deposition at beginning of arc. Set to a value greater than
zero to avoid fluid buildup.
NOTE Values greater than zero may cause the robot to try to move in
more than a full circle, which will cause an error.
Stop Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to decelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at end of arc. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid
fluid buildup.
NOTE Values greater than zero may cause the robot to try to move in
more than a full circle, which will cause an error.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Properties:
Property Description
Angle Default = 360. Number of degrees in arc to coat. Positive value results in
counterclockwise (CCW) move.
Approach Height Approach start motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate where dispensing begins.
Begin Y Y coordinate where dispensing begins.
Center X X coordinate at center of arc. Center and Begin coordinates determine radius of
arc.
Center Y Y coordinate at center of arc.
Depart Height Depart end motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. If Depart
Height is greater than Dispense Height, then tool tip is moved to Depart Height
after dispensing is completed. Use to avoid collisions with components on
board.
Dispense Height Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before moving to Begin X
and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to greater of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed Default = Automatic. Speed at which robot moves while dispensing. If set to
Automatic, the robot uses characterization speed of specified tool. Click on List
button in Property field to view characterization speed. If not set to Automatic
value entered specifies speed of robot. If speed is too fast for robot to move in
arc, EasyCoat will recalculate velocity and display message on Event Monitor.
Pass Width How wide the pass will be.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Start Distance Default = 0. Distance to accelerate before dispensing. Value of 0 causes heavy
fluid deposition at beginning of arc. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid
fluid buildup.
NOTE Values greater than zero may cause the robot to try to move in
more than a full circle, which will cause an error.
Stop Distance Default = 0. Distance to decelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes heavy
fluid deposition at end of arc. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid fluid
buildup.
NOTE Values greater than zero may cause the robot to try to move in
more than a full circle, which will cause an error.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Area Coat
Description: Specifies a rectangular area to be coated with multiple coating passes. Begin and end
coordinates for the area must be specified. Passes are executed in a serpentine pattern. The tool is
triggered on at the beginning of each pass and triggered off at the end of each pass.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height Default = None. Approach start motion position no lower than this height. If
value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to avoid
collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate of first corner of rectangle to coat.
Begin Y Y coordinate of first corner of rectangle to coat.
Depart Height Default = None. Depart end motion position no lower than this height. If value is
set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to avoid collisions
with components on board.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed Default = Automatic. Speed at which robot moves while dispensing. If set to
Automatic, the robot uses characterization speed of tool. Click on List button to
view characterization speed. If not set to Automatic, value must be specified for
robot speed.
End X X coordinate of last corner of rectangle to coat.
End Y Y coordinate of last corner of rectangle to coat.
Ignore Masks Default = False (No). If True (Yes), then material dispensed even if specified
location falls within a Mask Region.
Pass Overlap How much to overlap each pass. Note that this is a minimum value; actual
overlap may be greater depending on size of area and number of passes.
Pass Width The width of a single pass.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Start Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to accelerate before dispensing. Value of 0
causes heavy fluid deposition at beginning of pass. Set to a value greater than
zero to avoid fluid buildup.
Stop Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to decelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at end of pass. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid
fluid buildup.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
X Direction Default = True (Yes). If set to True, passes made in X direction. If set to False
(No), passes made in Y direction.
Await Inputs
Description: Logical statement where the (subroutine) program will only be executed once an input
condition is met.
Properties:
Property Description
Inputs Designates the actual input and its bit state (true, false, either).
Timeout The amount of time the system will wait for the input before continuing.
Begin Continuous
Description: Applies a coating stripe of multiple segments using one continuous motion path.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height Default = None. Approach start motion position no lower than this height. If
value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to avoid
collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate of first corner of rectangle to coat.
Begin Y Y coordinate of first corner of rectangle to coat.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed Default = Automatic. Speed at which robot moves while dispensing. If set to
Automatic, the robot uses characterization speed of tool. Click on List button to
view characterization speed. If not set to Automatic, value must be specified for
robot speed.
Off Distance The distance of the Begin Continuous travel where the applicator is turned off.
On Distance The distance of the Begin Continuous travel where the applicator is turned on.
Radius This establishes the radius of a turn as the applicator travels through the Begin
Continuous segment.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Stop at Nodes If true, a stop occurs at the node locations that are included in the continuous
path.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
-> (1) X (inches) This establishes X travel distance from the Begin Continuous Begin X,Y
location.
-> (1) Y (inches) This establishes Y travel distance from the Begin Continuous Begin X,Y
location.
Call Procedure
Description: Calls (executes) a procedure.
Properties:
Property Description
Procedure Name Name of procedure to be called. In drop-down list, procedures in program are
listed first, then procedures in currently loaded macro program.
Check Needle
Description: Checks if a needle has moved. This could be in a periodic procedure to detect collisions
with out-of-place components or improperly loaded boards.
Properties:
Property Description
Error Procedure Name of the procedure to call if the preset error tolerance is exceeded. Click on
Name the List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
currently loaded programs. For example, you can create a procedure in the
macro program with a Set Output instruction that turns on the flashing red light
on the workcell light tower.
Safe Z Approach Move to the needle finder apparatus at the Safe Z height. Normally True, but a
user might want to set this to False and add a move instruction before this
instruction to save time (in other words, approach with less clearance).
Safe Z Depart Move to the Safe Z height after the operation. Normally True, but a user might
want to set this to False and add a move instruction after this instruction to save
time (in other words, depart with less clearance).
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Circle Coat
Description: Applies coating in a circular pattern.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height None. Approach start motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. If
value is set to None or less than the Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate where dispensing begins.
Begin Y Y coordinate where dispensing begins.
Center X X coordinate at center of arc. Center and Begin coordinates determine radius of
arc.
Center Y Y coordinate at center of arc.
Depart Height Default = None. Depart end motion position with tool tip no lower than this
height. If value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed Default = Automatic. Speed at which robot moves while dispensing. If set to
Automatic, robot uses characterization speed of specified tool. Click on List
button to view characterization speed. If not set to Automatic value entered
specifies the speed of the robot.
Fill Fills in the area inside of the circle coat instruction with an “area coat” move.
Ignore Masks Default = False (No). If True (Yes), then material dispensed even if specified
coordinates fall within a Mask Region.
Outline Enables the actual circle path movement. This can be used with or without the
fill (described above).
Pass Overlap How much to overlap each pass. Note that this is a minimum value; actual
overlap may be greater depending on size of area and number of passes.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Start Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to accelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at beginning of pass. Set to a value greater than zero to
avoid fluid buildup.
Stop Distance Default = Automatic Distance to decelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at end of pass. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid
fluid buildup.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Clear Faults
Description: Clears faults. Only clearable faults, such as a board failing to load, can be cleared. Faults
generated by hardware failures, such as Controller Offline, cannot be cleared with this button. If the
problem that generated the fault(s) is not corrected, faults will re-occur.
Properties: None
Coat
Description: Specifies a single coating pass, in a straight line. Begin and end coordinates must
be specified.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height None. Approach start motion position with tool tip no lower than this height. If
value is set to None or less than the Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Begin X X coordinate where dispensing begins.
Begin Y Y coordinate where dispensing begins.
Depart Height Default = None. Depart end motion position with tool tip no lower than this
height. If value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed Default = Automatic. Speed at which robot moves while dispensing. If set to
Automatic, robot uses characterization speed of specified tool. Click on List
button to view characterization speed. If not set to Automatic value entered
specifies the speed of the robot.
End X X coordinate where dispensing ends.
End Y Y coordinate where dispensing ends.
Ignore Masks Default = False (No). If True (Yes), then material dispensed even if specified
coordinates fall within a Mask Region.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Start Distance Default = Automatic. Distance to accelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at beginning of pass. Set to a value greater than zero to
avoid fluid buildup.
Stop Distance Default = Automatic Distance to decelerate after dispensing. Value of 0 causes
heavy fluid deposition at end of pass. Set to a value greater than zero to avoid
fluid buildup.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Comment
Description: Allows programmer to document a program by entering a comment into an instruction list.
Comments have no effect on the program.
Properties:
Property Description
Comment Comment String
Continuous Node
Description: Defines the midpoint of a continuous path.
Properties:
Property Description
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Radius This is apex of an arc that is used in the continuous path mode.
-> (1) X (inches) The X distance traveled from the current location (or current point of the
continuous path).
-> (1) Y (inches) The Y distance traveled from the current location (or current point of the
continuous path).
Properties:
Property Description
-> (1) Corner 1 X X coordinate of first corner of mask region.
-> (1) Corner 1 Y Y coordinate of first corner of mask region.
-> (1) Corner 2 X X coordinate of second corner of mask region.
-> (1) Corner 2 Y Y coordinate of second corner of mask region.
Height Move height.
Else
Description: Used only between an If and an End instruction.
• Instructions between If and Else are executed when the If condition is True.
• Instructions between Else and End are executed when the If condition is False.
Properties: None
End
Description: Terminates an If, Repeat, or While instruction block.
Properties: None
End Continuous
Description: Defines the end point of a continuous path.
Properties:
Property Description
Backtrack
This is the horizontal distance that the robot moves back over the coated lines.
Distance
Backtrack Gap This is the vertical distance that the robot moves up after completion of a move.
Depart Height Default = None. Depart end motion position no lower than this height. If value is
set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to avoid collisions
with components on board.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to Begin X and Begin Y coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
-> (1) X (inches) Defines the X end point of a continuous path.
-> (1) Y (inches) Defines the Y end point of a continuous path.
Properties:
Property Description
Error Procedure Name of procedure to call if volume dispensed is out of range defined by Max
Name Volume and Min Volume properties. If volume is out of range, the error
procedure named in the instruction property is called. If no error procedure is
specified, or the error procedure cannot be found, production is stopped and an
error message is displayed. Out of range errors are logged along with the
amount dispensed and the range limit exceeded.
Fluid System Type of fluid system installed. Only choice as of this version is Century Fluid
System.
Label String Text string. When flow meter data is written into the database, product ID is
replaced by text in this field.
Log Message Use to include a message in the log file with this measurement.
Max Volume (fl oz) Maximum volume allowed for this flow measurement. If flow is over maximum,
named error procedure is called or production is stopped and error message is
displayed.
Min Volume (fl oz) Minimum volume allowed for this flow measurement. If flow is under minimum,
named error procedure is called or production is stopped and error message is
displayed.
NOTE To determine the volume range, set the Max Volume to a high number and the Min
Volume to a low number, run your coating program several times, then check the Flow
Monitoring Volumes Table or Chart. The volume range will be shown on the table or
chart.
Properties:
Property Description
Error Procedure Name of the procedure to call if the preset error tolerance is exceeded. Click on
Name the List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
currently loaded programs. For example, you can create a procedure in the
macro program with a Set Output instruction that turns on the flashing red light
on the workcell light tower.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Fan Width
Description: Measures and controls fan pattern width. Because this process takes time, this instruction
should only be included in a periodic procedure in a macro program. A faster alternative is the Fan Quick
Check instruction.
Properties:
Property Description
Control Width Default = True.
If set to True, the fan width is measured and controlled by adjustments to
fluid pressure. Warning or error messages are only be generated if fan
width cannot be adjusted to within tolerances.
If set to False, the fan width only is measured. Warning or error
messages are generated if fan width is not within tolerances.
Error Procedure Name of the procedure to call if the error tolerance is exceeded. Click on the
Name List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
currently loaded programs. For example, you can create a procedure in the
macro program with a Set Output instruction that turns on the flashing red light
on the workcell light tower.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Warning Procedure Name of the procedure to call if the warning tolerance is exceeded. Click on the
Name List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
currently loaded programs. For example, you can create a procedure in the
macro program with a Set Output instruction that turns on the flashing amber
light on the workcell light tower.
Fiducial
Description: Adds a Find Fiducial instruction.
Properties:
Property Description
Comment Non-functional.
Fiducial Click to teach the position, fiducial model, and a test find of the fiducial.
Settling Time Settling time indicates the amount of time after moving to the fiducial position
before the camera captures an image to compare against the fiducial model.
-> (1) X (mm) X coordinate of fiducial.
-> (1) Y (mm) Y coordinate of fiducial.
-> (1) Z (mm) Z coordinate of fiducial.
Find Home
Description: Causes the robot to perform a find home operation and leaves the robot at the
home position.
Properties:
Property Description
Only If Needed Default = True.
If set to True, homes the robot only when necessary.
If set to False, homes the robot unconditionally.
Z Only Default = False.
If set to True, only the Z-axis is homed.
If set to False, the X, Y, and Z-axes are homed. Z is homed first, then X
and Y.
Find Needle
Description: Updates the offsets of a needle. This would normally be done after a needle change so
EasyCoat can learn the position of the new needle.
Properties:
Property Description
Error Procedure Name of the procedure to call if the preset error tolerance is exceeded. Click on
Name the List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
currently loaded programs. For example, you can create a procedure in the
macro program with a Set Output instruction that turns on the flashing red light
on the workcell light tower.
Safe Z Approach Move to the needle finder apparatus at the Safe Z height. Normally True, but a
user might want to set this to False and add a move instruction before this
instruction to save time (in other words, approach with less clearance).
Safe Z Depart Move to the Safe Z height after the operation. Normally True, but a user might
want to set this to False and add a move instruction after this instruction to save
time (in other words, depart with less clearance).
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Properties:
Property Description
Control Flow TRUE - Controls the flow. FALSE - Measures the flow.
Error Procedure The procedure called if outside the allowable limit after number of attempts
Name have been exhausted.
Tool Applicator that will use flow control.
Warning Procedure The procedure called if outside the allowable limit after number of attempts
Name have been exhausted.
If
Description: Conditionally executes a block of instructions. Must have a matching End instruction.
Syntax: IF <condition>
[Instructions]
END
Properties:
Property Description
Condition The condition to evaluate can only be True, False, or IOState.
If True, execute instructions. This is used for testing the dispensing
program.
If False, either do nothing or execute conditional Else instructions. Also
used for testing product programs. For example, to force a program to
ignore a set of instructions, insert an If instruction with the condition set
to False at the beginning of the set, and an End instruction at the end of
the set.
If IOState, compare current state of inputs and/or outputs with settings
made in Conditional Edit dialog box. Normal setting for using robot
inputs.
Log Message
Description: Allows programmer to send a message to the log file when a specified event occurs. May
be used to log product completion times to evaluate production timing and lapse times.
Properties:
Property Description
Event Level Event, Warning, Error.
Log Message Message string.
Move Relative
Description: Moves the tool the specified X, Y, and Z distances from current position.
Properties:
Property Description
X, Y, Z Target coordinates, expressed as relative to current position.
Move Tool
Description: Moves a specified tool to a specified position.
Properties:
Property Description
Tool Default = Current tool when instruction created. Name of tool to move. Click on
List button to select different tool.
X, Y, Z Target coordinates, expressed as relative to current reference frame.
Pattern Array
Description: Repeatedly places a pattern on a rectangular grid. This is useful for coating boards that are
panelized or palletized with many boards on a single panel or pallet.
Properties:
Property Description
Columns Number of columns in grid.
Last X X coordinates of last pattern placement.
Last Y Y coordinates of last pattern placement.
Pattern Name Pattern to place.
Pitch in X Spacing in X direction.
Pitch in Y Spacing in Y direction.
Rotation Rotation of pattern.
Row Order Default = True. If set to True, move across rows. If set to False, move across
columns.
Rows Number of rows in grid.
Serpentine Default = True. If set to True, move in a serpentine pattern. If set to False,
begin each pass (across row or column) on same side of grid.
X Placement X coordinates of first pattern placement.
Y Placement Y coordinates of first pattern placement.
Z Placement Z coordinates of first pattern placement.
Pause
Description: Allows the programmer to pause a program and display a message on the screen while
waiting for user input. Can be used with standalone systems to pause program while board is flipped.
Properties:
Property Description
Pause Message Message string.
Place Pattern
Description: Places (executes) a pattern at the specified coordinates. Used to nest patterns: one pattern
can execute another pattern.
Properties:
Property Description
Pattern Name Name of pattern to execute. In drop-down list, patterns in program are listed
first, then patterns in currently loaded macro program.
Rotation Degrees to rotate pattern (positive is counterclockwise).
X Placement X coordinate to place pattern.
Y Placement Y coordinate to place pattern.
Z Placement Z coordinate to place pattern.
Position Verify
Description: Sends the robot back to the home position to check its position against the limit switches. If
the limit switches are not in the expected position, the error procedure named in the instruction property is
executed. If no error procedure is specified, or the error procedure cannot be found, production is stopped
and an error message is displayed. Errors are logged, along with the axis that failed. Use this instruction
to ensure precision dispensing, by inserting it into a periodic procedure or at the end of a product
program.
Properties:
Property Description
Error Procedure Name of procedure to execute if position verify fails.
Name
Prompted Log
Description: Allows programmer to stop production and request that the operator enter a message. This
message is written to the log file and displayed in the Event Monitor, just like a regular log message. The
request is displayed as a dialog box, with OK and Cancel buttons. For example, if you want the operator
to enter the serial number of each board coated, create a Prompted Log instruction as the first instruction
in the Main Pattern. Set the properties as follows:
• Event Level: Warning (red message text)
• Log Message: %s is serial number.
• Pause Message: Enter serial number!
When the operator enters a serial number, the number appears on the Event Monitor in red text.
Properties:
Property Description
Event Level Color of text written to Event Monitor.
Log Message Text written to log along with text entered by operator. Use the variable %s to
place the text entered by the operator where desired in the message.
Pause Message Text displayed on dialog box to prompt operator.
Repeat
Description: Instructions between Repeat and End instructions are executed a set number of times.
Creates a loop between the Repeat instruction and the End instruction.
Properties:
Property Description
Number of Times Number of times to execute loop.
Rotate Home
Description: Rotates the tool to its origin. Only supported by Select Coat 4-axis or 5-axis dispenser.
Properties:
Property Description
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
Rotate Tool
Description: Rotates the tool in 90-degree increments. Only supported by the Select Coat 4-axis or
5-axis dispenser.
Properties:
Property Description
Rotate (deg) Number of degrees to rotate the tool. Rotation is in 90-degree increments. If a
value less than 90 but greater than 45 is entered, the tool is rotated 90
degrees. If a value less than 45 degrees is entered, the tool is not rotated. The
rotate cycle is absolute, not relative. For example, if a pattern requires that the
tool be rotated 90 degrees, then to 180 degrees, the first instruction must have
a value of 90 and the second a value of 180.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
SC-400 Control
Description: Sets the properties for the SC-400.
Properties:
Property Description
Duration (seconds) Value in seconds for the time the SC-400 is open for either position-based or
time-based mode.
Mode Sets the SC-400 to either position-based or time-based mode.
Period (seconds) Value in seconds for the total time of one cycle when in time-based mode.
Spacing (mm) Value in mm for the spacing between shots when in position-based mode.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when the instruction is
created. Tool to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select a
different tool.
Properties:
Property Description
ACL String String to send to A201 Conveyor Controller.
Properties:
Property Description
ACL String String to send to A201 Robot Controller.
Set Acceleration
Description: Sets the acceleration for move and coating instructions. Overrides the EasyCoat.INI file
settings.
Properties:
Property Description
Acceleration Value in inches/sec/sec or millimeters/sec/sec.
Set Outputs
Description: Sets digital outputs.
Properties:
Property Description
Outputs Output number and condition setting. Positive = True, Negative = False.
A More button appears in the property field. Clicking on this button
displays the Set Outputs Conditional Edit dialog box for the instruction.
Use the dialog box to set outputs for the Set Output instruction. True is
on, False is off, Don't Care leaves the output in its current state.
Outputs for each tool are set in the EasyCoat.INI file. Outputs for the
robot are set in the RobotIO.INI file. Refer to these files for your system's
output configurations.
Set Velocity
Description: Sets the velocity for move instructions. Overrides the EasyCoat.INI file settings.
Properties:
Property Description
Velocity Value in inches/sec or millimeters/sec.
Spot
Description: Dispenses a spot of coating at a specified stationary location.
Properties:
Property Description
Approach Height Default = None. Approach X and Y coordinates with tool tip no lower than this
height. If value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Depart Height Default = None. Depart X and Y coordinates with tool tip no lower than this
height. If value is set to None or less than Dispense Height, it is ignored. Use to
avoid collisions with components on board.
Dispense Height Default = Height determined while running characterization for tool selected for
this instruction. Distance from tool tip to substrate while dispensing. Before
moving to X and Y dispense coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Duration Default = 0.0 seconds. Number of seconds to dispense material.
Dwell Time Adds some delay after the tool has finished dispensing/spraying, but before any
depart moves.
Ignore Masks Default = False (No). If set to True (Yes), then material is dispensed even if
specified location falls within a Mask Region.
Rotate Default = Rotate position when instruction created. Number of degrees to rotate
tool before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Settle Time Adds some delay after the tool moves to the target location, but before the tool
starts dispensing/spraying.
Tilt Default = Tilt position when instruction created. Number of degrees to tilt tool
before dispensing. Not supported by all tools.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool.
X X coordinate for this instruction.
Y Y coordinate for this instruction.
Terminate Program
Description: Ends a program without error (returns True to Robot Controller) and is used to stop a
program depending on inputs. For example, you could place an If instruction prior to the Terminate
Program instruction that would check the state of a board sensor that detects boards in a pallet. If no
board is present, the terminate instruction would be executed.
Properties:
Property Description
Log Message Message string.
Tilt Tool
Description: Tilts the tool from 0 to 30 degrees. Only supported by Select Coat 5-Axis dispenser.
Properties:
Property Description
Tilt (deg) Number of degrees to tilt the tool. Only valid values are 0 and 30. Value
entered is rounded to 0 or 30 degrees.
Tool Default = Tool displayed in Current Tool Selector when instruction created. Tool
to use for this instruction. Click on List button to select different tool. Click on an
instruction name for a description of the instruction and its properties.
Wait
Description: Pauses program for a specified period of time.
Properties:
Property Description
Time Seconds to wait.
Properties: None
While
Description: Pauses program for a specified period of time.
Properties:
Property Description
Condition The condition to evaluate can only be True, False, or IOState.
If True, execute instructions. This is used for testing the dispensing
program.
If False, either do nothing or execute conditional Else instructions. Also
used for testing product programs.
If IOState, compare current state of inputs and/or outputs with settings
made in Conditional Edit dialog box. Normal setting for using robot
inputs.
C F
Camera Configuration .............................................. 4-4–4-5 Fiducial Find Camera ..................................................... 5-33
Characterization................................................... 4-10–4-28 Fiducials ......................................................................... 5-33
Characterization Sheet.................................................. 4-14 Fixture
Coating Materials............................................................ 1-3 configuration ..................................................... 4-9–4-10
Configuration Fixture Constraint Location ............................................. 4-9
bar code/datamatrix scanner................................... 4-36 Fluid Pressure
camera configuration .......................................... 4-4–4-5 adjusting ................................................................... 3-23
conveyor ......................................................... 4-29–4-31 monitoring ................................................................ 3-26
fixture................................................................ 4-9–4-10
inverter ........................................................... 4-32, 4-34
log ................................................................... 4-45–4-46
G
pointer selection ........................................................ 4-2 Graphic Display.............................................................. 5-58
product map ................................................... 4-47–4-51 cropping images ....................................................... 5-61
production ...................................................... 4-42–4-45 importing images...................................................... 5-61
reconfigure............................................................... 4-40 Graphics Display
tool configuration ............................................... 4-3–4-8 scanning product images .......................................... 5-59
Conformal Coating .......................................................... 1-2
coating materials ....................................................... 1-3
curing ......................................................................... 1-2
I
Confusion Threshold ..................................................... 5-33 Idle Timers .............................................................. 4-42, 5-7
Control Panel .................................................................. 3-7 Importing Images .......................................................... 5-61
Conveyor Configuration ....................................... 4-29–4-31 Inspector ....................................................................... 3-16
Cropping Images ........................................................... 5-61 Installation ............................................................... 2-1–2-7
Curing Systems................................................................ 1-3 camera license ................................................. 2-10–2-19
Custom Buttons ..................................................... 3-7, 4-54 configuration ................................................... 2-10–2-19
Instruction List ............................................................... 3-15
Inverter
D configuration ................................................... 4-32, 4-34
Delta Changes ............................................................... 5-62
During Idle ...................................................................... 5-7
J
Jog Controls
E shortcut keys ............................................................ 3-21
EasyCoat Jog Window ................................................................... 3-17
characterization .............................................. 4-10–4-28 conveyor jog controls ............................................... 3-20
edit screen ........................................................ 3-8–3-16 robot jog controls ..................................................... 3-17
installation .......................................................... 2-1–2-7 rotate and tilt .................................................. 3-18–3-19
operator screen .................................................. 3-2–3-7 tool button ............................................................... 3-18
overview .................................................................... 1-1
starting ....................................................................... 3-2
Edit Screen ............................................................. 3-8–3-16