User guide

Programming Basics 7-3
Building a Program in FMW
It is important to learn how to build programs in FMW. Complex multipass dispensing
programs are built by first defining patterns, then adding those patterns to the whole
workpiece.
When building programs, it is important to keep in mind that you want to develop the fastest
method of dispensing in order to maximize production throughput. You gain this efficiency by
constructing the patterns and adding them to the program in the most time-effective manner.
Also, limiting the number of times fiducial searches or other processes such as flow rate
measurements and purging are performed can increase throughput. The optimization comes
in figuring out how to add these processes to your program without compromising accuracy
or throughput.
In the next sections and the following chapter, you will be taught basic skills that will enable
you to successfully build efficient dispensing programs.
Workpieces, Patterns and Procedures
An understanding of the difference between workpieces, patterns and procedures in FMW is
essential for programming.
A “workpiece”, as defined by FMW, is usually your board or auer boat. Master Fiducials, if
present, are taught on the workpiece.
“Patterns” are dispensing patterns, such as lines or a set of dots, that are repeated at several
locations on a board. The patterns are “placed” --meaning programmed-- onto the workpiece
at defined locations.
Any dispensing command that can have fiducials is a pattern. Other dispensing commands
are “procedures”. The Main Procedure is a set of commands usually hidden from the
Programming Window.
Patterns can also contain “nested patterns” or subpatterns. Subpatterns are defined as a new
pattern, then “placed” within another pattern. The parent pattern can then be “placed” on the
workpiece.
For example, a program titled “Workpiece” is an underfill dispensing program for an auer
boat containing ten chips. Each chip requires the same dispensing pattern. You would first
define the underfill pattern for one chip and save it as a separate pattern titled “Lfill” for
example. The “Lfill” pattern is then taught at each of the ten chip locations on the auer boat
to create the “Workpiece” pattern.