Instruction Manual

7-2 Programming Basics
Building a Program in FmNT
It is important to learn how to build programs in FmNT. 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 FmNT is essential
for programming.
A “workpiece”, as defined by FmNT, is usually your board or auer boat. Master Fiducials, if present, are
taught on the workpiece.
A “Pattern” is a sequence of related instructions, such as a combination of lines or a set of dots, that are
grouped together and saved as a single unit. The pattern can then be “placed,” or programmed onto the
workpiece at defined locations.
Any dispensing command that can have fiducials is a pattern. Other dispensing commands are
“procedures”. Procedures typically handle “maintenance” functions such as purging or flow rate
measurements. The Main Procedure is a set of commands usually hidden from the Programming
Window.
Patterns can also contain “nested patterns” or subpatterns. Nested patterns 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. Imagine 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 “chip1” for example. The “chip1”
pattern is then taught at each of the ten chip locations on the auer boat to create the “Workpiece” pattern.