Usage Tutorial and Skill Sharing for Desktop Dispensing Machine Programming Software
Programming software is the "brain interface" of desktop dispensing machines. Users communicate with equipment through it, telling machines what to do and how. Good programming software can improve dispensing process development efficiency by multiples. This article takes commonl
Programming software is the "brain interface" of desktop dispensing machines. Users communicate with equipment through it, telling machines what to do and how. Good programming software can improve dispensing process development efficiency by multiples. This article takes commonly available desktop dispensing machine programming software as example, systematically introducing its functions and practical tips.
I. Overview of Mainstream Programming Software
Currently, desktop dispensing machine programming software on market can be roughly divided into three categories:
【Manufacturer Proprietary Software】
- Self-developed by dispensing machine manufacturers, deeply adapted to本机 hardware
- Pros: Strong functional targeting, good stability, direct technical support
- Cons: Poor universality, must relearn when changing brands
- Examples: Various manufacturers' self-developed software (names vary)
【Third-Party General-Purpose Software】
- Commercial dispensing programming software from professional software development companies
- Pros: Beautiful interface, rich functions, supports multi-brand equipment
- Cons: May require additional license purchase, compatibility with specific hardware needs confirmation
- Examples: Certain domestic motion control software vendors' dispensing modules
【Open Source/Free Software】
- Open-source solutions contributed by community developers
- Pros: Free, highly customizable, supported by tech enthusiast community
- Cons: Incomplete documentation, varying stability, figure it out yourself when problems arise
- Examples: Solutions based on GRBL, LinuxCNC and other open-source CNC system modifications
For most users, recommend choosing manufacturer-provided software first, since it's been thoroughly tested and perfectly matched with hardware.
II. Software Interface and Functional Zone Introduction
After opening programming software, typically see following main areas:
【Menu Bar】
- File operations: New, open, save, save as, import/export
- Edit operations: Undo, redo, copy, paste, delete
- View operations: Zoom, pan, show/hide grid
- Settings: Parameter config, communication port, unit switching
- Help: User manual, about, online update
【Toolbar】
- Quick-access button collection, functions one-click access:
* Select tool, point-draw tool, line-draw tool, circle/arc tool
* Teach mode toggle, manual control panel
* Start/pause/stop program
* Return to origin, emergency stop
【Drawing/Edit Zone】
- Main view displaying dispensing trajectories
- Supports mouse drag, zoom,框选 interactive operations
- Different elements distinguished by colors (points, trajectories, forbidden zones, etc.)
- Can switch between 2D planar view and 3D perspective view
【Property/Parameter Panel】
- Displays detailed attributes of selected object
- Editable dispensing parameters: dispense volume, speed, height, delays, etc.
- Coordinate position information
- Layer and group management
【Status Bar】
- Current coordinate position (X, Y, Z)
- Equipment connection status
- System ready/running/alarm info
- Current unit and coordinate system mode
III. Creating Your First Program from Scratch
Let's learn complete programming workflow through practical example—dispensing固定 adhesive on four corners of rectangular PCB board:
Step 1: Create New Project and Set Basic Info
- Click 「File」→「New」
- Enter project name: "PCB Four Corner Fixation"
- Set unit: Millimeters (mm)
- Set coordinate system: Default lower-left origin mode
- Set safe height: Z-axis lift height during non-dispensing (recommend 20mm)
Step 2: Draw Dispensing Trajectory
Method A: Manual drawing
- Select「Draw Point」tool
- Click four corner coordinate positions sequentially in drawing zone (or input exact coordinates)
- Each click creates one dispensing point
Method B: Import CAD/DXF drawing
- Click「File」→「Import」→「DXF」
- Select PCB outline drawing file
- Software automatically extracts geometric features and converts to dispensing paths
- Manually add or delete redundant points
Method C: Teach mode (most intuitive)
- Manually move dispensing head to first dispensing position
- Click「Record Point」button
- Move and record remaining points sequentially
-Suitable for situations without CAD drawings
Step 3: Set Dispensing Parameters
After selecting a point, set following in right-side parameter panel:
- Dispense method: Time/volume
- Dispense volume: 0.5 seconds (or corresponding volume value)
- Dispense speed: 10mm/s (slow to ensure accuracy)
- Gun-lift height: 5mm (distance lifted after dispensing)
- Start delay: 0.1 second (wait time after arriving at position)
- End delay: 0.2 second (wait time after stopping dispense)
- Suck-back: 0.3 second (negative pressure suck-back preventing trailing)
Can use「Apply to All」function to batch assign same parameters to other points.
Step 4: Set Motion Parameters
- Idle speed (movement speed during non-dispensing): 300mm/s
- Dispense speed (movement speed during dispensing): 10mm/s
- Z-axis approach speed: 100mm/s
- Z-axis retract speed: 200mm/s
- Acceleration: Default OK (software usually optimizes automatically)
Step 5: Simulation Verification
Must simulate verify before正式运行:
- Click「Simulation」button or press F5 key
- Software animates dispenser head motion trajectory
- Observe following points:
* Path correct, no missing or redundant points
* Whether interference/collision will occur
* Dispensing sequence reasonable (should minimize idle travel distance)
* Total runtime estimate meets capacity requirements
Step 6: Connect Equipment and Download Program
- Connect computer and dispensing machine via USB cable or network cable
- Select correct communications port in software
- Click「Connect」to establish communication
- Click「Download」to send program to equipment controller
- Equipment usually stores in memory, persists through power-off
Step 7: Trial Run and Fine-Tuning
- First use「Single Step Execution」mode to verify each point individually
- Confirm dispensing effect at each position
- Fine-tune parameters based on actual situation (dispense volume, position offset, etc.)
- Save final version program once satisfied
IV. Practical Tips for Improving Programming Efficiency
【Tip 1: Make Good Use of Arrays and Mirroring】
For regularly arranged multi-point arrays (like LED bead arrays), don't draw one by one:
- First draw base point and its dispensing parameters
- Use「Rectangular Array」function, input row/column count and spacing
- Software automatically duplicates all points
- Also can use「Circular Array」to generate ring-distributed points
【Tip 2: Layer Management for Complex Trajectories】
When program contains multiple different-parameter dispensing operations:
- Create different layers (e.g., "bottom adhesive", "fixing adhesive", "sealant")
- Edit parameters and paths for each layer separately
- Show/hide/lock individual layers
- Finally merge output as complete program
【Tip 3: Variables and Macro Commands】
Advanced software supports variable usage in programming:
- Define variable @adhesive_volume = value calculated from temperature
- Define macro @cleaning_program = standard nozzle cleaning action sequence
- Call variables and macros in main program, one modification global effect
- Particularly suitable for R&D phases requiring frequent parameter adjustment
【Tip 4: Import CAD Files to Save Time and Effort】
- Have engineering department provide DXF/DWG files of PCB
- Directly import, auto-generate contour paths along pad edges
- 10x+ more efficient than manual teaching
- And higher accuracy (depends on CAD drawing accuracy)
【Tip 5: Utilize Subprograms and Jumps】
For repetitive process segments:
- Define as subprogram (Sub-program)
- Call multiple times in main program
- Modify only one place when changes needed
- Program also cleaner and easier to read
【Tip 6: Shortcuts and Custom Toolbars】
- Remember common shortcuts (Ctrl+C/V/Z/S, etc.)
- Add most-used functions to custom toolbar
- Create personal template files (new files preset with commonly used parameters)
- These small habits accumulate to significant time savings over time
V. Common Programming Errors and Solutions
| Error Phenomenon | Cause | Solution |
|-----------------|-------|----------|
| Out-of-bounds error | Point exceeds equipment stroke range | Shrink work area or adjust workpiece position |
| Interference warning | Trajectory intersects fixture model | Adjust Z-axis height or change approach angle |
| Syntax error | Illegal parameter values (negative, oversized, etc.) | Check input reasonableness |
| Download failed | Communication interrupt or memory full | Check connection cables, clear equipment memory |
| Runtime jitter | Acceleration setting too large | Reduce acceleration or decrease gain |
| First point inaccurate | Origin offset or workpiece not aligned | Re-execute homing and workpiece alignment |
VI. Exploring Advanced Functions
After mastering basic operations, try following advanced features:
• Vision Positioning Integration: Call camera images for automatic position compensation
• Weighing Feedback Closed Loop: Connect electronic balance for real-time dispense volume feedback control
• Database Interface: Auto-read product parameters from MES/ERP systems
• Multi-Channel Control: Simultaneously control multiple equipment or multiple dispensing guns
• Script Programming: Use Lua/Python等 scripting languages to write custom logic
VII. Learning Resources and Community
- Video tutorials and PDF manuals provided by manufacturer (most authoritative first-hand resources)
- Practical demo videos on Bilibili, YouTube
- Industry forums and technical exchange groups (QQ groups, WeChat groups)
- Training classes organized by local agents
Mastering desktop dispensing machine programming skills is equivalent to possessing ability to converse with machines. This not only makes you proficient at work but also adds points to personal career development. Hope this tutorial opens this door for you, wishing you deeper exploration in world of automatic dispensing!
Shenzhen Second Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd This desktop dispenser setup is suitable for hot-melt, solide glue and similar adhesive material automatic dispensing purpose. Please feel free to send your MPP information; Material, Product, Production details and requirement to us, our engineers will provide free evaluation and solution.
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