Easy Coat Nordson

Easy Coat for Windows XP
Version 4.3
User Guide
P/N 7233853, Rev A
NOTICE
This is a Nordson ASYMTEK publication, which is protected by copyright. Original copyright date 2011.
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the
prior written consent of Nordson ASYMTEK. The information contained in this publication is subject to
change without notice.
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Contact Us
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Please contact us using the information below:
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Carlsbad, CA 92010-6603
USA
Toll Free:
1-800-ASYMTEK (1-800-279-6835)
Tel:
+1-760-431-1919
Fax:
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E-mail:
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USA:
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Other regions:
www.nordsonasymtek.com Tech Support
Technical Support
Trademarks
Asymtek , Century , Select Coat , and Easy Coat are registered trademarks of Nordson ASYMTEK.
Microsoft , Windows , and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Text P/N 7233854, Revision A
2011
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 Easy Coat for Windows XP (ECXP)
software.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Personnel Safety Warning. This symbol appears in a shaded text block to warn
you about actions that could cause personal injury or death.
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.
TIP
This symbol appears next to a timesaving or technique tip.
Table of Contents
1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2
Getting Started ......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.3
Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.4
Training .................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.4.1
1.4.2
1.5
ECXP Overview ....................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.6
Conformal Coating ................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.6.1
1.6.2
2.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.2
Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3
ECXP Installation Package ...................................................................................................... 2-1
2.4
ECXP Installation Procedure ................................................................................................... 2-2
2.5
ECXP Configuration ................................................................................................................. 2-4

Initial Setup Procedure ............................................................................................... 2-4
Reconfigure................................................................................................................. 2-8
Tour of Easy Coat............................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2
Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3
System Setup and Operation ................................................................................................... 3-1
3.4
Starting/Exiting ECXP .............................................................................................................. 3-2
3.5
Operator Screen ...................................................................................................................... 3-3

3.5.1
3.5.2
3.6
Variable Monitor .......................................................................................................... 3-4

Operator Screen Menu Bar ......................................................................................... 3-6
Edit Screen .............................................................................................................................. 3-7

3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
Conformal Coating Process ........................................................................................ 1-2

Coating Materials ........................................................................................................ 1-3
Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.5.1
2.5.2
3
Student Certification ................................................................................................... 1-1

Student Registration ................................................................................................... 1-1
Opening the Edit Screen ............................................................................................. 3-7

Edit Screen Menu Bar ................................................................................................. 3-8
Edit Screen Toolbar .................................................................................................. 3-11
Edit Screen Tabs ...................................................................................................... 3-13
3.7
Shortcut Keys......................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.8
Setting and Monitoring Fluid Air Pressure ............................................................................. 3-15
Configuration and Characterization ............................................................................................... 4-1

4.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2
Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3
Recordkeeping ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.4
Tool Configuration.................................................................................................................... 4-2

4.4.1
4.4.2
Table of Contents
Tool Offset .................................................................................................................. 4-2

Camera Configuration ................................................................................................. 4-7
iii
4.5
Characterization ....................................................................................................................... 4-8
4.6
Fixture Configuration.............................................................................................................. 4-13

4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
Fixture Constraint Location ....................................................................................... 4-13

Configuring a Fixture on Systems Equipped with a Camera .................................... 4-14
Configuring a Fixture on a System Not Equipped with a Camera ............................ 4-16
4.7
Conveyor Configuration ......................................................................................................... 4-17
4.8
Inverter Configuration ............................................................................................................ 4-19
4.9
Robot Configuration ............................................................................................................... 4-20

4.9.1
4.9.2
Z-Height .................................................................................................................... 4-20

Z-Speed .................................................................................................................... 4-21
4.10 Beacon Configuration ............................................................................................................ 4-21

4.11 Fan Width Configuration ........................................................................................................ 4-25
4.12 Needle Finder Configuration .................................................................................................. 4-29
4.12.1 Single Needle Applicator .......................................................................................... 4-29
4.12.2 Tolerances ................................................................................................................ 4-30
4.13 Bar Code/DataMatrix Scanner Configuration ........................................................................ 4-30
4.13.1 Bar Codes ................................................................................................................. 4-30
4.14 Reconfiguring System Hardware ........................................................................................... 4-31
4.15 Production Configuration ....................................................................................................... 4-32
4.15.1
4.15.2
4.15.3
4.15.4
Setting Idle Timers .................................................................................................... 4-32

Setting Periodic Timers ............................................................................................. 4-32
AutoStart ................................................................................................................... 4-34
Homing...................................................................................................................... 4-34
4.16 Log Configuration................................................................................................................... 4-34

4.16.1 Log Files ................................................................................................................... 4-34
4.17 Product Map Configuration .................................................................................................... 4-35
4.17.1 New Group ................................................................................................................ 4-36
4.17.2 New Part ................................................................................................................... 4-36
4.18 Maintenance Manager ........................................................................................................... 4-37
4.18.1 Maintenance Manager Configuration ....................................................................... 4-37
4.18.2 Adding/Deleting Maintenance Procedures ............................................................... 4-38
4.19 Custom Buttons ..................................................................................................................... 4-40
5
Programming .................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.2
Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3
Programs ................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.4
Patterns .................................................................................................................................... 5-3

5.4.1
5.5
Main Pattern................................................................................................................ 5-3
Mask Regions .......................................................................................................................... 5-4

5.5.1
5.5.2
iv
Product Programs ....................................................................................................... 5-1

Opening a Product Program ....................................................................................... 5-2
Macro Programs ......................................................................................................... 5-2
Opening a Macro Program ......................................................................................... 5-2
Coating an Area Inside a Mask Region ...................................................................... 5-4

Inherited Mask Regions .............................................................................................. 5-4
Table of Contents
5.6
Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 5-4

5.6.1
5.7
Reserved Procedures ................................................................................................. 5-4
Reference Frames ................................................................................................................... 5-8

5.7.1
5.7.2
5.7.3
Base Frame ................................................................................................................ 5-8

Product Frame ............................................................................................................ 5-9
Pattern Frame ............................................................................................................. 5-9
5.8
Properties ................................................................................................................................. 5-9
5.9
Creating a Program................................................................................................................ 5-11

5.9.1
5.9.2
5.9.3
5.9.4
5.9.5
5.9.6
5.9.7
5.9.8
5.9.9
5.9.10
Creating Product Programs ...................................................................................... 5-11

Creating Macro Programs ......................................................................................... 5-15
Creating a Pattern ..................................................................................................... 5-16
Inserting Program Instructions .................................................................................. 5-18
Teaching Coordinates with the Camera ................................................................... 5-19
Creating a Mask Region ........................................................................................... 5-25
Creating a Procedure ................................................................................................ 5-26
Creating a Maintenance Procedure .......................................................................... 5-28
Placing Patterns ........................................................................................................ 5-29
Calling Procedures.................................................................................................... 5-30
5.10 Running Programs ................................................................................................................. 5-30

5.11 Editing Programs ................................................................................................................... 5-31
5.11.1 Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete ............................................................................................. 5-31
5.12 Printing Programs .................................................................................................................. 5-32
5.13 Graphic Display...................................................................................................................... 5-32
5.13.1
5.13.2
5.13.3
5.13.4
5.13.5
5.13.6
5.13.7
Graphic Display View Options .................................................................................. 5-32

Creating Images........................................................................................................ 5-33
Importing Images ...................................................................................................... 5-33
Cropping Images....................................................................................................... 5-33
Graphic Display Features ......................................................................................... 5-35
Using the Graphic Display for Programming ............................................................ 5-38
Using Graphic Display to Program Both Sides of a Board ....................................... 5-41
5.14 Advanced Programming Concepts ........................................................................................ 5-43

5.14.1
5.14.2
5.14.3
5.14.4
6
Delta Changes .......................................................................................................... 5-43

Toggle Breakpoint ..................................................................................................... 5-43
Pattern Array ............................................................................................................. 5-43
Stepping .................................................................................................................... 5-43
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.2
Event Monitor ........................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.3
Programming Errors................................................................................................................. 6-1

6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.3.4
Program Does Not Run .............................................................................................. 6-2

Program Does Not Run Where Expected ................................................................... 6-2
Conditional Instruction Errors ..................................................................................... 6-3
Arc Errors .................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.4
GoTo Errors ............................................................................................................................. 6-4
6.5
Travel Limit Errors.................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.6
Z-Axis Related Errors............................................................................................................... 6-5
6.7
Fiducial Find Errors .................................................................................................................. 6-5
6.8
Fan Width Control Errors ......................................................................................................... 6-6
Table of Contents
Appendix A
Instruction Quick Reference ........................................................................................ A-1
Appendix B
Instruction Properties ................................................................................................... B-1
Glossary
........................................................................................................................................ G-1
Index
.......................................................................................................................................... I-1
Table of Figures
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
Figure 2-6
Figure 2-7
Figure 2-8
Figure 2-9
InstallShield Wizard ............................................................................................................ 2-3

Select Language ................................................................................................................. 2-4
System Configuration ......................................................................................................... 2-5
Tools Configuration............................................................................................................. 2-6
Rotate Mechanism Configuration ....................................................................................... 2-6
ID Systems Configuration ................................................................................................... 2-7
ECXP Operator Screen ...................................................................................................... 2-9
ECXP Edit Screen .............................................................................................................. 2-9
ECXP Configure Dialog Box ............................................................................................. 2-10
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-7
Figure 3-8
Figure 3-9
Figure 3-10
Figure 3-11
Figure 3-12
ECXP Operator Screen ...................................................................................................... 3-2

ECXP Operator Screen - Conveyorized System ................................................................ 3-3
Displaying the Variable Monitor .......................................................................................... 3-4
Operator Screen Menu Bar ................................................................................................ 3-6
ECXP Edit Screen .............................................................................................................. 3-7
Edit Screen Menu Bar ........................................................................................................ 3-8
Edit Screen Toolbars ........................................................................................................ 3-11
Edit Screen Tabs .............................................................................................................. 3-13
Adjusting the Fluid Pressure ............................................................................................. 3-15
ECXP Edit Screen - Pressure Adjust................................................................................ 3-16
Pressure Outputs Dialog Box ........................................................................................... 3-16
Monitoring the Fluid Pressure in ECXP ............................................................................ 3-17
Figure 4-1
Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-4
Figure 4-5
Figure 4-6
Figure 4-7
Figure 4-8
Figure 4-9
Figure 4-10
Figure 4-11
Figure 4-12
Figure 4-13
Figure 4-14
Figure 4-15
Figure 4-16
Figure 4-17
Figure 4-18
Figure 4-19
Figure 4-20
Figure 4-21
Figure 4-22
Figure 4-23
Figure 4-24
Figure 4-25
Figure 4-26
Tool Offset .......................................................................................................................... 4-2

Tool Configuration Dialog Box ............................................................................................ 4-3
Selecting a Reference Tool ................................................................................................ 4-4
Teaching the Tool Reference Point .................................................................................... 4-5
Teaching the Reference Tool Offset................................................................................... 4-5
Camera Z-Offset ................................................................................................................. 4-7
ECXP Edit Screen - Genie Camera Pointer ....................................................................... 4-7
Selected Pointer ................................................................................................................. 4-9
ECXP Tool Configuration ................................................................................................... 4-9
ECXP Characterization Wizard Dialog Box ...................................................................... 4-10
Characterization Sheet ..................................................................................................... 4-11
Material Characterization .................................................................................................. 4-12
Fixture Constraint Location ............................................................................................... 4-13
Active Tool - Genie Camera ............................................................................................. 4-14
ECXP Fixture Configuration ............................................................................................. 4-14
Active Tool Select Coat 5-Axis ...................................................................................... 4-15
Teaching "Front Right" XYZ Coordinates ......................................................................... 4-15
Conveyor Settings Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 4-17
Robot Settings Dialog Box ................................................................................................ 4-20
Adding a New Trigger Fault .............................................................................................. 4-21
Log Trigger Faults Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 4-22
Subsystem Dialog Box ..................................................................................................... 4-23
Defining a New Subsystem .............................................................................................. 4-24
Beacon Indicator Settings ................................................................................................. 4-24
Fan Width Control Configuration Window ........................................................................ 4-26
Fan Width Tolerance ........................................................................................................ 4-28
vi
Table of Contents
Figure 4-27
Figure 4-28
Figure 4-29
Figure 4-30
Figure 4-31
Figure 4-32
Figure 4-33
Figure 4-34
Figure 4-35
Active Tool ........................................................................................................................ 4-29

Needle Finder Setup Dialog Box ...................................................................................... 4-29
Production Configuration Window .................................................................................... 4-33
Product Map ..................................................................................................................... 4-35
Product Map Configuration ............................................................................................... 4-35
Maintenance Configuration Screen .................................................................................. 4-37
Adding/Deleting Maintenance Procedures ....................................................................... 4-38
Adding a Maintenance Procedure .................................................................................... 4-39
Creating Custom Buttons ................................................................................................. 4-40
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
Figure 5-3
Figure 5-4
Figure 5-5
Figure 5-6
Figure 5-7
Figure 5-8
Figure 5-9
Figure 5-10
Figure 5-11
Figure 5-12
Figure 5-13
Figure 5-14
Figure 5-15
Figure 5-16
Figure 5-17
Figure 5-18
Figure 5-19
Figure 5-20
Figure 5-21
Figure 5-22
Figure 5-23
Figure 5-24
Figure 5-25
Figure 5-26
Figure 5-27
Figure 5-28
Figure 5-29
Figure 5-30
Figure 5-31
Figure 5-32
Figure 5-33
Figure 5-34
Figure 5-35
Figure 5-36
Figure 5-37
Figure 5-38
Figure 5-39
Figure 5-40
Figure 5-41
Figure 5-42
Figure 5-43
Figure 5-44
Figure 5-45
Figure 5-46
Figure 5-47
Figure 5-48
Opening a Product Program ............................................................................................... 5-2

Opening a Macro Program ................................................................................................. 5-3
Macro1.ECM ....................................................................................................................... 5-5
Reference Frames .............................................................................................................. 5-8
Program Properties............................................................................................................. 5-9
Property Field Buttons ...................................................................................................... 5-10
New Program Dialog Box ................................................................................................. 5-11
Untitled Program ............................................................................................................... 5-12
Main Pattern Edit Frame Properties ................................................................................. 5-12
Applicator On/Off Button ................................................................................................... 5-13
Activating the Speed Limit ................................................................................................ 5-13
Setting the Speed Limit .................................................................................................... 5-14
Creating a Macro Program ............................................................................................... 5-15
Active Tool - Genie Camera ............................................................................................. 5-16
New Pattern Dialog Box ................................................................................................... 5-16
Verifying Pattern Position ................................................................................................. 5-17
Program Instruction Buttons ............................................................................................. 5-18
Pattern and Instruction Properties .................................................................................... 5-19
Camera and Vision Tab .................................................................................................... 5-21
Fiducial Instruction and Location ...................................................................................... 5-21
Fiducial Box ...................................................................................................................... 5-21
Host Control Screen ......................................................................................................... 5-22
Fiducial Score ................................................................................................................... 5-22
Fiducial Not Found............................................................................................................ 5-23
Manual Fiducial Find......................................................................................................... 5-23
Creating the Rectangle Pattern ........................................................................................ 5-24
Creating a Mask Region ................................................................................................... 5-25
Creating a Procedure........................................................................................................ 5-26
Naming a Procedure ......................................................................................................... 5-27
Abort Program Procedure ................................................................................................. 5-27
Ini File Write Instruction .................................................................................................... 5-28
Script Instruction ............................................................................................................... 5-28
Selecting a Pattern ........................................................................................................... 5-29
Calling a Procedure .......................................................................................................... 5-30
Cropping An Image ........................................................................................................... 5-34
Zooming In ........................................................................................................................ 5-35
Zooming Out ..................................................................................................................... 5-35
Resizing a Docked Image ................................................................................................. 5-35
Undocking Bar .................................................................................................................. 5-36
Resizing an Undocked Image........................................................................................... 5-36
Sample Docked/Undocked Images .................................................................................. 5-37
Redocking the Graphic Display ........................................................................................ 5-37
Viewing the Graphic Display ............................................................................................. 5-38
Entering Product Length and Width.................................................................................. 5-39
Creating a Pattern............................................................................................................. 5-39
Area Coat Program Using Graphic Display ...................................................................... 5-40
Importing an Image into a Pattern .................................................................................... 5-41
Main Pattern Displaying Both Sides of Board .................................................................. 5-42
Table of Contents
vii
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
Figure 6-3
Figure 6-4
Event Monitor Error Messages ........................................................................................... 6-1

Displaying Full Text of Error Message................................................................................ 6-1
Program Error Message ..................................................................................................... 6-2
Conditional Instruction Error Message ............................................................................... 6-3
Table of Tables
Table 1-1
Nordson ASYMTEK Conformal Coating Curing Systems .................................................. 1-3
Table 3-1
Table 3-2
Table 3-3
Table 3-4
Operator Screen Commands .............................................................................................. 3-5

Operator Screen Menu Options.......................................................................................... 3-6
Edit Screen Menu Options .................................................................................................. 3-8
Edit Screen Toolbar Commands ...................................................................................... 3-11
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 4-3
Table 4-4
Table 4-5
Conveyor Settings ............................................................................................................ 4-18

Inverter Settings................................................................................................................ 4-19
Fan Width Control Configuration Window Options ........................................................... 4-27
Wildcard Characters ......................................................................................................... 4-30
Maintenance Manager Menu Options .............................................................................. 4-38
Table 5-1
Table 5-2
Table 5-3
Fiducial Not Found Options .............................................................................................. 5-23

Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete ..................................................................................................... 5-31
Graphic Display Menu Options ......................................................................................... 5-32
Table of Exercises
Exercise 5-1:
Exercise 5-2:
Exercise 5-3:
Exercise 5-4:
Exercise 5-5:
viii
Using Idle Procedures to Clean and Purge the Dispenser Nozzle ..................................... 5-6
Using Periodic Procedures to Purge the Dispenser Nozzle ............................................... 5-7
Creating a Pattern and Inserting Program Instructions .................................................... 5-24
Creating a Procedure........................................................................................................ 5-26
Creating a Program with Graphic Display ........................................................................ 5-39
Table of Contents
Introduction
1.1
Overview
Welcome to Easy Coat for Windows XP (ECXP) Version 4.2. ECXP 4.2 is a Windows XP application
specifically designed for use with Nordson ASYMTEK's Select Coat SL-94X conformal coating systems.
This manual is an instructional guide designed for system operators, computer programmers, and process
engineers. It provides a complete tour of the Easy Coat for Windows software with detailed explanations
of all features.
This section covers the following topics:
1.2
Getting Started
Training
Conformal Coating
Getting Started
In most cases, ECXP should arrive already installed and configured for your coating system. If you
should need to reinstall ECXP, refer to Section 2 - Installation.
The tutorials in this manual are designed to teach you specific programming techniques. They teach basic
elements used to build more complex patterns.
1.3
NOTE
This manual is intended for use with Easy Coat for Windows XP, Release 4.2 or higher.
Safety First
Please review the safety section in the manual for your particular coating system before attempting the
procedures in this manual.
1.4
Training
Nordson ASYMTEK offers quality training for our dispensing platforms, valves, software, and
applications both on and off-site. The labs at our Carlsbad, California, USA corporate location are
dedicated to providing a specialized course of instruction for our customer's specific needs. With the
assortment of tools available in our labs we are able to provide a better learning experience overall.
Students will rebuild machine subassemblies, troubleshoot real problems, and learn a variety of setup
techniques. In addition, your machine's operability and production are not disturbed due to class usage.
1.4.1
Student Certification
Upon successful completion of the training course, the student is issued a Certificate of Completion.
1.4.2
Student Registration
Students can register for training at the Nordson ASYMTEK website www. nordsonasymtek.com or call
1-800-ASYMTEK to request information or to register for training.
Introduction
1-1
1.5
ECXP Overview
Easy Coat for Windows XP (ECXP) is Nordson ASYMTEK proprietary software for use in a
Windows XP environment, developed specifically for conformal coating applications. Before the
dispensing process can begin, the ECXP software must be installed and programmed to perform the
necessary procedures. ECXP controls both the dispensing head (robot) movements and the dispensing
operation in the conformal coating process. ECXP features include:
1.6
An intuitive interface and user-friendly environment, allowing you to create conformal

coating programs within minutes.
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.
Conformal Coating
Conformal coating is a process in which a printed circuit board (PCB) is completely coated with a
material to protect it from damage caused by the following conditions:
Environment
Dendrite Growth
Vibration
Moisture
Dirt
Solvent
Conformal coating is used in a variety of applications. These include:
1.6.1
Aerospace and Military Applications
Automotive Applications
Commercial Applications (Appliances)
Railroad and Traffic Control Applications
Industrial Applications
Value Added Applications
Conformal Coating Process
Application of conformal coating is a two-step process. Dispensing the conformal coating is the first step.
It is commonly dispensed in one of the following ways:
1-2
Dip
Brush
Manual Spray
Automated Selective Coating
Introduction
Nordson ASYMTEK offers an automated solution to the conformal coating process by offering
Automated Selective Coating. Unlike other methods, Automated Selective Coating achieves high
throughput, dispensing consistency, and material savings with little or no masking.
After the conformal coating has been applied, it must be cured or hardened (Step 2). The curing method
depends on the coating material. Most materials are cured by one of the following processes:
Heat (infrared), using an infrared or convection oven
UV (ultraviolet) light, using a UV oven
Moisture (humidity), using ambient conditions or a humidity controlled environment
Nordson ASYMTEK offers the curing systems listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 Nordson ASYMTEK Conformal Coating Curing Systems
Curing Systems
Flexible IR/Convection Module
Infrared
Select Cure UV-5 Cure Module
UV
Select Cure UV-6 Cure Module
UV
7 ft. Humidified Conveyor
1.6.2
Process
Moisture
Coating Materials
There are several materials commonly used for conformal coating purposes. These include:
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.)
Will the PCB be cleaned prior to coating?
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 (VOCs) a major concern for your facility?
Will you be reworking the PCB?
Introduction
1-3
Installation
2.1
Overview
In most cases, ECXP should arrive already installed and configured for your coating system from the
Nordson ASYMTEK factory. The installation process is a typical Windows XP installation with user
prompts.
NOTE
Refer to this section for first time installation only. Upgraded versions of ECXP include
separate installation instructions.
2.2
ECXP Installation Package
ECXP Installation Procedure
ECXP Configuration
Reconfigure
Safety First
Please review the safety section of the manual for your particular coating system before proceeding. It is
important for you to familiarize yourself with the safety features and precautions identified in the manual
before installing ECXP.
2.3
ECXP Installation Package
The ECXP Installation Package typically contains the following components. Please verify that you have
each component before proceeding. If any part of the package is missing, contact Nordson ASYMTEK or
your local sales representative.
Installation
Easy Coat for Windows XP User Guide
Easy Coat for Windows XP CD-ROM
2-1
2.4
ECXP Installation Procedure
Most of the standard installation process is automated. You will be prompted to approve file locations and
accept defaults. Since ECXP is a true Windows XP software package, installing ECXP follows standard
Windows installation procedures.
NOTE
ECXP installation is performed at the factory prior to shipping. This procedure is

included should the software need to be reinstalled.
CAUTION!
The ECXP installation procedure should be performed by trained personnel only.
CAUTION!
DO NOT attempt to install ECXP on a Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT,
Windows Vista or Windows 7 Operating System.
To install ECXP:
1. Perform a coating system startup in accordance with the manual applicable to your coating
system.
2. If any Windows programs are running, close them.
3. Insert the ECXP CD-ROM into the CD drive of the coating system computer.
The installation procedure should launch automatically. If it does not, perform the steps
below. If the installation procedure does launch automatically, skip to Step 10.
4. Click on Start in the lower left-hand corner of the computer screen.

5. From the Start menu, select Run.
6. In the Run dialog box, click on Browse.
7. Locate the CD drive from the directory and double-click on it.
8. Double click on Setup.exe.
9. Click on OK in the Run dialog box.
10. Accept the terms of the license agreement and click on Next.
11. Enter your user name and company name and click on Next.
12. If your system is equipped with the Genie Camera, select SL-94x with Camera; if not
select SL-94x No Camera.
13. Click Install to begin installation.
2-2
Installation
14. When prompted ECXP has been installed. Additional components will be installed.
Click OK.
The InstallShield Wizard opens (Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1 InstallShield Wizard
15. Click on Next.

16. Click on Install.
17. When prompted, click Finish to exit.
18. Click OK to continue.
Installation
You will be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Contact Nordson ASYMTEK Technical Support for help if necessary.
2-3
2.5
ECXP Configuration
The first time ECXP is run, a setup procedure runs, asking you to define your system hardware.
Responses to each question are written to the ECW.INI file. If you change your system hardware or
reinstall the software, use the Reconfigure feature to re-run the setup procedure. See 2.5.2 Reconfigure.
2.5.1
NOTE
In most cases, ECXP arrives already installed and configured for your coating system
from the Nordson ASYMTEK factory.
Initial Setup Procedure

NOTE
This procedure runs the first time you start ECXP. To reconfigure system hardware, see
2.5.2 Reconfigure.
2.5.1.1 System Configuration

1. Double-click the ECXP
icon on the Windows desktop to start ECXP.
ECXP opens and you will be prompted to select your language (Figure 2-2).
2. Select your language and click OK.
Figure 2-2 Select Language
2-4
Installation
3. Enter the customer name and machine description when prompted and click OK.
ECXP will prompt you to select your system. See Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3 System Configuration
4. Select your system and click OK.

5. You will then be prompted to answer the following questions.
NOTE
Questions will vary depending on system series and configuration and

responses to previous questions.
a. Does this system have the Automatic Material Changeover option?

b. Does this system have a heated, circulating fluid system?
c. Does this system use a scale to sense the fluid level?
d. Does this system have a low fluid sensor?
e. Does this system have fan width control?
f.
Does this system have a flow meter option?
g. Does this system have a needle finder?

h. Does this system have an ID System (barcode scanner)?
i.
Does this system have dual applicators (but not dual simultaneous)?
j.
Installation
You will be prompted to define your tools. See 2.5.1.2 Tools Configuration.
If you selected a conveyorized system, you will prompted to define your conveyor
setup. See 2.5.1.3 Conveyor Configuration.
2-5
2.5.1.2 Tools Configuration

After you have defined your system, you will be prompted to define your tool (fluid applicator). To select
more than one tool, hold down the [Ctrl] key and click on the desired tools. See Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4 Tools Configuration
Depending on the applicator and options selected, you will be prompted to respond to some or all of the
following questions.
1. Does this applicator have tilt?
2. Does this applicator have rotate?
3. Please select your rotate mechanism (Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5 Rotate Mechanism Configuration
4. Does this applicator have a nozzle extension?

5. Will this tool control dual applicators?
6. One applicator has been configured. Do you need another applicator?
7. Will the tool use a needle finder?
8. Do you require the LowAir tool? (Swirl Applicator only)
9. Do you require the HighAir tool? (Swirl Applicator only)
10. Does the camera have attached lighting? (Answer yes if you have pattern recognition,
otherwise answer no).
2-6
Installation
2.5.1.3 Conveyor Configuration

If you selected a conveyorized system, you will be prompted to answer the following questions:
NOTE
Questions will vary depending on system series and configuration and responses
to previous questions.
1. Is your conveyor left to right?

2. Does your conveyor have a prequeue?
3. Does this conveyor have clamps or pins in the dispense station?
4. Is there a sensor to detect that the product pins or clamps are engaged?
5. Do you have an inverter?
6. Is your inverter upstream?
2.5.1.4 ID Systems Configuration
If your system has an ID system (barcode scanner), you will be prompted to select your ID system.
See Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-6 ID Systems Configuration
NOTE
Installation
After you have responded to all of the questions, the ECXP Operator Screen opens and
you are ready to begin your session.
2-7
2.5.2
Reconfigure
If you change your system hardware or reinstall the software, use the Reconfigure feature to run the setup
procedure. All changes will be written to the ECW.INI file. Backup of the ECW.INI file is automatic.
Each time the system is reconfigured or the ECW.INI file is edited, the previous version is saved as
ECWyearmonthdayhourminutesecond.ini.
To prevent losing your configuration once you have ECXP setup, you can copy the ECW.INI
configuration file to a CD, USB drive, or to another folder on your hard drive. You should do this every
time you make a change to your configuration. You can rename the configuration files to distinguish one
from another, but before you restore the file you must rename it as ECW.INI.
WARNING! Do not edit the ECW.INI file unless it is absolutely necessary and you have been
trained to do so. An error in this file can cause your system to run erratically or not
at all. Contact your Nordson ASYMTEK representative before editing this file.
To backup the ECW.INI file:
1. Click on Help > Copy Configuration To Disk.
ECXP looks for a disk in the A drive. If one is present and has enough room on it,
copying takes place automatically. If there is no disk in the drive, you will be prompted
to insert a disk.
2. Insert a disk or click Cancel to select a folder on the hard drive, a CD, or USB Drive.
3. Click Save.
To reconfigure ECXP:
1. If necessary, install the ECXP software as instructed in 2.4 ECXP Installation Procedure.
2-8
icon on the Windows desktop to start ECXP.
The ECXP Operator Screen (Figure 2-7) opens.

NOTE
The product program from the previous session opens when you start ECXP.
Installation
Figure 2-7 ECXP Operator Screen
3. Select Edit > Edit Mode from the ECXP Operator Screen menu bar to access the ECXP
Edit Screen (Figure 2-8).
Figure 2-8 ECXP Edit Screen
Installation
2-9
4. Select Configure > Reconfigure from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Configure Dialog box opens (Figure 2-9).
Figure 2-9 ECXP Configure Dialog Box
5. Select the item to be configured by clicking on it.
To select more than one item, hold down the [Ctrl] key while selecting additional items.
6. When you are finished, click on OK.

7. To close the ECXP Edit Screen and return to the Operator Screen, click on
File > Exit from the Edit Screen menu bar.
8. To exit ECXP, click on
or select
or select File > Exit from the Operator Screen menu bar.
9. Restart ECXP to perform the configuration procedure.
2-10
Depending on the items to be reconfigured, you will be prompted to answer a series of

questions. See 2.5.1 Initial Setup Procedure.
Installation
Tour of Easy Coat
3.1
Overview
This section provides a tour of the unique Windows Graphic User Interface (GUI) of ECXP. In this
section, you will learn how to start and exit ECXP. Both the Operator Screen and Edit Screen will be
visited and explained in detail, along with all icons, toolbars, and message areas. You will find that the
ECXP user interface was designed to utilize the simplicity and intuitiveness of Windows-based software.
3.2
System Setup and Operation
Starting/Exiting ECXP
Operator Screen
Edit Screen
Shortcut Keys
Setting and Monitoring Fluid Air Pressure
Safety First
important for you to familiarize yourself with the safety features and precautions before attempting the
procedures in this manual.
3.3
System Setup and Operation
To use ECXP, it is necessary to make sure that your coating system is in a ready state. Refer to the
manual for your particular coating system to review specific startup and setup information.
Tour of Easy Coat
3-1
3.4
Starting/Exiting ECXP
To start/exit ECXP:
icon on the Windows desktop.
As an alternative, you may click on the Windows Start menu and select
Programs > ECXP to start the ECXP software.
The dispenser will find Home in the Z-axis, Y-axis, and X-axis, respectively.
The ECXP Operator Screen shown in Figure 3-1 will open.
NOTE
The Operator Screen will vary slightly depending upon system configuration
(batch or conveyor).
Batch
Conveyor
Figure 3-1 ECXP Operator Screen
2. To exit the ECXP program, select File > Exit from the menu bar or click the
upper right hand corner of the title bar.
3-2
on the
Tour of Easy Coat
3.5
Operator Screen
The Operator Screen (Figure 3-2) contains all tools necessary to run production. You can load a program,
run a program, and stop a program through the Operator Screen. In addition you can monitor events and
system status. A brief description of the items on the Operator Screen is contained in Table 3-1. Detailed
descriptions are addressed in other sections of the manual.
1
Item
Description
Silence Alarm
Clear Faults
Variable Monitor Graph Display
Variable Monitor Text Display

Figure 3-2 ECXP Operator Screen - Conveyorized System
NOTE
Tour of Easy Coat
The Load and Unload buttons appear only if ECXP has been configured for a conveyor.
If a conveyor is not configured, the Load and Unload buttons are replaced with the Run
Product button (Figure 3-1).
3-3
3.5.1
Variable Monitor
ECXP allows you to monitor variables such as analog input, analog output, cycle time and product count.
To display variables, right click the variable monitor (the area under the fault monitor). A menu appears
listing available options (Figure 3-3). Left click an item to select it. A checkmark appears next to the
selected item. To deselect an item, click on it again. Variables may be displayed in graph or text format
(Figure 3-2).
Click the tab to view the desired format.
NOTE
Variable items vary depending on system configuration.
Variable
Monitor
Figure 3-3 Displaying the Variable Monitor
3-4
Tour of Easy Coat
Table 3-1 Operator Screen Commands

Command
Begin Idle
Description
Executes the Begin Idle procedure in the currently loaded product or macro
program. Typically, the Begin Idle procedure places the nozzle in a solvent bath.
End Idle
Executes the End Idle procedure in the currently loaded product or macro
program. Typically, the End Idle procedure purges the solvent from the nozzle
before resuming production.
Periodic
This button executes the periodic procedure in the currently loaded product or
macro program. Periodic behavior is defined by the instructions in the periodic
procedures. These procedures allow a sequence of operations to be performed
periodically during production.
Go To Front
Z-Home
Event Monitor
Moves the tool arm to the front-center of the workcell.

Moves the tool arm to the top of the Z-axis.
Reports system events as they occur.
Normal system events: green text
Warnings: yellow text
Errors: red text
Current Product
Displays the name of the product program currently loaded. Double click on this
window to open the Product Map and load a new program.
Change Product
Click to open the Product Map and load a new product program.
Start
Click to start production. If you have a batch coating system without a conveyor,
click the Start button, then the Run button.
Load
Click to load a product into the fixture. Only present when ECXP is configured for a
conveyor.
Unload
Run Product
Click to unload a product from the fixture. Does not move the product to the
downstream machine. Only present when ECXP is configured for a conveyor.
Click to run program. Only present when ECXP is configured for a nonconveyorized (batch) system.
Exit
Click to shut down ECXP software.
Stop
Click to stop production. Production will stop when the current product program is
complete. Press the Emergency Machine Off (EMO) button on your coating system
to stop production immediately.
Fault Monitor
Displays warning or error messages with the last message received at the top.
Silence Alarm
Click to silence an alarm activated by a fault.
Clear Faults
Click to clear fault(s). 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.
Variable Monitor
Right click to display a list of system variables. Left click on a variable to display it
in graph or text format.
Tour of Easy Coat
3-5
3.5.2
Operator Screen Menu Bar
Each item on the Operator Screen menu bar activates a drop-down menu (Figure 3-4). Some drop-down
menu selections open dialog boxes. Drop down menus, along with a brief explanation of each menu, are
listed in Table 3-2. If a menu item is light gray, it is not available at the present time.
NOTE
File
Exit
Menu choices will vary depending on system configuration.

Edit
Edit Mode
Configure Tool
View
Help
Utilities
SC300 Bead
SC300 Monofilament
SC300 Swirl
Tool Flange
Edit Mode
Language
Data
Fan Width Control
Data
Production
Flow Monitoring
Help
Show Hints
Enter Issue Report
About
Figure 3-4 Operator Screen Menu Bar

Table 3-2 Operator Screen Menu Options
Menu
Command
File
Exit
Edit
Edit Mode
Configure
Tool
(Toolname)
View
Help
3-6
Exits the ECXP Program.

Opens the ECXP Edit Screen.
Displays the name of the currently configured tool and is used to
perform a characterization. For detailed information, refer to
Section 4 Configuration and Characterization.
Edit Mode
If the Edit Screen is open but hidden by the Operator Screen, select
View > Edit Mode to view the Edit Screen. If the Edit Screen is not
open, this choice will be grayed-out.
Language
Lets you select the desired language.
Data
Lets you view production or fan width data (if fan width control is
installed).
Help
Opens the ECXP Help Menu.
Show Hints
Enter Issue Report
About
Utilities
Description
Toggles the screen hint feature on and off.

NOT USED
Displays the ECXP version number.
NOT USED
Tour of Easy Coat
3.6
Edit Screen
The Edit Screen (Figure 3-5) is used for creating and editing programs, configuring system hardware, and
testing and adjusting system settings. The Edit Screen menu bar is shown in Figure 3-6. Menu bar options
are described in Table 3-3.
3.6.1
NOTE
Menu choices will vary depending on system configuration.
Opening the Edit Screen
To open the Edit Screen from the Operator Screen:

1. If production is running, click on the Stop button to stop production. Wait for the current
program to complete.
2. Click on Edit > Edit Mode.
3. If a password is required to access the Edit Screen, the Password dialog box appears. Enter
the password and click on OK. By default, no password is required.
NOTE
If the Edit Screen is open but hidden by the Operator Screen, click on View > Edit Mode
to bring the Edit Screen to the front.
Figure 3-5 ECXP Edit Screen
Tour of Easy Coat
3-7
3.6.2
Edit Screen Menu Bar

File
Edit
Cut
Copy
Paste
Delete
Run
Import Board Images

Print
Print Preview
English Units
Graphic Display
Language
Data
Help
Help
Show Hints
Copy Configuration to Disk
?
?
Run
Step
Pause
Stop
F9
F8
Run Pattern Procedure
F6
Test Mode
Exit
Utilities
Macro Program
Product Program
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+Del
New Product Program

Open Product Program
Save Product Program
Save Product Program As
Configure
View
Production . . .
Product Map . . .
Tools . . .
Log . . .
Fixtures . . .
Reconfigure . . .
Maintenance Manager . . .
Custom Buttons
Process Limits
?
Robot Settings . . .
Needle Finder Settings ?
Fan Width Setup
?
Conveyor Settings
Pendent . . .
Import Data . . .
Database
Inverter
Robot Utilities
Pressure Adjust
Conveyor Utilities
Rotate Tool
Tilt Tool
?
?
?
?
?
?
Figure 3-6 Edit Screen Menu Bar

Table 3-3 Edit Screen Menu Options
Menu
File
Item
Description
New Product Program/

New Macro Program
Creates a new product program or macro program, depending on

the current view. Use the View menu to toggle between Product
Program and Macro Program view.
Open Product Program/

Open Macro Program
Opens a new product program or macro program, depending on

the current view. Use the View menu to toggle between Product
Program and Macro Program view.
Saves the currently loaded program.

As
Saves the currently loaded program as a different filename or in a

different format.
Import Board Images

Print
Print Preview
Exit
3-8
Used to import board images into ECXP and use them to create
coating programs.
Prints the currently loaded program.
Lets you view the print results before printing the program.
Exits the ECXP Edit Screen.
Tour of Easy Coat
Table 3-3 Edit Screen Menu Options (Continued)

Menu
Edit
Item
Description
Cut
Cuts the selected item and places it on the clipboard. The last item
cut or copied to the clipboard can be pasted in another location in a
program, pattern, or procedure.
Copy
Copies the selected item to the clipboard. The last item cut or
copied to the clipboard can be pasted in another location in a
program, pattern, or procedure.
Paste
Pastes the contents of the clipboard at the cursor location.
Delete
Deletes the selected item.
Run (F9)
Run
Step
Steps through the current program. Each click of the mouse button
performs one instruction.
Pause
Pauses the current program. If a program is not running, this choice

will be grayed-out (non-functional).
Stop
Run Pattern
Procedure(s)
Test Mode
Macro Program
Product Program
View
English Units
Graphic Display
Language
Data
Production
Configure
Product Map
Tools
Tour of Easy Coat
Runs the Main Pattern loaded program.
Stops the current program. Commands loaded into the controller

buffer execute before the program stops. If a program is not
running, this choice will be grayed-out (non-functional).
Runs the selected pattern or procedure.
Test Mode is used with tools that have pneumatically activated
motion. When in test mode, ECXP will warn you before executing
instructions that may cause a collision with the product. Toggle Test
Mode on and off by clicking on Run > Test Mode. When Test Mode
is on, it is preceded by a check mark.
The Edit Screen displays the currently loaded product or macro
program. Click for Macro Program View. The selected view will be
preceded by a check mark.
The Edit Screen displays the currently loaded product or macro
program. Click for Product Program View. The selected view will be
preceded by a check mark.
Toggles between inches and millimeters. When English Units is
preceded by a check mark, units of measurement are in inches.
The Graphic Display allows you to view board images in ECXP and
use them to create coating programs and observe robot moves.
Click on View > Language to select the desired language. This
option is available from both the Operator and Edit Screens.
Lets you view production or fan width data (if fan width control
is installed).
Click Configure > Production to set idle and periodic timers and
AutoStart features.
Displays the Product Map dialog box.
A tool consists of a Fluid Dispensing Applicator and a nozzle. Click
on Configure > Tools to set the XYZ offset for each tool.
3-9
Table 3-3 Edit Screen Menu Options (Continued)

Menu
Configure
Item
Description
Log
Click on Configure > Log to display the Log Configuration dialog

box. This dialog box allows you select the Event, Warning, and Error
messages displayed on the Event Monitor and written to the log file.
Fixtures
Fixture refers to the location where products are physically

constrained in the workcell. Click on Configure > Fixture to set the
fixture constraint coordinates.
Reconfigure
If you change your system hardware, use the Reconfigure feature to

run the setup procedure and redefine system hardware.
To ensure that required maintenance is done on schedule,

programmers can create a maintenance program and configure the
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Manager feature in ECXP to remind the operator of
the required maintenance.
Custom Buttons
Process Limits
Allows user to set values for monitored process variables like fluid
temperature or main air pressure. Upper and lower limits can be set
for warnings and errors. Process limit variable check is performed
between products during production.
Robot Settings
Use this feature to set the Robot Safe Z-Height.
Needle Finder Setup

Fan Width Setup
Conveyor Settings
Pendant
Import Data
Database
Robot Utilities
Utilities
Pressure Adjust
Conveyor Utilities
Inverter
Rotate Tool
Tilt Tool
Help
Help
Lets you customize Operator Screen and Edit Screen buttons.
Show Hints
Displays a dialog box to modify settings for the needle finder option.
Select Configure > Fan Width Setup to set fan width properties
if your system is equipped with Fan Width Control.
Click on Configure > Conveyor Settings to configure the
conveyor. This dialog box also contains inverter configuration
settings.
Clicking on Utilities > Pendant displays the Pendant dialog box,
which contains instructions for moving the robot. Instructions are
included for stepping, jogging and moving the robot at fast speed.
Lets you import ASCII text files into a pattern or procedure.
Use this utility to export production data to ASCII text tables to test
I/Os or analog outputs.
Lets you communicate directly with the Robot Controller.
Opens the Pressure Output dialog box, which is used to test and
adjust pressures for each tool.
Lets you communicate directly with the Conveyor Controller.
Lets you communicate directly with the Inverter.
Click on Utilities > Rotate Tool to immediately rotate the Select
Coat 4 or 5-Axis dispenser the number of degrees desired. If you
have a SC-300 or other applicator on a rotate/tilt mechanism any
angle 90 will rotate to 90.
If you have an applicator on a rotate/tilt mechanism, click on
Utilities > Tilt Tool to immediately tilt the applicator +30, 0,
or -30.
Opens the Help menu.
Toggles screen hints (toolbar tips) ON and OFF. A check mark
preceding this option indicates it is on.
Copy Configuration to
Copies the ECW.ini configuration file to a disk for backup purposes.
Disk
3-10
Tour of Easy Coat
3.6.3
Edit Screen Toolbar
The Edit Screen toolbar contains frequently used commands. The commands associated with each icon on
the toolbar are identified in Figure 3-7. If the Show Hints option on the Help Menu is on, a tip will
appear below each button as you move the mouse cursor over the toolbar. Toolbar commands are
described in Table 3-4.
Run
Cut
Step
Copy
Paste
Teach
Pause
Step
Robot
Go To
Stop
Save
Open
New
Create Pattern
Create Procedure
Clear Faults
Silence Alarm
Create Mask Region
Tool Name
Load
Unload
Figure 3-7 Edit Screen Toolbars

Table 3-4 Edit Screen Toolbar Commands
Button
Description
New
Creates a new product program or macro program, depending on the current

view. Use the View menu to toggle between product program and macro
program view.
Open
Opens a new product program or macro program, depending on the current

view. Use the View menu to toggle between product program and macro
program view.
Save
Saves the currently loaded program.
Cut
Cuts the selected item and places it on the clipboard. The last item cut or
copied to the clipboard can be pasted in another location in a program, pattern,
or procedure.
Copy
Copies the selected item to the clipboard. The last item cut or copied to the
clipboard can be pasted in another location in a program, pattern, or procedure.
Paste
Pastes the contents of the clipboard at the cursor location.
Create Pattern
Allows you to create a new pattern. Most coating is done with patterns. Refer to
5.4 Patterns for detailed instructions.
Create Procedure
Allows you to create a new procedure. Procedures contain common operations

such as purging or nozzle cleaning. Refer to 5.6 Procedures for detailed
instructions.
Tour of Easy Coat
3-11
Table 3-4 Edit Screen Toolbar Commands (Continued)

Button
Create Mask Region
Allows you to create a new Mask Region. A Mask Region is an area of the
board that will not be coated. Refer to 5.5 Mask Regions for detailed
instructions.
Run
Runs the loaded program.
Step
Steps through the loaded program. Each click of the button performs one
instruction.
Pause
Stop
Silence Alarm
Pauses the current program. If a program is not running, this choice will be
grayed-out (non-functional).
Stops the current program. Commands loaded into the controller buffer execute
before the program stops. If a program is not running, this choice will be
grayed-out (non-functional). To stop the program immediately, press the EMO
button on the front panel.
Click to silence an alarm activated by a fault.
Clear Faults
Click to clear fault(s). 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.
Teach
This button is used in the programming process to teach the robots XYZ
location for dispensing purposes. Refer to Section 5 - Programming for detailed
instructions.
Go To
Moves the tool tip to the active XY coordinates, at Safe Z-height, of a selected
instruction or to the coordinates of a selected pattern or procedures Edit Frame.
Step Robot
Four-part button that moves the robot in steps in the direction of the arrow
clicked on. Only works in the X-axis and Y-axis. The distance moved during
each step is dependent on the width of the dispense pattern of the currently
selected tool, set during characterization.
Begin Idle
Executes the Begin Idle procedure in the currently loaded product or macro
program. Typically, the Begin Idle procedure places the nozzle in a solvent
bath.
End Idle
Executes the End Idle procedure in the currently loaded product or macro
program. Typically, the End Idle procedure purges the solvent from the nozzle
before resuming production.
Periodic
This button executes the periodic procedure in the currently loaded product or
macro program. Periodic behavior is defined by the instructions in the periodic
procedures. These procedures allow a sequence of operations to be performed
periodically during production, such as fan width control or nozzle clean.
Go To Front
Z Home
3-12
Description
Moves the tool arm to the front-center of the workcell.

Moves the tool arm to the top of the Z-axis.
Load
Click to load a product into the fixture. Only present when ECXP is configured
for a conveyor.
Unload
Click to unload a product from the fixture. Does not move the product to the
downstream machine. Only present when ECXP is configured for a conveyor.
Tour of Easy Coat
3.6.4
Edit Screen Tabs
The Edit Screen is divided into a series of tabs. Tabs will vary depending upon your system configuration.
Basic groups include:
Conformal Coating
Control
General
Motion
Robot
Depending on your system hardware, additional tabs include:
Conveyor
Inverter
Fan Width Control
Needle Finder
Camera and Vision
Flowrate
SC-400
Each tab contains related buttons to assist you with inserting program commands into your conformal
coating program. Basic tabs are shown in Figure 3-8. Tabs may vary depending on system configuration.
Refer to Section 5 - Programming for detailed information.
Figure 3-8 Edit Screen Tabs
Tour of Easy Coat
3-13
3.7
Shortcut Keys
If necessary, the operator can use ECXP to reposition the robot, move the conveyor and toggle the camera
window ON/OFF.
Key Combination
3-14
Function
[Ctrl] + up arrow
Move robot in positive y, slowly
[Ctrl] + down arrow
Move robot in negative y, slowly
[Ctrl] + right arrow
Move robot in positive x, slowly
[Ctrl] + left arrow
Move robot in negative x, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + up arrow
Move robot in positive y, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + down arrow
Move robot in negative y, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + right arrow
Move robot in positive x, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + left arrow
Move robot in negative x, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Z] + right arrow
Move robot in positive z, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Z] + left arrow
Move robot in negative z, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Z] + right arrow
Move robot in positive z, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Z] + left arrow
Move robot in negative z, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Alt] + up arrow
Move conveyor rails in positive y, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Alt] + down arrow
Move conveyor rails in negative y, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Alt] + right arrow
Move conveyor chain in positive x, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Alt] + left arrow
Move conveyor chain in negative x, slowly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Alt] + up arrow
Move conveyor rail in positive y, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Alt] + down arrow
Move conveyor rail in negative y, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Alt] + right arrow
Move conveyor chain in positive x, quickly
[Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Alt] + left arrow
Move conveyor chain in negative x, quickly
[F4]
Toggle Camera Window On/Off
[F6]
Run the active pattern or procedure
[F9]
Run the Main Pattern in the current program
Tour of Easy Coat
3.8
Setting and Monitoring Fluid Air Pressure
Fluid air pressure is set and monitored through ECXP software-controlled electronic regulators. A
complete process history can be maintained in ECXP log files for these critical parameters. Fluid pressure
can be adjusted from both the ECXP Operator and ECXP Edit Screens.
To adjust the fluid pressure (Operator Screen):
1. Click on the Controls tab at the bottom of the Operator Screen.
2. Click on the desired Tool tab.
The tabs will vary depending on which tools have been configured for the system.
3. To use the slider bar (Figure 3-9):

a. Click on the Slider tab.
b. Center the mouse pointer on the slider bar. Click and hold the left mouse button while
moving the slider bar. Moving it to the right will increase the pressure and to the left
will decrease the pressure.
The fluid pressure is displayed above the slider bar.
4. You can also type in the desired fluid pressure, by typing over the current fluid pressure
value displayed above the slider bar. Press the [Tab] key to finalize the entry.
1
Item
Description
Tool Tab
Current Air Pressure Value
Slider Bar
Figure 3-9 Adjusting the Fluid Pressure
Tour of Easy Coat
3-15
To adjust the fluid pressure (Edit Screen):

1. Move the applicable tool over the purge cup.
2. Select Utilities > Pressure Adjust from the ECXP Edit Screen (Figure 3-10).
3. Select the applicable tool.
The Pressure Outputs dialog box opens (Figure 3-11).
4. Set the desired pressure and click On or Pulse.

NOTE
For systems equipped with Fan Width Control (FWC) , the pressure defined by FWC to
achieve a specific width takes precedence over pressure set in Utilities>Pressure Adjust.
Figure 3-10 ECXP Edit Screen - Pressure Adjust
Figure 3-11 Pressure Outputs Dialog Box
3-16
Tour of Easy Coat
To monitor the fluid pressure:

The ECXP Operator Screen displays a fluid pressure monitor that the operator can view during
production runs. Pressure can be displayed in graph or text format by clicking on the desired tab
(Figure 3-12). Fluid pressure adjustments can be made directly from the Operator Screen.
2
Item
Description
Fluid Pressure Monitor
Fluid Pressure Adjustment Slider

Figure 3-12 Monitoring the Fluid Pressure in ECXP
Tour of Easy Coat
3-17
Configuration and Characterization
4.1
Overview
Your coating system is configured at the Nordson ASYMTEK factory prior to shipping. However, if any
components have been changed or moved, it may be necessary to reconfigure them in ECXP. This section
contains the following procedures:
4.2
Tool Configuration
Needle Finder Configuration
Characterization
Bar Code/DataMatrix Scanner Configuration
Fixture Configuration
Reconfiguring System Hardware
Conveyor Configuration
Production Configuration
Inverter Configuration
Log Configuration
Robot Configuration
Product Map Configuration
Beacon Configuration
Maintenance Manager
Fan Width Configuration
Custom Buttons
Safety First
Before configuring any of the coating system components, please review the information presented in the
safety section of the manual for your particular coating system.
CAUTION!
4.3
The procedures in this section should only be performed by a trained service

technician.
Recordkeeping
At a minimum, the following information should be recorded in the coating system maintenance records:
Procedure Type
Date
Technician Name(s)
Post-procedure Functional Test Results
4-1
4.4
Tool Configuration
A tool consists of a fluid dispensing applicator and nozzle. The Tool Configuration dialog box allows you
to set the offset for each tool and perform a characterization.
4.4.1
Tool Offset
Tool Offset is the X, Y, and Z distance from the lower tooling pin on the Z-slide (also called the tool
flange, or tool arm) to the tool tip (end of nozzle). See Figure 4-1. The offset for each tool must be entered
into ECXP so that the robot can position the tool tip accurately when running product programs.
WARNING! If Tool Offsets have already been defined and set up in the Tool Library, correct
offsets are displayed in the Tool Configuration dialog box. DO NOT change them
without assistance from your Nordson ASYMTEK representative. Your Nordson
ASYMTEK representative can supply you with the offset coordinates for each tool
used. Coordinates are based on machine configuration.
NOTE
To define offsets for dual applicator systems, see 4.4.1.1 Dual Applicators/Needle
Finder. To define offsets for the optional Laser Pointer, see 4.4.1.2 Laser Pointer.
Item
Description
Z-Slide (Tool Flange)
Dispenser
Lower Tooling Pin
Tool Tip
Figure 4-1 Tool Offset
4-2
To define Tool Offsets:

1. Click on Configure > Tools from the Edit Screen menu bar.
The Tool Configuration dialog box opens (Figure 4-2).
WARNING! If Tool Offsets have already been defined and set up in the Tool Library,
correct offsets are displayed in the Tool Configuration dialog box. DO NOT
change them without assistance from your Nordson ASYMTEK representative.
Your Nordson ASYMTEK application engineer can supply you with the offset
coordinates for each tool used.
Figure 4-2 Tool Configuration Dialog Box
2. Select the desired tool tab.

NOTES
Some tools have multiple soft-tools (software tools) for a single physical tool. For
example, the SC-300 has five soft tools for one physical applicator. It is only necessary
to change the offsets for one of the soft-tools. Offsets for the remainder of the soft-tools
automatically update.
If you are teaching the offsets for a tool that toggles or otherwise actuates
pneumatically, make sure that it is selected from the drop down tool menu and that it is
rotated/tilted to 0 degrees. Selecting from the drop down menu will ensure that the tool
toggles down.
4-3
3. Load a board.
4. Place a piece of dilatant compound on the board.
5. Click Teach Relative in the Tool Configuration window for your selected tool.
You will be prompted to select a reference tool (Figure 4-3).
Figure 4-3 Selecting a Reference Tool
NOTE
6. Click the
4-4
To ensure accurate positioning when teaching coating programs, offsets should

be taught relative to the teaching tool. If a camera or laser pointer is in use,
teach the offset relative to the camera or laser pointer.
to access the drop-down list, select the reference tool, and click OK.
You will then be prompted to teach the tool reference point (Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4 Teaching the Tool Reference Point
7. Use small steps to move the tool so that the tool tip is in the dilatant compound.
The tool tip should be deep enough to make a mark in the dilatant compound. Do not
jog the robot because you may move the Z-head down too far and damage the board.
8. Click OK while the tool tip is in the dilatants compound.
You will be prompted to move the reference tool to the same position (Figure 4-5).
Figure 4-5 Teaching the Reference Tool Offset
4-5
9. Move the Z-head to its upper limit and position the camera cross-hairs/laser pointer over the
mark in the dilatant compound.
10. Click OK.
Offsets for the tool have been taught relative to the camera/laser pointer.
Since the tool tip is usually in front of and below the tooling pin, the Y and Z offsets are
typically negative. Positive X is to the right of the tooling pin as shown in Figure 4-1.
11. Repeat the above procedure for each tool.

NOTE
If the offsets for the tool or camera are potentially changed (e.g. when the needle is
replaced and no needle sensor is present, if the camera is removed or replaced, if the tool
setup changes) tool offsets should be redefined.
4.4.1.1 Dual Applicators/Needle Finder

This feature supports the needle finder option, but it is useful for other dual-applicator systems as well.
With dual-applicators, it is used to set the offset of one applicator using another as a reference.
To define tool offsets for dual applicators:
1. Click on the Teach Relative button and follow the prompts.
2. Choose a reference tool from the drop-down menu in the Tool property.
3. Move that tool to a reference point.
4. Move the second tool to the reference point.
ECXP then calculates the required offset for the second tool and sets it.
This feature is useful for any dual-applicator system, and is present whether or not a needle finder is
configured.
4.4.1.2 Laser Pointer
The Z-offset for the optional Laser Pointer should be the same as the installed applicator. The offsets for
the applicator and Laser Pointer are normally set at the factory before a system is shipped, but should be
checked during system configuration.
The Laser Pointer Z-offset is relative to the tooling pin. When the Z-head is at the upper Z-limit, the spot
generated on the board by the Laser Pointer represents the tool tip. Therefore, the offset is always
-200.8 mm (-7.916 in.).
4-6
4.4.2
Camera Configuration
Configuring the camera creates a relationship between the pixel size seen on the screen and the distance
that the pixel represents in terms of machine steps. This relationship will be unique for each physical
setup because of variations in pattern heights, lenses, tolerance stackups, etc. This relationship will
generate accurately sized reticles, tick marks, movements when clicking in the camera window, and most
importantly, fiducial corrections when using the camera in a fiducial find capacity.
The camera Z-offset is relative to the tooling pin. The tool tip is considered focal distance when the
Z-head is at the upper Z-limit, therefore the Z-offset is always -200.8 mm (-7.916 in.).
NOTE
The camera Z-offset is equal to the distance between the focal point and the tooling pin,
not the distance between the lens and the tooling pin.
Maximum Travel
Focal Distance
Y
X
Z
Coating Surface
Figure 4-6 Camera Z-Offset
To configure the camera:

1. Make sure that the Genie Camera is selected as the pointer in ECXP Edit Mode.
Figure 4-7 ECXP Edit Screen - Genie Camera Pointer
2. Click on Configure > Tools from the pull-down menu, select Genie Camera, and click on
Configure.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to teach offsets.
NOTE
A good teaching location is the corner of a component (i.e. silkscreen on the

board) because it allows the cross-hairs to be centered on a point rather than at
the center of a shape.
4-7
4.5
Characterization
NOTE
A characterization must be performed for each tool and each coating material used or as
required to ensure quality and consistent dispensing.
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:
On/Off Response Times
Coating Height
Coating Speed (Velocity)
Coating Width
NOTE
All of these variables are interrelated. Make your selections based on the results you want
to achieve. Refer to the ECXP User Guide or Online Help or contact your Nordson
ASYMTEK representative for additional information.
The characterization automatically calculates dispensing ON and OFF times. Characterization

compensates for such variables as:
Change in air pressure
Fluid viscosity
Coating applicator velocity
When you perform a characterization, the coating applicator will dispense three stripes of material. You
will then be prompted to select the best pass for both the start and end values. The values will be stored in
the robot controller. The coating applicator will then dispense three additional stripes of material. These
lines should correspond to the best pass previously selected. This is your characterization.
4-8
To perform a characterization:
NOTE
Make sure you have selected the proper tool as the pointer in the Edit Screen
(Figure 4-8). This is the tool that will be used to teach the positions. If the system is
configured with a Genie Camera or a Laser Pointer and you are going to use one of
these to teach positions, make sure it is selected.
Figure 4-8 Selected Pointer
1. From the Edit Screen, click on Configure > Tools.

2. Select the tab for the tool to be configured and then click the Configure button
(Figure 4-9).
The tabs will vary depending on system configuration.
Figure 4-9 ECXP Tool Configuration
The Conformal Coating Characterization Wizard dialog box opens (Figure 4-10).
4-9
Figure 4-10 ECXP Characterization Wizard Dialog Box
3. Click Clear Positions and then click OK to confirm.
If you have performed a characterization before, the old test area coordinates are used
unless you clear them.
4. Click Next.
5. Click Yes when prompted to teach the substrate height.
6. Teach the substrate height.
a. Place a characterization sheet (Figure 4-11) in the workcell.
b. Lower the tool tip to the substrate and click Teach Z.
c. Click OK.
7. Enter the dispense height.
The following variables should be considered:

-
Height of tallest component to be coated

Width of coating stripe
Coating material flow rate and viscosity
Coating stripe overlap
8. Enter the desired rotate position and click Next (for applicators equipped with rotate and
cross-cut nozzles).
4-10
9. Enter the desired dispense speed and click Next.

NOTE
Refer to the characterization sheet (Figure 4-11) for Steps 10 to 12.
10. Position the tool tip or camera over the left intersection of the dotted lines and
click Next.
11. Position the tool tip or camera over the right intersection of the dotted lines and
click Next.
12. Position the tool tip or camera over the right dotted line and the back line and
click Next.
Remove any teaching devices before continuing.
Figure 4-11 Characterization Sheet

4-11
13. Click Next.
The Wizard will now apply three stripes of material to the test area (See Figure 4-12).
Desired Start
Desired End
2nd 3 passes
1st 3 passes
Figure 4-12 Material Characterization
14. You will be prompted to teach the coordinates of the test area.
a. Teach the stripe with the best starting accuracy and click Next.
If none are exact but one stripe starts too soon and the next too late, teach between
the two stripes. The wizard interpolates the values of the two.
b. Teach the stripe with the best ending accuracy and click Next.
If none are exact but one stripe ends too soon and the next too late, teach between
the two stripes. The wizard interpolates the values of the two.
15. Enter the stripe width and click Next.
The wizard applies three more stripes to the test area.
16. Check the starting and ending points of the second three stripes. If they are not accurate,
rerun the characterization, making adjustments as necessary to obtain the best results.
17. The settings will be displayed for your approval.
TIP
4-12
To perform a characterization from the ECXP Operator Screen, click on Configure >
Tool > Toolname. The Tool Configuration dialog box opens.
4.6
Fixture Configuration
Fixture refers to the location at which products are physically constrained in the workcell. It consists of
both position (XYZ) coordinates and a corner constraint (Front Left, Front Right, Back Left, or Back
Right). On conveyorized systems, the fixture is typically the combination of a clamp and a stop. On nonconveyorized systems, it is usually a manual fixture.
4.6.1
Fixture Constraint Location
ECXP uses the fixture constraint coordinates and the length and width of the board or carrier to determine
the Main Pattern Edit Frame coordinates. The Fixture Constraint Location is the corner of the product that
is always in the same location when the product is in the fixture (the repeatable corner). ECXP calculates
the position of the front-left corner of the product from the repeatable corner, using the product's length
and width. See Figure 4-13. Using a fixed corner allows different sized boards to be used while
maintaining the origin position relative to different boards.
Conveyorized systems will typically use a front corner as the constraint location, because the fixed rail is
located at the front of the workcell. For example, if the conveyor movement is from left to right, and the
fixed rail is the front rail, then the constraint location is Front Right. If the conveyor movement is right to
left, then the constraint location is Front Left. The left/right position is dictated by the location of the
board stop relative to the board.
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.
Constraint is Back Left
Constraint is Back Right
2
Z
Y
X
Y
X
Constraint is Front Left
1, 2
Constraint is Front Right
Y
X
Y
X
1. Main Pattern Edit Frame

2. Repeatable Corner
Figure 4-13 Fixture Constraint Location
After the fixture has been configured, clicking the GoTo

button should move the applicator, selected
in the Tool drop down menu (target mode off), to the front left corner of the product. If not, verify that the
fixture location has been properly defined.
4-13
4.6.2
Configuring a Fixture on Systems Equipped with a Camera
To configure a fixture on systems equipped with a camera:
NOTE
If necessary, install the fluid dispensing applicator. The applicator must be installed
before teaching the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate.
1. Press [F4] to open the camera viewing window.

2. Resize the ECXP Operator and Edit Screens so that the camera window cross-hairs are
visible at the left side of the screen, behind the Operator and Edit Screens.
3. Select the Genie Camera as the tool (Figure 4-14).
The camera may or may not be selected as the pointer also.
Figure 4-14 Active Tool - Genie Camera
4. Click on Configure > Fixtures from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Fixture Configuration dialog box (Figure 4-15) opens.
Figure 4-15 ECXP Fixture Configuration
5. Click on the tab for the fixture you are configuring.
4-14
There will be a separate tab for each fixture configured in ECXP. The default fixture is
Fixture A.
6. Teach the coordinates as described below. See Figure 4-17 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 constrained board
corner.
b. Click Teach X to teach the X-coordinate and click Teach Y to teach the Y-coordinate.
7. Click Close to exit fixture configuration.
8. In the Edit Screen, select the fluid dispensing applicator as the tool (Figure 4-16).
Be sure to use the applicator with the smallest coating height.
Figure 4-16 Active Tool Select Coat 5-Axis
9. Install the nozzle on the fluid dispensing applicator. The nozzle must be installed in order to
accurately teach the Z-coordinate.
11. To teach the Z-coordinate, carefully lower the nozzle until it is just touching the surface of
the board (Z-coordinate on the Front View - Figure 4-17).
12. Click on the Teach Z button.
13. Click on Close when done.
Board
Stop
Board Travel
Use this edge to Teach X
Y
Top View
Use this edge to Teach Y
Use this surface to Teach Z

Use the applicator with the smallest coating height
Z
Z
Front View
Figure 4-17 Teaching "Front Right" XYZ Coordinates

4-15
4.6.3
Configuring a Fixture on a System Not Equipped with a Camera
To configure a fixture:
Before configuring the fixture, you must configure the Tool Offsets. Refer to 4.4 Tool
Configuration for detailed instructions. If necessary, install the fluid dispensing
applicator. The applicator must be installed before teaching the X-coordinate and
Y-coordinate.
NOTE
The Fixture Configuration dialog box (Figure 4-15) opens.
2. Click on the tab for the fixture you are configuring.
There will be a separate tab for each fixture configured in ECXP. The default fixture is
Fixture A.
3. Teach each coordinate separately as described below. See Figure 4-17 for coordinate
locations. This example is for a front-right constraint, which is the normal setting for a leftto-right conveyorized system.
a. To teach the X-coordinate, move the fluid dispensing applicator until the tip is directly
over the leading edge of the board (X-coordinate on the Top View - Figure 4-17) and
click on the Teach X button.
b. To teach the Y-coordinate, move the fluid dispensing applicator until the tip is directly
over the front edge of the board (Y-coordinate on the Top View - Figure 4-17) and click
on the Teach Y button.
4. Install the nozzle on the fluid dispensing applicator. The nozzle must be installed in order to
accurately teach the Z-coordinate (Z-coordinate on the Front View - Figure 4-17).
a. To teach the Z-coordinate, carefully lower the nozzle until it is just touching the surface
of the board.
b. Click on the Teach Z button.
5. Click on Close when done.
4-16
4.7
Conveyor Configuration
To configure the conveyor:

1. Click on Configure > Conveyor Settings from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Conveyor Settings dialog box opens (Figure 4-18).

NOTE
The Conveyor Settings dialog box also contains inverter configuration settings.
See 4.8 Inverter Configuration later in this section.
2. Enter the desired property values.
See Table 4-1 for a description and default value for each property.
3. Click OK when done.
Figure 4-18 Conveyor Settings Dialog Box
4-17
Table 4-1 Conveyor Settings

Property
Belt Acceleration
Belt Speed
Blind Unload
Clear Stop Move
Debounce Move
Downstream Device
Exit Boost
Left to Right
Load While Unloading
Max Retries
Pass Through
Recycle Mode
Recycle Move
Transport Move
Upstream Device
Upstream Unload
4-18
Description
Rate at which the conveyor belt accelerates.
Speed at which the conveyor belt moves.
If True, only one attempt is made to unload the board to the
downstream machine. If no SMEMA acknowledgement is
received, then production continues. If False and no SMEMA
acknowledgement is received, an error occurs and production
stops. Typically, this property is set to True to avoid product
unload errors when the downstream machine is a nonSMEMA device, such as a curing oven.
Distance to move the board to clear the board stop. During a
manual unload, the conveyor stops when the fixture sensor no
longer detects the board, however the board may not clear the
stop. Use this setting to move the board the additional
distance required to move it from under the stop.
Distance to move the board to the board stop after the
transport move is completed and the fixture sensor detects the
board. This ensures that the board is tight against the stop.
Select SMEMA when there is a downstream machine. Select
Sensor when a conveyorized system is being unloaded
manually. Select Jumper when there is no downstream
machine and the SMEMA connectors are jumpered.
Distance to move board to help transfer it to the next conveyor
in the system. Use to help speed production.
If True, the conveyor moves from left to right. If False, the
conveyor moves from right to left.
If False, this function is turned off. If True, the Robot Controller
sends a signal to the upstream machine requesting a new
board at the same time it is moving the just-processed board
to the downstream machine.
Number of times Conveyor Controller attempts to load a board
into workcell fixture. If the fixture sensor does not detect a
board after the designated number of tries, production is
stopped and an error message is displayed.
If False, boards are processed before being passed to the
downstream machine. If True, boards are passed to the
downstream machine without processing.
If False, boards are conveyed to the downstream machine
after processing. If True, the conveyor reverses and moves
the board back to the beginning where it is reloaded for
another processing cycle. The distance is the Recycle Move.
Distance to move the board upstream before reloading when
Recycle Mode is set to True.
Distance to move the conveyor when loading a board into the
fixture. This distance should be greater than the distance from
the beginning of the conveyor to the board stop.
Select SMEMA when there is an upstream machine. Select
Sensor when a conveyorized system is being loaded
manually. Select Jumper when there is no upstream machine
and the SMEMA connectors are jumpered.
Set to "True" when the board unloads on the same side as it
was loaded.
Default Value
98.4 in./sec
98.4 in./sec
False
1.181 in.
0.394 in.
SMEMA
0
True
False
False
False
20 in.
40 in.
SMEMA
False
4.8
Inverter Configuration
NOTE
You may configure the Inverter through the Conveyor Configuration dialog box or
through the Reconfigure function. The recommended method is through the Conveyor
Configuration dialog box. If you use the Reconfigure function, all conveyor settings are
reset to the factory defaults. You will need to restore any customized settings. The
following procedure uses the Conveyor Configuration dialog box. The Reconfigure
method is detailed in 4.14 Reconfiguring System Hardware.
To configure the Inverter:

1. Click on Configure > Conveyor Settings from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Conveyor Settings dialog box shown in Figure 4-18 opens.
2. Enter the desired values.
See Table 4-2 for a description and default value for each property.
3. Click OK when done.

Table 4-2 Inverter Settings
Property
Description
Default Value
Invert Move 1
Distance to move the board into the inverter. This move is

used when the inverter is upstream and must be a negative
value.
-39 in.
Invert Move 2
Distance to move the board upstream after it passes the

fixture sensor. This move is only used when the inverter is
downstream. This move is a safety factor to prevent damage
to the board and must be a negative value.
-1.2 in.
Inverter Time Out
Time to wait for the board to be sent to the inverter and return.
The timeout counter starts when the conveyor sends the
board to the inverter. If the inverted board fails to load into the
fixture before the timeout interval expires, production stops
and the "Board Failed To Load" error message appears.
15 sec.
Inverter Type
Settings are Upstream or Downstream.
Upstream
4-19
4.9
Robot Configuration
The Home position of the robot is a known position within its workspace defined by X, Y, and Zcoordinate limit switches. When the robot is at the Home position, the coordinates of the tool flange in the
Base Frame are X=0, Y=0, Z=3.5 inches. The Z-axis is all the way up in the Home position, and all the
way down when at the origin position. See 5.7 Reference Frames for additional information.
If the robot loses track of its current position, it performs a homing operation, which is a sequence of slow
motions to the Home position, where the limit switches sense the robot's arrival. The robot then resets its
position to the Home position. To ensure coating accuracy, you can add a Position Verify instruction to a
product program or procedure.
4.9.1
Z-Height
To set the Safe Z-height:

1. Click on Configure > Robot Settings from the ECXP Edit Screen menu bar.
The Robot Settings dialog box opens. See Figure 4-19.
Figure 4-19 Robot Settings Dialog Box
2. Move the robot until the tool tip is above any component on the boards you are coating, and
any other component in the workcell with which the tool tip could collide.
3. Select the SafeZ (inches) value field.
When you click on the SafeZ (inches) value field, the Teach Field
4. Click on the Teach Field
4-20
button appears.
button.
The value entered is the current Z-coordinate of the tool tip, and should be negative.
If you wish to edit this value manually, select the property field and enter a new value.
4.9.2
Z-Speed
Z-speed (Figure 4-19) may be altered if dips or other related issues occur.
4.10
Beacon Configuration
The behavior of the light beacon can be customized to respond to user-defined input/outputs, such as low
fluid, etc. Beacon configuration is only turned on if both Custom System and Configurable Beacon
options are chosen during initial system configuration or reconfiguration. A separate beacon9xx.ini file is
used to store the beacon configuration settings. The operation of the beacon depends on the machine
firmware. Some versions of the firmware may have priority over the beacon function.
NOTE
ECXP only monitors inputs and outputs when it is not busy running a product program or
procedure. If an input or output should change state during production, the beacon will
not be turned on until the current program or procedure is completed.
To set Beacon Configuration:

1. Configure the system as Custom. See 2.5 ECXP Configuration.
Alternatively, you may edit the ECW.ini file. Find the [Workcell1] section and set
Has Configurable Beacon=1.
2. Decide what components you want to monitor.
You must know the I/O number for each of the components.
3. Create a Log Trigger Fault.

a. Click on Configure > Status Monitoring > Log Trigger Fault.
b. Click on New to add a new Trigger Fault (Figure 4-20).
Figure 4-20 Adding a New Trigger Fault
4-21
c. Click on the Fault Message field and type in a short fault message.
A fault message can contain a wildcard character as part of the text string by adding
an asterisk (*) to the text.
This message will be displayed on the Fault Monitor.
4. Click on the Fault Color field and select a color.
This is the color of the Fault Message displayed on the Fault Monitor.
5. Click on the Trigger Message field and select a trigger for the fault from the dropdown
menu or type in a fault log message.
The text string must match exactly and should be unique to the desired behavior.
6. Click on the Clear Message field and select the event that clears the message from the
dropdown menu or type in a fault log message. See Figure 4-21.
The text string must match exactly and occur only after the event to clear the fault.
Figure 4-21 Log Trigger Faults Dialog Box
7. Create a Subsystem.
a. Click on Configure > Status Monitoring > Beacon Configuration > Subsystems.
The Subsystems dialog box opens (Figure 4-22).
b. Click on New.
4-22
You will be prompted to enter a new Subsystem name.
Figure 4-22 Subsystem Dialog Box
c. Click on the Name field and type in a name for the subsystem.
d. Click on the State List field, then the More button in the field.
The State List dialog opens.
e. Click on New twice to create two states (Figure 4-23).
f.
You must have two or more states per subsystem. The subsystems will initialize in
the first state listed.
Click in the Name field and give each state a name, such as On or Off, or Open or
Closed.
g. Click in the Trigger field and select an input from the dropdown menu or type in a
trigger message.
4-23
Figure 4-23 Defining a New Subsystem
To add a Beacon Indicator Setting:

1. Click on Configure > Status Monitoring > Beacon Configuration > Beacon Indicators.
2. Click on New.
You will be prompted to define a new beacon indicator setting (Figure 4-24).
3. Enter the indicator name and condition.

4. Click on the Output field, then the More button to select an output.
5. Enter the active state (True or False).
Figure 4-24 Beacon Indicator Settings

4-24
4.11
Fan Width Configuration
If your system is equipped with the optional Laser Fan Width Control feature, you will need to perform a
Fan Width Setup. For additional information, refer to the manual for your Fan Width Control System or
contact your Nordson ASYMTEK representative.
To perform a fan width setup:
1. Set the air pressure for the tool whose fan width is to be configured.
a. Move the tool over the drain cup.
b. Select Utilities > Pressure Adjust > Toolname from the ECXP Edit Menu.
c. Turn on the fluid and adjust the fluid pressure until you see a good, clean fan pattern.
d. Turn off the fluid and close the Pressure Adjust window by clicking on the
upper right corner of the window.
in the
2. Select Configure > Fan Width Setup > Toolname from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Fan Width Control configuration window (Figure 4-25) opens.
3. Click Find Nozzle End.

a. Click No if the applicator is not in beam path and proceed with Step B. Otherwise, click
Yes and skip to Step C.
b. Move the nozzle into the beam.
c. Click OK.
Applicator will move to locate nozzle tip.
4. Click Sensor Setup.
The applicator will momentarily spray a fan pattern through the beam to calibrate the
amplifier threshold settings for the fluid.
5. Click Teach Width to correlate the pressure set in Step 1 with the fan width.
6. Enter the desired width in the Width (in air) field and press the [Tab] key.
7. Click Control Width to control the pressure until the desired fan width pattern is reached.
This pressure will override any pressure adjustment done in the Pressure Adjust
window to ensure that your pressure generates the desired width.
NOTE
It is recommended to add a periodic procedure containing a Control Width or

Check Width command to the coating program to ensure consistent fan width.
The fan pattern width may change throughout the day as the temperature
changes or when using a new batch of material.
4-25
Figure 4-25 Fan Width Control Configuration Window
4-26
Table 4-3 Fan Width Control Configuration Window Options

Category
Item
Sensor Fixture
Rotation
Use 0 degrees for laser beam parallel to Y-axis, 90 degrees

for laser beam parallel to X-axis.
XYZ Values
Displays the X, Y, and Z-coordinate captured during the Find

Nozzle End routine. These values CANNOT be typed in
manually.
Sensor Setup
Establishes the threshold of the amplifier that is used for

detecting the edge of the fan pattern. This button runs the
FWC Sensor Setup macro in the Macro1.ecm file. The factory
default routine will move center of the applicator tip to 0.30inches above the laser beam and will turn the fluid stream on.
Locate Gun Barrel

Find Nozzle End
Establishes the position that the fan width control functions

are performed. Software prompts user to move applicator tip
over drain pan, then automatically determines the center of
the barrel and records the X, Y, and Z-coordinates.
Rotate
This value must be typed in manually the first time. The value
can be 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees. This is the position that
the applicator will rotate so that the fan pattern is
perpendicular to the laser beam.
Width (In Air)
Teach Width
Description
The target fan width used for the production process. This
value is used during the control width routine and is used to
calculate the offset and warning tolerances. If the desired
width in air is known, it can be typed in manually, but a
Control Width procedure must then be performed to update
the offsets.
Height
(for Reference)
Displays the height the nozzle tip is positioned above the

beam to perform the Measure, Teach, and Control Width
functions. This value cannot be typed in manually. This value
is the height established in the tool characterization process.
Width Tolerance
Warning
(See Figure 4-26)
Overall Fan Width (In Air) 0.015 (0.38mm) by default.

Example: If the target fan width is 0.500 and the measure
width is greater than 0.515 or less than 0.485, a yellow
warning message is logged in the Production Event Monitor.
Width Tolerance
Error
(See Figure 4-26)
Overall Fan Width (In Air) 0.030 (0.76 mm) by default.

Example: If the target Fan Width is 0.500 inches and the
measure width is greater than 0.530 or less than 0.470, the
program will stop or run a user-defined error procedure. A red
error message is logged in the Production Event Monitor.
Offset Tolerance
Warning
(See Figure 4-26)
Difference between the center of the fan pattern and the

center of the nozzle tip. Default value is .015 (0.38 mm). If
exceeded, a yellow warning message is logged in the
Production Event Monitor.
Offset Tolerance
Error
(See Figure 4-26)
Difference between the center of the fan pattern and the

center of the nozzle tip. Default value is .030 (0.76 mm). If
exceeded, a red warning message is logged in the Production
Event Monitor.
Teach Width
Button
Measures the width corresponding to the current fluid system

settings and records the value in the Width (In Air) display
box. This value will then be the new Target Fan Width used in
subsequent control width routines.
4-27
Table 4-3 Fan Width Control Configuration Window Options (Continued)

Category
Item
Description
Control Width
Pressing this button will first run the Locate Nozzle End
instruction and update the XYZ nozzle position. After the
nozzle is successfully located, the Control Width algorithm
will start to run. The Control Width will automatically adjust
the fluid pressure until the target width (Width In Air) is
achieved.
Test
Measure Width
NOTE
After teaching a new target width, running

Control Width will update the offsets between
the fan pattern and nozzle centers.
Measures the width corresponding to the current fluid system
settings and records the value in the Width (In Air) display
box. This value will then be the new Target Fan Width used in
subsequent control width routines.
Description
Default Values
Target Width (T.W.)
.50 in. (12.7 mm)
Width Tolerance Warning (W.T.)
.015 in. (.38 mm)
Width Tolerance Error (E.T.)
.030 in. (.76 mm)
Offset Tolerance Warning
.015 in. (.38 mm)
Offset Tolerance Error
.030 in. (.76 mm)
Figure 4-26 Fan Width Tolerance
4-28
4.12
Needle Finder Configuration
Needle-type nozzles are easily damaged or frequently changed. The Needle Finder option locates the
current location of the needle tip, compares the current location with the last measured location, and
adjusts the tool offset to maintain consistent dispensing results, prevent quality problems, and
reduce scrap.
The needle finder support in ECXP includes two programming instructions, Find Needle and Check
Needle. The instructions are located on the Needle Finder tab, which only appears when the system is
configured for a needle finder. For additional information, see Section 5 - Programming.
NOTE
This procedure should be done on initial setup and whenever there is a change in the
board stop location or fixed conveyor rail position, or if the needle finder is moved.
4.12.1 Single Needle Applicator

To setup the needle finder:
1. Be sure that the needle-tipped applicator is the active tool in the Tool drop down menu in
the ECXP Edit Screen (Figure 4-27).
This will ensure that the tool is toggled down (if appropriate and that the tool is
rotated/tilted to 0 degrees.
Figure 4-27 Active Tool
2. Click on Configure > Needle Finder Setup to open the Needle Finder Setup dialog box
(Figure 4-28).
Figure 4-28 Needle Finder Setup Dialog Box
4-29
3. 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. Click on the Teach
button and follow the prompts.
The X-bream 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.
4. 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. Click on the Teach
button and follow the prompts.
The Y-bream 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.
4.12.2 Tolerances
Click on the Tolerance button to set the out-of-position tolerances used by ECXP to generate an error and
call the procedure named in the Find Needle or Check Needle error procedure properties.
4.13
Bar Code/DataMatrix Scanner Configuration
Bar code scanners can be used to load product programs If your system is equipped with the optional Bar
Code/DataMatrix Scanner, you will need to perform a scanner configuration. For additional information,
refer to your scanner manual or contact your Nordson ASYMTEK representative.
4.13.1 Bar Codes

When production is running, the raw scanned codes are compared with the part number of each entry in
the product map. The product program for the matching part number is then loaded. The last scanned
entry prior to the product's arrival at the coating station is used to lookup the product program.
4.13.1.1 Wildcards
To add flexibility to the bar code system, the following wildcard characters can be used in the part
number field:
Table 4-4 Wildcard Characters
Wildcard
Description
Represents zero (0) or more characters
Represents one (1) character
Exa m p le :
The program XYZ01.ECW is used to coat all boards with a barcode beginning with XYZ.
1. Enter XYZ* in the Part Number field and XYZ01.ECW in the Filename field.
2. From the Operator Screen, click on the Change Product button, and select the part number
you just created.
4-30
The XYZ01.ECW program is loaded whenever a product with a barcode beginning

with XYZ is scanned.
4.13.1.2 Wildcard Multiple Match Scoring

When wildcards are used, ECXP 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 ECW.INI file.
MultipleLetterWildCard = *
SingleLetterWildCard = ?
4.14
Reconfiguring System Hardware
If you change system hardware, such as the tool, conveyor, inverter, or scanner, you can rerun the ECXP
setup procedure with the Reconfigure feature. The changes are written to the ECW.INI file.
NOTE
Do not use the Reconfigure function if you have not been trained to configure the coating
system. For detailed information on system configuration, refer to 2.5 ECXP
Configuration. Contact your Nordson ASYMTEK representative for additional
information and assistance.
WARNING! Always make a backup copy of the ECW.INI file prior to reconfiguring the
system. If the system is configured incorrectly, rename the backup copy to
ECW.INI to restore the original configuration.
To reconfigure:
1. Click on Configure > Reconfigure.
The Configure dialog box opens.
2. Select the system hardware you want to reconfigure.
NOTE
To select more than one item, hold down the [Ctrl] key while selecting
additional items.
3. Click on the OK button.

4. Exit ECXP.
5. Add your new hardware or make the desired changes to your existing hardware.
6. Restart ECXP.
Depending on the hardware, one or more dialog boxes will step you through the setup
procedure.
7. If you have added a new tool, configure the tool and run a characterization from the
Configure > Tools menu.
4-31
4.15
Production Configuration
4.15.1 Setting Idle Timers

Idle procedures are Begin Idle, During Idle, and End Idle. These procedure names are reserved. They are
executed based on the Idle Timer settings in the Production Configuration dialog box. These procedures
allow a sequence of maintenance operations to be performed whenever products are not being coated.
Only an error or operator-initiated stop prevents the idle procedures from executing.
The Begin Idle procedure is executed when the Idle Timer expires.
The During Idle procedure executes when the During Idle Timer expires.
The End Idle procedure is executed when production resumes.

To use this feature, Idle procedures must be included in the coating program. See 5.6.1.1
Idle Behavior.
NOTE
To set Idle Timers:

1. Click on Configure > Production.
The Configure Production dialog box opens.
2. Click on Enable Idle Timer. See Figure 4-29.

A check mark appears in the box when the timer is enabled.
3. Enter the desired number of seconds in the Timer Period field. The default is 0 seconds.
4. If you are using a During Idle procedure, click on 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 continues.
If a BEGIN IDLE procedure is executed from the ECXP Operator Screen, the END
IDLE procedure will execute when going into Edit Mode.
4.15.2 Setting Periodic Timers

Multiple periodic timers can be created. They are named Periodic, Periodic1, Periodic2, and so on. These
names are reserved. The timers execute periodic procedures, which allow a user-defined sequence of
operations to be performed periodically during production. Use the Periodic Settings section of the
Configure Production dialog box to create, enable, and set periodic timers. Each periodic timer has three
properties:
4-32
Description: Text field, use to describe procedure (optional)
Mode: Disabled, Time, or Count
Period: Number of seconds or products
NOTE
To use this feature, periodic procedures, which must have the same name as the timers,
must be included in the coating program. See 5.6.1.3 Periodic Behavior.
To add Periodic Timers:

1. Click Configure > Production from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Configure Production dialog box opens.
2. Click on the Add Periodic Task button.
A new sequentially numbered periodic timer will be added to the list.
To set Periodic Timers:

1. Click on Configure > Production from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Production Configuration dialog box opens. See Figure 4-29.
Figure 4-29 Production Configuration Window
2. Click on the periodic timer you wish to set from the list.
Selected timers are highlighted.
3. Enter a description (optional).

4. Select the desired mode from the drop down list in the Value field.
5. Enter the desired period in the Value field.
If you chose Time, enter the desired number of seconds. If you chose Count, enter the
desired number of products.
To turn off timers:

1. Click on Configure > Production from the ECXP Edit Screen.
The Production Configuration dialog box opens. See Figure 4-29.
2. Click on the periodic timer you wish to turn off.
3. Set the mode to Disabled.

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 continues.
4-33
4.15.3 AutoStart
The AutoStart feature allows ECXP to start production without operator intervention. The AutoStart
Delay Timer starts when ECXP finishes loading and prevents production from starting until the timer runs
out, giving the operator a chance to cancel the AutoStart.
To enable AutoStart and set a delay:
1. Click on Configure > Production.
The Configure Production dialog box appears. See Figure 4-29.
2. Click on AutoStart.
A check mark appears in the box when AutoStart is enabled.
3. In the AutoStart Delay field, enter the desired number of seconds.

To cancel AutoStart:
To cancel AutoStart during a production run, click on the AutoStart Delay timer box overlaying the
Operator Screen before the delay timer runs out.
NOTE
You can create a procedure called Startup. This procedure will execute when ECXP is
loaded. Refer to 5.6.1 Reserved Procedures for more information.
4.15.4 Homing
If Prompt Before Home is selected, the system will prompt you before homing the robot.
4.16
Log Configuration
Log Configuration allows you select the Event, Warning, and Error messages displayed on the Event
Monitor and written to the log file.
1. Click on Configure > Log to display the Log Configuration dialog box.
2. Click on the Display tab to select the messages that will be displayed on the Event Monitor.
3.
Click on the File tab to select the messages that will be written to the log files.
4. Select the level of message you want displayed and written.
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.
4.16.1 Log Files

Log files are ASCII text files. They are written to the ECW\Log directory and have filenames in the
following form:
ECWyearmonthday.log (Example: ECW20100618.log)
At midnight (12:00PM or 24:00) the current log file is closed and a new log file is created. The log files
can be imported into spreadsheet or database programs for statistical analysis.
4-34
4.17
Product Map Configuration
The Product Map is a file manager that makes only production-ready product programs available to the
operator. The actual file names and paths are hidden. Only part numbers or names assigned to the
program files are displayed.
The Product Map (Figure 4-30) appears when you click the Change Product button on the
Operator Screen.
Figure 4-30 Product Map
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:
1. Click on Configure > Product Map to display the Product Map Configuration dialog box
(Figure 4-31).
Figure 4-31 Product Map Configuration
2. Click 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.
4-35
4.17.1 New Group

A group appears as a folder in the Product Map.
To create a new group:
1. Select the Product Map folder.
2. Click on the New Group button (Figure 4-31) and enter the group name in the New Group
field.
To create a new group inside a group:
1. Select a group folder.
2. Click on the New Group button and enter the new group name in the New Group field.
4.17.2 New Part

This allows you to assign a logical name to a product program. This is the name the operator will see
when loading a program. When the product program is loaded, the name appears in the Current Product
window on the Operator Screen.
To create a new part:
1. Select a group folder for the part.
2. Click on the New Part button (Figure 4-31).
3. Enter a name (or part number) in the Part Number field. You can use any combination of
characters or numbers.
4. Click on the Browse button. Use the Open dialog box to find and select the product
program file you want to assign to the new part, and then click on the Open button.
4-36
The path and filename appear in the Filename field. The product program will now load
when the name is selected from the Product Map.
4.18
Maintenance Manager
To ensure that required maintenance is done on schedule, programmers can create a maintenance program
and configure the Maintenance Manager in ECXP to remind the operator of the required maintenance.
The Maintenance Manager displays a reminder for the operator at the beginning of the next production
run following the expiration of the configured time period. The operator can choose to continue
production without running the maintenance program; however, the reminder will continue to appear at
the beginning of each production run until the maintenance program is run.
4.18.1 Maintenance Manager Configuration

In order to receive a reminder, a procedure must be defined in the ECXP Maintenance Manager.
To configure the Maintenance Manager:
1. Click on Configure > Maintenance Manager to open the Maintenance Configuration
Screen. (Figure 4-32).
2. Select the desired procedure from the drop-down menu and then set the desired time period.
3. Click on OK.
NOTE
ECXP includes a maintenance program for cable tensioning, which reminds the operator
to tension the cables every 90 days. The Cable Tensioning Program is run by clicking on
Utilities > Robot Utilities > Tension Procedure.
Figure 4-32 Maintenance Configuration Screen
4-37
4.18.2 Adding/Deleting Maintenance Procedures

Procedures may also be added and deleted through the Maintenance Manager. Click on the Advanced tab
in the Maintenance Configuration Screen to expand the screen to include Add and Delete buttons and
procedure information. See Figure 4-33 and Table 4-5.
Figure 4-33 Adding/Deleting Maintenance Procedures

Table 4-5 Maintenance Manager Menu Options
Command
Time Period
Units
Delete
Add
Message
Name
Section
Key
4-38
Description
Recommended frequency of selected procedure.
Procedure frequency may be entered in weeks, days, hours, minutes, or seconds.
Deletes the selected procedure from the Maintenance Manager.
Adds a new procedure to the Maintenance Manager.
Message displayed to operator when timer has expired.
Procedure name.
Identifies the section of the ECW.INI file where the timer values will be written.
Identifies the key that stores the timestamp each time the maintenance procedure
is run.
To add a procedure to the Maintenance Manager:

1. In the ECXP Edit Screen, select Configure > Maintenance Manager.
The Maintenance Configuration Screen opens (Figure 4-32).
2. Click on the Advanced tab.
The Maintenance Configuration Screen expands to include Add and Delete buttons and
procedure information.
3. Click on the Name drop-down list and select New Item. See Figure 4-34.
4. Enter the time period, units, message, name, section, and key.
5. Click on OK.
Figure 4-34 Adding a Maintenance Procedure
To delete a maintenance procedure:

1. In the ECXP Edit Screen, select Configure > Maintenance Manager.
2. Click on Advanced.
3. Select the procedure from the Name drop-down list.
4. Click on Delete.
NOTE
The procedures in this section describe how to add and delete procedure reminders in the
Maintenance Manager. To create a new procedure, see 5.9.8 Creating a Maintenance
Procedure.
4-39
4.19
Custom Buttons
This feature allows you to add custom buttons to the Operator Screen and Edit Screen to execute
procedures you create.
To create a custom button:
1. Start ECXP and select Edit > Edit Mode to open the Edit Screen.
2. Select Configure > Custom Buttons from the menu bar.
3. Select Operator Screen or Edit Screen to choose where you want the button to appear.
A dialog box opens that allows you to enter the text you want to appear on the button.
See Figure 4-35.
Figure 4-35 Creating Custom Buttons

4.
Enter a name for the custom button and click OK.
5. Shut down and restart ECXP.
The button will appear on the selected screen.
6. Create a procedure with the same name, in a macro program or, if it is a product-specific
procedure, in a product program.
The button name and procedure name must match.
The names are not case-sensitive.
7. The procedure will be called when the button is clicked.
4-40
Programming
5.1
Overview
This section introduces you to the fundamental dispensing commands that form the foundation for all
conformal coating programs. Program commands are accessed from the ECXP Edit Screen.
NOTE
You should complete Section 4 - Configuration and Characterization before attempting

the exercises in this section.
5.2
Programs
Creating a Program
Patterns
Running Programs
Mask Regions
Editing Programs
Procedures
Printing Programs
Reference Frames
Graphic Display
Properties
Advanced Programming Concepts
Safety First
important for you to familiarize yourself with the safety features and precautions identified in the manual
before attempting the exercises in this manual.
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. The Main Pattern executes during production. Place Pattern instructions in the Main Pattern
execute all other patterns. See 5.4 Patterns.
In addition, all patterns include a Mask Regions section. Mask Regions are the areas within each pattern
that you do not want to coat. You may have several Mask Regions within each pattern.
See 5.5 Mask Regions.
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 Operator Screen buttons. See 5.6 Procedures.
Programming
5-1
5.3.2
Opening a Product Program
When you start ECXP, the product program from the previous session opens. Follow the instructions
below to open a new product program.
To open a product program:
2. Click on View > Product Program to make sure you are in the product program view.
A check mark next to an item indicates the current view.
3. Click on Open
or select File > Open Product Program from the menu bar.
The Open dialog box (Figure 5-1) opens. All product programs end with the .ECW file
extension.
Figure 5-1 Opening a Product Program
4. Highlight the program you want to open and click Open.
5.3.3
Macro Programs
Macro programs are libraries of commonly used patterns and procedures. You may create as many macro
programs as you need, but only one macro program can be loaded at a time.
The patterns and procedures in a macro program should not contain any product-specific coordinate
information. Patterns and procedures containing product-specific coordinates should be put in the
product program.
Patterns and procedures in a macro program are executed by Place Pattern and Call Procedure instructions
in a product program. ECXP looks for patterns and procedures in the product program first, then in the
macro program. The first pattern or procedure found is executed.
5.3.4
Opening a Macro Program
When you start ECXP, the macro program from the previous session opens. Follow the instructions below
to open a new macro program.
5-2
Programming
To open a macro program:

2. Click on View > Macro Program to make sure you are in the macro program view.
A check mark next to an item indicates the current view.
3. Click on Open
or select File > Open Macro Program from the menu bar.
The Open dialog box (Figure 5-2) opens. All macro programs end with the .ECM file
extension.
Figure 5-2 Opening a Macro Program
4. Highlight the macro program you want to open and click Open.
5.4
Patterns
Most coating is done with 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.
Each product program has a Main Pattern. Each pattern, including the Main Pattern, has an Edit Frame,
where the pattern origin coordinates are stored, and a Mask Regions group, where the coordinates for
Mask Regions (areas where no coating is applied) are stored. Pattern instructions are executed in the order
they appear in the instruction list. Patterns can be nested in other patterns. The Place Pattern instruction
allows one pattern to execute another pattern. See 5.9.3 Creating a Pattern.
5.4.1
Main Pattern
When you create a new product program, the Main Pattern is automatically created. When you run a
product program, the Main Pattern is executed. Each program must have a Main Pattern, and each Main
Pattern must have at least one instruction. To execute other patterns in the program, insert Place Pattern
instructions in the Main Pattern. See 5.9.9 Placing Patterns.
Programming
5-3
5.5
Mask Regions
Mask Regions are areas on the board that should not be coated. Mask Regions simplify the programming
process. For example, if the entire surface of a board except for two small connectors is to be coated, you
can create one Area Coat instruction to coat the board and two Mask Regions to skip the connectors,
instead of programming numerous passes that avoid the connectors.
A Mask Region is a rectangle, defined by two points at opposite corners. The current coating pass width
is used to calculate when the dispenser will turn off and on. If any part of the fan pattern will coat the
Mask Region, the dispenser will turn off. For this reason, the uncoated area may be larger than the Mask
button on the
Region. The areas skipped may require additional passes. Use the Create Mask Region
ECXP Edit Screen Toolbar to create a Mask Region. See 5.9.6 Creating a Mask Region.
5.5.1
Coating an Area Inside a Mask Region
You can use an instruction to coat an area inside a Mask Region by teaching the coordinates inside the
Mask Region and then setting the instruction's Ignore Mask property to True (Yes). See 5.8 Properties.
5.5.2
Inherited Mask Regions
Nested patterns inherit any Mask Regions created by the parent pattern. For example, a Mask Region in
the Main Pattern will be inherited by all other patterns in the program. If you want an instruction in a
nested pattern to coat inside a parent pattern's Mask Region, you must set the instruction's Ignore Mask
property to True (Yes). See 5.8 Properties.
5.6
Procedures
Procedures 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 5.9.10 Calling Procedures.
NOTE
5.6.1
A product program can only execute a procedure in a macro program if the macro
program is loaded. You must stop production and open the Edit Screen to load a new
macro program.
Reserved Procedures
ECXP includes a number of reserved procedures used for routine tasks during idle times, on a periodic
basis, during startup, or as aids to programming. Reserved procedures include:
Begin Idle
During Idle
End Idle
Periodic1 to PeriodicN
Startup
Go to Front
Z Home
The Begin Idle, During Idle, End Idle, and Periodic procedures are used in product or macro programs to
program idle and periodic behavior. They are executed by the Begin Idle, End Idle, and Periodic buttons
on the Operator Screen and Edit Screen. See 5.6.1.1 Idle Behavior and 5.6.1.3 Periodic Behavior for
additional information.
5-4
Programming
Periodic1 to PeriodicN procedures execute based on their timers only. To use Periodic1 to PeriodicN
procedures, you must create procedures with the same names.
The Startup procedure executes at ECXP startup after the robot moves to its home position. To use this
procedure, you must create a procedure named Startup. In order for it to run, it must be in the macro or
product program loaded when ECXP is shut down.
Reserved procedures are included in the Macro1.ECM program included with ECXP. To open
Macro1.ECM follow the instructions under 5.3.4 Opening a Macro Program. Procedures in the
Macro1.ECM program are shown in Figure 5-3. To modify a reserved procedure, click on the procedure
name and insert the desired program instructions. See 5.9.7 Creating a Procedure for additional
information.
NOTE
The Go to Front and Z Home procedures are preprogrammed. They are activated by the
Go to Front button and Z Home buttons. They are included as programming aids only.
DO NOT use them in any product programs or attempt to execute them with a Call
Procedure instruction.
Figure 5-3 Macro1.ECM
Programming
5-5
5.6.1.1 Idle Behavior

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 whenever products are not being coated.
These procedure names are reserved and can only be used for idle behavior. Only an error or operatorinitiated stop prevents the idle procedures from executing.
The Begin Idle procedure is executed when the Idle Timer expires. The timer starts when
production stops. 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 clicking on 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 procedures, the Idle Timers must be set. See 4.15.1 Setting Idle Timers.
5.6.1.2 Product-Specific Idle Procedures

The Begin Idle and End Idle procedures can be placed in either a product program or a macro program. If
the instructions in the idle procedures can be used with more than one product programs, place the idle
procedures in a macro program and load it before running a product program. If instructions in the idle
procedures are product-specific, place the idle procedure in a product program rather than a macro
program:
Only one Begin Idle, one During Idle, and one End Idle procedure can exist in a
macro program.
Only one macro program can be loaded at a time.
Production must be stopped and the Edit Screen opened to load a new macro program.
ECXP looks for the idle procedures in the product program first, then in the currently loaded macro
program. If you place the idle procedures in the product program, they are executed and the idle
procedures in the macro program are ignored.
Exercise 5-1: Using Idle Procedures to Clean and Purge the Dispenser Nozzle
You want to use the Begin Idle procedure to place the nozzle into a cup of solvent and the End Idle
procedure to perform a purge. Both the solvent and purge cups are mounted on the moving conveyor rail.
Most of the products are 6-inches wide, however a few are 4-inches wide. Because the cups change
position when the conveyor rail moves to accommodate the different product widths, you need one set of
idle procedures for the 6-inch products and another for the 4-inch products. How can you change idle
procedures without stopping production and loading a new macro program?
Solution: Put the idle procedures for the 4-inch wide products in their product program. Put the idle
procedures for the 6-inch wide products in the macro program. ECXP will use the idle procedures in the
macro program for all 6-inch wide products. When the product program for a 4-inch wide program is run,
the idle procedures in the product program will be used instead of those in the macro program because
ECXP looks for procedures in the product program first.
5-6
Programming
5.6.1.3 Periodic Behavior

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
to purge the dispenser nozzle during production in order to prevent material from curing in the nozzle.
NOTE
To execute periodic procedures, the Periodic Timers must be set. See 4.15.2 Setting
Periodic Timers.
5.6.1.4 Product-Specific Periodic Procedure

Periodic procedures can be placed in either a product program or a macro program. If the instructions in a
periodic procedure are used with more than one product program, place the periodic procedure in a macro
program and load the macro program before running the product programs. If the instructions in a
periodic procedure are product-specific, place the periodic procedure in a product program rather than the
macro program:
Only one periodic procedure can exist in a macro program for each timer.
Only one macro program can be loaded at a time.
Production must be stopped and the Edit Screen opened to load a new macro program.
ECXP 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.
Exercise 5-2: Using Periodic Procedures to Purge the Dispenser Nozzle
You want to move the nozzle over a purge cup and perform a purge. The purge cup is mounted on the
moving conveyor rail. Most of the products are 6-inches wide, however a few are 4-inches wide. Because
the cup changes position when the conveyor rail moves to accommodate the different product widths, you
need one procedure for the 6-inch products and another for the 4-inch products. How can you change
procedures without stopping production and loading a new macro program?
Solution: Put the periodic procedure for the 4-inch wide products in their product program. Put the
periodic procedure for the 6-inch wide products in the macro program. ECXP will use the periodic
procedure in the macro program for all 6-inch wide products. When the product program for a 4-in wide
program is run, the periodic procedure in the product program will be used instead of the one in the macro
program because ECXP looks for procedures in the product program first.
Programming
5-7
5.7
Reference Frames
All positioning in the workcell is done with reference to sets of position coordinates, called Reference
Frames. In ECXP, three different sets of reference frames are used: Base Frame, Product Frame, and
Pattern Frame. See Figure 5-4. As you face the front of the workcell, the X-axis is left to right, the Y-axis
is front to rear, and the Z-axis is up and down. The X, Y, and Z limit switches at the front left corner of
the Base Frame define the Home or Origin position of the robot. The Z-axis is all the way up in the robot
Home position.
Pattern
Frame
B
Y
0,0,0
Product Length
Y
Product Frame
C
Y
B
Y
X
X
X
Actual View
Base Frame
Fixture, Front
Right Constraint
Exploded View
Figure 5-4 Reference Frames
5.7.1
Base Frame
The Base Frame (See Figure 5-4, Rectangle A) is the set of coordinates (X, Y, and Z) that define the
robot's travel. The origin (Home) of the Base Frame is a known point in the workspace, defined by a set
of limit switches. In the Base Frame, the Z-axis is all the way down. When you configure the fixture, you
teach the Z-offset from the Base Frame Z by teaching Z with the nozzle touching the substrate. See
4.6 Fixture Configuration. Items that reference the Base Frame are:
5-8
All procedures (maintenance subroutines)
Fixture Constraint Location
Safe Z Height
Programming
5.7.2
Product Frame
Product Frames (See Figure 5-4, Rectangle B) exist within the Base Frame. ECXP uses fixture constraint
coordinates, plus the length and width of the product, to calculate the coordinates of the Product Frame
within the Base Frame. The Product Frame origin is the calculated Main Pattern Edit Frame.
5.7.3
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.
Pattern Frame
The origin coordinates of patterns (See Figure 5-4, Rectangle C) other than the Main Pattern are
expressed as a set of coordinates in the Product Frame. The pattern origin coordinates are stored in the
Pattern Edit Frame when the pattern is created.
5.8
Properties
Every program, pattern, procedure, mask region, and instruction has properties. Properties include items
such as the fixture, pattern coordinates, and instruction approach height, etc. The Property list displays the
properties of the selected item and allows you to change the properties. See Figure 5-5.
Program
Property
List
Main
Pattern
Property
Figure 5-5 Program Properties
Programming
5-9
Property fields can contain one or more of the following buttons in addition to numeric and text values.
See Figure 5-6.
- Causes a drop-down menu to appear that lists possible values for the property. Click
on a value to enter it into the field.
List
More
Teach Field
- Displays the Conditional Editing window. Allows you to enter additional settings
for Set Outputs, If, and While instruction properties.
selected field.
- Enters the current X-, Y-, or Z-coordinate of the active tool tip in the
More Button
Conditional Editing Window
Teach Button
List Button
Figure 5-6 Property Field Buttons
Numerical values can be edited by selecting the value and typing in a new one and then pressing the
[Tab] key on the keyboard, by teaching a new coordinate, or by making a Delta Change. See 5.14.1 Delta
Changes.
5-10
Programming
5.9
Creating a Program
All programming is done in the ECXP Edit Screen. The Edit Screen is used to create and edit both
product and macro programs.
5.9.1
Creating Product Programs
To create a new product program:

3. Click on New
or select File > New Product Program.
The New Program dialog box shown in Figure 5-7 opens.
Figure 5-7 New Program Dialog Box
4. Enter the length and width of the product.
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 (the 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 5.13 Graphic
Display.
5. Click on OK.
6. Check the Fixture property.
NOTE
Programming
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 4.6 Fixture Configuration.
Every program contains a Main Pattern, which consists of an Edit Frame and a Mask
Regions pattern. See Figure 5-8.
5-11
1
2
3
Item
Name
Main Pattern
Edit Frame
Mask Regions
Description
All program instructions are executed from the Main Pattern. The
Main Pattern must have at least one instruction. To execute other
patterns, insert Place Pattern instructions in the Main Pattern.
The Edit Frame is where the pattern origin coordinates are stored.
The Mask Regions pattern contains areas on the board that should
not be coated.
Figure 5-8 Untitled Program
7. Make sure the Main Pattern Edit Frame was calculated correctly.
a. Expand the properties of the Main Pattern, then click on the Main Pattern Edit Frame.
b. Click on the GoTo
button.
The applicator, selected in the Tool drop down menu (target mode off), should
travel to the front left corner of the product or pallet if the length and width and
fixture configuration is correct.
-
If the applicator travels somewhere other than the front left corner or an "out of
range" error message is generated, verify that the fixture location has been
properly defined. See 4.6 Fixture Configuration.
To correct the length and width, click on the Program Name at the top of the
Tree View. The length and width will be displayed in the Property List.
See Figure 5-5.
NOTE
The Main Pattern Edit Frame X, Y, and Z properties are automatically

calculated and should NEVER BE TAUGHT. They should always be 0,0,0.
See Figure 5-9.
Figure 5-9 Main Pattern Edit Frame Properties

5-12
Programming
8. To save the program:

a. Click on 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. Click on OK.
9. Create the patterns required to coat your product, inserting instructions into the patterns as
needed. See 5.9.3 Creating a Pattern.
10. Enter Place Pattern instructions in the Main Pattern to execute the patterns.
See 5.9.9 Placing Patterns.
11. Test each pattern by selecting it and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or by
pressing the [F6] key.
NOTE
If desired, you can run the program without fluid by pressing the Applicator
On/Off button on the front panel of the machine prior to running the program.
The button will be dark.
1
2
Item
Description
SL-94X Front Panel
Applicator On/Off Button.

Figure 5-10 Applicator On/Off Button
Click on the Speed Limit button on the Edit Screen before running the
pattern/procedure to go through the pattern/procedure slowly. The button is activated
when a checkmark appears in the box. See Figure 5-11.
Figure 5-11 Activating the Speed Limit

Programming
5-13
The speed limit is set by clicking on Configure > Robot Settings in the Edit Menu and
entering the desired speed limit. See Figure 5-12.
Figure 5-12 Setting the Speed Limit
NOTE
The speed limit does not affect 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.
12. Test the completed program by clicking on Run > Run or pressing the [F9] key.
13. Click on Save
14. Place your program in the Product Map so it will be available on the Operator Screen.
See 4.17 Product Map Configuration.
5-14
Programming
5.9.2
Creating Macro Programs
To create a new macro program:

2. Click on View > Macro Program to make sure you are in macro program view.
A sample macro program named Macro1.ECM is furnished with ECXP. It contains

blank, programmable Begin Idle, During Idle, End Idle and Periodic procedures, plus
pre-programmed Go to Front and Z Home procedures. See Figure 5-13.
Figure 5-13 Creating a Macro Program
3. To create a copy of Macro1.ECM with a new name:

a. Open Macro1.ECM.
b. Click on File > Save Macro Program As.
c. Enter a macro program name.
d. Select the folder where you want to save the macro program.
e. Click on OK.
4. To create a new macro program:
a. Click on New
or select File > New Macro Program.
A new macro program will be created.
b. Click on Save
or select File > Save Macro Program As.
c. Enter a macro program name.

d. Select the folder where you want to save the macro program.
e. Click on OK.
5. Create procedures as required and give them unique names. See 5.9.7 Creating a
Procedure.
6. Place Call Procedure instructions in the Main Pattern to execute the procedures.
See 5.9.10 Calling Procedures.
7. Click on Save
Programming
5-15
5.9.3
Creating a Pattern
NOTE
All coating and maintenance instructions must be placed in a pattern or procedure.
To create a new pattern:

1. Make sure that the fixture location and product reference frame are correct. See 4.6 Fixture
Configuration.
2. Make sure that the camera is selected in the drop down tool menu on the ECXP Edit Screen.
Pointer selection not relevant at this point. See Figure 5-14.
Figure 5-14 Active Tool - Genie Camera
3. Open the camera window [F4] and drag it to the upper left hand of the screen.
4. Change the size of the ECXP Edit Screen so that it does not cover the crosshairs in the
camera window.
5. Move the robot until the camera image crosshairs are over the desired pattern origin.
6. Click on the Create Pattern
button on the toolbar.
The New Pattern dialog box (Figure 5-15) opens.
Figure 5-15 New Pattern Dialog Box
7. Enter a new name for the pattern.
Choose a name that describes the pattern's purpose for future reference.
8. If you did not move the cross-hairs to the desired pattern origin point before creating the
pattern, you may do so now and click on Teach X, Y to teach the XY pattern origin
coordinates.
5-16
Programming
9. Follow the steps below if the pattern has a different Z-height than the product (i.e. fixture
coordinate system), otherwise skip this step. See Figure 5-4.
a. Make sure that a tool whose tip can reach the substrate is selected from the drop down
tool menu and then move the active tool down to the substrate height.
NOTE
If you have a dual toggle system, you should use the tool with the lowest
dispense height, since variations in substrate height will more
dramatically affect that tools coating quality.
b. Click the Teach Z button.
The substrate height is now taught.
10. Click OK.
The pattern will be created in the Patterns section of the program.
See 5.9.4 Inserting Program Instructions to insert instructions into the pattern.
11. Close the camera window [F4] and select a dispensing applicator from the tool drop-down
menu on the Edit Screen.
12. Verify the pattern position by selecting the pattern so that it is highlighted and clicking on
button. See Figure 5-16.
the GoTo
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.
GoTo Button
Active Tool
Pattern
Selected
Pattern
Coordinates
Figure 5-16 Verifying Pattern Position
Programming
5-17
5.9.4
Inserting Program Instructions
To insert a program instruction into a pattern:

1. Make sure the pattern name is highlighted.
Available patterns are listed in the left pane of the Edit Screen. If patterns are not
displayed, click on the plus (+) sign next to Patterns.
2. Click on the desired instruction button to insert the instruction into your pattern.
The instruction will be inserted above the cursor location.

NOTE
Coating instructions are categorized by tabs on the Edit Screen. See Figure
5-17. As you move the mouse along the instruction buttons, a tip appears
displaying the instruction name. See Appendix A for a list of buttons and
instructions.
Coating
Instruction
Buttons
Control
Instruction
Buttons
General
Instruction
Buttons
Motion
Instruction
Buttons
Figure 5-17 Program Instruction Buttons
NOTE
When you create an instruction, the tool shown in the Tool Selector is entered into the
tool property of the instruction. 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. See Figure 5-18.
3. To change tools, click on List
5-18
button in the Tool Property field and select a new tool.
If you change tools for a coating instruction, ECXP prompts you to update the
instructions properties to those of the new tool.
Programming
4. To change coordinates, move the tool tip to the pattern starting point and click the
Teach Field
button. Teaching the first set of coordinates activates the second set,
if required. See 5.9.5 Teaching Coordinates with the Camera to teach instruction
coordinates with the camera.
5. Complete the Property section and click on Save
NOTE
Highlight the pattern to see the pattern properties. Highlight the instruction to
see the instruction properties. Refer to Appendix B for a description of all
instruction properties.
Instruction
Properties
Pattern
Properties
Figure 5-18 Pattern and Instruction Properties
5.9.5
Teaching Coordinates with the Camera
The SL-940E/SL-941E coating systems both have an optional teach camera or an optional fiducial find
camera. The teach camera provides an onscreen display of the area to be coated to eliminate guesswork
as to where coating will be dispensed. The fiducial find camera provides all the features of the teach
camera, as well as closed loop feedback to correct translation and rotation of boards located in a carrier or
directly on the conveyor.
5.9.5.1 Teach Camera
The teach camera teaches coordinates for existing instructions. Insert the coating instructions for the
appropriate tools and then update the coordinates with the camera.
To teach coordinates using the teach camera:
1. Make sure the pattern name is selected and click on the desired instruction.
Note the position of the arrows (->) next to the coordinates in the instruction properties.
The arrows indicate which coordinate will be taught when you click the Teach button
in the camera window.
2. Press [F4] to open the camera window.

3. Move the camera over the position that you want to teach.
Programming
The reticle in the camera window represents the characterized pass width for the active
tool.
5-19
4. Once the camera cross hairs are centered as desired, click the Teach button in the camera
window.
For instructions with more than one coordinate, clicking 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".
5.9.5.2 Fiducial Find Camera

When a system is enabled for vision with fiducial find, fiducials can be added to any pattern by inserting
fiducial instructions into the pattern. There should be one instruction for each desired fiducial.
The fiducial instruction contains information about the fiducial, such as the expected position, the model
image, the lighting settings, and the acceptance and confusion thresholds. See below.
A single fiducial produces a translational correction (X and Y only), and 2 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.
Therefore, 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).
Acceptance and Confusion Thresholds:
The Acceptance Threshold is a minimum "score" that a feature must meet or exceed to be considered a
candidate for the desired fiducial. When the vision system finds a potential fiducial, it assigns a score to
the feature based on how well it matches the previously taught model. If the score of the potential
fiducial does not meet or exceed the Acceptance Threshold, the vision system will automatically
disregard the feature and continue searching. The recommended setting is within the range of 500-800.
The Confusion Threshold is the maximum score that could be assigned to a "wrong" feature in the field of
view. The Confusion Threshold should be set greater than or equal to the Acceptance Threshold. The
recommended setting is within the range of 500-900. If a feature scores higher than the Confusion
Threshold, the vision system concludes that it must be the correct feature and immediately terminates the
search.
If a feature scores above the Acceptance Threshold, but below the Confusion Threshold, the Vision
System will flag the feature as a "candidate" match, but will continue searching for a better match.
To program with fiducial find:
NOTE
Make sure the Genie camera is selected as both the tool and the pointer in the Edit
Screen as the camera will be used to teach and read the fiducial locations.
See Figure 5-14.
1. In the Edit Screen, select the pattern to insert the fiducials into and click on the Camera and
Vision tab as shown in Figure 5-19.
5-20
This tab will not appear if the fiducial find option is not configured on the system.
Programming
Figure 5-19 Camera and Vision Tab
2. Click on the
button on the Camera and Vision tab.
A fiducial instruction and location will appear in the pattern (Figure 5-20).
NOTE
Fiducials must be inserted at the beginning of the pattern as corrections in

translation and rotation are not applied to the pattern until after the fiducials
are read.
3. Click on the fiducial instruction in the edit window and then click on the fiducial box
(Figure 5-20).
Fiducial
Box
Figure 5-20 Fiducial Instruction and Location
4. Click on the
button.
Figure 5-21 Fiducial Box
The Host Control screen opens (Figure 5-22)
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.
5. Using the jog keys center the crosshairs over the fiducial.
6. Use the box handles to resize the boxes to the size of the fiducial and the size of the desired
search area.
Programming
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.
5-21
Figure 5-22 Host Control Screen
7. Press the
button to teach the location of the fiducial.
8. Press the
button to teach the fiducial model to be found.
At this point the fiducial finder knows the position of the fiducial and what the fiducial
looks like.
9. Perform a check to see if the fiducial is detected by the camera.

a. Click on the
b. Click on the
tab.
button.
The display will show a fiducial score (Figure 5-23).
Figure 5-23 Fiducial Score

5-22
Programming
10. For each fiducial instruction, choose the desired action if the fiducial is not found.
See Figure 5-24 and Table 5-1.
Figure 5-24 Fiducial Not Found

Table 5-1 Fiducial Not Found Options
Instruction
Manual Find
Action
1. If Manual Find is chosen, Figure 5-25 will appear and the
program will pause.
2. Using the jog keys, center the crosshairs over the fiducial.
3. Press the
button to manually locate the fiducial.
Abort Program
If Abort Program is chosen, the dispensing program will end

and production will be stopped.
Skip Program
If Skip Program is chosen, the dispensing program will end for

the current product but production will continue.
Skip Pattern
If Skip Pattern is chosen, the current pattern will be skipped

and the rest of the patterns will continue for the current product.
11. Repeat the above instructions for the remainder of the fiducials.
Programming
Figure 5-25
NOTE
Manual Fiducial Find
Abort Program, Skip Program and Skip Pattern may also be chosen during a
manual fiducial operation.
5-23
Exercise 5-3: Creating a Pattern and Inserting Program Instructions

1. Create a new product program as described in 5.9.1 Creating Product Programs.
2. Create a new pattern named Rectangle as described in 5.9.3 Creating a Pattern.
3. Make sure the Rectangle pattern is highlighted. If not click on it.
4. Click on the Conformal Coating tab and then on the Area Coat
button.
5. Move the tool or camera crosshairs to the starting point of the rectangle and click the Teach
button in the Edit Window if using an applicator or the Teach button in the Camera
Window if using the camera.
Note that the Begin X and Begin Y textboxes on the right of the screen contain starting
point coordinates.
6. Move the tool or camera crosshairs to the ending point of the rectangle and click the Teach
button in the Edit Window if using an applicator or the Teach button in the Camera
Window if using the camera.
The ending point should be diagonally across from the beginning point.
Note that the End X and End Y textboxes on the right of the screen contain end point
coordinates. See Figure 5-26.
7. Test the pattern by selecting it and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or by
NOTE
To include the pattern in your program, you must enter a Place Pattern
instruction in the Main Pattern. See 5.9.9 Placing Patterns.
Figure 5-26 Creating the Rectangle Pattern
5-24
Programming
5.9.6
Creating a Mask Region
To create a Mask Region:

2. Make sure the desired product program is open. If not, open it.
3. Highlight the pattern where you want to create a Mask Region.
4. Click on the Create Mask Region
A mask region is created in the pattern's Mask Regions section, with the name New
Mask Region. The current coordinates of the active tool tip are entered into the Corner
1X, Corner 1Y, Corner 2X, and Corner 2Y fields. See Figure 5-27.
Figure 5-27 Creating a Mask Region
5. Move the active tool tip or camera crosshairs to the first corner of the mask region you are
going to create and teach the first corner.
6. Move the active tool tip or camera crosshairs to the diagonally opposite corner of the
desired mask region and teach the second corner.
7. Select the Name property field. Enter a new name for the Mask Region, then press the
[Enter] key.
8. Click on Save
NOTE
Programming
Make sure the new mask regions is highlighted and click on the GoTo
verify position coordinates.
button to
5-25
5.9.7
Creating a Procedure
To create a procedure:
2. Make sure the desired product or macro program is open. If not, open it.
3. Click the New Procedure
A new blank procedure will be created. See Figure 5-28.
Figure 5-28 Creating a Procedure
4. Enter a procedure name in the property section.
DO NOT use reserved procedure names. See 5.6.1 Reserved Procedures.
5. Insert procedure instructions by clicking on appropriate command buttons. Refer to

5.9.4 Inserting Program Instructions.
6. Click on Save
5-26
Programming
Exercise 5-4: Creating a Procedure

1. Click the New Procedure
A new blank procedure will be created. See Figure 5-28.
2. Click on the Name Property Field and name the procedure Abort Program.
See Figure 5-29.
Figure 5-29 Naming a Procedure
3. Insert an Abort Program instruction.

a. Make sure the Abort Program procedure on the left panel of the screen is highlighted. If
not click on it.
b. Click on the General tab.
c. Click on the Abort Program
instruction.
An Abort Program instruction will be entered into your procedure.
d. Enter Program Aborted for the Log Message value in the Properties section.
See Figure 5-30.
Figure 5-30 Abort Program Procedure
4. Test the procedure by selecting it and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or
NOTE
Programming
To include the procedure in your program, you must insert a Call Procedure instruction
in the Main Pattern. See 5.9.10 Calling Procedures.
5-27
5.9.8
Creating a Maintenance Procedure
When creating a new maintenance procedure, you should first define it in the Maintenance Manager,
setting the name, time period, section, and key. See 4.18 Maintenance Manager.
A maintenance procedure is created like any other procedure, however an Ini File Write instruction must
be included in the Main Pattern (Figure 5-31). This instruction writes the key and the time and date stamp
to the ECW.ini file. The section and key properties of this instruction must be the same as the section and
key names entered in the Maintenance Manager.
Figure 5-31 Ini File Write Instruction
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 5-32). As each step is completed, the operator clicks on the OK to move to
the next instruction.
Figure 5-32 Script Instruction
ECXP includes a maintenance program for cable tensioning. The Main Pattern has only two instructions.
See Figure 5-30. 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 Tension Century 94X.ECW and
save it as a new program with File > Save Product Program As instruction. Then edit the procedure
instructions as needed.
5-28
Programming
5.9.9
Placing Patterns
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.
Mask Regions do not need to be placed since they are associated with a particular pattern. The Main
Pattern is placed at the Product Frame origin, which is the front left corner of the workpiece. See
5.7 Reference Frames.
To place a pattern:
1. Highlight the Main Pattern. See Figure 5-33.
NOTE
Place Pattern commands are typically used 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 Xaxis and the Y-axis, it may be more efficient to use the Place Pattern Array
instruction. See 5.14.3 Pattern Array.
2. Click on the Control tab and then on the Place Pattern

instruction in the Main Pattern.
button to insert a place pattern
3. Move the active tool tip or camera crosshairs to the point where you want the pattern to start
and teach that location.
4. Click on the List
button in the Pattern Name property field and select a pattern.
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, which override the pattern's Edit Frame coordinates.
Figure 5-33 Selecting a Pattern
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. Enter the desired rotation value in the Property section.
Positive is counterclockwise (CCW), negative is clockwise (CW).
7. Click on Save
8. Test each pattern by selecting it and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or pressing
the [F6] key.
Programming
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.
5-29
5.9.10 Calling Procedures

In order to run a procedure, you must place a Call Procedure instruction in a pattern.
To call a procedure:
1. Highlight the pattern or procedure in which you want to place the Call Procedure
instruction.
One procedure can call another.
2. Click on the Call Procedure
button to create the instruction.
3. Click on the List

button in the Procedure Name property field, and select the procedure
you want to call. See Figure 5-34.
Product Program procedures are listed first and then Macro Program procedures.
To call one of the reserved procedures included with ECXP, you must load the
Macro1.ECM macro program.
Figure 5-34 Calling a Procedure
4. Click on Save
5. Test the pattern or procedure by selecting it and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure
or pressing the [F6] key.
5.10
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."
Running Programs
To run a program from the Edit Screen:

1. Open the Product Program and, if necessary, the applicable macro program. See 5.3.2
Opening a Product Program and 5.3.4 Opening a Macro Program.
2. Click on Run > Run or press the [F9] key.
5-30
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.
Programming
5.11
Editing Programs
You can make the following modifications to programs:
Create new patterns or procedures.
Create new instructions.
Create New Mask Regions or modify Mask Region coordinates.
Modify existing instructions by teaching new coordinates or altering values in instruction

property fields.
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. Stop production and open the Edit Screen.
The currently loaded product program is displayed. To view the currently loaded macro
program, click on View > Macro Program.
2. To load a different program, click on the Open
button.
3. Select the program you want to load and click OK.

4. Select the patterns or procedures you want to modify by clicking on them. See 5.11.1
Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete below.
5. After you have made the desired modifications, click on Save
5.11.1
Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete
When editing a program, instruction list, or property, you can cut, copy, paste, and delete a selection. You
can copy patterns, procedures, and instructions from one program or pattern and paste them in another. In
addition, right-clicking the mouse on a selection displays a menu with Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, and
Toggle Breakpoint commands. See 5.14.2 Toggle Breakpoint. Selecting a command from the menu
executes the command. Command descriptions are shown in Table 5-2.
Table 5-2 Cut/Copy/Paste/Delete
Command
Toolbar
Description
Keyboard
Cut
Removes the instruction from the list and places

it on the clipboard.
[Ctrl]+ X
Copy
Leaves the instruction on the list and places a

copy of the instruction on the clipboard.
[Ctrl]+ C
Paste
Pastes the instruction on the clipboard into your

program. If no instruction in the list is selected
when you Paste, the pasted instruction is placed
at the bottom of the list. If an instruction in the list
is selected when you Paste, the pasted
instruction is placed above the selected
instruction.
[Ctrl] + V
Delete
Deletes an instruction or property value.
[Delete]
CTRL Delete
Deletes the selected pattern or procedure.
[Ctrl] + [Delete]
Programming
5-31
5.12
Printing Programs
If you have a printer connected to your computer, you can print loaded product and macro programs. To
view the print results before sending a program to print, click on File > Print Preview. To print from the
Print Preview window, click on the printer icon at the top of the window. To print a program, click on
File > Print. Printing provides you with the following information for a product or macro program:
Length and width of product
Procedure list
Pattern list
List of instructions and property values for each pattern and procedure
5.13
Graphic Display
The Graphic Display allows you to import board images into ECXP and use them to create coating
programs. This is useful when you are creating programs on a computer that is not connected to a coating
system. The Graphic Display allows you to import images of both sides of a board and designate which
side will be coated first.
When you create patterns, you can set the pattern Side 2 property so that the correct image is displayed
before inserting coating instructions into the pattern. When toggled on, the Graphic Display appears at the
bottom left corner of the screen. You can undock the display to enlarge it if necessary.
To turn on/off the Graphic Display:
1. From the ECXP Edit Screen, click on View > Graphic Display > On.
A check mark indicates the feature is on.
2. To close the Graphic Display, click on the Close
NOTE
button at the top of the image.
You may also click on View > Graphic Display > On to toggle this feature on
and off.
5.13.1 Graphic Display View Options

The View > Graphic Display menu options on the Edit Screen are listed in Table 5-3. A check mark next
to an option indicates it is on.
Table 5-3 Graphic Display Menu Options
Option
5-32
Description
On
Turns on the Graphic Display.
Display Moves
Moves are represented by blue lines on the Graphic Display that show
the path of the tool tip.
Display Axis Titles
The Axis Title rulers are shown on the Graphic Display with the units of
measurement selected. The rulers show the X and Y coordinates of the
board from the Robot Base Frame origin and the X and Y dimensions
and coordinates from the currently displayed pattern origin.
Solid Brush
Solid Brush displays the areas of an image coated by an instruction in

solid blue. When Solid Brush is off, the coated areas are displayed in a
blue hatch pattern.
Programming
5.13.2 Creating Images

The Graphic Display supports JPEG and BMP formats only. Image files can be created with a digital
camera or exported from CAD programs. Bitmap resolutions of 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 are sufficient for
most purposes. Higher resolutions result in larger file sizes, which could cause slow refresh rates in
ECXP. If you use a digital camera to create board images, place the boards on a light background before
taking pictures. If the camera has a zoom lens, use the lens to zoom in instead of moving the camera
closer to the boards. Board images MUST be oriented in the same direction that they will be placed on the
conveyor or pallet. There is no way to rotate the images after importing them into ECXP. You can use a
bitmap editor to crop or rotate images before importing them.
NOTE
If the boards you are coating will be mounted on a pallet, you should create an image of
the pallet with the boards mounted on it.
5.13.3 Importing Images

To select an image:
1. Create a new product program or open an existing product program.
2. Enter the length and width of the product.
The image will not display unless the product length and width has been entered.
3. In the ECXP Edit Screen, click on File > Import Board Image.
4. Select First Side or Second Side. The first side is the side that will enter the workcell first.
The Open Board Image dialog box opens.
5. Select the image file you want to import.
The selected image is displayed in the small window on the right. To see a preview of
button. Click on the Close
button at the top
the image, click on the Preview
right of the Preview window to close it.
6. Click on Open to import the image.
The Board Image Screen opens (Figure 5-35).
5.13.4 Cropping Images

The Board Image Screen is used to crop borders from the board image and to remove any distortions. The
uncropped image is displayed in the left window. The red squares in the left pane are handles that you
drag to crop the image. The cursor will turn into a crosshair when it is over a handle. The small crosshair
window below displays a magnified view of the portion of the image under the handle. The cropped
image is displayed in the right window.
NOTE
Programming
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.
5-33
To crop an image:
1. Drag three 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. See Figure 5-35. 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, click on 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
Magnified
Crosshair
Window
Figure 5-35 Cropping An Image
5-34
Programming
5.13.5 Graphic Display Features

After you have created or imported an image, you may pan, zoom, resize, and undock the image as
described below.
5.13.5.1 Panning
To pan an image:
Right-click on the image and drag to move the image around in the display.
5.13.5.2 Zooming
To zoom in on an image:
1. To zoom in, left-click on the image and drag down and to the right.
The area surrounded by the marquee will be magnified.
2. To zoom out, left-click on the image and drag up and to the left.
Figure 5-36 Zooming In
Figure 5-37 Zooming Out
5.13.5.3 Resizing
The Graphic Display can be resized without undocking it from the Edit Screen by left-clicking and
dragging the top and left edges. To resize an undocked image, position the cursor at a corner of a display
and drag it open. See 5.13.5.4 Undocking/Redocking.
To resize a docked image:
1. Place cursor over the white line at the top of the image until you get the Resizing Tool
and then drag it upwards. See Figure 5-38.
Figure 5-38 Resizing a Docked Image
Programming
5-35
2. To maximize the image, refresh by clicking on any other pattern or procedure in the
Program Structure Tree and then clicking back on the current pattern as shown below.
5.13.5.4 Undocking/Redocking
Undocking places the image in a separate window and provides greater flexibility for enlarging and
zooming in on the image.
To undock an image:
1. Move the cursor to the undocking bar.
The undocking bar is represented by the two vertical lines on the left border of the
Graphic Display. See Figure 5-39.
2. Left-click and drag to undock the Graphic Display from the Edit Screen.
3. Resize the undocked image by positioning the cursor at a corner of a display and dragging it
open. See Figure 5-40.
5-36
Figure 5-39 Undocking Bar
NOTE
Figure 5-40 Resizing an Undocked Image
When working with multiple windows, the easiest way to cascade the windows is
shown in Figure 5-41. Click on the title bar to bring a window to the front. If the Edit
Screen is hidden by the Operator Screen, click on View > Edit Mode to bring the Edit
Screen to the front. To bring the undocked image to the front, click on any other pattern
and then back on the current pattern. You may also toggle View > Graphic Display off
and on again.
Programming
Docked
Image
Undocked
Image
Figure 5-41 Sample Docked/Undocked Images
To redock the Graphic Display:

1. Click on the title bar and drag it toward the bottom left corner of the Edit Screen.
When positioned correctly, a gray receiving area appears. See Figure 5-42.
2. Move the title bar toward the upper-left corner of the receiving area until the Graphic
Display snaps into place.
Undocked
Image
Receiving Area
Figure 5-42 Redocking the Graphic Display
NOTE
Programming
If you have trouble redocking the Graphic Display, close it and reopen it from the
View > Graphic Display menu.
5-37
5.13.6 Using the Graphic Display for Programming

After you have imported your image, you can use it to create your dispensing program. This is useful
when you are creating programs on a computer that is not connected to a coating system.
To create a program using graphic display:
3. Click on New
or select File > New Product Program from the menu bar.
4. Enter the length and width of the product and click OK.
5. Follow the steps under 5.13.3 Importing Images and 5.13.4 Cropping Images to import and
crop your graphics image.
6. After you have imported your image, you may enlarge it as described in 5.13.5.3 Resizing.
The image should be displayed at the bottom of the screen. See Figure 5-43.
Figure 5-43 Viewing the Graphic Display
7. If desired, create a new pattern.

8. Undock the Graphic Display as described in 5.13.5.4 Undocking/Redocking.
9. Click on the desired pattern and enter coating instructions as follows:
a. Click on the applicable coating command.
b. Using the graphics image, move the cursor to the start point of the area to be coated and
press the [Ctrl] key and left-click the mouse. If required, move the cursor to the end point
and press [Ctrl] left-click again.
5-38
If Solid Brush is on, the areas to be coated will be displayed in solid blue. If not,
they will be displayed in a blue hatch pattern.
Programming
Exercise 5-5: Creating a Program with Graphic Display

1. Open the ECXP Edit Screen and click on View > Product Program to make sure you are in
the product program view.
2. Click on New
or select File > New Product Program from the menu bar.
3. Enter the length and width of the product in the New Program dialog box as shown in
Figure 5-44 and click OK.
Figure 5-44 Entering Product Length and Width
4. Import and crop the board image entitled Sample12.jpg. See 5.13.3 Importing Images and
5.13.4 Cropping Images.
If your ECXP program has been installed using the program defaults, this file will be
located in the C:\Program Files\ECXPXX\Programs directory.
The image should be displayed at the bottom of the screen. See Figure 5-43.
5. Click on the Create Pattern
button.
The New Pattern dialog box opens.
6. Enter Side 1 for the pattern name. See Figure 5-45.
Figure 5-45 Creating a Pattern
Programming
5-39
7. Click OK.
8. Undock the Graphic Display as described in 5.13.5.4 Undocking/Redocking.
9. Click on the Side 1 pattern.
10. Click on the Conformal Coating tab and then on the Area Coat
button.
The Graphic Display reappears.
11. Move the cursor to the start point of the area on the graphics image to be coated and press
the [Ctrl] key and left-click the mouse.
12. Move the cursor to the end point and press [Ctrl] left-click again.
13. Repeat Steps 10 through 12 and coat another section of the board.
14. Your screen should look similar to the one in Figure 5-46.
Coated
Area
Coated
Area
Figure 5-46 Area Coat Program Using Graphic Display
15. Click on Save
5-40
and enter a program name.
Programming
5.13.7 Using Graphic Display to Program Both Sides of a Board

Program images are imported with File > Import Board Image > First Side > Second Side. The Second
Side is used when the board or pallet is inverted. If you import both First Side and Second Side images,
both images will be displayed in the Graphic Display simultaneously only when you have the Main
Pattern selected and an Invert instruction is present in the Main Pattern.
Only the First Side image is displayed on the Operator Screen. If you import images into the Main
Pattern, then the First Side image is not used for editing, but is still displayed on the Operator Screen.
This allows you to use a different image for the Operator Screen such as one with the board part number
or load instructions on it.
To use graphic display to program both sides of a board, each image should be imported directly into its
own pattern. Pattern images are imported by selecting an image file through the pattern Image Name 1
and Image Name 2 properties. After the program is completed, the patterns should be executed from the
Main Pattern with a Place Pattern instruction. An Invert command must be placed between the Place
Pattern instructions to invert the board.
To import images into a pattern:
1. Create a new product program as described in 5.9.1 Creating Product Programs.
2. Create a new pattern for the first side of the board as described in 5.9.3 Creating a Pattern.
3. Make sure the Side 1 pattern is highlighted. If not, click on it.
4. Click on Image Name 1 in the Property List and then on the More
image for Side 1.
button and select the
Figure 5-47 Importing an Image into a Pattern
Programming
5-41
5. Undock the image and enter pattern instructions for "Side 1." See 5.13.6 Using the Graphic
Display for Programming.
6. Click on Save
7. Repeat Steps 2 through 6 for the second side of the board. Replace "Side 1" references with
"Side 2".
NOTE
For most applications, you will only use one image, imported with the Image
Name 1 property. The only time you will import an image with the Image
Name 2 property field is if you have an Invert instruction in the pattern.
5.13.7.1 Main Pattern Graphic Display

To view both sides of the board in the Main Pattern, import both images using File > Import Board
Image > First Side > Second Side. Both images will be displayed in the Graphic Display simultaneously
ONLY when you have the Main Pattern selected and an Invert instruction is present in the Main Pattern.
See Figure 5-48.
Figure 5-48 Main Pattern Displaying Both Sides of Board
5-42
Programming
5.14
Advanced Programming Concepts
5.14.1 Delta Changes

A Delta Change is an incremental change to a floating-point (numerical) value in a program. To make a
Delta Change to a property value, select the value, then enter the change symbol twice, plus the
incremental value, and press [Enter].
Add: ++
Subtract: -- (two hyphens)
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].
5.14.2 Toggle Breakpoint

To force the program to stop at an instruction, right-click on the bullet to the left of the instruction and
select Toggle Breakpoint from the menu. When the bullet to the left of the instruction is red, the
breakpoint is on. When the bullet is green, the breakpoint is off. To turn off the breakpoint, right-click on
the bullet to the left of the instruction and select Toggle Breakpoint again.
5.14.3 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 for instruction properties.
Pattern Array
5.14.4 Stepping
The step 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, and (3) when the program stops at the instruction, use the
Step
button to step through the instructions in the pattern.
Programming
5-43
Troubleshooting
6.1
Overview
If you have difficulty running your coating programs, use this section to identify a possible solution to the
problem. If you have difficulties not listed in this section, or the suggested solution does not correct the
problem, contact Asymtek Technical Support. This section covers the following topics:
6.2
Event Monitor
Z-Axis Related Errors
Programming Errors
Fiducial Find Errors
GoTo Errors
Fan Width Control Errors
Travel Limit Errors
Event Monitor
If an error occurs during routine production, production stops immediately at the point in the program
where the error occurs. A color-coded error or warning message, and a description of why the error
occurred, will be displayed on the Event Monitor on the Operator Screen. Error messages are displayed in
red text and warning messages are displayed in yellow. See Figure 6-1. Use the error messages for
troubleshooting purposes.
11:23:15.328
11:23:42.184
11:23:50.889
15:47:39. 515
Production
Runtime
Dispense
Runtime
Program Finished
Pattern "" not found
Pattern Width is less than Pass Width
X upper limit exceeded (Target = 685.
Figure 6-1 Event Monitor Error Messages
If the error message is longer than the screen is capable of showing, double-click on it and the full text of
the message will be displayed in a dialog box. See Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2 Displaying Full Text of Error Message
6.3
Programming Errors
NOTE
Troubleshooting
Most errors usually take place during programming, with the exception of conveyor
errors and Fan Width Control errors.
6-1
6.3.1
Program Does Not Run
With the Edit Screen open, an error will cause a dialog box to display Program had Error. See Figure
6-3. In most cases ECXP will toggle to the procedure or pattern with the error and will mark the
instruction that caused the error with a blue arrow. Click OK and then switch to the Operator Screen to
view the Event Monitor. If the program does not run, make sure that Place Pattern and/or Call Procedure
instructions have been placed in the Main Pattern.
Figure 6-3 Program Error Message
6.3.2
Program Does Not Run Where Expected
If you run the program by clicking on Run > Run or pressing the [F9] key, the Main Pattern is placed
automatically using the product length and width and the fixture constraint location and coordinates. If
you run the program by selecting the Main Pattern and clicking on Run > Run Pattern/Procedure or
pressing the [F6] key, the program runs using the coordinates of the Main Pattern Edit Frame as its origin.
Normally, either method executes the program in the same position. If the program does not execute
where expected, one or more of the following may have changed:
Length or width of the product
Main Pattern Edit Frame coordinates
Fixture Constraint Location and coordinates
Tool Offset
To correct program placement:

1. Select each Place Pattern instruction and make sure the coordinate properties are correct.
2. Select the Main Pattern Edit Frame and make sure the coordinates are X=0, Y=0, Z=0.
3. Select the program name and make sure the product length and width are correct.
4. Click on Configure > Fixtures and make sure the fixture is configured correctly.
5. Click on Configure > Tools and make sure the tool offsets are correct.
6-2
Troubleshooting
6.3.2.1 Not Found Errors

If ECXP 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.
To correct Not Found errors:

1. Make sure the applicable macro program is loaded.
2. Make sure that Place Pattern and Call Procedure instructions are included for each pattern
and procedure in the program.
3. Make sure all Place Pattern and Call Procedure instructions include the name of the
appropriate pattern or procedure.
6.3.3
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.
Conditional Instruction Errors
All conditional instructions (If, Else, While, Repeat) require an End instruction. Likewise, each End
instruction requires a matching startup instruction. Each time a program is executed, ECXP compiles the
program. If there are any mismatches, an error will be generated. In this situation, ECXP will not toggle
to the error and mark it with a blue arrow. Error message examples are shown in Figure 6-4.
ECXP Program Execution Exception (Class: ECompile Error) = MAIN= An If, REPEAT, or, WH
MAIN: An IF, REPEAT, or WHILE instruction does not have a matching END statement.
Figure 6-4 Conditional Instruction Error Message
Troubleshooting
6-3
6.3.4
Arc Errors
If the angle of the arc is more than a full circle or 360, an error will be generated. The Robot can only
travel 360 at a time, so it cannot ramp up and down. If this error occurs reduce the Start Distance and
Stop Distance property values (they may need to be zero if it is a full circle) until the error disappears.
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.
Error message examples include the following:
Arc angle exceeded 360 degrees.
Coating Program had Error.
6.4
GoTo Errors
If the applicator will not perform a GoTo
command:
1. Check the system Safe Z Height (Utilities > Robot). The system Safe Z Height is used
before executing anything while in the Edit Screen. The Safe Z Height value in most
configurations will be a negative number.
2. Check to make sure the Tool Flange, Camera, or Laser Pointer is not selected in the Current
Tool Selector. The Tool Flange is the Tool 0, 0, 0. If the Tool Flange is selected, select
another tool, then click GoTo
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.
3. Verify that coordinates that you are trying to go to are valid. If they are out of the physical
travel limits, the error message will tell you the axis that is exceeding the travel limits. This
error may occur if you enter a value rather than teach a value.
6.5
Travel Limit Errors
Errors may be generated if the instruction calls for the robot to travel outside its physical travel limits.
The actual taught coordinate may be within the travel limits, but the calculated Start or Stop Distance may
require that the robot travel outside its travel limits to accelerate or decelerate from that coordinate.
A warning will be logged describing which axis caused the error and the limit that is being exceeded. If
the coordinate in question is a Begin coordinate, the error message may say Error During Approach.
To correct travel limit errors:
1. Select the Begin or End coordinates and click 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.
6-4
Troubleshooting
6.6
Z-Axis Related Errors
If the error is Z-axis related, be sure to check all Z-axis related properties including Approach Height,
Depart Height, and Dispense Height. Also, check the system Safe Z Height (Utilities > Robot) as it is used
before executing anything while in the Edit Screen. If a conformal coating instruction (Spot, Coat, Area
Coat) is used in a procedure in which all position coordinates are relative to the Base Frame, you may see
this error. The dispense height of all conformal coating instructions is taken from the tool characterization.
Example: A Bead Spot is used for an End Idle procedure. The default dispense height for the Bead tool is
0.500 inches. The Tool Flange is the Tool 0,0,0, and the tool offsets are automatically applied once
another tool is selected in the Current Tool Selector. Since the tool tip can never be ABOVE the Tool
Flange, the robot cannot get to the 0.500 inch Z coordinate, so the Z upper limit is exceeded. Most Zcoordinates in the Base Frame are negative (The Tool tip is BELOW the Tool Flange).
Solution: For all conformal coating instructions used in procedures, teach the Dispense Height using the
Teach Field
button in the property field. Confirm that the camera's Z-offset is -200.8 mm (-7.906 in.).
Incorrect Z-offset can cause problems with fiducial find instructions.
6.7
Fiducial Find Errors
The fiducial find system works by comparing a captured image to a previously taught image (or model). It
scans the search field, indicated by the green box in the fid find window, for any images that could be
construed as a model. The model, when taught, comes from the image inside of the pink box. Ideally, the
fiducial will occur in the same orientation and in the same plane each time the image is captured, and the
fiducial will be identical from product to product. However, due to board to board variation, the image
will always be slightly different than the model, making it necessary to use an acceptance threshold of
around 600 (or 60.0%).
If there are one or more similar images near the fiducial, i.e. two circles near a circular fiducial, the first
image found that has a score above the confusion and acceptance thresholds will be used as the fiducial.
The confusion threshold indicates the level above which an image is accepted. If the software is accepting
the wrong image, you may need to do one of the following:
Increase the confusion threshold
Change the search field
Change the model to include a larger area.
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.
Troubleshooting
6-5
6.8
Fan Width Control Errors
The Fan Width Control option has sensors that detect and measure the fan pattern and fluid pressure
controls to adjust fan width and keep it within programmed tolerances. The fan width instructions can be
included in procedures or programs to periodically measure and control the fan width. Fan width
tolerances are set by the programmer with Error and Warning offsets during the Fan Width configuration
procedure (Configure > Fan Width Setup). If the width is out of tolerance, an error is generated.
6-6
Troubleshooting
Appendix A
Instruction Quick Reference
Overview
This appendix provides a brief description of ECXP program instructions grouped by category. Refer to
Appendix B for detailed information on program instructions, instruction properties, and syntax.
Tab
A-201
Conveyor
Button
Instruction
Description
Send ACL
Sends an ACL command to the Conveyor Controller.
Coat
Specifies a single coating pass, in a straight line.

Begin and end coordinates must be specified.
Spot
Dispenses a spot of coating at a specified stationary

location.
Area Coat
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.
Arc Coat
Conformal
Coating
Specifies a single coating pass, in an arc. Begin,

midpoint, and end coordinates must be specified.
Arc Coat
Center - Radius
Specifies a single coating pass, in an arc. Begin and

center coordinates and angle must be specified.
Begin Flow
Measurement
Starts measuring the flow of coating through the flow

meter. Each Begin Flow Measurement instruction
must have an End Flow Measurement instruction
after it in the instruction list. Coating instructions
should be placed between the Begin and End Flow
Measurement instructions. This instruction is only
available if the flow meter option is installed.
End Flow
Measurement
Stops measuring the flow of coating through the flow

meter. Each End Flow Measurement instruction must
have an Begin Flow Measurement instruction
preceding it in the instruction list This instruction is
only available if the flow meter option is installed.
Place Pattern
Places (executes) a pattern at the specified

coordinates. Used to nest patterns: one pattern can
execute another pattern.
Call Procedure
If
Control
Calls (executes) a procedure.

Conditionally executes a block of instructions. Must
have a matching End instruction.
Used only between an If and an End instruction.
Else
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.
End
Appendix A- Instruction Quick Reference
Terminates an If, Repeat, or While instruction block.
A-1
Tab
Control
(Continued)
Fan Width
Control
Inverter
Button
Instruction
Description
Repeat
Instructions between Repeat and End instructions are

executed a set number of times. Creates a loop
between the Repeat instruction and the End instruction.
While
Instructions between a While and an End instruction are

executed as long as the While condition is True.
Creates a loop between the While instruction and the
End instruction.
Pattern Array
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.
Fan Width
Measures and controls fan pattern width. This

instruction should only be included in a periodic
procedure in a macro program.
Fan Quick
Check
Looks at one edge of the fan, and determines if the

edge is within the expected position plus or minus the
quick check tolerance. If the quick check passes, an OK
message is logged. If the quick check fails, the error
procedure is executed. If there is no error procedure,
then the program is terminated and an error message is
logged.
Invert Product
Comment
Allows programmer to document program by entering a

comment into an instruction list. Comments have no
effect on the program.
Log Message
Allows programmer to send a message to the log file

when a specified event occurs. Can be used to log
product completion times to evaluate production timing
lapse times.
Prompted Log
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.
Pause
Allows the programmer to pause a program and display

a message on the screen while waiting for user input.
Can be used with stand-alone systems to pause
program while board is flipped.
General
Wait
Abort Program
A-2
Inverts a board. Only present when system is

configured for inverter.
Pauses program for a specified period of time.

Ends program with error (returns False to Robot
Controller). Can be used to stop program. If this
instruction is executed during production, production will
be stopped with a "Coating program had error"
message.
Appendix A - Instruction Quick Reference
Tab
Button
Instruction
Terminate
Program
Ends program with error (returns False to Robot

Controller). Can be used to stop program. If this
instruction is executed during production, production will
be stopped with a "Coating program had error" message.
Add Fault
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.
Move
Relative
Moves the tool the specified X, Y, and Z distances from

current position.
General
(Continued)
Move Tool
Motion
Moves a specified tool to a specified position.
Set Velocity
Sets the velocity for move instructions. Overrides the

ECW.INI file settings.
Set
Acceleration
Sets the acceleration for move and coating instructions.

Overrides the ECW.INI file settings.
Find Home
Causes the robot to perform a Find Home operation, and

leaves the robot at the Home position.
Set Outputs
Sets digital outputs.
Rotate
Home
Rotate Tool
Tilt Tool
Wait Until
Complete
Find Needle
Needle Finder
Camera and
Vision
Description
Rotates the tool to its origin. Only supported by Select

Coat 4 or 5-axis dispenser.
Rotates the tool in 90-degree increments. Only supported
by the Select Coat 4 or 5-axis dispenser.
Tilts the tool from 0 to 30 degrees. Only supported by
Select Coat 5-axis dispenser.
Prevents ECXP from sending any more commands to the
controller until this command is executed.
Updates the needle offsets. This command is normally
done after a needle change so ECXP can learn the
position of the new needle.
Check
Needle
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.
Fiducial
Adds a fiducial find instruction.
Appendix A- Instruction Quick Reference
A-3
Tab
Button
Instruction
Send ACL
Robot
SC-400
A-4
Description
Sends an ACL command to the Robot Controller.
Position
Verify
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.
SC-400
Control
Sets the SC-400 to time-based or position-based mode.
Appendix A - Instruction Quick Reference
Appendix B
Instruction Properties
Overview
This appendix alphabetically lists all ECXP program instructions, descriptions, syntax (if applicable) and
instruction properties.
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
Log Message
Description
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.
Appendix B- Instruction Properties
B-1
Property
Description
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.
Stop Distance
NOTE
Values greater than zero may cause the robot to try to move in
more than a full circle, which will cause an error.
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
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.
Arc Coat Center - Radius

Description: Specifies a single coating pass in an arc. Begin and center coordinates and angle must
be specified.
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
Begin X
Begin Y
Center X
X-coordinate at center of arc. Center and Begin coordinates determine radius of

arc.
Center Y
Y-coordinate at center of arc.
B-2
Appendix B - Instruction Properties
Property
Description
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, ECXP will recalculate velocity and display message on Event Monitor.
Pass Width
Rotate

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.
Stop Distance
NOTE
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
Tilt
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.
B-3
Property
Description
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

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

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
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.
Call Procedure
Description: Calls (executes) a procedure.
Properties:
Property
Procedure Name
B-4
Description
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
Name of the procedure to call if the preset error tolerance is exceeded. Click on
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
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
Begin X
Begin Y
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
Dispense Height
moving to Begin X and Begin Y-coordinates, tool tip is positioned to the greater
of:
Current Height
Dispense Height
Approach Height
Dispense Speed

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.
B-5
Property
Description
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.
Pass Width
Rotate

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
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
Comment
Description
Comment String
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.
Syntax:
IF <condition> [Instructions]
ELSE [Instructions]
END
Properties:
None
End
Description: Terminates an If, Repeat, or While instruction block.
Syntax:
IF <condition> [Instructions]
ELSE [Instructions]
END
Properties:
None
B-6
End Flow Measurement

Description: This instruction stops measuring the flow of coating through the flowmeter, and checks the
flowmeter counts against the minimum and maximum volume property settings. This instruction is only
available if the flowmeter option is installed and configured in ECXP. The amount dispensed is logged
and stored in the production database, which can be accessed by selecting View > Data > Flow
Monitoring from the Edit Screen. Each End Flow Measurement instruction must be preceded by a Begin
Flow Measurement instruction. Coating instructions should be placed between the Begin and End Flow
Measurement instructions.
Properties:
Property
Description
Error Procedure
Name
Name of procedure to call if volume dispensed is out of range defined by Max

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.
Fan Quick Check

Description: Looks at one edge of the fan and determines if the edge is within the expected position plus
or minus the quick check tolerance. If the quick check passes, an OK message is logged. If the quick
check fails, an error procedure is executed. If there is no error procedure, the program is terminated and
an error message is logged. If there is a communication problem during the quick check, the error
procedure is ignored, the program is terminated, and an error message is logged.
Properties:
Property
Description
Error Procedure
Name
Tool
B-7
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
Control Width
Description
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
Name of the procedure to call if the error tolerance is exceeded. Click on the
List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures in the
Tool
Warning Procedure
Name
Name of the procedure to call if the warning tolerance is exceeded. Click on the
List button in the property field to select from a list of the procedures 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.
B-8
Find Home
Description: Causes the robot to perform a find home operation, and leaves the robot at the
home position.
Properties:
Property
Only If Needed
Description
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
ECXP can learn the position of the new needle.
Properties:
Property
Description
Error Procedure
Name
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
B-9
If
Description: Conditionally executes a block of instructions. Must have a matching End instruction.
Syntax:
IF <condition>
[Instructions]
END
Properties:
Property
Condition
Description
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.
NOTE
If the Condition property is set to IOState, a More button

appears in the property field. Clicking on this button displays
the Conditional Edit dialog box for the instruction. Use the
dialog box to set conditions for the If instruction.
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
X, Y, Z
B-10
Description
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 stand alone systems to pause program while board is flipped.
Properties:
Property
Pause Message
Description
Message string.
B-11
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
Error Procedure
Name
Description
Name of procedure to execute if position verify fails.
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.
B-12
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.
Syntax:
REPEAT <number of times>

[Instructions]
END
Properties:
Property
Number of Times
Description
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
Tool
Description
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
B-13
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.
Send ACL to Conveyor

Description: Sends an ACL command to the Conveyor Controller.
Properties:
Property
ACL String
Description
String to send to A201 Conveyor Controller.
Send ACL to Robot

Description: Sends an ACL command to the Robot Controller.
Properties:
Property
ACL String
Description
String to send to A201 Robot Controller.
Set Acceleration
Description: Sets the acceleration for move and coating instructions. Overrides the ECW.INI file settings.
Properties:
Property
Acceleration
B-14
Description
Value in inches/sec/sec or millimeters/sec/sec.
Set Outputs
Description: Sets digital outputs.
Properties:
Property
Outputs
Description
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 ECW.INI file. Outputs for the robot are
set in the RobotIO.INI file. Refer to these files for your system's output
configurations.
NOTE When setting outputs, be careful if settings are made to outputs

used by the dispenser. The software may not be aware of
output changes made with the Set Outputs command, and may
not dispense coatings as expected.
Set Velocity
Description: Sets the velocity for move instructions. Overrides the ECW.INI file settings.
Properties:
Property
Velocity
Description
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
Depart Height
Default = None. Depart X and Y-coordinates with tool tip no lower than this
Dispense Height
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.
B-15
Property
Description
Ignore Masks
Default = False (No). If set to True (Yes), then material is dispensed even if
specified location falls within a Mask Region.
Rotate

Tilt
Tool
X-coordinate for this instruction.
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
Log Message
Description
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
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
Time
B-16
Description
Seconds to wait.
While
Description: Pauses program for a specified period of time.
Syntax:
WHILE <condition>
[Instructions]
END
Properties:
Property
Condition
Description
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.
NOTE
If the Condition property is set to IOState, a More button

appears in the property field. Clicking on this button displays
the Conditional Edit dialog box for the instruction. Use the
dialog box to set conditions for the While instruction.
B-17
Glossary
AutoStart: The AutoStart feature allows ECXP
to start production without operator intervention.
Bar Code Recognition System: The Bar Code
Recognition System uses a bar code label
mounted on the workpiece to select a coating
sequence.
Beacon Configuration: The behavior of the
light beacon can be customized to respond to the
I/O states of customer equipment added to the
system. Beacon Configuration is only turned on
if both Custom System and Configurable
Beacon option are chosen during initial system
configuration or reconfiguration.
Bead Mode: Conformal coating applied in a
non-atomized stream. Available with either the
SC-200 or the SC-300 Applicator and Tri-Mode
Swirl Box.
Begin Idle Procedure: Typically, the Begin Idle
procedure places the nozzle in a solvent bath.
Board Pins (C-740): Pneumatically actuated
Board Pins lower into holes in the workpiece to
secure it precisely in place for accurate fluid
dispensing.
Board Present Sensor: Registers the presence
or absence of a workpiece prior to dispensing. It
initiates the coating sequence only when a
workpiece is in place.
Base Frame: The Base Frame is the set of
coordinates (X, Y, and Z) that define the Robot's
travel.
Carrier Height: The height that the carrier
holds the workpiece above the Conveyor or
Tooling Plate.
Carrier: A device such as an Auer Boat or Lead
Frame onto which workpieces are mounted and
carried during the dispensing process.
Characterization: The process of selecting the
appropriate responses to compensate for
variables in the Conformal Coating process. The
variables include factors such as material type,
temperature, thickness, air pressure, fluid
applicator velocity, and type of surface to be
coated.
Glossary
Chip: Also called a die. A small piece of

semiconducting material (usually silicon) that
contains a discrete component or an embedded
integrated circuit.
Conformal Coating: A material that is applied
to a circuit board to provide protection from
chemical and mechanical damage.
Curing Process: The second step in the
Conformal Coating process. After a coating
material has been applied, it must be cured
(hardened).
ECXP: Easy Coat for Windows XP (ECXP) is
Asymtek proprietary software for use in a
Windows XP environment, developed
specifically for Conformal Coating applications.
Edit Frames: Used to store origin coordinates
for patterns. The Main Pattern Edit Frame
coordinates are always 0,0,0. The Edit Frame
coordinates of all other patterns are expressed in
terms of the Main pattern Edit Frame
Emergency Shutdown: The dispensing system
is intentionally stopped suddenly before ending
the program or without using Pause Button to
prevent injury to personnel or damage to
equipment. Shutdown is accomplished by
pushing the EMO button or switching off the
Main Circuit Breaker.
End Idle Procedure: The End Idle procedure is
executed when production resumes. Typically,
the End Idle Procedure purges the solvent from
the nozzle before resuming production.
Fan Width Control System: Fan Width Control
provides closed-loop control of the conformal
coating process, automatically compensating for
variables within the process environment that
can affect fluid fan width.
Fiducial: A distinct shape or object on the
workpiece. The fiducial find camera uses
fiducials for location reference.
G-1
Fiducial Find Camera: When a system is

equipped with the fiducial find camera,
fiducials can be added to any pattern by
inserting fiducial instructions into the pattern .
The fiducial find camera also provides closed
loop feedback to correct translation and rotation
of boards located in a carrier or directly on the
conveyor
Fixture: Location at which products are
physically constrained in the workcell. Consists
of both a position (X, Y, Z) and a corner
constraint.
Fixture Constraint Location: The corner of
the product that is always in the same location
when the product is in the fixture (the repeatable
corner).
Flow Monitoring System: The Flow
Monitoring System monitors the volume of
material dispensed. The dispensing system can
be programmed to stop, pause, or continue when
the dispensed volume falls outside the preset
range.
Fluid Delivery System: Consists of the SC104HS, SC-105HS, SC-200, SC-204HS, SC205HS and SC-300 Fluid Dispensing
Applicators. The applicators apply material as a
controlled film, rather than an atomized spray.
Graphic Display: Displays robot and product
rulers, an area representing the product, colored
areas representing coating instructions, and
moves. Also displays images of product
imported into the program. Use this feature to
create programs on a stand-alone computer,
when programming time is not available on the
computer connected to your Dispensing System.
Home: The Home position of the Robot is a
known position within the workspace defined by
X, Y, and Z coordinates. It is generally located
at the front left of the Workcell.
Icons: Small buttons on a Computer screen with
a symbol representing the function that they
perform. Used to execute a menu shortcut.
Instruction: A single operation, such as Move,
Home, or Coat, supported by the ECXP
programming language
G-2
Laser Pointer Programming Tool: Projects a

red dot onto the workpiece, which simulates the
center point of the dispensing module for faster
identification of program begin and end points.
Low Air Pressure Sensor: If the air pressure
drops below a set point, this sensor alerts the
operator of pressure drop conditions by
triggering the Safety Interlock.
Low Fluid Sensor: Triggers a Light Beacon
display or software error message when the level
of coating material is low.
Macro Program: A program loaded at system
startup. Used to store common patterns and
procedures, such as Begin Idle, During Idle, End
Idle, and Periodic procedures.
Maintenance Manager: To ensure that required
maintenance is done on schedule, programmers
can set up a Maintenance Manager and
maintenance program. The Maintenance
Manager displays a reminder for the operator the
next time production is started after the
expiration of the configured time period.
Masking: The process of applying a temporary
film, tape, boot, or plug that prevents the area
covered from being coated.
Monofilament Mode: Conformal coating
applied in a looping pattern. Available with
either the SC-200 or the SC-300 Applicator and
Tri-Mode Swirl Box.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Operation: Functions, such as setting and
manipulating dispensing system controls, by
which the operator causes the equipment to
perform its intended purpose.
Operator: A non-technical level position. The
production operator monitors and operates preprogrammed dispensing systems during
production runs and performs minor routine
maintenance.
Operator Interface: The machine/operator
interface that consists of Control Panels,
Monitor, software, and keyboard and mouse.
PCB: Printed Circuit Board. The completed
PWB with electrical components installed. Also
known as a Printed Wiring Assembly (PWA).
Glossary
PWB: Printed Wiring Board. An insulating

board containing conductive tracks for electrical
circuit connections on which chips and other
electronic components are placed.
Pallet: A device onto which workpieces are
mounted and carried during the dispensing
process.
Pattern: A list of instructions that execute
relative to a local coordinate system based on
the origin point of the pattern. Each product
program has a Main Pattern that executes when
the program runs. Instructions in the Main
Pattern can execute other patterns in the program
one or more times.
Pattern Frame: The origin coordinates of
patterns (other than the Main Pattern) are
expressed as a set of coordinates.
Periodic Procedure: Periodic procedures allow
a sequence of operations to be performed
periodically during production.
Procedure: A list of instructions that execute in
the global (robot home) coordinate system.
Procedures are typically used for maintenance
operations, as they do not contain any productspecific information.
Product: A circuit board or a pallet holding one
or more circuit boards.
Product Frame: ECXP uses fixture constraint
coordinates, plus the length and width of the
product, to calculate the coordinates of the
Product Frame within the Base Frame. The
Product Frame origin is the calculated Main
Pattern Edit Frame.
Product Program: A program created for a
particular product. It contains a Main Pattern
that is placed by ECXP at the FrontLeft corner
of the board, determined by the programs
length and width values and the fixture location
and constraint.
Program: A collection of patterns and
procedures.
Reference Frame: All positioning in the
workcell is done with reference to sets of
position coordinates, called Reference Frames.
In ECXP, three different sets of Reference
Frames are used: Base Frame, Product Frame,
and Pattern Frame.
Glossary
Safe Z Height: This is the height below which

the tool tip cannot go when moving from one set
of coordinates to another during operation.
SC-105HS High Speed Film Coater: Asymtek
5-axis circulating Fluid Applicator, with a 0360 rotate mechanism plus tilt, that applies
conformal coating in a film rather than an
atomized spray.
SC-200 Slim Swirl Applicator: Asymtek Fluid
Applicator that uses slim swirl 12-hole nozzles
to apply materials that do not required heating in
a bead, monofilament, or swirl pattern.
SC-204HS High Speed Non-Circulating Film
Coater: Asymtek 4-axis non-circulating Fluid
Applicator, with a 0-90 rotate mechanism, that
applies conformal coating in a film rather than
an atomized spray.
SC-205 Non-Circulating Film Coater:
Asymtek 5-axis non-circulating Fluid
Applicator, with a 0-360 rotate mechanism plus
tilt, that applies conformal coating in a film
rather than an atomized spray.
SC-300 Swirl Coat Applicator: A non-contact
coating applicator providing high-speed delivery
and exceptional volumetric control for various
fluids. Ideal for conformal coating applications,
the SC-300 Swirl Coat applicator offers three
modes of operation: bead, monofilament, and
swirl.
SC-400 PreciseCoat Conformal Coating Jet:
The SC-400 is ideal for applying conformal
coating materials to highly selective areas. It is
designed for coating small substrates or
substrates with high component density, and
when there are tight tolerances between coated
and uncoated areas.
Select Cure UV-5 Cure Module: Asymtek's
Select Cure inline UV oven with modular
design, ideal for curing topside, bottom-side or
both sides of PCBs in a mid- to high-volume
production environment. Coating materials are
cured using ultra-violet light.
Select Cure UV-6 Cure Module: Asymtek's
Select Cure inline UV oven with modular
design, ideal for topside curing in a mid- to
high-volume production environment. Coating
materials are cured using ultra-violet light.
G-3
SEMI: Semiconductor Equipment and Materials

International. An organization that defines
protocols for the semiconductor industry.
Tooling Plate (C-741): The Tooling Plate

secures the workpiece for batch system
operations.
Service Shutdown: When all dispensing is

stopped and the dispensing system is made safe
so that servicing can be performed.
Tri-Mode Swirl Box: A component of the SC200 Slim Swirl Applicator, the Tri-Mode Swirl
Box regulates the air pressure to the fluid
applicator. By varying the fluid pressure,
conformal coating materials can be dispensed in
a bead, monofilament, or swirl pattern.
Service Technician: Trained personnel

responsible for performing advanced system
servicing procedures.
SMEMA: Surface Mount Equipment
Manufacturers Association. Established protocol
for signal communication between two or more
different systems.
Stepping: The Step feature allows you to step
through a program, one instruction at a time.
Each click on the Step button performs one
instruction.
SVGA: Super Video Graphics Array. A video
card that produces high-quality color images at
high resolution.
Swirl Mode: Conformal coating applied in a
conical, swirling pattern. Available with either
the SC-200 or the SC-300 Applicator and TriMode Swirl Box.
System Status LEDs: Located on the Control
Panel, the LEDs are color coded for each
System Status condition. The colors correspond
with the colored lights on the Light Beacon.
Teach Camera: The teach camera teaches
coordinates for existing instructions.
Tool: A tool consists of a dispenser and nozzle,
with an offset from the lower tooling pin of the
robot to the tip of the nozzle, and a list of I/O
behaviors.
Tool Offset: The tool offset is the X, Y, and Z
distance from the Robot's lower tooling pin to
the tool tip (the end of the nozzle). Robot
position is calculated using the coordinates of
the tooling pin plus the offset.
G-4
UV-Cure: Curing method that uses ultra-violet

light to cure (harden) coating materials.
VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds. (VOC's)
are organic chemicals that have a high vapor
pressure and easily form vapors at normal
temperature and pressure. VOC content
expresses the amount of volatile material in a
sample, either in pounds per gallon, grams per
liter, or as a percentage by mass.
Workcell: Dispensing area.
Workpiece: The board or substrate (PCB, PWA,
etc.) or a carrier (pallet, auer boat, lead frame,
etc.) to be dispensed upon.
X-Axis: Left to right movement of the Robot in
the dispensing area (Workcell).
X-Beam: The apparatus that spans the width of
the dispensing chamber. The Robot is mounted
to the X-Beam and slides along it in the X-Axis.
Includes mechanical pulleys for the X-Axis
cables.
Y-Axis: Forward and backward movement of
the Dispensing Head in the dispensing area
(Workcell).
Y-Beam: The apparatus that spans the length of
the dispensing chamber. The Robot is mounted
to the Y-Beam and slides along it in the Y-Axis.
Includes mechanical pulleys for the Y-Axis
cables
Z-Axis: Up and down movement of the
Dispensing Head in the dispensing area
(Workcell).
Glossary
Index
A
Acceptance Threshold................................................... 5-20

Air Pressure
adjusting fluid air pressure ....................................... 3-15
AutoStart....................................................................... 4-34
Delta Changes ............................................................... 5-43

During Idle ...................................................................... 5-6
ECW.INI ......................................................................... 2-4

ECXP
characterization .......................................................... 4-8
characterization wizard ............................................. 4-12
configuration .............................................................. 2-4
edit screen.......................................................... 3-73-13
exiting......................................................................... 3-2
graphic display ................................................ 5-325-38
installation ........................................................... 2-12-3
operator screen .................................................... 3-23-6
overview ..................................................................... 1-2
starting ........................................................................ 3-2
Edit Screen ............................................................. 3-73-13
opening ....................................................................... 3-7
tabs ........................................................................... 3-13
toolbar ...................................................................... 3-11
Edit Screen Menu Bar ..................................................... 3-8
Editing Programs ........................................................... 5-31
End Idle .................................................................... 5-6, 5-7
Event Monitor ................................................................. 6-1
Exiting ECXP .................................................................. 3-2
Bar Code Scanner

configuration .............................................................. 2-7
Bar Code/DataMatrix Scanner Configuration ............... 4-30
Bar Codes ..................................................................... 4-30
wildcard characters .................................................. 4-30
Base Frame ..................................................................... 5-8
Beacon Configuration ............................... See Light Beacon
Beacon Indicator Settings ............................................. 4-24
Begin Idle ....................................................................... 5-6
C
Camera
Fiducial Find Camera ............................................... 5-20
Teach Camera .......................................................... 5-19
Camera Configuration..................................................... 4-7
Characterization .............................................................. 4-8
Characterization Sheet .................................................. 4-10
Coating Materials............................................................ 1-3
Configuration .................................................................. 2-4
bar code scanner......................................................... 2-7
bar code/datamatrix scanner..................................... 4-30
beacon ...................................................................... 4-21
conveyor .................................................. 2-7, 4-174-18
fan width .................................................................. 4-25
fixture....................................................................... 4-16
ID Systems ................................................................. 2-7
inverter ..................................................................... 4-19
log ............................................................................ 4-34
needle finder ............................................................ 4-29
product map .................................................... 4-354-39
production ....................................................... 4-324-34
reconfigure ............................................... 2-82-10, 4-31
robot ......................................................................... 4-20
system ........................................................................ 2-5
tool ...................................................................... 2-6, 4-2
Conformal Coating ......................................................... 1-2
coating materials ........................................................ 1-3
curing ......................................................................... 1-3
Confusion Threshold .................................................... 5-20
Conveyor
configuration ............................................ 2-7, 4-174-18
Creating Images ............................................................ 5-33
Cropping Images ........................................................... 5-33
Curing Systems ............................................................... 1-3
Custom Buttons ............................................................ 4-40
Index
F
Fan Width
configuration ............................................................ 4-25
Fiducial Find Camera .................................................... 5-20
Fixture
configuration ............................................................ 4-16
Fixture Configuration .................................................... 4-16
Fixture Constraint Location........................................... 4-13
Fluid Pressure
monitoring ................................................................ 3-17
Fluid Pressure Regulator and Gauge ............................. 3-15
G
Graphic Display ................................................... 5-325-38
creating images ......................................................... 5-33
cropping images ....................................................... 5-33
importing images ...................................................... 5-33
resizing ..................................................................... 5-35
undocking/redocking ................................................ 5-36
using for programming ............................................. 5-38
zooming .................................................................... 5-35
I-1
I
ID Systems
configuration .............................................................. 2-7
Idle Timers............................................................. 4-32, 5-6
Importing Images .......................................................... 5-33
Installation ............................................................... 2-12-3
Inverter
configuration ............................................................ 4-19
L
Light Beacon
configuration ............................................................ 4-21
beacon indicatorsettings ...................................... 4-24
log trigger fault.................................................... 4-21
Subsystem ........................................................... 4-22
Log Configuration ........................................................ 4-34
Log Files ....................................................................... 4-34
Log Trigger Fault .......................................................... 4-21
M
Macro Programs.............................................................. 5-2
creating .................................................................... 5-15
opening ...................................................................... 5-3
Main Pattern ................................................................... 5-3
Maintenance Manager.......................................... 4-374-39
adding procedures .................................................... 4-39
deleting procedures .................................................. 4-39
Maintenance Procedure................................................. 5-28
creating .................................................................... 5-28
Mask Regions ................................................................. 5-4
coating inside a mask region ...................................... 5-4
creating .................................................................... 5-25
inherited mask regions ............................................... 5-4
Material Characterization ............................................... 4-8
N
Needle Finder
configuration ............................................................ 4-29
tolerances ................................................................. 4-30
O
Operator Screen ....................................................... 3-23-6
buttons ....................................................................... 3-5
menu bar .................................................................... 3-6
variable monitor ......................................................... 3-4
P
Pattern Array................................................................. 5-43
Patterns ........................................................................... 5-3
creating .................................................................... 5-16
inserting instructions ................................................ 5-18
main pattern ............................................................... 5-3
placing...................................................................... 5-29
Periodic Procedures ........................................................ 5-5
Periodic Timers............................................................. 4-32
Pneumatic Regulators and Gauges
fluid air pressure ...................................................... 3-15
Printing ......................................................................... 5-32
I-2
Procedures ....................................................................... 5-4

begin idle .................................................................... 5-6
calling ....................................................................... 5-30
creating ..................................................................... 5-26
end idle ................................................................ 5-6, 5-7
periodic ....................................................................... 5-5
reserved ...................................................................... 5-4
Product Frame ................................................................. 5-9
Product Map
new group ................................................................. 4-36
new part .................................................................... 4-36
Product Map Configuration .................................. 4-354-39
Product Programs
creating ..................................................................... 5-11
opening ....................................................................... 5-2
Production Configuration ..................................... 4-324-34
Program Instruction
Abort ......................................................................... B-1
Add Fault ................................................................... B-1
Arc Coat .................................................................... B-1
Arc Coat - Center Radius .......................................... B-2
Area Coat .................................................................. B-3
Call Procedure ........................................................... B-4
Check Needle ............................................................ B-5
Coat ........................................................................... B-5
Comment ................................................................... B-6
Else ............................................................................ B-6
End ............................................................................ B-6
End Flow Measurement ............................................. B-7
Fan Quick Check ....................................................... B-7
Fan Width .................................................................. B-8
Fiducial...................................................................... B-8
Find Home ................................................................. B-9
Find Needle ............................................................... B-9
If ............................................................................ B-10
Log Message ........................................................... B-10
Move Relative ......................................................... B-10
Move Tool ............................................................... B-11
Pattern Array ........................................................... B-11
Pause ....................................................................... B-11
Place Pattern ............................................................ B-12
Position Verify ........................................................ B-12
Prompted Log .......................................................... B-12
Repeat...................................................................... B-13
Rotate Home ............................................................ B-13
Rotate Tool .............................................................. B-13
SC-400 Control ....................................................... B-14
Send ACL to Conveyor ........................................... B-14
Send ACL to Robot ................................................. B-14
Set Acceleration ...................................................... B-14
Set Outputs .............................................................. B-15
Set Velocity ............................................................. B-15
Spot ......................................................................... B-15
Terminate Program .................................................. B-16
Tilt Tool .................................................................. B-16
Wait ......................................................................... B-16
While ....................................................................... B-17
Programming
advanced concepts .................................................... 5-43
calling procedures..................................................... 5-30
creating macro programs .......................................... 5-15
creating mask regions ............................................... 5-25
creating product programs ............................... 5-115-14
editing programs ....................................................... 5-31
inserting pattern instructions .................................... 5-18
Index
placing patterns ........................................................ 5-29

with fiducial find camera ......................................... 5-20
with teach camera .................................................... 5-19
Programs
macro ......................................................................... 5-2
printing..................................................................... 5-32
product ....................................................................... 5-1
running ..................................................................... 5-30
R
Reconfigure .................................................. 2-82-10, 4-31
Recordkeeping ................................................................ 4-1
Reference Frames ........................................................... 5-8
Robot
configuration ............................................................ 4-20
Running Programs ........................................................ 5-30
S
Shortcut Keys ............................................................... 3-14
Starting ECXP ................................................................ 3-2
Stepping ........................................................................ 5-43
Subsystem ..................................................................... 4-22
System Configuration ..................................................... 2-5
idle ..................................................................... 4-32, 5-6

periodic ..................................................................... 4-32
Toggle Breakpoint ......................................................... 5-43
Tool
configuration ....................................................... 2-6, 4-2
Tool Offset ............................................................... 4-24-6
dual applicators .......................................................... 4-6
laser pointer ................................................................ 4-6
needle finder ............................................................... 4-6
Training ........................................................................... 1-1
registration.................................................................. 1-1
student certification .................................................... 1-1
Troubleshooting
arc errors..................................................................... 6-4
conditional instruction errors ...................................... 6-3
fan width control errors .............................................. 6-6
goto errors .................................................................. 6-4
program errors ..................................................... 6-16-4
travel limit errors ........................................................ 6-4
Z-axis errors ............................................................... 6-5
V
Variable Monitor ............................................................. 3-4
Z
Z-Speed ......................................................................... 4-21
Teach Camera ............................................................... 5-19

Timers
Index
I-3

Easy Coat Nordson

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Easy Coat for Windows XP

P/N 7233853, Rev A

2762 Loker Avenue West

www.nordsonasymtek.com Tech Support

Microsoft , Windows , and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Text P/N 7233854, Revision A

[Bracketed Text] indicates a single key or key combination to press on a

Text > Text

This symbol appears next to a timesaving or technique tip.

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Overview .................................................................................................................................. 1-1

Getting Started ......................................................................................................................... 1-1

Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 1-1

Training .................................................................................................................................... 1-1

ECXP Overview ....................................................................................................................... 1-2

Conformal Coating ................................................................................................................... 1-2

Overview .................................................................................................................................. 2-1

Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 2-1

ECXP Installation Package ...................................................................................................... 2-1

ECXP Installation Procedure ................................................................................................... 2-2

ECXP Configuration ................................................................................................................. 2-4

Tour of Easy Coat............................................................................................................................. 3-1

Overview .................................................................................................................................. 3-1

Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 3-1

System Setup and Operation ................................................................................................... 3-1

Starting/Exiting ECXP .............................................................................................................. 3-2

Operator Screen ...................................................................................................................... 3-3

Variable Monitor .......................................................................................................... 3-4

Edit Screen .............................................................................................................................. 3-7

Conformal Coating Process ........................................................................................ 1-2

Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 2-1

Student Certification ................................................................................................... 1-1

Opening the Edit Screen ............................................................................................. 3-7

Shortcut Keys......................................................................................................................... 3-14

Setting and Monitoring Fluid Air Pressure ............................................................................. 3-15

Configuration and Characterization ............................................................................................... 4-1

Overview .................................................................................................................................. 4-1

Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 4-1

Recordkeeping ......................................................................................................................... 4-1

Tool Configuration.................................................................................................................... 4-2

Tool Offset .................................................................................................................. 4-2

Characterization ....................................................................................................................... 4-8

Fixture Configuration.............................................................................................................. 4-13

Fixture Constraint Location ....................................................................................... 4-13

Conveyor Configuration ......................................................................................................... 4-17

Inverter Configuration ............................................................................................................ 4-19

Robot Configuration ............................................................................................................... 4-20

Z-Height .................................................................................................................... 4-20

4.10 Beacon Configuration ............................................................................................................ 4-21

Setting Idle Timers .................................................................................................... 4-32

4.16 Log Configuration................................................................................................................... 4-34

Programming .................................................................................................................................... 5-1

Overview .................................................................................................................................. 5-1

Safety First ............................................................................................................................... 5-1

Programs ................................................................................................................................. 5-1

Patterns .................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Main Pattern................................................................................................................ 5-3

Mask Regions .......................................................................................................................... 5-4

Product Programs ....................................................................................................... 5-1

Coating an Area Inside a Mask Region ...................................................................... 5-4

Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 5-4

Reserved Procedures ................................................................................................. 5-4

Reference Frames ................................................................................................................... 5-8