If your system is equipped with a Z-Contact sensor or similar device that can detect the Z height of a surface, this tutorial illustrates how this sensor can be used to adjust the Z heights of all of the Nodes in a Path. When enabled, GD will perform a Z-Search as follows:
- Moves to the "Approach" position above the first Node of a Path.
- Moves down in Z until the sensor is tripped.
- Computes the difference between the first Node's Z position and the detected Z height.
- Moves to the first Node position and all subsequent Nodes in the Path applying the Z correction and the X/Y/Z offset defined for the Path.
When a Z-Search is performed, the Path Z Offset value is utilized to adjust the height of the Path after the correction is applied. For example, if the Z Offset is set to 0, after the surface is detected, the Z height of the first Node would be set to the height of the surface and all subsequent Nodes would be corrected accordingly. Typically, the Z Offset is set to be equal to the gap desired between the surface and the syringe tip.
This training example requires that Application Tutorial 1 has already been completed and builds upon its results.
» For any of the sample templates, execute the Process again to verify that the dispensing path is accurately being followed.
» Open the Path Editing panel: Edit > Path Editor .
» Select the Path for the template that you are using for this tutorial.
» Enable the Z-Search for this path by setting the Search pull-down to Use Probe.
» For testing purposes, increase the height of the Path so it is well off the surface by setting the Z Offset value to "10" mm.
» Press the Save button to store the results on the flash disk. Respond Yes when asked if it is okay to delete the existing file.
» Execute the Process again and confirm that the syringe tip contacts the surface and then backs off 10 mm.
» In the Path Editor, reduce the value of the Z Offset and re-execute the Process until the Path height is correct and the fluid is being correctly dispensed.
» To verify that the Z-Search is operating correctly, manually adjust the height of the template and execute the Process again.