Abstract: Systems and methods for improved fluid dispensing process control using a machine learning tool are disclosed. In an example method, successive portions of viscous fluid are dispensed by a dispensing device according to operating parameters to train a machine learning tool to associate defect classifications with images of dispensed portions and/or operating parameters associated with dispensing the dispensed portions. The trained machine learning tool is then used in a closed loop fashion in production to detect and correct for defects associated with the dispensed portions to improve quality and production efficiency.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the jetting profile includes applying voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to move a valve closure structure between non-impact and impact positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, establishing a reference point using voltage and position data, and using the reference point to adjust the voltage applied. Another method uses a mechanical stop to calibrate a jetting system. This method includes applying voltage to the piezoelectric actuator to move the valve closure structure between non-impact and impact calibration positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, generating voltage and position calibration data, establishing a master reference point using this data, and using the master reference point to determine wear of at least one of: the piezoelectric actuator and the valve closure structure. Another method of operating a jetting system includes the user inputting information into a control component.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a fluid dispensing system includes the steps of locating an external reference point with an optical sensor, moving a fluid dispenser to the external reference point, dispensing fluid with the fluid dispenser at the external reference point, locating the dispensed fluid with the optical sensor, calculating a distance between the location of the external reference point and the location of the dispensed fluid, determining a correction value based at least in part on the calculated distance, and using the correction value to improve placement accuracy of dispensed fluid.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the jetting profile includes applying voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to move a valve closure structure between non-impact and impact positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, establishing a reference point using voltage and position data, and using the reference point to adjust the voltage applied. Another method uses a mechanical stop to calibrate a jetting system. This method includes applying voltage to the piezoelectric actuator to move the valve closure structure between non-impact and impact calibration positions, sensing the position of the valve closure structure, generating voltage and position calibration data, establishing a master reference point using this data, and using the master reference point to determine wear of at least one of: the piezoelectric actuator and the valve closure structure. Another method of operating a jetting system includes the user inputting information into a control component.

Abstract: A jetting dispensing system includes a dispenser body with a fluid chamber and a valve element, and a progressive cavity pump for feeding fluid into the fluid chamber. The progressive cavity pump propagates a plurality of separated cavities of fluid along an elongate length thereof to generate and maintain an incoming fluid pressure at a fluid inlet and the fluid chamber of the dispenser body. Accordingly, the droplets that are generated from operating the valve element in jetting dispensing cycles may define a volume of fluid, regardless of variations in fluid viscosity and variations in operational speed of the jetting dispensing system. Furthermore, the velocity profile of fluid exiting the dispenser body may be more constant to avoid causing changes in fluid velocity that can damage fluid particles and/or cause rotational tumbling or blossoming of the droplet while in flight towards the substrate.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a fluid dispensing system includes the steps of locating an external reference point with an optical sensor, moving a fluid dispenser to the external reference point, dispensing fluid with the fluid dispenser at the external reference point, locating the dispensed fluid with the optical sensor, calculating a distance between the location of the external reference point and the location of the dispensed fluid, determining a correction value based at least in part on the calculated distance, and using the correction value to improve placement accuracy of dispensed fluid.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: An automated system (10) and methods (11) for priming a fluid chamber (12) of a fluid dispensing valve (14) with fluid (16) from fluid material source that includes a vacuum source (46), a valve priming station (32), a vacuum switch (54), and a controller (62). The valve priming station (32) has a boot (40), a vacuum chamber (36), and a vacuum channel (42) in the boot (40). The vacuum channel (42) connects with the vacuum source (46) via the vacuum chamber (36). The boot (40) sealingly engages a valve nozzle (28) of the fluid dispensing valve (14) so that the vacuum chamber (36) connects the vacuum source (46) with the fluid chamber (12). The vacuum switch (54) couples with the vacuum channel (42) via the vacuum chamber (36) and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber (36).

Abstract: An automated system (10) and methods (11) for priming a fluid chamber (12) of a fluid dispensing valve (14) with fluid (16) from fluid material source that includes a vacuum source (46), a valve priming station (32), a vacuum switch (54), and a controller (62). The valve priming station (32) has a boot (40), a vacuum chamber (36), and a vacuum channel (42) in the boot (40). The vacuum channel (42) connects with the vacuum source (46) via the vacuum chamber (36). The boot (40) sealingly engages a valve nozzle (28) of the fluid dispensing valve (14) so that the vacuum chamber (36) connects the vacuum source (46) with the fluid chamber (12). The vacuum switch (54) couples with the vacuum channel (42) via the vacuum chamber (36) and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber (36).