PathMaster® Manual Rev. H 6/03
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Working with Materials
Overview
The Dispensing System workcell is designed to operate with many different materials in a variety of
applications. Learning to use and program with these materials is both an art and a science. There are no
concrete rules for an operator to follow; the best method for establishing settings for the system is trial-and-
error. Once acceptable parameters are found it is easy to maintain those parameters over time.
System Components
Each part of the material delivery system must be adjusted and optimized for the selected material. In
general, it is best to approach the problems in the order listed below.
Material Feed
Usually, material is moved through the system by one of two methods, either a pump or a pressure vessel.
For either method, the operator’s first task is to consult the manufacturer’s material specifications and
determine the appropriate settings for the material delivery system. If a pump is used on the system, the
separate pump manual should be thoroughly read and understood to determine the best settings for the
material. For a pressure vessel, if the pressure is too high the valve output will be excessive and
inconsistent in flow and air may be forced into the material. Too little pressure provides insufficient
output.
Dispense (Needle) Valve
The only direct adjustment for the needle valve is the stroke. Turning the knurled knob on the top of the
valve counter-clockwise increases flow through the valve. A fine steady stream of material is all that is
needed. Once a satisfactory setting is found, secure the stroke position with the locking nut. Once the
locking nut is secure verify the valve flow rate before continuing.
Needle Selection
Experiment with different needle sizes to determine the best size for the system. If the needle is too large a
drip develops at the end of the needle. To small a needle yields insufficient flow.
Spray Valve
Two adjustments are available for the spray valve: Valve stroke and atomizing air. The stroke controls the
flow of material through the valve. Turning the knurled knob on the top of the valve counter-clockwise
increases flow through the valve. Atomizing air is controlled by a pressure regulator located on the front of
the machine. Turning this clockwise increases the air pressure. This pressure can only be adjusted while
the valve is active. Once satisfactory settings are found for these items, secure the stroke position on the
valve using the locking nut. Secure the regulator by pressing the cap or tightening the lock nut. Once the
locking nut is secure verify the valve flow rate before continuing.
When first operating the machine, follow this list of instructions to adjust the spray valve:
1) Set the atomizing air to 0 P.S.I.
2) Take off the spray cap.
3) Turn the stroke down all the way.
4) Using the purge function in Manual mode, open the stroke to a few drops per second. It may be
necessary to cycle the valve on and off while adjusting the stroke.
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