Thanks for the input.

Jonathan....re Z move triggering ....but I need those Z moves too?

Sequence will be like this...

1. Machine moves to first coord
2. Z lowers
3. Once Z is at +0.2MM abovez0 (or similar), the 'trigger' happens.
4. Z raises

rinse repeat.....so I don't see how I can link the solder paste dispense to a z move, else the paste would be dispensed as the z plane is descending.

Jazzcnc ...not sure I'll be using mach3 (I'm warming to the CNC software called USB CNC...and will likely jump over to that .that software allows scripts though, I've coded pics in PICBASIC, so it should be within my ability to lash something up). Not sure I'm understanding you point about the smd components and the reel...I'm not doing pick & place, I just want to get a dab of paste at the centre of each smd pad.