Table of Contents

Standard G Code and M Code | CNC programming basics

CNC part Programming :

The part programming contains the list of coordinate values along the X, Y and Z directions of the entire tool path to finish the component. The program should also contain information, such as feed and speed. Each of the necessary instructions for a particular operation given in the part program is known as an NC word. A group of such NC words constitutes a complete NC instruction, known as block. The commonly used words are N, G, F, S, T, and M. The same is explained later on through examples.

Hence the methods of part programming can be of two types depending upon the two techniques as below

(a) Manual part programming,and
(b) Computer aided part programming

STANDARD G AND M CODES

The most common codes used when programming NC machines tools are G-codes (preparatory functions), and M codes (miscellaneous functions). Other codes such as F, S, D, and T are used for machine functions such as feed, speed, cutter diameter offset, tool number, etc. G-codes are sometimes called cycle codes because they refer to some action occurring on the X, Y, and/or Z-axis of a machine tool. The G-codes are grouped into categories such as Group 01, containing codes G00, G01, G02, G03, which cause some movement of the machine table or head. Group 03 includes either absolute or incremental programming. A G00 code rapidly positions the cutting tool while it is above the work piece from one point to another point on a job. During the rapid traverse movement, either the X or Y-axis can be moved individually or both axes can be moved at the same time. The rate of rapid travel varies from machine to machine.

The total numbers of these codes are 100, out of which some of important codes are given as under with their functions :

G-Codes (Preparatory Functions)

G00 Rapid positioning
G01 Linear interpolation
G02 Circular interpolation clockwise (CW)
G03 Circular interpolation counterclockwise (CCW)
G20 Inch input (in.)
G21 Metric input (mm)
G24 Radius programming
G28 Return to reference point
G29 Return from reference point
G32 Thread cutting
G40 Cutter compensation cancel
G41 Cutter compensation left
G42 Cutter compensation right
G43 Tool length compensation positive (+) direction
G44 Tool length compensation minus (-) direction
G49 Tool length compensation cancels
G 53 Zero offset or M/c reference
G54 Settable zero offset
G84 canned turn cycle
G90 Absolute programming
G91 Incremental programming

M-Codes (Miscellaneous Functions)

M or miscellaneous codes are used to either turn ON or OFF different functions, which control certain machine tool operations. M-codes are not grouped into categories, although several codes may control the same type of operations such as M03, M04, and M05, which control the machine tool spindle. Some of important codes are given as under with their functions