![]() ![]() There are some other important basics to know, such as: S, for example, defines speed, while F defines feed rate. Whilst codes beginning with G are extremely common, all 26 letters of the alphabet are used in G-code. ![]() Try and read this snippet of G-code! It’s a simple drawing of straight lines Not all G-codes start with the letter G! G00, for example, tells the machine to move at maximum speed, while G02 tells it to move in a clockwise, circular motion. The codes beginning with G are therefore almost always found at the start of a line of G-code. They tell the machine which kind of motion is required, or which offset values to use. ![]() Most lines of G-code will begin with the letter G – hence why the language got the name! This is because the letter G signifies preparatory codes. Each ‘code’ consists of a letter address and a number, and gives a specific instruction to the machine. Whilst the entire language is referred to as G-code, technically speaking a ‘code’ refers to just a single instruction in the language. How to read and write G-codeĪ typical line of G-code is quite cryptic for newcomers – it takes years for a CNC machinist to master the language. The process is primarily used to create printed circuit boards (or PCBs) and IC packaging. A photoplotter is a machine that exposes an image onto media usually high-contrast monochromatic photographic film. This is because 3D printing adds material on, while CNC machining takes material away.Īnother technology that makes use of G-code is photoplotting. This technique is also known as additive manufacturing, and can be distinguished from CNC machining, which is a subtractive process. The difference here is that instead of cutting into a block of material, a 3D printer follows G-code to slowly build up material. The same programming language is also used to direct 3D printers. There are also richly-featured G-code editors that can be used to simulate G-code, or to translate G-code into conversational CNC.ĬNC machining isn’t the only process that uses G-code. In today’s extensive CAD industry, there are also CAD editing programs that automatically convert CAD files into G-code. CAM software can generate G-code from either images or CAD files. Most CNC machines execute G-code, although other CNC languages exist, such as Heidenhain, Mazak, and other proprietary formats.ĬNC machinists can either write G-code from scratch, modify existing G-code, or generate G-code using CAM software. G-code is one of the most widely used programming languages used to control automated machine tools. Then, following the instructions given by the G-code, the cutting tool cuts away material from the block to produce the finished product. To begin with, an initial block of material will be loaded into the machine. The instructions are described using Cartesian coordinate locations (e.g. The code dictates which direction the machine should move in, how fast it should move, how deep it should cut, and so on. (Spoiler alert: unlike some other programming languages, you won’t have decipher the meaning of all the letters and digits of G-code to use CNC you only need to choose the right CAM program to generate it for you!)ĬNC machinists use G-code to instruct CNC machines where and how to move. In this short guide, we’ll introduce you to the basics of G-code, and how to start using it. ![]() G-code is a programming language for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines. If you’re venturing into the world of CNC and CAM manufacturing, or are just looking into beginners CNC kits, you may well have heard of the term “G-code”. ![]()
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