Programming
Programming — Wiki
G-code, work offsets and CAM — turning a model or drawing into a toolpath that runs clean the first time.
17 entries in this group.
- Absolute vs Incremental CoordinatesAbsolute vs incremental coordinates are the two ways a CNC program measures moves: absolute from the part zero, incremental from wherever the tool is now.Sep 7, 2026
- CAM SoftwareCAM software turns a part model into toolpaths: the CAM programmer chooses the tools and strategies, and the software writes the G-code that machines the part.Sep 7, 2026
- Canned CyclesCanned cycles package a whole machining sequence into one G-code: position to the hole, feed to depth and retract, repeated for each hole until cancelled.Sep 7, 2026
- CNC Control PanelThe CNC control panel is where the operator supervises a running program: feed hold, feed and rapid overrides, optional stop and single block.Sep 7, 2026
- Coordinate Systems & Work OffsetsCoordinate systems and work offsets are how a CNC control knows where the part sits; G54–G59 store the offset, G92 shifts it, and G52 sets a local frame.Sep 7, 2026
- Cutter Radius CompensationCutter radius compensation lets a program machine the part outline rather than the tool path; G41 offsets left, G42 right, and G40 cancels.Sep 7, 2026
- DNC & File HandlingDNC and file handling get the program onto the machine: transfer methods, control memory limits and drip feeding files too large to store on the control.Sep 7, 2026
- G-code FundamentalsG-code fundamentals are the basis of CNC programming: the low-level language of blocks and words that the machine control executes literally to machine a part.Sep 7, 2026
- Linear, Circular & Helical InterpolationInterpolation is a CNC control driving several axes together along a smooth path; linear, circular and helical interpolation are the motions it can cut.Sep 7, 2026
- M-Codes & Auxiliary Functions in CNC ProgrammingM-codes are the machine-side words of a CNC program: they turn the spindle, coolant and tool change on and off around the cutting that G-codes command.Sep 7, 2026
- Modal vs Non-Modal G-Codes in CNC ProgrammingModal vs non-modal G-codes: modal codes stay active until replaced, non-modal codes act only in their block, and a program is the state they build up.Sep 7, 2026
- Part Program StructurePart program structure is the layout of a CNC program - its number, blocks, tool order and safe sequence - the anatomy behind a running job.Sep 7, 2026
- PostprocessorA postprocessor translates CAM toolpaths into the G-code of a particular machine and control, applying its format, codes and dialect to the generic path.Sep 7, 2026
- Reading a Program BlockReading a program block is reading state: a CNC block is a line of words whose meaning depends on the modal mode left active by the blocks before it.Sep 7, 2026
- CNC Simulation & Program VerificationCNC simulation and program verification test the program before the machine cuts: backplotting, solid simulation and machine models catch crashes early.Sep 7, 2026
- CNC Subprograms & MacrosCNC subprograms store a repeated sequence and call it from the main program; macros add variables, arithmetic and logic for parametric parts.Sep 7, 2026
- Tool Length OffsetsTool length offsets tell the control how long each tool is, so the program can be written to the tool tip; G43 applies them and G49 cancels them.Sep 7, 2026