The “G” in G code signifies that a preparatory command follows. Controlling feed movement, in an arc or a straight line.A series of controlled feed moves, resulting in a workpiece cut, a bored hole, or a decorative profile shape.Since G-codes are preparatory codes, in a CNC program they begin with the letter G and direct the machine.

The zero position can be moved to find, for instance, the corner of a workpiece. Homing the machine will bring the three axes to this X0, Y0, Z0 position. The intersection of these three axes marks the machine’s home position. For instance, if the table was moved left while the tool remained stationary, this would still produce a positive machining action. Positive motions refer to the cutter relative to the workpiece. Similarly applied, the right-hand rule helps to identify axes on other CNC machines. In placing one’s right-hand palm up on the machine’s table and extending thumb, forefinger and middle finger so they create three axes, the positive X-axis points in the direction of the thumb the positive Y-axis, in the direction of the forefinger and the positive Z-axis, in the direction of the middle finger. The three axes can be identified on a vertical milling machine, for example, by the right-hand rule. OrientationĬNC machines are based around the Cartesian coordinate system, sometimes called rectangular coordinates. For additional information please see the related other articles in this series. This article will briefly describe G-code and its application to CNC machining. The standard version of G-code is known as RS-274D, although other versions do exist for CNC machines with compatibility issues. Free shipping in the USAĪlthough G-code as a term is often used interchangeably with Numerical Control (NC), it is actually only one component and works in conjunction with other codes to perform the appropriate tasks. >Interested in CNC Machining Services? Try our Xometry's Instant Quoting Engine℠ to make your project come to life.

G-code fits somewhere between conversational control, where the operator describes the part and how it should be machined, and CAM, or computer-aided manufacturing, programs, where software develops the necessary toolpaths, feed rates, and so on needed for the CNC machine to cut the material into the finished part. It is equivalent to manual programming where each operation is spelled out line-by-line and is separate from M-code and T-code, codes that control the machine and tooling. It tells numerically controlled lathes and machining centers how to move tools in order to perform various cutting operations. G-code is the operational language for CNC machining.

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