Overview

Every CNC programmer and most of CNC machine operators have a simple chart of all common G-commands (G-codes) and M-functions (M-codes), usually tucked away somewhere under the lid of their tool box or they have them posted on any convenient machine side or cork board. This chapter covers most of those G-codes that are either uncommon, seldom used, special, or outright mysterious. Keep in mind that machine manufacturers often add G-codes and M-codes of their own. These special codes or functions cannot be covered in a general publication, such as this handbook.

Miscellaneous functions (M-functions) are not covered here at all, as they are often very much dependent on the machine tool manufacturer for that reason, they are not part of this chapter. The situation is much different with various G-codes, some standard, some optional they are covered here.

These special and less frequently used G-codes are as important as those used on a daily basis, even if only as accepting them for possible future use. Programmers often forget that there are many preparatory commands available that are not used very frequently. In this chapter, the focus will be on those G-codes that may sometimes become the key to solving a particular problem or achieving a particular programming goal. Some of these preparatory G-codes have a direct relationship with each other, in which case, all related commands will be considered together and explained together.

Not all controls support the preparatory commands described check your control documentation

Divided into seven groups, seventeen preparatory...