The F-word is utilized to determine the work feed rates. This program word is used to establish feed rate values and precedes a numeric input for the feed amount in inches per minute (in/min), millimeters per minute (mm/min) or, inches per revolution (in/rev), millimeters per revolution (mm/rev). The value that is set by this command stays effective until changed by reentering a new value for the F-word.

Example:

• F20 = a feed rate of 20 inches per minute (in/min)

• F.006 = a feed rate of .006 inches per revolution (in/rev)

If the function G20 (data in inches) is active, such a notation refers to the feed speed of 20 in/min; whereas, with the function G21 (data in millimeters), the notation refers to a feed rate of 20 mm/min.

With rapid traverse G00, the machine traverses at the highest possible feed rate that is specified in control memory (actual rates depend on the design of the machine). In the case of feed rate motion, G01, the value of the feed rate must be accurately specified. The machine default setting for feed rate is inches per minute.

Examples:

• F20.0 = 20.0 inches of feed per minute

• F500. = 500 millimeters of feed per minute

• F2.0 = 2.0 inches of feed per minute

• F50 = 50 millimeters of feed per minute

• F.02 = twenty thousandths inch of feed per revolution

• F0.50 = millimeters of feed per minute

• F.002 = two thousandths inch of feed per revolution

• F0.050 = millimeters of...