What are G codes and M codes?

Asked by: Kylie Jast  |  Last update: August 23, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

While G-code commands indicate positions using the Cartesian coordinate system, M-code directs the machine's actions.

What are M codes used for?

Operators use M-codes to tell a machine to change tools, turn on the spindle, load coolant, or open and close a door. There are several M-codes that operators need to know for a machine to perform properly. Also, each machine has a different method for downloading the M-codes.

What is the M codes?

What is M-Code — The Organizer of Functions. M-code controls miscellaneous functions, and typically these can be thought of as non-geometry machine functions. Examples include spindle rotation start and stop, coolant on and off, pallet change, etc.

What is the M1 code in CNC?

M1 - pause a running program temporarily if the optional stop switch is on. LinuxCNC remains in the Auto Mode so MDI and other manual actions are not enabled. Pressing the resume button will restart the program at the following line.

What are N codes in CNC?

N codes are used in a CNC program to identify the block or line of the program. In most programs, the blocks increase by 5 or 10 on each line. This allows you to add lines in between if the program needs to be edited. N codes are not required.

G codes and M codes for CNC programming | important G codes | Important M codes | G and M codes

44 related questions found

What is K code in CNC?

I, J and K address are used to locate the arc center in relation to the start point. In other words, the I, J, K addresses are the distances from the starting point to the center of the circle. Only the I, J, or K specific to the selected plane are allowed (G17 uses IJ, G18 uses IK and G19 uses JK).

What are F codes in CNC?

What is the F code used for in CNC programming? The F code, or feedrate command, controls how fast the cutting tool moves. Feed rates set with the F code are used with movement codes such as G01 (linear interpolation), G02 (clockwise interpolation), G03 (counterclockwise interpolation) as well as various canned cycles.

What is M80 code in CNC?

M80 opens the Auto Door and M81 closes it. The control pendant beeps while the door is in motion. The M-codes work only while the machine receives a cell-safe signal from a robot or if it has a light curtain installed.

What is M99 CNC code?

This code has three main uses: An M99 is used at the end of a subprogram, local subprogram, or macro to return back to the main program. An M99 Pnn jumps the program to the corresponding Nnn in the program. An M99 in the main program causes the program to loop back to the beginning and run until [RESET] is pressed.

What is G2 G3 CNC code?

G2, G3 Arc Move. A circular or helical arc is specified using either G2 (clockwise arc) or G3 (counterclockwise arc) at the current feed rate. The direction (CW, CCW) is as viewed from the positive end of the axis about which the circular motion occurs.

What is a G-code?

G-code (also known as RS-274) is the name of the most prevalent programming language for computer numerical control (CNC) in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). G-code provides metric-based numeric control of CAM-controlled equipment such as CNC milling machines.

What is G90 CNC code?

G90: Absolute Positioning

First up, G90 is the G-code to set a machine to absolute positioning mode. Absolute positioning means that your machine tool moves relative to a set and stationary point, known as the origin. For 3D printers, this is typically the center of the print bed, or a specific corner.

What is the G28 code on a CNC machine?

The G28 code returns all axes (X, Y, Z, A and B) simultaneously to the machine zero position when no axis is specified on the G28 line. Alternatively, when one or more axes locations are specified on the G28 line, G28 will move to the specified locations and then to machine zero.

What is the difference between G and M codes?

G-code directs the motion and function of the CNC machine, while M-code controls the operations not involving movements. G-code activates the CNC machine, and M-code activates the machine's programmable logic controller. G-code commands often differ in CNC machines, while most M-code commands remain the same.

What is G-code for CNC machine?

G-code is the simple programming language for CNC machines. It consists of lines of code that are organized in blocks. Each block controls one CNC machining operation, such as a cutting operation with a specific tool. Each line in a block is labeled with the letter N and a number.

What is the G-code for spindle?

It is controlled in g-code using M3, M4 and M5 commands. M03 will start the spindle turning clockwise. M04 will start the spindle turning counterclockwise. Both commands turn on the spindle at the speed determined separately by the S-word.

What is G90 and G91?

These G codes change the way the axis commands are interpreted. Axes commands following a G90 will move the axes to the machine coordinate. Axes commands following a G91 will move the axis that distance from the current point.

What does M98 stand for?

M98 Subprogram Call

The M98 command is used to call a subprogram followed by the program number and the amount of times that we wish to repeat running that subprogram.

What does G21 mean CNC?

G20 and G21 G Codes simply tell the controller what units the g-code program's coordinates are in. G20 specifies Imperial (inch) and G21 specifies Metric (mm) units. Once the controller knows what units you're giving it, it uses that knowledge to convert the coordinates to the unit system it uses internally.

What is G96 code in CNC?

With most controls, you simply enter a G96 g-code to tell the machine to run in Constant Surface Speed. An optional “D” word may be used to specify the maximum spindle rpm.

What is M19 CNC code?

M19 adjusts the spindle to a fixed position. The spindle only orients to the zero position without the optional M19 orient spindle feature. The orient spindle function allows P and R address codes. For example, M19 P270. orients the spindle to 270 degrees.

What is G41 code in CNC?

G41 is left compensation and G42 is right compensation. On a CNC machine, it is usually recommended to use climb milling, this needs to be taken into consideration when writing our programs and deciding which direction to apply cutter compensation.

What does D mean in CNC code?

D. Defines diameter or radial offset used for cutter compensation. D is used for depth of cut on lathes. It is used for aperture selection and commands on photoplotters. G41: left cutter compensation, G42: right cutter compensation.

What does G43 mean?

The G43 code turns on tool length compensation.

Tool length compensation allows the CNC machine to account for the length of your cutting tool that has been entered and stored in an H offset value.

What are I and J codes in CNC?

What is this? The I and the J specify relative coordinates from the start point to the center. In other words, if we add the I value to the start point's X axis, and the J value to the start point's Y axis, we get the X and Y axis values for the center.