Specific codes

G-codes are also called preparatory codes, and are any word in a CNC(computer numerical
control) program that begins with the letter G. Generally it is a code telling the machine tool
what type of action to perform, such as:
Rapid move (transport the tool through space to the place where it is needed for
cutting; do this as quickly as possible)
Controlled feed move in a straight line or arc
Series of controlled feed moves that would result in a hole being bored, a workpiece cut
(routed) to a specific dimension, or a profile (contour) shape added to the edge of a
workpiece
Set tool information such as offset
Switch coordinate systems
There are other codes; the type codes can be thought of like registers in a computer.
Students and hobbyists have pointed out over the years that the term "G-code" referring to
the language overall (using the mass sense of "code") is imprecise. It comes
metonymically from the literal sense of the term, referring to one letter address among
many in the language (G address, for preparatory commands) and to the specific codes
(count sense) that can be formed with it (for example, G00, G01, G28). But every letter of
the English alphabet is used somewhere in the language (although some letters' use is less
common), so the name seems unfitting to people searching for strictly logical etymology.
Nevertheless, "G-code" is indelibly established as the common name of the language.
Letter addresses
Some letter addresses are used only in milling or only in turning; most are used in
both. Bold below are the letters seen most frequently throughout a program.
Sources: Smid 2008; Smid 2010; Green et al. 1996.
Variable Description Corollary info
A Absolute or incremental
position of A axis (rotational
axis around X axis)

B Absolute or incremental
position of B axis (rotational
axis around Y axis)

C Absolute or incremental
position of C axis (rotational

axis around Z axis)
D Defines diameter or radial
offset used for cutter
compensation. D is used for
depth of cut on lathes.

E Precision feedrate for
threading on lathes

F
Defines feed rate
Common units are distance per time for mills (inches per minute, IPM, or
millimetres per minute, mm/min) and distance per revolution for lathes (inches
per revolution, IPR, or millimetres per revolution, mm/rev)
G Address for preparatory
commands
G commands often tell the control what kind of motion is wanted (e.g., rapid
positioning, linear feed, circular feed, fixed cycle) or what offset value to use.
H Defines tool length offset;
Incremental axis
corresponding to C axis (e.g.,
on a turn-mill)

I Defines arc center in X axis
forG02 or G03 arc
commands.
Also used as a parameter
within some fixed cycles.

J Defines arc center in Y axis
forG02 or G03 arc
commands.
Also used as a parameter
within some fixed cycles.

K Defines arc center in Z axis
forG02 or G03 arc
commands.
Also used as a parameter
within some fixed cycles,
equal to L address.

L
Fixed cycle loop count;
Specification of what register
Fixed cycle loop count: Defines number of repetitions ("loops") of a fixed cycle
at each position. Assumed to be 1 unless programmed with another integer.
Sometimes the K address is used instead of L. With incremental positioning
to edit using G10 (G91), a series of equally spaced holes can be programmed as a loop rather than
as individual positions.
G10 use: Specification of what register to edit (work offsets, tool radius offsets,
tool length offsets, etc.).
M
Miscellaneous function
Action code, auxiliary command; descriptions vary. Many M-codes call for
machine functions, which is why people often say that the "M" stands for
"machine", although it was not intended to.
N
Line (block) number in
program;
System parameter number to
be changed using G10
Line (block) numbers: Optional, so often omitted. Necessary for certain tasks,
such as M99 P address (to tell the control which block of the program to return
to if not the default one) or GoTo statements (if the control supports
those). N numbering need not increment by 1 (for example, it can increment by
10, 20, or 1000) and can be used on every block or only in certain spots
throughout a program.
System parameter number: G10 allows changing of system parameters under
program control.
O
Program name
For example, O4501. For many years it was common for CNC control displays to
use slashed zero glyphs to ensure effortless distinction of letter "O" from digit
"0". Today's GUI controls often have a choice of fonts, like a PC does.
P
Serves as parameter address
for various G and M codes
With G04, defines dwell time value.
Also serves as a parameter in some canned cycles, representing dwell times
or other variables.
Also used in the calling and termination of subprograms. (With M98, it
specifies which subprogram to call; with M99, it specifies which block
number of the main program to return to.)
Q Peck increment in canned
cycles
For example, G73, G83 (peck drilling cycles)
R Defines size of arc radius, or
defines retract height in
milling canned cycles
For radii, not all controls support the R address for G02 and G03, in which case
IJK vectors are used. For retract height, the "R level", as it's called, is returned to
if G99 is programmed.
S
Defines speed, either spindle
speed or surface speed
depending on mode
Data type = integer. In G97 mode (which is usually the default), an integer after S
is interpreted as a number of rev/min (rpm). In G96mode (CSS), an integer after
S is interpreted as surface speedsfm (G20) or m/min (G21). See also Speeds
and feeds. On multifunction (turn-mill or mill-turn) machines, which spindle
gets the input (main spindle or subspindles) is determined by other M codes.
T
Tool selection
To understand how the T address works and how it interacts (or not) with M06,
one must study the various methods, such as lathe turret programming, ATC
fixed tool selection, ATC random memory tool selection, the concept of "next tool
waiting", and empty tools. Programming on any particular machine tool requires
knowing which method that machine uses. Ways of obtaining this training are
mentioned in the comments for M06.
U Incremental axis
corresponding to X axis
(typically only lathe group A
controls)
Also defines dwell time on
some machines (instead of
"P" or "X").
In these controls, X and U obviate G90 and G91, respectively. On these lathes,
G90 is instead a fixed cycle address for roughing.
V
Incremental axis
corresponding to Y axis
Until the 2000s, the V address was very rarely used, because most lathes that
used U and W didn't have a Y-axis, so they didn't use V. (Green et al. 1996
[4]
did
not even list V in their table of addresses.) That is still often the case, although
the proliferation of live lathe tooling and turn-mill machining has made V
address usage less rare than it used to be (Smid 2008
[2]
shows an example). See
also G18.
W Incremental axis
corresponding to Z axis
(typically only lathe group A
controls)
In these controls, Z and W obviate G90 and G91, respectively. On these lathes,
G90 is instead a fixed cycle address for roughing.
X Absolute or incremental
position of X axis.
Also defines dwell time on
some machines (instead of
"P" or "U").

Y Absolute or incremental
position of Y axis
Z Absolute or incremental
position of Z axis
The main spindle's axis of rotation often determines which axis of a machine
tool is labeled as Z.
List of G-codes commonly found on FANUC and similarly designed
controls
Sources: Smid 2008; Smid 2010; Green et al. 1996
Note: Modal means a code stays in effect until replaced, or cancelled, by another permitted
code. Non-Modal means it executes only once. See, for example, codes G09, G61 & G64 below.
Code Description
Milling
( M )
Turning
( T )
Corollary info
G00
Rapid positioning M T
On 2- or 3-axis moves, G00 (unlike G01) traditionally
does not necessarily move in a single straight line
between start point and end point. It moves each axis at
its max speed until its vector is achieved. Shorter vector
usually finishes first (given similar axis speeds). This
matters because it may yield a dog-leg or hockey-stick
motion, which the programmer needs to consider
depending on what obstacles are nearby, to avoid a
crash. Some machines offer interpolated rapids as a
feature for ease of programming (safe to assume a
straight line).
G01
Linear interpolation M T
The most common workhorse code for feeding during a
cut. The program specs the start and end points, and the
control automatically calculates (interpolates) the
intermediate points to pass through that will yield a
straight line (hence "linear"). The control then calculates
the angular velocities at which to turn the
axis leadscrews via their servomotors or stepper
motors. The computer performs thousands of
calculations per second, and the motors react quickly to
each input. Thus the actual toolpath of the machining
takes place with the given feedrate on a path that is
accurately linear to within very small limits.
G02
Circular interpolation,
clockwise
M T
Very similar in concept to G01. Again, the
control interpolates intermediate points and commands
the servo- or stepper motors to rotate the amount
needed for the leadscrew to translate the motion to the
correct tool tip positioning. This process repeated
thousands of times per minute generates the desired
toolpath. In the case of G02, the interpolation generates
a circle rather than a line. As with G01, the actual
toolpath of the machining takes place with the given
feedrate on a path that accurately matches the ideal (in
G02's case, a circle) to within very small limits. In fact,
the interpolation is so precise (when all conditions are
correct) that milling an interpolated circle can obviate
operations such as drilling, and often even fine
boring. Addresses for radius or arc center: G02 and
G03 take either an R address (for the radius desired on
the part) or IJK addresses (for the component vectors
that define the vector from the arc start point to the arc
center point). Cutter comp: On most controls you
cannot start G41 or G42 in G02 or G03modes. You must
already have compensated in an earlier G01 block. Often
a short linear lead-in movement will be programmed,
merely to allow cutter compensation before the main
event, the circle-cutting, begins. Full circles: When the
arc start point and the arc end point are identical, a 360
arc, a full circle, will be cut. (Some older controls cannot
support this because arcs cannot cross between
quadrants of the cartesian system. Instead, four quarter-
circle arcs are programmed back-to-back.)
G03 Circular interpolation,
counterclockwise
M T Same corollary info as for G02.
G04
Dwell M T
Takes an address for dwell period (may be X, U, or P).
The dwell period is specified by a control parameter,
typically set tomilliseconds. Some machines can accept
either X1.0 (s) or P1000 (ms), which are
equivalent. Choosing dwell duration: Often the dwell
needs only to last one or two full spindle rotations. This
is typically much less than one second. Be aware when
choosing a duration value that a long dwell is a waste of
cycle time. In some situations it won't matter, but for
high-volume repetitive production (over thousands of
cycles), it is worth calculating that perhaps you only
need 100 ms, and you can call it 200 to be safe, but 1000
is just a waste (too long).
G05P10000
High-precision contour
control (HPCC)
M
Uses a deep look-ahead buffer and simulation
processing to provide better axis movement
acceleration and deceleration during contour milling
G05.1 Q1.
AI Advanced Preview
Control
M
Uses a deep look-ahead buffer and simulation
processing to provide better axis movement
acceleration and deceleration during contour milling
G06.1
Non Uniform Rational B
Spline Machining
M
Activates Non-Uniform Rational B Spline for complex
curve and waveform machining (this code is confirmed
in Mazatrol 640M ISO Programming)
G07 Imaginary axis designation M
G09 Exact stop check, non-
modal
M T The modal version is G61.
G10 Programmable data input M T Modifies the value of work coordinate and tool offsets
[5]

G11 Data write cancel M T
G12
Full-circle interpolation,
clockwise
M
Fixed cycle for ease of programming 360 circular
interpolation with blend-radius lead-in and lead-out.
Not standard on Fanuc controls.
G13
Full-circle interpolation,
counterclockwise
M
Fixed cycle for ease of programming 360 circular
interpolation with blend-radius lead-in and lead-out.
Not standard on Fanuc controls.
G17 XY plane selection M
G18
ZX plane selection M T
On most CNC lathes (built 1960s to 2000s), ZX is the
only available plane, so no G17 to G19 codes are used.
This is now changing as the era begins in which live
tooling, multitask/multifunction, and mill-turn/turn-
mill gradually become the "new normal". But the
simpler, traditional form factor will probably not
disappearit will just move over to make room for the
newer configurations. See alsoV address.
G19 YZ plane selection M
G20 Programming ininches M T Somewhat uncommon except in USA and (to lesser
extent) Canada and UK. However, in the global
marketplace, competence with both G20 and G21
always stands some chance of being necessary at any
time. The usual minimum increment in G20 is one ten-
thousandth of an inch (0.0001"), which is a larger
distance than the usual minimum increment in G21 (one
thousandth of a millimeter, .001 mm, that is,
one micrometre). This physical difference sometimes
favors G21 programming.
G21
Programming
inmillimeters (mm)
M T
Prevalent worldwide. However, in the global
marketplace, competence with both G20 and G21
always stands some chance of being necessary at any
time.
G28
Return to home position
(machine zero, aka
machine reference point)
M T
Takes X Y Z addresses which define the intermediate
point that the tool tip will pass through on its way home
to machine zero. They are in terms of part zero (aka
program zero), NOT machine zero.
G30
Return to secondary home
position (machine zero,
aka machine reference
point)
M T
Takes a P address specifying which machine zero point
is desired, if the machine has several secondary points
(P1 to P4). Takes X Y Z addresses which define the
intermediate point that the tool tip will pass through on
its way home to machine zero. They are in terms of part
zero (aka program zero), NOT machine zero.
G31 Skip function (used for
probes and tool length
measurement systems)
M
G32 Single-point threading,
longhand style (if not
using a cycle, e.g., G76)
T
Similar to G01 linear interpolation, except with
automatic spindle synchronization for single-point
threading.
G33 Constant-pitchthreading M
G33 Single-point threading,
longhand style (if not
using a cycle, e.g., G76)
T
Some lathe controls assign this mode to G33 rather than
G32.
G34 Variable-pitch threading M
G40
Tool radius compensation
M T
Turn off cutter radius compensation (CRC). Cancels G41
off or G42.
G41
Tool radius compensation
left
M T
Turn on cutter radius compensation (CRC), left, for
climb milling.
Milling: Given righthand-helix cutter and M03 spindle
direction, G41 corresponds to climb milling (down
milling). Takes an address (D or H) that calls an offset
register value for radius.
Turning: Often needs no D or H address on lathes,
because whatever tool is active automatically calls its
geometry offsets with it. (Each turret station is bound to
its geometry offset register.)
G41 and G42 for milling has been partially automated
and obviated (although not completely)
since CAM programming has become more common.
CAM systems allow the user to program as if with a
zero-diameter cutter. The fundamental concept of cutter
radius compensation is still in play (i.e., that the surface
produced will be distance R away from the cutter
center), but the programming mindset is different; the
human does not choreograph the toolpath with
conscious, painstaking attention to G41, G42, and G40,
because the CAM software takes care of it. The software
has various CRC mode selections, such as computer,
control, wear, reverse wear, off, some of which do not use
G41/G42 at all (good for roughing, or wide finish
tolerances), and others which use it so that the wear
offset can still be tweaked at the machine (better for
tight finish tolerances).
G42
Tool radius compensation
right
M T
Turn on cutter radius compensation (CRC), right, for
conventional milling. Similar corollary info as for G41.
Given righthand-helix cutter and M03 spindle direction,
G42 corresponds to conventional milling (up milling).
G43
Tool height offset
compensation negative
M
Takes an address, usually H, to call the tool length offset
register value. The value is negative because it will
be added to the gauge line position. G43 is the
commonly used version (vs G44).
G44
Tool height offset
compensation positive
M
Takes an address, usually H, to call the tool length offset
register value. The value is positive because it will
be subtracted from the gauge line position. G44 is the
seldom-used version (vs G43).
G45 Axis offset single increase M
G46 Axis offset single decrease M
G47 Axis offset double increase M
G48 Axis offset double
decrease
M
G49 Tool length offset
compensation cancel
M Cancels G43 or G44.
G50
Define the maximum
spindle speed
T
Takes an S address integer which is interpreted as rpm.
Without this feature, G96 mode (CSS) would rev the
spindle to "wide open throttle" when closely
approaching the axis of rotation.
G50 Scaling function cancel M
G50
Position register
(programming of vector
from part zero to tool tip)
T
Position register is one of the original methods to relate
the part (program) coordinate system to the tool
position, which indirectly relates it to the machine
coordinate system, the only position the control really
"knows". Not commonly programmed anymore
because G54 to G59 (WCSs) are a better, newer method.
Called via G50 for turning, G92 for milling. Those G
addresses also have alternate meanings (which see).
Position register can still be useful for datum shift
programming. The "manual absolute" switch, which has
very few useful applications in WCS contexts, was more
useful in position register contexts, because it allowed
the operator to move the tool to a certain distance from
the part (for example, by touching off a 2.0000" gage)
and then declare to the control what the distance-to-go
shall be (2.0000).
G52
Local coordinate system
(LCS)
M
Temporarily shifts program zero to a new location. It is
simply "an offset from an offset", that is, an additional
offset added onto theWCS offset. This simplifies
programming in some cases. The typical example is
moving from part to part in a multipart setup.
WithG54 active, G52 X140.0 Y170.0 shifts program
zero 140 mm over in X and 170 mm over in Y. When the
part "over there" is done,G52 X0 Y0 returns program
zero to normal G54 (by reducing G52 offset to nothing).
The same result can also be achieved (1) using multiple
WCS origins, G54/G55/G56/G57/G58/G59; (2) on
newer controls, G54.1 P1/P2/P3/etc. (all the way up to
P48); or (3) usingG10 for programmable data input, in
which the program can write new offset values to the
offset registers. Which method to use depends on shop-
specific application.
G53
Machine coordinate
system
M T
Takes absolute coordinates (X,Y,Z,A,B,C) with reference
to machine zero rather than program zero. Can be
helpful for tool changes. Nonmodal and absolute only.
Subsequent blocks are interpreted as "back to G54"
even if it is not explicitly programmed.
G54 to G59
Work coordinate systems
(WCSs)
M T
Have largely replaced position register (G50 and G92).
Each tuple of axis offsets relates program zero directly
to machine zero. Standard is 6 tuples (G54 to G59), with
optional extensibility to 48 more via G54.1 P1 to P48.
G54.1 P1 to
P48
Extended work coordinate
systems
M T
Up to 48 more WCSs besides the 6 provided as standard
by G54 to G59. Note floating-point extension of G-code
data type (formerly all integers). Other examples have
also evolved (e.g., G84.2). Modern controls have
the hardware to handle it.
G61
Exact stop check, modal M T
Can be canceled with G64. The non-modal version
is G09.
G62 Automatic corner override M T
G64 Default cutting mode
(cancel exact stop check
mode)
M T Cancels G61.
G70 Fixed cycle, multiple
repetitive cycle, for
finishing (including
T
contours)
G71 Fixed cycle, multiple
repetitive cycle, for
roughing (Z-axis
emphasis)
T
G72 Fixed cycle, multiple
repetitive cycle, for
roughing (X-axis
emphasis)
T
G73 Fixed cycle, multiple
repetitive cycle, for
roughing, with pattern
repetition
T
G73 Peck drilling cycle for
milling high-speed (NO
full retraction from pecks)
M
Retracts only as far as a clearance increment (system
parameter). For when chipbreaking is the main concern,
but chip clogging of flutes is not. Compare G83.
G74 Peck drilling cycle for
turning
T
G74 Tapping cycle for
milling,lefthand
thread,M04 spindle
direction
M See notes at G84.
G75 Peck grooving cycle for
turning
T
G76 Fine boring cycle for
milling
M
Includes OSS and shift (oriented spindle stop and shift
tool off centerline for retraction)
G76 Threading cycle for
turning, multiple
repetitive cycle
T
G80
Cancel canned cycle M T
Milling: Cancels all cycles such as G73, G81, G83, etc. Z-
axis returns either to Z-initial level or R level, as
programmed (G98 orG99, respectively).
Turning: Usually not needed on lathes, because a new
group-1 G address (G00 to G03) cancels whatever cycle
was active.
G81 Simple drilling cycle M No dwell built in
G82
Drilling cycle with dwell M
Dwells at hole bottom (Z-depth) for the number
of milliseconds specified by the P address. Good for
when hole bottom finish matters. Good for spot drilling
because the divot will be certain to clean up evenly.
Consider the "choosing dwell duration" note at G04.
G83 Peck drilling cycle (full
retraction from pecks)
M
Returns to R-level after each peck. Good for clearing
flutes of chips. Compare G73.
G84
Tapping cycle,righthand
thread, M03spindle
direction
M
G74 and G84 are the righthand and lefthand "pair" for
old-school tapping with a non-rigid toolholder ("tapping
head" style). Compare the rigid tapping
"pair", G84.2 and G84.3.
G84.2
Tapping cycle,righthand
thread, M03spindle
direction, rigid toolholder
M
See notes at G84. Rigid tapping synchronizes speed and
feed according to the desired thread helix. That is, it
synchronizes degrees of spindle rotation with microns
of axial travel. Therefore it can use a rigid toolholder to
hold the tap. This feature is not available on old
machines or newer low-end machines, which must use
"tapping head" motion (G74/G84).
G84.3 Tapping cycle,lefthand
thread,M04 spindle
direction, rigid toolholder
M See notes at G84 and G84.2.
G85
boring cycle, feed in/feed
out
M
Good cycle for a reamer.
In some cases good for single-point boring tool,
although in other cases the lack of depth of cut on
the way back out is bad for surface finish, in which
case, G76 (OSS/shift) can be used instead.
If need dwell at hole bottom, see G89.
G86
boring cycle, feed
in/spindle stop/rapid out
M
Boring tool will leave a slight score mark on the way
back out. Appropriate cycle for some applications; for
others, G76 (OSS/shift) can be used instead.
G87
boring cycle, backboring M
For backboring. Returns to initial level only (G98); this
cycle cannot use G99 because its R level is on the far
side of the part, away from the spindle headstock.
G88 boring cycle, feed
in/spindle stop/manual
operation
M
G89 boring cycle, feed
in/dwell/feed out
M G89 is like G85 but with dwell added at bottom of hole.
G90
Absolute programming M T (B)
Positioning defined with reference to part zero.
Milling: Always as above.
Turning: Sometimes as above (Fanuc group type B and
similarly designed), but on most lathes (Fanuc group
type A and similarly designed), G90/G91 are not used
for absolute/incremental modes. Instead, U and W are
the incremental addresses and X and Z are the absolute
addresses. On these lathes, G90 is instead a fixed cycle
address for roughing.
G90 Fixed cycle, simple cycle,
for roughing (Z-axis
emphasis)
T (A) When not serving for absolute programming (above)
G91
Incremental programming M T (B)
Positioning defined with reference to previous position.
Milling: Always as above.
Turning: Sometimes as above (Fanuc group type B and
similarly designed), but on most lathes (Fanuc group
type A and similarly designed), G90/G91 are not used
for absolute/incremental modes. Instead, U and W are
the incremental addresses and X and Z are the absolute
addresses. On these lathes, G90 is a fixed cycle address
for roughing.
G92
Position register
(programming of vector
from part zero to tool tip)
M T (B)
Same corollary info as at G50 position register.
Milling: Always as above.
Turning: Sometimes as above (Fanuc group type B and
similarly designed), but on most lathes (Fanuc group
type A and similarly designed), position register is G50.
G92 Threading cycle, simple
cycle
T (A)
G94 Feedrate per minute M T (B) On group type A lathes, feedrate per minute is G98.
G94 Fixed cycle, simple cycle,
for roughing (X-axis
emphasis)
T (A) When not serving for feedrate per minute (above)
G95 Feedrate per revolution M T (B) On group type A lathes, feedrate per revolution is G99.
G96
Constant surface speed
(CSS)
T
Varies spindle speed automatically to achieve a constant
surface speed. See speeds and feeds. Takes an S address
integer, which is interpreted as sfm in G20 mode or as
m/min in G21 mode.
G97
Constant spindle speed M T
Takes an S address integer, which is interpreted as
rev/min (rpm). The default speed mode per system
parameter if no mode is programmed.
G98 Return to initial Z level in
canned cycle
M
G98 Feedrate per minute
(group type A)
T (A) Feedrate per minute is G94 on group type B.
G99 Return to R levelin canned
cycle
M
G99 Feedrate per revolution
(group type A)
T (A) Feedrate per revolution is G95 on group type B.
List of M-codes commonly found on FANUC and similarly designed
controls
Sources: Smid 2008; Smid 2010; Green et al. 1996.
Code Description
Milling
( M )
Turning
( T )
Corollary info
M00
Compulsory stop M T
Non-optionalmachine will always stop upon reaching M00 in
the program execution.
M01
Optional stop M T
Machine will only stop at M01 if operator has pushed the optional
stop button.
M02
End of program M T
Program ends; execution may or may not return to program top
(depending on the control); may or may not reset register values.
M02 was the original program-end code, now considered
obsolete, but still supported for backward compatibility.
[6]
Many
modern controls treat M02 as equivalent to M30.
[6]
See M30 for
additional discussion of control status upon executing M02 or
M30.
M03
Spindle on (clockwise
rotation)
M T
The speed of the spindle is determined by the address S, in
either revolutions per minute (G97 mode; default) or surface feet
per minute or [surface] meters per minute (G96 mode [CSS]
under either G20 or G21). The right-hand rule can be used to
determine which direction is clockwise and which direction is
counter-clockwise.
Right-hand-helix screws moving in the tightening direction (and
right-hand-helix flutes spinning in the cutting direction) are
defined as moving in the M03 direction, and are labeled
"clockwise" by convention. The M03 direction is always M03
regardless of local vantage point and local CW/CCW distinction.
M04 Spindle on
(counterclockwise
rotation)
M T See comment above at M03.
M05 Spindle stop M T
M06
Automatic tool
change (ATC)
M
T (some-
times)
Many lathes do not use M06 because the T address itself indexes
the turret.
Programming on any particular machine tool requires knowing
which method that machine uses. To understand how the T
address works and how it interacts (or not) with M06, one must
study the various methods, such as lathe turret programming,
ATC fixed tool selection, ATC random memory tool selection, the
concept of "next tool waiting", and empty tools. These concepts
are taught in textbooks such as Smid,
[2]
and online multimedia
(videos, simulators, etc.); all of these teaching resources are
usually paywalled to pay back the costs of their development.
They are used in training classes for operators, both on-site and
remotely (e.g., Tooling University).
M07 Coolant on (mist) M T
M08 Coolant on (flood) M T
M09 Coolant off M T
M10 Pallet clamp on M For machining centers with pallet changers
M11 Pallet clamp off M For machining centers with pallet changers
M13
Spindle on (clockwise
rotation) and coolant
on (flood)
M
This one M-code does the work of both M03 and M08. It is not
unusual for specific machine models to have such combined
commands, which make for shorter, more quickly written
programs.
M19
Spindle orientation M T
Spindle orientation is more often called within cycles
(automatically) or during setup (manually), but it is also available
under program control via M19. The abbreviation OSS (oriented
spindle stop) may be seen in reference to an oriented stop within
cycles.
The relevance of spindle orientation has increased as technology
has advanced. Although 4- and 5-axis contour milling and
CNCsingle-pointing have depended on spindle position encoders
for decades, before the advent of widespread live tooling and mill-
turn/turn-mill systems, it was seldom relevant in "regular" (non-
"special") machining for the operator (as opposed to the machine)
to know the angular orientation of a spindle except for within a
few restricted contexts (such as tool change, or G76 fine boring
cycles with choreographed tool retraction). Most milling of
features indexed around a turned workpiece was accomplished
with separate operations on indexing head setups; in a sense,
indexing heads were invented as separate pieces of equipment, to
be used in separate operations, which could provide precise
spindle orientation in a world where it otherwise mostly didn't
exist (and didn't need to). But as CAD/CAM and multiaxis CNC
machining with multiple rotary-cutter axes becomes the norm,
even for "regular" (non-"special") applications, machinists now
frequently care about stepping just about any spindle through its
360 with precision.
M21 Mirror, X-axis M
M21 Tailstock forward T
M22 Mirror, Y-axis M
M22 Tailstock backward T
M23 Mirror OFF M
M23
Thread gradual
pullout ON
T
M24 Thread gradual
pullout OFF
T
M30
End of program, with
return to program top
M T
Today M30 is considered the standard program-end code, and
will return execution to the top of the program. Today most
controls also still support the original program-end code, M02,
usually by treating it as equivalent to M30. Additional
info: Compare M02 with M30. First, M02 was created, in the days
when the punched tape was expected to be short enough to be
spliced into a continuous loop (which is why on old controls, M02
triggered no tape rewinding).
[6]
The other program-end code,
M30, was added later to accommodate longer punched tapes,
which were wound on a reel and thus needed rewinding before
another cycle could start.
[6]
On many newer controls, there is no
longer a difference in how the codes are executedboth act like
M30.
M41 Gear select gear 1 T
M42 Gear select gear 2 T
M43 Gear select gear 3 T
M44 Gear select gear 4 T
M48 Feedrate override
allowed
M T
M49
Feedrate override
NOT allowed
M T
Prevent MFO. This rule is also usually called (automatically)
within tapping cycles or single-point threading cycles, where feed
is precisely correlated to speed. Same with spindle speed override
(SSO) and feed hold button. Some controls are capable of
providingSSO and MFO during threading.
M52 Unload Last tool from
spindle
M T Also empty spindle.
M60 Automatic pallet
change (APC)
M For machining centers with pallet changers
M98
Subprogram call M T
Takes an address P to specify which subprogram to call, for
example, "M98 P8979" calls subprogram O8979.
M99
Subprogram end M T
Usually placed at end of subprogram, where it returns execution
control to the main program. The default is that control returns to
the block following the M98 call in the main program. Return to a
different block number can be specified by a P address. M99 can
also be used in main program with block skip for endless loop of
main program on bar work on lathes (until operator toggles block
skip).
Example program


Tool Path for program
This is a generic program that demonstrates the use of G-Code to turn a 1" diameter X
1" long part. Assume that a bar of material is in the machine and that the bar is slightly
oversized in length and diameter and that the bar protrudes by more than 1" from the
face of the chuck. (Caution: This is generic, it might not work on any real machine! Pay
particular attention to point 5 below.)
Sample
Line Code Description
%

(Demarcates the start and end of a program. Originally indicated the start and end of tape
feed on NC machines, generally but not always required to be present on newer machines.)

O4968 (Sample face and turn program. Comments are enclosed in parentheses.)
N01 M216 (Turn on load monitor)
N02
G20 G90 G54
D200 G40
(Inch units. Absolute mode. Activate work offset. Activate tool offset. Deactivate tool nose
radius compensation.)
N03 G50 S2000
(Set maximum spindle speed in rev/min This setting will affect Constant Surface Speed
mode)
N04 T0300 (Index turret to tool 3. Clear wear offset (00).)
N05 G96 S854 M03
(Constant surface speed [automatically varies the spindle speed], 854 sfm, start spindle CW
rotation
N06
G41 G00 X1.1
Z1.1 T0303 M8
(Enable cutter radius compensation mode, rapid position to 1.1" above axial centerline and
1.1 inches positive from the work offset, activate flood coolant)
N07 G01 Z1.0 F.05 (Feed in horizontally until the tool is positioned 1" positive from the work offset)
N08 X-0.016
(Feed the tool slightly past center, you need to travel at least the nose radius of the tool past
the center of the part or there will be a scallop of material leftover.)
N09 G00 Z1.1 (Rapid positioning; retract to start position)
N10 X1.0 (Rapid positioning; next pass)
N11 G01 Z0.0 F.05 (Feed in horizontally cutting the bar to 1" diameter all the way to the datum, 0.05in/rev)
N12
G00 X1.1 M05
M09
(Clear the part, stop the spindle, turn off the coolant)
N13 G91 G28 X0 (Home X axis return the machine's home position for the X axis)
N14 G91 G28 Z0 (Home Z axis return to machine's home position for the Z axis)
N15 G90 (Return to absolute mode. Turn off load monitor)
N16 M30 (Program stop, rewind to beginning of program)
%