In order to completely know how CNC machine work, there are some functional codes you need to know and memorize. These codes include the M-code and the G-code
Read more: Controls Codes for CNC machines
M-codes are miscellaneous machine commands that do not command axis motion. The format for an M-code is the letter M followed by two to three digits; for example:
- [M02 End of Program]
- [M03 Start Spindle – Clockwise]
- [M04 Start Spindle – Counter Clockwise]
- [M05 Stop Spindle]
- [M06 Tool Change]
- [M07 Coolant on mist coolant]
- [M08 Flood coolant on]
- [M09 Coolant off]
- [M10 Chuck open]
- [M11 Chuck close]
- [M13 BOTH M03&M08 Spindle clockwise rotation & flood coolant]
- [M14 BOTH M04&M08 Spindle counter-clockwise rotation & flood coolant]
- [M16 Special tool call]
- [M19 Spindle orientate]
- [M29 DNC mode]
- [M30 Program reset & rewind]
- [M38 Door open]
- [M39 Door close]
- [M40 Spindle gear at middle]
- [M41 Low gear select]
- [M42 High gear select]
- [M53 Retract Spindle] (raises tool spindle above current position to allow the operator to do whatever they would need to do)
- [M68 Hydraulic chuck close]
- [M69 Hydraulic chuck open]
- [M78 Tailstock advancing]
- [M79 Tailstock reversing]
Read: Everything you need to know about CNC machine
G-cold is used to command specific movements of the machine, such as machine moves or drilling functions. The format for a G-code is the letter G followed by two to three digits; for example, G01. G-codes differ slightly between a mill and lathe application, for example:
- [G00 Rapid Motion Positioning]
- [G01 Linear Interpolation Motion]
- [G02 Circular Interpolation Motion-Clockwise]
- [G03 Circular Interpolation Motion-Counter Clockwise]
- [G04 Dwell (Group 00) Mill]
- [G10 Set offsets (Group 00) Mill]
- [G12 Circular Pocketing-Clockwise]
- [G13 Circular Pocketing-Counter Clockwise]
Codes used in CNC programming
