CNC Basics on CNC-Master

Cartesian coordinate system

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Cartesian coordinate system, named after the French mathematician René Descartes, is used to describe points in a plane or in space unambiguously. In CNC technology it is the foundation of every position: each point the tool moves to is defined by coordinates.

Two dimensions: X and Y

In the two-dimensional coordinate system, two axes are perpendicular to each other: the X-axis runs horizontally, the Y-axis vertically. The point where the two axes intersect is called the origin and carries the coordinate pair (0, 0).

Linear interpolation: G0 and G1

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

G0 and G1 are two fundamental G-codes in CNC programming that control the movement of the machine tool. They are like the basic directions that tell a driver where to go and how fast.

G0: rapid traverse

The G0 command, known as rapid traverse, is like a sprinter covering the distance between two points as fast as possible. With G0, the machine moves at maximum speed. The command is used to bring the tool to a new position without cutting any material.

Circular interpolation: G2 and G3

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

After G0 and G1 for straight movements come G2 and G3: the commands for circular interpolation. With them, the machine cuts or engraves circular paths: arcs and full circles.

G2: clockwise

The G2 command stands for clockwise circular interpolation (CW). The tool moves from the start point along a defined arc in a clockwise direction to the end point.

G3: counterclockwise

G3 is the counterpart: counterclockwise circular interpolation (CCW). The arc is programmed with the same parameters, just in the opposite direction of rotation.

Tool change and spindle commands: T, M6, M3/M4/M5, S

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

In CNC programming, T, M and S commands control central functions of the machine: selecting and changing the tool, and switching the spindle on and off with the desired direction and speed.

Tool call with T and M6

The tool is called with the T command (e.g. T1, T2, etc.), which selects a specific tool from the tool magazine, comparable to a chef picking the right kitchen tool for a task. The M6 command then performs the actual tool change: the tool selected with T is loaded into the spindle.