CNC Programming Basics
Program structure
Every program consists of:
1. Program Start
The program start is the program number. The
program number begins with character/letter O.
2. Program Contents
NC blocks
3. Program End
M30 for a main program
M17 for a sub-program
CNC Prg. Basics 1
CNC Program Numbers
Program Numbers
O6999
.
.
.
O0256
O0255
.
.
.
O0000
CNC Prg. Basics 2
CNC Program Blocks (1)
• N is the address
• Block numbers from N0000 to
• N9999
• A block consists of number
and words
• Words are contents of a
block
• Block numbers are selected in
the jumps of ten for the
purpose of insertion
CNC Prg. Basics 3
CNC Program Blocks (2)
• A block consists of one or
more blocks
• A Word consists of a
character (address) and a
number.
• Every address has a certain
meaning, on which the
corresponding number
depends
CNC Prg. Basics 4
CNC Prg. Syntax Regulations
• The maximum block length must not exceeded four
lines. If max. length exceeded alarm 650 occurs.
• Every block starts with a block number.
• After the block numbers follows the G command.
• Words consists of coordinates X(U), Z(W).
• For G02, G03 program interpolation parameter I and
K are placed after X(U), Z(W).
• The F word (feed, thread pitch).
• The S word (cutting speed).
• The T word (tool address).
• The M word (additional functions).
CNC Prg. Basics 5
Absolute Value Programming
Example:
P0 N… …
P0 P1 N… G01 X40. Z25. F…
P1 P2 N… G01 X60. Z-40. F…
P2 N… …
Absolute coordinate
system
CNC Prg. Basics 6
Incremental Value Programming
Example:
P0 N… …
P0 P1 N… G01 U5. W-25. F…
P1 P2 N… G01 X10. Z-15. F…
P2 N… …
Incremental coordinate
system
CNC Prg. Basics 7
Mixed Programming
Example:
P0 N… …
P0 P1 N… G01 U5. W-25. F…
P1 P2 N… G01 X60. Z-15. F…
P2 N… …
Mixed coordinate
system
CNC Prg. Basics 8
Self-holding Functions (1)
• The majority of G and M commands and other
words are self-holding, remain active until
overwritten or deactivated/deselected.
• Aimed to simplify and to reduce programming
tasks.
Example: G41 can be deactivated by issuing G40
command.
CNC Prg. Basics 9
Self-holding Functions (2)
Take-over of G00 commands in block N0110
In block N0120 G00 is deactivated by G01. G01 is active.
N0100 G00 X50. Z+10.
Example 1: N0110 X36. Z+2.
N0120 G01 X40. Z-10. F…
N0050 M03 M03 activated at N0050
N0060 … and effective from N0050
Example 2: … through N120. M03
N0120 M04 deactivated at N0120 by
M04 command
CNC Prg. Basics 10
Reference Points
M = Machine zero point.
(unchangeable ref. Point
determined by machine
manufacturer)
N = Tool mounting
reference point
W = Work piece zero
point. (can be freely
determined by the
programmer and can be
moved within program
CNC Prg. Basics 11
Work piece (1)
CNC Prg. Basics 12
Work piece (2)
CNC Prg. Basics 13
G & M Commands
G00: Rapid traverse
G01: Linear interpolation
G02: Circular interpolation clockwise
G03: Circular interpolation counter clockwise
G70: Measuring in Inch (USA)
G71: Measuring in mm (Other countries)
M03: Spindle ON clockwise
M04: Spindle ON counter clockwise
M20: Tailstock back
M21: Tailstock forward
CNC Prg. Basics 14
G00, Rapid Traverse
Tool position X69 Z5 Absolute dimensions of the
target point coordinates:
N030 G90
N040 G00 X48 Z-26
An absolute X coordinate related
to the diameter.
Incremental dimensions of
the target point
coordinates:
N030 G91
N040 G00 X-10,5 Z-31
CNC Prg. Basics 15
G01, Linear Interpolation
G01 X… Z… G90:
N030 G00 X39 Z2
N040 G01 X39 Z0
N050 G90
N060 G01 X48 Z-37
G91:
N030 G00 X39 Z2
N040 G01 X39 Z0
N050 G91
P0: tool position N060 G01 X4.5 Z-37
CNC Prg. Basics 16
G90 & G91 Commands
G90
G01 X+140 Z-90
Target point abs.
G91
G01 X+40 Z-60
Target point incr.
PO: Start Point
P1: Target Point
CNC Prg. Basics 17
