Becoming Familiar With Code: General Industry Coverage

With the advent of CAM software, generating G code is no longer the big deal it was a few decades ago. A CAM system will generate all the G code you need in a matter of seconds. Presented here is the first part of a multiple-part series of columns on the subject.

An adapter plate can be machined using manually written code. Image courtesy J. Harvey.

“G code” is an all-encompassing, informal term used when referring to CNC programming code. For example, when troubleshooting, you may hear someone say, “The drawing is correct; the problem must be in the G code.” This means the problem is in the CNC program. Not all controllers use the same G code, but, generally, there are many similarities.