CNC BLOG

Many shops assign one person to be totally responsible for the CNC machine/s they run. With the possible exception of creating programs –...

Given the list of ten commandments presented earlier in this issue of The Optional Stop, this commandment should rank near the top: “Thou...

With Fanuc controls, a special series of parameters is used to create user defined G codes. As with all parameters, specific parameter...

Every so often I get a question related to how standard canned cycles work – or rather – how they don’t work in a manner desired by the...

As you know, Fanuc-controlled machining centers come with at least six fixture offsets, invoked in a program by G54 through G59...

Suggested by Rick Lucchetti of TC Industries in Crystal Lake, Illinois People strive to obey the Ten Commandments – indeed, almost...

CNC machines can be dangerous enough to run when the people working with them are well trained. But when people having limited knowledge...

Custom macro B allows you to create your own G and M codes. That is, when a G or M code having the number you create is commanded, the...

As pointed out in the G code primer of this issue, machine tool builders vary when it comes to M code numbering. If you have similar...

As you know, M codes are miscellaneous functions – which can also be thought of as machine functions. They tend to command programmable...

Productivity is directly related to the proficiency of your workforce. The more productivity you expect from your people, the higher the...

When I first started working in shops (I won’t mention how long ago), it was customary for each machine operator to have an air hose....

Actually, the choice between whether the Imperial measurement system or the Metric measurement system is initialized can be done on the...

One of the major benefits of custom macro B, especially with part family and user created canned cycle applications, is the ability to...

Safety commands – by our definition here – are a series of commands placed at the beginning of all programs that confirm that the machine...

To a point, I think pride in one’s work is an inherent quality. Either a person has it or they don’t, and some people just seem to take...

You probably have many safety-related items placed in various locations around the shop – fire extinguishers, respirators, first aid...

In this issue’s G Code Primer, we discuss how to program certain program-related parameter changes with G10. Doing so, of course,...

In order for the cutting tool to move to the correct coordinates, the program zero point (program origin) must be properly instated....

There are many parameters that affect the way a CNC machine executes a program. In many cases, one appropriate setting for the parameter...