Do I Need to Be a G-Code Expert With CNC?

Do I need to be a G Code Expert? In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.

Let's look at a specific design. Let's say a 12" by 12" square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24" by 24" square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldn't. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24" by 24". Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.

There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail. This would include massive changes to it and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code.

And that is why this is throwaway. Use it over and over when you can, but don't fret over archiving it if something changes. It is much better to make a copy of the design (CAD File) in its original state and save that somewhere. That is much more useful. Post Processing? - Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight? Don't worry about that. The CAM program you choose will have many Post Processors. Post Processors are like translators. They help the CAM Program spit out the right G-Codes for your specific machine. All you have to do is select the right Post Processor before you spit out the code. That is simple.

Most CAM programs have many machine specific post processors already loaded. All you do is go to the list of them and click on your machine to select it. If you build your own CNC Machine, there are generic post processors loaded for different types of machines. Usually you pick a generic one and modify it a bit with a little testing. You are making sure a move in the X-Axis positive direction really means what you want it to mean.

Don is active in CNC Programming and G Code.

G-Code is part of his expertise.

Computer Aided Design Applications

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a type of computer-based tool used for drafting and designing. CAD is useful in various designing fields such as architecture, mechanical and electrical fields being some of them. This is a type of software, which enables users to create rapid and precise drawings and rough sketch plans of main products. It provides a flexible pattern in the drawing process that users can alter as according to their required dimensions with minimal efforts.

CAD is not only made for artists specifically but has the diversity to entertain all kinds of designing enthusiasts. This software has all built in features as per users need and come with many templates and symbols, for designing and drafting purposes, which gives it a wide area of application. It is the primary geometry-authoring tool used for all 2D and 3D designing purposes. It is useful for engineers, architects, and other designing professions.

CAD is applied in mechanical, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, machinery, and shipbuilding applications. In this field, it is used for designing various machinery and tools that are useful for manufacturing purposes. In the field of electronics, it is used in manufacturing process planning, digital circuit design, and other software applications. In the field of architecture, it is used as an effective tool for designing all types of buildings and assessing the integrity of steel-framed buildings. It enables them to design buildings in 2D and 3D models to give almost a real replica of the original work. It is useful in engineering processes in conceptual design, and laying out and analyzing components in manufacturing methods. Computer Aided Software Applications are now available on personal computers to facilitate users to work from home.

Many professionals use the CAD software because of its precise and creative benefits. Lower product development costs and reduced design cycles are some other attributes of the CAD software. Many educational institutions are nowadays indulging in teaching CAD to their students to make them aware of the latest technological advancement in the field of designing.

Computer Aided Design provides detailed information on Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design Software, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, Computer Aided Design and Engineering and more. Computer Aided Design is affiliated with Cam And Computer Aided Design.