G-code: Difference between revisions

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{{other uses|G-code (disambiguation)|G programming language (disambiguation)}}

{{redirect|RS-274|the photoplotter format|Gerber format}}

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{{Infobox programming language

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'''G-code''' (abbreviation for '''geometric code'''; also called<ref>{{cite tech report |editor1-last=Barkmeyer |editor1-first=Edward J. |editor2-last=Hopp |editor2-first=Theodore H. |editor3-last=Michael J. |editor3-first=Pratt |editor4-last=Gaylen R. |editor4-first=Rinaudot |title=Background Study: Requisite Elements, Rationale, and Technology Overview for the Systems Integration for Manufacturing Applications (SIMA) Program |date=1995 |publisher=NIST Technical Series Publications |___location=Gaithersburg, MD, USA |pages=45 |edition=NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) 5662 |url=https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/IR/nistir5662.pdf}}</ref> '''RS-274''',<ref>{{cite book |title=EIA Standard RS-274-D Interchangeable Variable Block Data Format for Positioning, Contouring, and Contouring/Positioning Numerically Controlled Machines |date=February 1979 |publisher=Electronic Industries Association |___location=2001 Eye Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 |url=https://search.worldcat.org/de/title/11135300 |ref=RS-274-D}}</ref> standardized today in '''ISO 6983-1'''<ref>{{cite tech report |editor1-last=Technical Committee ISO/TC 184/SC 1 |title=ISO 6983-1:2009 Automation systems and integration — Numerical control of machines — Program format and definitions of address words; Part 1: Data format for positioning, line motion and contouring control systems |date=December 2009 |publisher=International Standards Organization |___location=Geneva, Switzerland |url=https://www.iso.org/standard/34608.html |ref=ISO 6983:2009}}</ref>) is the most widely used [[computer numerical control]] (CNC) and [[3D printing]] [[programming language]]. It is used mainly in [[computer-aided manufacturing]] to control automated [[machine tool]]s, as well as for [[Slicer (3D printing)|3D-printer slicer applications]]. G-code has many variants.

'''G-code''' (abbreviation for '''Geometric code'''; also called '''RS-274''') is the most widely used [[computer numerical control]] (CNC) and [[3D printing]] [[programming language]]. It is used mainly in [[computer-aided manufacturing]] to control automated [[machine tool]]s, as well as for [[Slicer (3D printing)|3D-printer slicer applications]]. G-code has many variants.

G-code instructions are provided to a [[Programmable logic controller|machine controller]] (industrial computer) that tells the motors where to move, how fast to move, and what path to follow. The two most common situations are that, within a machine tool such as a [[Metal lathe|lathe]] or [[Milling (machining)|mill]], a [[cutting tool (machining)|cutting tool]] is moved according to these instructions through a toolpath cutting away material to leave only the finished workpiece and/or an unfinished workpiece is precisely positioned in any of up to nine axes<ref>Karlo Apro (2008). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=Ws228Aht0bcC Secrets of 5-Axis Machining]''. Industrial Press Inc. {{ISBN|0-8311-3375-9}}.</ref> around the three dimensions relative to a toolpath and, either or both can move relative to each other. The same concept also extends to noncutting tools such as [[Forming (metalworking)|forming]] or [[Burnishing (metal)|burnishing]] tools, [[Gerber format|photoplotting]], additive methods such as 3D printing, and measuring instruments.