CNC Macro Programming

This course will take you above and beyond the standard knowledge of a CNC machinist.

I conducted a poll a few years ago and found that a staggering 83% of professional CNC machinists didn't know how to code macros. The ones that do have the edge in applying for jobs and generally earn more money. I can understand why, as we have a lot to learn and many skills to master as CNC operators. This kind of programming crosses into computer science and is quite different from standard CNC programming that we are used to.

Enhanced Flexibility

Macros allow you to incorporate logic and conditional statements directly into your G-Code. This means you can execute more advanced machining operations, boosting your efficiency and decreasing the time it takes to write programs.

Customizability

Macros allow for the creation of custom canned cycles, adding to the capability of standard G-Code commands.

But fear not, it is easier to learn than you think.

Before we get you up to speed on programming with variables, logical statements, and custom macros, I recommend that you either have a good working knowledge of standard CNC programming or have completed at least one of the courses below:

CNC Lathe Programming
CNC Mill Programming

Already know G-Code but wish to learn the advanced stuff? OK, you are ready to Enroll

Typical macro program

O8001 (MACRO);
#24 = 25.4;
#12 = #12/2;
G90 G00 X[#24+#12] Y#25;
#200 = #4/#3;
#201 = FIX[#200];
IF[#200 EQ #201] GOTO999;
G90 G01 Z-#4;
G03 I-#12;
N999 G90 G00 Z0;
M99;
%

A Quick Overview

A typical macro program looks quite a bit different from standard G-Code. Once it has been broken down it makes a lot more sense.

The numbers that start with a hash (#) symbol are variables. These are used to store values. We can define these variables by typing #100 = 10; It's as simple as that.
We can also use them to store answers to maths equations that can be used within the program.

For example: '#100 = 1 + 2' This little equation would make #100 equal to 3.

If we were then to say #200 = #100 + #100; then #200 would be equal to 6.

We can also add logic to our program by using 'IF' statements such as 'IF [A CONDITION IS TRUE] THEN [DO SOMETHING]'

So using our same variables we could say: IF [#100 EQ 3] GOTO 10;

EQ means 'equal to' so #100 IS equal to 3.
This statement would be true therefore the program would jump to N10 line number. If it was not equal to 3 the computer would skip the GOTO statement and continue to read the rest of the program after this line.

All this seem a little confusing? This advanced G-Code macro course makes learning macros easy.