Part program

The part program is a sequence of instruction that describe the work that is to be done to a part. Typically these instructions are generated in <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_manufacturing/gqYHXcK9">Computer-aided manufacturing</a> software and are then fed into the <a href="/facts/Computer_numerical_control/B2c7UbaX">computer numerical control</a> (CNC) software on the machines, such as <a href="/facts/Drill/qTvmmAlo">drills</a>, <a href="/facts/Lathe/FjF9FYLR">lathes</a>, <a href="/facts/Milling_(machining)/PVXTgNyz">mills</a>, <a href="/facts/Grinding_machine/arWLbN6y">grinders</a>, <a href="/facts/CNC_router/NpFy9MqQ">routers</a>, that are performing work on the part. The CNC computer then translates the set of instructions into a standardized format of <a href="/facts/G-code/fAN8mRWf">G-code</a> and M-code commands and follow the instructions in the order they are written left to right or top to bottom. 

When multiple repetitive operations are needed on a large number of parts <a href="/facts/Canned_cycle/7exT7zCj">canned cycles</a> can be used to reduce the number of operation blocks in a part program. In some cases a part might need to go between multiple machines and have multiple operations performed on it to generate the geometry that is need.Example of the order of operations seen in a typical program 
<ul><li>Program start</li>
<li>Load selected tool</li>
<li>Turn spindle on</li>
<li>Turn coolant on</li>
<li>G00 Rapid to starting position above part</li>
<li>All machining operations to part</li></ul>
<ul><li>Turn coolant off</li>
<li>Turn spindle off</li>
<li>Move to safe position</li>
<li>End program</li></ul>

Part program open-in-new

Part program