G-code

<p>G-code (abbreviation for geometric code; also called RS-274, standardized today in ISO 6983-1) is the most widely used <a href="/facts/Computer_numerical_control/B2c7UbaX">computer numerical control</a> (CNC) and <a href="/facts/3D_printing/lbvWU3t0">3D printing</a> <a href="/facts/Programming_language/cWTYbgWa">programming language</a>. It is used mainly in <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_manufacturing/gqYHXcK9">computer-aided manufacturing</a> to control automated <a href="/facts/Machine_tool/XPHaqz0p">machine tools</a>, as well as for <a href="/facts/Slicer_(3D_printing)/YzyJ4SGt">3D-printer slicer applications</a>. G-code has many variants.
</p><p>G-code instructions are provided to a <a href="/facts/Programmable_logic_controller/bqh0GAdb">machine controller</a> (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 <a href="/facts/Metal_lathe/4rmQIQ7J">lathe</a> or <a href="/facts/Milling_(machining)/PVXTgNyz">mill</a>, a <a href="/facts/Cutting_tool_(machining)/By7NvLuM">cutting tool</a> 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 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 <a href="/facts/Forming_(metalworking)/7oPEGs8m">forming</a> or <a href="/facts/Burnishing_(metal)/mjN9Guzb">burnishing</a> tools, <a href="/facts/Gerber_format/VJLmFm9j">photoplotting</a>, additive methods such as 3D printing, and measuring instruments.
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G-code open-in-new

G-code