Every subsequent command will work from this datum. On the screen above if you programmed G0 G54 X0 Y0 the machine would move -75. When we subsequently call this G code the machine will use this position as it’s datum. What we do when we are setting ( G54 to G59) is enter this position in the work offset page. This is the position we need to write into the work offset page to tell the control where each datum is ( G54 to G59) We don’t use this once we have set our datums. The “MACHINE” position tells us how far we are from the machine zero. So when the machine is at zero return this will read. This is the machines position from zero return. This position display will have one set of figures normally called “ MACHINE“. The machine then knows where it is.Īll machines will have a position display. When you first turn on your CNC Machine you would normally reference or Zero Return all the axis. (Don’t panic I know you still want rapid and G54) Zero Return Read this if you don’t know what modal means. Once you set one of these all you need do is use the G code ( 54 to 59) and the machine will use that offset.Įach one of these G Codes represents a datum position on the machine.īecause the work offset is modal once you state it you don’t need to repeat yourself. On a Fanuc control it’s a G code usually G54 although as standard you have six of these. Once we put the component on the machine it needs to know where the part is. All the X and Y figures will be measured from this datum. When we write a CNC program we work from a datum on the drawing.

The control say’s “where the fuck’s the part?” machine says “ask the work offset G54 to G59 they’ll know”. Great but your machine hasn’t got a clue where your part is.

So you wrote your program and it looks great on your simulation.

Make sure you read to the end to see how good use of Work Offsets can dramatically increase production on your CNC Machine. This article explains how they work on various controls. As part of the basics of CNC Programming you need to have a good grasp of Work Offsets.

What is cam works coordinate system