We humans like flexibility. We also like standards. G-Codes are standardized in a certain sense.Once you’re able to read G-Code, you can begin to read different variations on it. That is the standardized part.All CNC machines are not created in the same way. Even identical machines are different to a certain degree. They may not have the same tools loaded or they have been slightly modified to produce a certain type of part. Interesting how people like to customize.
Many CNC machine manufacturers try to force you to only use their G-Code. For example, they give you a design interface to make parts and a CAM interface to produce code. They lock you into their “Black Box” so you can’t go elsewhere for service and support. They lock you in their “Family.” Sometimes they make up a completely different kind of G-Code language that no one can understand but them. They do that to keep your hands tied up.
M-Codes are related to G-Codes. M-Codes control different machine functions. Some of these functions are turning the machine on and off. Turning the spindle on or off. Turning a plasma torch on or off. Turning coolant on or off. You get the idea. When programming your CNC machine you may need to perform these functions.Like G-Code, M-Codes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from machine to machine. As you can imagine you would need an M-code for turning a plasma torch on and off on a CNC Plasma Cutting Machine.You don’t need an M-code to turn a CNC machine spindle on and off though. Hey, the machine doesn’t even have a spindle. It’s a plasma cutter.
