Instructions

7) m2-Informs the computer the computer the program has come to an end.

8) % -The standard format of EMC or EMC2 is to start and the entire program with a

percentage sign.

9) Now we have to load this program for your machine to run. [File] [Save and Load]

In this case we are not ready for prime time, and we are going to check our program

with [Pop In] [Backplot].

10) One more check –the program should look like this:

(circle g02)

g01 g90 x0 y0 z0 f2

g02 x0 y0 i-.500 j0

g01 g90 x0 y0 z0 f2

11) Go for it, click on [Run]. The backplot program should start tracing the path the

spindle will travel in relation to the work. If you got one of those little messages and

it didn’t run, check for typing errors and correct them. Right-click [Editor] [file]

then [Save and Load] [Run] until it works.

12) The time has finally come to watch this little beauty in action, so turn on the

machine control and “let her rip.” Notice how the slides are constantly changing

speeds as each axis reaches its apex and changes direction. The circle is also being

generated in the CW direction as the g02 requires. Run this little program several

times and take the time to really understand what’s going on. From the control

panel you can single step the program through and run things until you’re bored.

You had your fun and it’s time to go to school again

Now guys and girls, it’s time to go back as many times as it is necessary until you are

absolutely positive you know exactly what every letter of your program does. I’m not

looking over your shoulder, and the only way you can act foolish is by being on page 10

when you should be on page 3.

What a difference a minus sign can make

The first thing I want you to learn is how important that minus sign can be. (Also, a

misplaced decimal point can easily cause a catastrophic machine event.) First, turn off the

machine because there isn’t any sense in having it run while we’re doing this exercise.

It’d also be distracting. Run your existing program through once again and generate the

circle you started with. Leave the circle there and don’t [Reset] until we are done with

this entire exercise. Right-click to Edit your program and the only thing I want you to do

is remove the minus sign from the i value in the g02 command. [Save and Load] and

[Run]. I’ll bet you didn’t think it was going to do that! Just think what could have

happened to that expensive fixture if you were controlling a 30 HP mill. A quick way to

the unemployment line. I’m now going to give you the golden rule #1 of any CNC shop.