CNC programming involves taking a 3D CAD model, and converting it into a CNC program with defined toolpaths (where the tool moves during the operation), and any other parameters for the operation. These parameters include the speed, feed rate, which tools to use, and there are many others. The CAM softwarethen takes these toolpath movement instruct...

CNC programmers use G-code commands to instruct CNC machines what to do. They’re called g-code because most of the letters in the code start with G, but there are also M-codes, and some commands also start with F. Here’s an example g-code I have written for a hypothetical drilling scenario, with what each code does to the machine. The animation bel...

A CNC programmer writes instructions that tell the CNC machine tell the machine to move in a certain direction, by a certain distance. What a CNC programmer does also depends on how complex the part is that they need to make. The more complicated, and the tighter the tolerance required, means more time spent programming. A professional CNC programm...