Depending on the control, one of two cases is true for these program formats.
- If the CNC requires X, Y, and Z axes motion to be programmed in the same rapid line, then all three reserved words (X, Y, and Z) must be included in the X,Y Rapid Move program format. The Z Rapid Move format must remain empty.
- If the CNC does not allow for X, Y and Z axes motion to be programmed in the same rapid line, then use both formats (the X,Y Rapid Move and Z Rapid Move).
Rapid — The Rapid move format defines the output format for rapid positioning moves.
Generally, modality delimiters { } are placed around the <X-COORD> and <Y-COORD> reserved words. This allows the post processor to strip X, or Y from the line when a coordinate is redundant. If the first case is true (see two preceding cases in Move formats), then the <Z-COORD> reserved word must be included.
Z Rapid — This format is used to rapid to the plunge clearance plane in Z. If the first case is true, then the Z Rapid Move format must remain empty. If the second case is true, then the <Z-COORD> reserved word must be included.
Linear — The Linear Move format defines the output format for linear moves. The following reserved words must be defined in this block:
- <X-COORD>
- <Y-COORD>
- <Z-COORD>
- <FEED>
- <MOTION>
Cutter diameter compensation can be turned ON/OFF in this format line via the <COMP-START> reserved word. Some CNC machines may require the use of the vector reserved words <X-VECTOR> and <Y-VECTOR>.
Circular — The method of specifying arc definition is defined in a Circular Move block. The following reserved words are provided as arc modifiers for I, K, or R values:
- <ARC-X>
- <ARC-Y>
- <RADIUS>
- <S-RAD>
- <X-CEN>
- <Z-CEN>
Spindle — This format is not used currently.
Dwell — Format for dwell code output, that is G04U<DWELL><EOB>.
UDF Text — Returns code/comment from a user-defined feature (UDF). <UDF-TEXT> and <UDF-COMMENT> are reserved words that receive text passed from the UDF