Most modern controls have this kind of functionality as standard so you might think why would I need to learn macro programming. Historically macro programming was used for things like bolt hole circles and cycles that machines didn’t have built in. Macro programming uses the #(variable) sign to represent values. In fact the use of macro programming in its simplest form is very easy and the rest is shrouded bullshit. It means you are controlling a program by external parameters. Macro programming is sometimes known as parametric programming. A macro is a stored pre set command, click one button and it will run the stored Gcode.CNC Macro Programming an Introduction Book Now CNC Macro Programming CourseĬNC Macro programming is sometimes thought of as a bit of a black art in CNC programming. Macro WindowĬlick the macro ‘tab’ and this window will show you all the macros you have set up. This command means ‘get state’, it will show your currently active modal commands in the console window. It will disable all movement of your cnc machine allowing you to run your Gcode ‘virtually’ to check it for errors etc. This button unlocks your machine if it is in an alarm state. I’ll show you how to do that in the macro section later in this article. If your machine does not have them you can set up a macro to home your machine.

Your cnc machine needs to be equipped with limit/homing switches and have them correctly set up in the firmware settings. This button activates the homing command. This will zero your Z ‘work position’ reading. Use this when you have your spindle/tool positioned at the Z zero datum position on your workpiece.

This will zero your Y ‘work position’ reading. Use this when you have your spindle/tool positioned at the Y zero datum position on your workpiece. This will zero your X ‘work position’ reading. Use this when you have your spindle/tool positioned at the X zero datum position on your workpiece. The wording of this is slightly confusing, but it means ‘zero your X axis’. Press this button after cancelling a program and before you want re-start. It resets all the main modal Gcode commands. This command will run what is commonly known as a safety line. Use this to move your machine to its datum position. Position the tool at the datum point of your stock and press it. This button will set the datums (Zero) of all three axes at once.

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