Lesson 1Contouring strategies for external profiles: conventional vs climb milling, lead-in/lead-out, corner treatment, and corner rounding (R5) programmingCovers contouring strategies for external profiles on FANUC VMCs. Compares climb and conventional milling, discusses lead-in and lead-out moves, and shows how to program corner rounding with R5.
Choosing climb or conventional millingLead-in and lead-out move strategiesCorner treatment and sharp corner reliefProgramming R5 corner radii in G-codeFinishing passes and spring cutsLesson 2Subprogram structure (M98/M99) and use of canned subroutines for repeated patternsExplains FANUC subprograms using M98 and M99 for repeated patterns. Covers structure, parameter passing, safe entry and exit moves, and organising libraries of reusable machining routines.
Subprogram call syntax with M98Defining subprograms and O numbersUsing local variables and parametersSafe approach and retract in subroutinesManaging repeated holes and pocket arraysLesson 3Standard safety header codes for FANUC (G90 G54 G17 G21 G40 G49 G80) and their meaningsExplains the standard FANUC safety header codes and why they are used at program start. Clarifies each modal group, how they prevent unexpected behaviour, and how to standardise headers across programs.
Purpose of a safety header blockG90 absolute mode and implicationsG54 work offset selection basicsG17 plane, G21 units, and G40 cutter compG49 length cancel and G80 cycle cancelLesson 4Managing retracts, safe Z heights, and rapid move limits to avoid crashesExplains how to manage retract moves, safe Z heights, and rapid limits to prevent crashes. Emphasises clearance planes, approach strategies, and verifying paths in CAM and on the control.
Defining safe Z and clearance planesRapid move limits near fixturesApproach and retract path planningAvoiding collisions with tall clampsDry runs and single-block verificationLesson 5Pocketing strategies for rectangular pockets with corner radii (R3): raster, offset, and adaptive pocketing patternsCovers CAM and manual programming strategies for rectangular pockets with corner radii. Compares raster, offset, and adaptive patterns, focusing on tool load, chip evacuation, and surface finish on FANUC VMCs.
Defining pocket geometry and R3 cornersRaster pocketing paths and stepoversOffset pocketing and tool engagementAdaptive pocketing and constant loadEntry moves, ramping, and helical entryLesson 6Examples of facing strategies and implementing a spiral or zig-zag facing pattern in G-codeExplores facing strategies for preparing flat reference surfaces. Compares spiral and zig-zag patterns, discusses tool selection, stepovers, and how to implement each pattern in FANUC-compatible G-code.
Selecting face mills and cutting parametersZig-zag facing paths and direction controlSpiral facing pattern programmingStepovers, stepdowns, and surface finishEdge overtravel and stock allowanceLesson 7Programming modes: absolute (G90) vs incremental (G91), plane selection (G17), units (G21)Clarifies absolute and incremental programming modes, plane selection, and metric units. Shows how G90, G91, G17, and G21 interact, and how to avoid errors when switching modes mid-program.
Absolute mode G90 usage and examplesIncremental mode G91 and applicationsSwitching safely between G90 and G91G17 XY plane selection for millingMetric units with G21 and unit checksLesson 8Best practices for program structure and comments to ensure clarity and safetyDescribes best practices for organising CNC programs to improve clarity and safety. Covers logical block ordering, section headers, consistent naming, and comments that help operators troubleshoot.
Standard program layout and sectionsNaming conventions for tools and offsetsUsing clear, concise inline commentsSeparating roughing and finishing blocksEnd-of-program checks and summariesLesson 9Common canned cycles for drilling (G81/G82/G83) and how to program dwell, peck, and retract heightsDetails FANUC drilling canned cycles G81, G82, and G83, including how to set depths, peck values, dwell times, and retract planes. Focuses on safe chip evacuation, tool life, and consistent hole quality.
Syntax of G81, G82, and G83 cyclesSetting depth, feed, and spindle speedProgramming dwell times with G82Peck depth and chip break with G83Retract planes, R levels, and clearanceLesson 10Coordinate systems and work offsets: G54 setup, top-left origin practices, and zeroing Z at top surfaceDescribes coordinate systems and work offsets on FANUC VMCs. Shows how to set G54, choose a top-left origin, and zero Z at the top surface to simplify programming and inspection alignment.
Machine coordinates versus work coordinatesSetting and verifying G54 work offsetTop-left origin strategy on VMC tablesZeroing Z at the top surface of the partChecking offsets with edge finders and probesLesson 11Program verification statements and comments for operator handoffFocuses on adding verification statements and comments so operators can safely run programs. Covers describing setups, tools, critical dimensions, and in-process checks for reliable handoff.
Commenting program purpose and revisionDocumenting tools, holders, and offsetsDescribing setups and clamping methodsFlagging critical dimensions and tolerancesIn-process inspection and pause promptsLesson 12Tool change sequences, spindle on/off, coolant on/off, and M-codes commonly used on FANUC controlsExplains how FANUC handles tool changes, spindle and coolant control, and the most common M-codes. Emphasises safe sequencing, avoiding collisions, and writing readable, standardised machine-ready programs.
Tool change sequence and safe positionsSpindle start, stop, and speed commandsCoolant on, off, and mist controlCommon FANUC M-codes and meaningsM-code ordering and safety interlocks
