G17, G18, and G19 G-Codes [Plane Selection]

[ CNCCookbook’s G-Code Tutorial ]

What are Plane Selection G-Codes (G17, G18, and G19) used for?

It’s convenient to refer to planes for various purposes. A plane is a flat 2-dimensional space defined by two axes. For example, the default plane on most mills is XY. If you draw an arc without specifying a change in the plane, it will be drawn on the XY plane. There is a plane for each combination of the linear axes XYZ.  

The G17, G18, and G19 G-Codes select which plane is active.

• G17:  XY
• G18:  XZ
• G19:  YZ

Here is a visual representation of the planes:

Plane selection is modal, so once you have established a plane all future arcs will be against that plane until a different plane selection g-code is invoked.

The selected working plane affects the following commands:

• G02/G03 circular (arc) interpolation
• G16:  polar coordinates
• G41/G42:  Cutter radius compensation.  Radius compensation is relative to the selected plane.
• G43/G44:  Cutter length compensation.  Length compensation is along the axis that is perpendicular to the selected plane.
• Many canned cycles.

It’s a good idea to include a plane selection gcode such as G17 in the preamble or safety block at the top of your g-code program.  Most g-code operates in G17 mode and you will seldom use G18 or G19.

Example Use:  Right Angle Heads on Milling Machines

FAQs