G-Code Macro Programming for CNC [ Productivity Power Tool ]

Last modified: July 16, 2024

Have you ever checked out Macro Programming for CNC?

For many CNC'ers, their first reaction is going to be that macro programming for cnc is all about hand coding CNC programs instead of using CAM Software.  While that is one possible use, it's definitely not to the most common one.

What can Macro Programming for CNC do for you?

Let's forget fancy hand-coded g-code without CAM.  If you're someone who does that, you probably already know macro programming.  But for everyone else, everyone that normally uses CAM Software to create g-code programs, Macro Programming can give you a lot more power.

We've written a big article about it called, "37 Things Your CAM Won’t Do For You That GCode Programming Can".  It's filled with great examples of what you can accomplish with macro programming.

Here are just some of the possibilities:

I could go on with these examples for a long time-there are 32 more in that article I mentioned, and it barely scratches the surface.

Suffice to say-Macro Programming for CNC can be a real Power Tool for most any CNC'er.

How Do I Get Started With Macro Programming for CNC?

I thought you'd never ask!

Well, truthfully, I was betting you would ask once you saw what was possible.  That's why I took the time to put together a Mini-Course on Macro Programming for CNC.  It's part of our Big Free G-Code Programming Training, but you don't have to go through all of that to get started with Macro Programming for CNC.

This Mini-Course has the initial introductory chapter plus 5 chapters of drill-down on the various specific features and functions you'll want to use for your Macro Programming:

Frankly, just the first 3 of those chapters is enough for you to do a lot.  Even just the first chapter will teach you to use variables and arithmetic in your g-code to accomplish a lot.

The course will walk you step-by-step through macro programming in the Fanuc Macro B syntax.  The vast majority of CNC controllers out there use that syntax, so your bases are covered.

Power Tool for CNC Macro Programmers?

GWizard G-Code editor interface screenshot.

G-Wizard Editor is a powerful gcode simulator and debugger for CNC Macro Programming...

It gets even better.  I know macro programming can seem a bit difficult sometimes, so how about a Power Tool to help you out with it?

I'm talking about a piece of software to help you understand what your macro programs do and to save you memorizing all the details.  We call it G-Wizard Editor, and customers tell me it totally rocks for Macro Programming.

I'm not going to try to sell you on it here though.  Get started on the Macro Programming Mini-Course.  It is full of examples that show how you can use G-Wizard Editor to simplify your learning and to make your Macro Programming as easy as possible when you get ready to try it.

All the best software sells itself by making it easy to solve the real world programs its audience faces.

So, go for it.  Up your CNC game tremendously and learn some Macro Programming.  It's way easier than you think way more useful than you'd ever guess.  Just click this link to get started:

Macro Programming for CNC Mini-Training

Word cloud with "Macro" and "Variables" on a green background.

There are pro training courses with certification available too, but why not start here for free?

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