If you have recently invested in a CNC turning machine as a hobbyist, you have a lot of learning ahead of you. Although your machine may come with some instructions, there is a lot to learn that will be specific to your machine. Your manual may or may not include all the M Codes and their functions. So, if you are amiss, confused, and not sure where to start, read on. Below is an explanation on how to decipher all your M Codes from your local Bristol experts.
CNC Turning Machine : M Codes for your Individual Machine
When learning CNC machining it is important to realise one thing. There is no “industry” standard for M functions. What this means is that no two machines are the same, and if you have recently upgraded you may find that your new machine is totally different. Most machines will have M08 and M09, or M03 and M04, but not necessarily.
M functions for your machine are designed not by the manufacturer of your machine, rather by the machine tool builder. What this means is that you cannot ask another machinist a simple question like what the M code is to open the chuck and expect the right answer. What works for his machine will not work for yours, unless you share the same tool builder.
CNC Turning Machine : Machining without a Manual
If you have searched high and low for your manual, or you bought a second hand machine without a manual, help is at hand. Many manuals can be found online to download. If you are still at a loss, there is good news. The circuits for your machine will be labeled clearly, and you don’t really need to be electrical savvy to understand them. A ladder diagram of the circuits is an easy way to understand your M Codes.
M functions are powerful options that will allow you to automate many tasks with your CNC turning machine. Trial and error is also a way to learn the codes for your machine tools and individual machine. Once you have discovered which M Codes work, make sure you make a note of them. This way, you will learn which codes are needed for your machine. Downloading a manual is not a foolproof option as if the tools you are using are not the originals for your machine, the codes may not work.
Learning M codes doesn’t need to be complex, and it should never put you off trying to machine at home. What you need to remember is that you need to learn the codes for your machine and tools, and that asking someone will not bring you the right answers. It pays to keep the same machine and tools for a long period of time. If not, you will need to learn all the codes over again. Although there are similarities, and many codes that are shared across machines and tool manufacturers, yours will only be the same as someone who is using an identical machine and set of tools.
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