G01 linear interpolation (cutting feed) in CNC Programming - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the G01 command do in CNC programming?

G01 tells the machine to move in a straight line at a controlled cutting feed rate.

beginner

How do you specify the speed of the cutting feed when using G01?

You specify the feed rate using the F word, for example, F100 means 100 units per minute.

beginner

What is the difference between G00 and G01 commands?

G00 moves the tool quickly without cutting (rapid move), while G01 moves the tool slowly with cutting feed.

beginner

Write a simple G-code line to move the tool linearly to X50 Y25 at a feed rate of 150.

G01 X50 Y25 F150

beginner

Why is it important to use G01 for cutting instead of G00?

Using G01 controls the speed to avoid tool damage and ensures a smooth cut, while G00 is too fast and can cause damage.

What does the F word specify in a G01 command?

A Tool number

B Feed rate (cutting speed)

C Spindle speed

D Coordinate system

The F word sets the feed rate, which is the speed at which the tool moves during cutting.

Which command moves the tool rapidly without cutting?

A G00

B G02

C G03

D G01

G00 is used for rapid positioning moves without cutting.

What type of movement does G01 command perform?

A Circular interpolation

B Rapid positioning

C Drilling cycle

D Linear interpolation with cutting feed

G01 moves the tool in a straight line at a controlled feed rate for cutting.

How would you write a G01 command to move to X100 Y50 at feed rate 200?

A G01 X50 Y100 F200

B G00 X100 Y50 F200

C G01 X100 Y50 F200

D G02 X100 Y50 F200

G01 X100 Y50 F200 moves linearly to X100 Y50 at feed rate 200.

Why should you avoid using G00 for cutting moves?

A It moves too fast and can damage the tool

B It is too slow

C It only moves in circles

D It does not move the tool

G00 moves the tool rapidly without feed control, risking tool damage during cutting.

Explain how G01 linear interpolation works and why the feed rate is important.

Think about how the tool moves and why speed matters during cutting.

Describe the difference between G00 and G01 commands in CNC programming.

Consider when you want to move fast versus when you want to cut.

Practice

1. What does the G01 command do in CNC programming?

easy

A. Moves the tool rapidly without cutting

B. Changes the tool automatically

C. Stops the machine immediately

D. Moves the tool in a straight line at a controlled cutting speed

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of G01

   The G01 command is used for linear interpolation, meaning it moves the tool in a straight line.

2. Step 2: Recognize the feed rate role

   G01 moves the tool at a set feed rate, which controls cutting speed, unlike rapid moves (G00).

3. Final Answer:

   Moves the tool in a straight line at a controlled cutting speed -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   G01 = Linear cutting move [OK]

Hint: G01 means straight line move with cutting feed [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing G01 with rapid move G00
• Thinking G01 stops the machine
• Assuming G01 changes tools

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax for a G01 command to move to X=10, Y=5 at feed rate 150?

easy

A. G01 X10 Y5 150F

B. G01 X10 Y5 F150

C. G01 F150 X10 Y5

D. G01 X=10 Y=5 F=150

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct order and format

   The standard syntax places G01 first, followed by coordinates and feed rate with no equal signs.

2. Step 2: Check feed rate format

   Feed rate is specified as F followed by the number, no equal sign or reversed order.

3. Final Answer:

   G01 X10 Y5 F150 -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Correct G01 syntax = G01 X10 Y5 F150 [OK]

Hint: Coordinates then feed rate, no equal signs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using equal signs (=) in commands
• Placing feed rate before coordinates incorrectly
• Writing feed rate as number then F

3. What is the result of this CNC code snippet?

G01 X20 Y10 F100
G01 X30 Y10

medium

A. Moves to (20,10) at default feed, then moves to (30,10) at feed 100

B. Moves to (20,10) at feed 100, then moves to (30,10) at default feed

C. Moves to (20,10) at feed 100, then moves to (30,10) at feed 100

D. Syntax error due to missing feed rate in second line

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze first line

   G01 moves to X20 Y10 at feed rate 100, setting feed rate for subsequent moves.

2. Step 2: Analyze second line

   Second G01 moves to X30 Y10 without feed rate, so it uses the last set feed rate 100.

3. Final Answer:

   Moves to (20,10) at feed 100, then moves to (30,10) at feed 100 -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Feed rate persists until changed = Moves to (20,10) at feed 100, then moves to (30,10) at feed 100 [OK]

Hint: Feed rate stays until changed explicitly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming feed rate resets each line
• Thinking missing feed causes error
• Confusing feed rate with rapid move

4. Identify the error in this CNC code:

G01 X50 Y25 F200
G01 X60 Y30 F

medium

A. Missing feed rate value after F in second line

B. Coordinates are invalid

C. G01 command cannot be repeated twice

D. Feed rate must be before coordinates

Solution

1. Step 1: Check second line syntax

   The second line has 'F' with no number after it, which is invalid syntax.

2. Step 2: Validate other parts

   Coordinates are valid, G01 can repeat, and feed rate can come after coordinates.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing feed rate value after F in second line -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   F must have a number after it [OK]

Hint: F must always have a number after it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring missing feed rate value
• Thinking feed rate order matters
• Assuming repeated G01 is wrong

5. You want to cut a straight line from (0,0) to (50,50) with feed rate 120, then move rapidly to (0,0). Which code sequence is correct?

hard

A. G01 X50 Y50 F120
G00 X0 Y0

B. G00 X50 Y50 F120
G01 X0 Y0

C. G01 X50 Y50
G00 X0 Y0 F120

D. G01 X50 Y50 F120
G01 X0 Y0 F0

Solution

1. Step 1: Use G01 for cutting move

   Cutting move with feed rate 120 requires G01 to move from (0,0) to (50,50).

2. Step 2: Use G00 for rapid move back

   Rapid move back to (0,0) uses G00 without feed rate.

3. Final Answer:

   G01 X50 Y50 F120 G00 X0 Y0 -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Cut with G01, rapid with G00 [OK]

Hint: Cut with G01, rapid return with G00 [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using G00 for cutting moves
• Setting feed rate on rapid moves
• Using feed rate zero to stop feed