G01 linear interpolation (cutting feed) in CNC Programming - Step-by-Step Execution

Concept Flow - G01 linear interpolation (cutting feed)

Start G01 Command

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Set Feed Rate

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Move Tool in Straight Line

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Reach Target Coordinates

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Stop or Next Command

The G01 command moves the CNC tool in a straight line at a set cutting feed rate from the current position to the target coordinates.

Execution Sample

CNC Programming

N10 G01 X10 Y5 F100
N20 G01 X20 Y15
N30 G00 X0 Y0

Moves the tool linearly to X10 Y5 at feed rate 100, then to X20 Y15 at same feed, then rapid move home.

Execution Table

Step	Command	Feed Rate (F)	Target Position (X,Y)	Action	Tool Position After
1	N10 G01 X10 Y5 F100	100	(10,5)	Move linearly at feed 100	(10,5)
2	N20 G01 X20 Y15	100	(20,15)	Move linearly at feed 100	(20,15)
3	N30 G00 X0 Y0	N/A	(0,0)	Rapid move (not cutting)	(0,0)

💡 Program ends or next command after rapid move to home position.

Variable Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2	After Step 3
Tool Position	(0,0)	(10,5)	(20,15)	(0,0)
Feed Rate (F)	N/A	100	100	N/A

Key Moments - 3 Insights

Why does the feed rate stay the same in step 2 even though it's not specified?

Because the feed rate set in step 1 (F100) remains active until changed, as shown in execution_table row 2.

What is the difference between G01 and G00 commands in this example?

G01 moves the tool linearly at a controlled feed rate (cutting), while G00 moves rapidly without cutting, as seen in execution_table steps 1-3.

Why does the tool position update after each command?

Because each command moves the tool to new coordinates, updating the position variable as tracked in variable_tracker.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution_table, what is the tool position after step 2?

A (0,0)

B (10,5)

C (20,15)

D (15,10)

💡 Hint

Check the 'Tool Position After' column in execution_table row 2.

At which step does the feed rate first get set to 100?

A Step 3

B Step 1

C Step 2

D Feed rate is never set

💡 Hint

Look at the 'Feed Rate (F)' column in execution_table row 1.

If the feed rate F200 was added to step 2, how would the feed rate change in variable_tracker after step 2?

A It would change to 200

B It would remain 100

C It would become N/A

D It would reset to 0

💡 Hint

Feed rate updates when specified in the command, see how it was set in step 1 and carried over in step 2.

Concept Snapshot

G01 command moves tool in a straight line at set feed rate.
Syntax: G01 X... Y... F... (F sets feed rate).
Feed rate stays until changed.
Used for cutting moves.
G00 is rapid move (non-cutting).
Tool position updates after each move.

Full Transcript

The G01 command in CNC programming moves the tool in a straight line at a controlled feed rate. When you write G01 with coordinates and a feed rate F, the machine moves the tool from its current position to the target position at that speed. If you omit the feed rate in the next G01 command, the machine keeps using the last feed rate set. The tool position updates after each command, showing where the tool is now. G00 commands move the tool quickly without cutting. This example shows moving to (10,5) at feed 100, then to (20,15) at the same feed, then a rapid move home.