CNC & G-code Essentials

By the end

What you'll build

• Read a first-angle (IS/BIS) engineering drawing and identify the datum, work zero and cutting profile before writing any code
• Set up and switch between machine coordinates and work offsets (G54–G59), and between absolute (G90) and incremental (G91) modes
• Write G-code toolpaths using rapids (G0), linear feeds (G1) and circular interpolation (G2/G3) with I/J arc centres
• Simulate a hand-written program in the browser and debug it against a checkable toolpath and a required end position
• Find and correct the common programming errors that crash tools or scrap parts — wrong units, missing offset, reversed arc, uncut profile
• Calculate spindle speed, feed rate, chip load and cycle time from cutting-speed data in Python
• Model an assigned part in your own free CAD tool and verify it by its mass properties (volume and surface area)
• Explain the CAM workflow from CAD model to verified NC program — and where a simulator stops and a real machine begins
• Distinguish first-angle from third-angle projection and program consistently to the Indian first-angle convention
• Assemble a complete safe-start-to-safe-end profiling program and prove it in simulation as a capstone

Curriculum

What's inside

6 modules · 34 lessons

1. 01

   The Machine and Its Language

   6 lessons
   • Start Here: What This Course Is (and Is Not)
   • Anatomy of a CNC Machine: Axes, Spindle, Tool, Table
   • The Coordinate System and the Right-Hand Rule
   • Reading the Part: First-Angle Projection for Programmers
   • Starter Deck: G-codes, M-codes and Line Typesflashcard sr
   • + 1 more lesson
2. 02

   Coordinates and Work Offsets

   6 lessons
   • Absolute vs Incremental: G90 and G91
   • Machine Zero, Work Zero and Work Offsets (G54–G59)
   • Units and Planes: G20 / G21 and G17
   • Lab: Your First Toolpath — Trace a Rectangle (G90)gcode lab
   • Lab: The Same Shape in Incremental Mode (G91)gcode lab
   • + 1 more lesson
3. 03

   Core G-codes: Rapids, Feeds and Arcs

   6 lessons
   • G0 Rapid vs G1 Feed: The Difference That Breaks Tools
   • Lab: Rapid to Start, Then Cutgcode lab
   • Circular Interpolation: G2 / G3 with I and J
   • Lab: Machine a Quarter Arc with G3gcode lab
   • Lab: Profile with a Radius — Straight Sides and a Rounded Cornergcode lab
   • + 1 more lesson
4. 04

   Writing Toolpaths by Hand

   6 lessons
   • Program Structure: Safe Start, Body, Safe End
   • Lab: Measure the Stock Before You Programmodel viewer
   • Lab: Program an L-Bracket Outline from a Drawinggcode lab
   • Find the Errors in This Programquiz
   • Verify Your Model: Volume and Surface Areafill blank
   • + 1 more lesson
5. 05

   Feeds, Speeds and Cycle Time

   5 lessons
   • Feeds and Speeds: RPM, Feed Rate and Chip Load
   • Lab: Speeds and Feeds Calculatorpython lab
   • Lab: Cycle-Time Estimatorpython lab
   • Feeds and Speeds: Compute the Numbersfill blank
   • Check: Feeds, Speeds and Cycle Timequiz
6. 06

   CAM Concepts and the Simulator Capstone

   5 lessons
   • From CAD to Cut: The CAM Workflow
   • Cutter Compensation, Climb vs Conventional, and Toolpath Strategy
   • Mastery Deck: CAM and G-codeflashcard sr
   • Capstone: Machine a Drawing’s Profile End to Endgcode lab
   • Final Check: CNC and G-code Essentialsquiz

The shape of it

How this course works