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ADM Unit 4 Resource

Mach3 G&M Code Reference

Interpret the teacher-approved Mach3 milling command subset used with the DMC2 Mini.

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Classroom Code Boundary

This reference is for the teacher-approved DMC2 Mini Mach3 milling profile. A command may be supported by Mach3 but still be inappropriate for the classroom machine, tooling, spindle configuration, or current setup. Use only commands assigned by the teacher.

Motion and coordinates

Core G Codes

  • G00 — rapid positioning; use only with verified clearance
  • G01 — linear feed motion using F
  • G02 / G03 — clockwise / counterclockwise circular interpolation when assigned
  • G17 — XY plane
  • G20 / G21 — inch / metric units
  • G54 — teacher-approved work coordinate system
  • G90 / G91 — absolute / incremental positioning
  • G94 — feed per minute
Machine states

Safety and M Codes

  • G40 — cancel cutter compensation
  • G49 — cancel tool-length compensation when not used
  • G80 — cancel canned cycle
  • F — feed rate
  • S — commanded spindle speed
  • M03 — spindle clockwise only when the DMC2 Mini profile controls the spindle
  • M05 — spindle stop only when configured
  • M30 — program end and reset
Instructional example

Teacher-Reviewed Program Pattern

(ADM U4 PRACTICE - NOT FOR MACHINE USE WITHOUT APPROVAL)
G17 G21 G40 G49 G80 G90 G94
G54
G00 Z10.000
G00 X0.000 Y0.000
(M03 S____ only when configured and approved)
G01 Z-1.000 F____
G01 X25.000 Y0.000 F____
G01 X25.000 Y15.000
G01 X0.000 Y15.000
G01 X0.000 Y0.000
G00 Z10.000
(M05 only when configured)
M30

The numeric values are placeholders. Tool diameter, stock, origin, depth, feeds, speeds, and spindle behavior must come from the approved setup.

Modal-state check

Ask Before Every Run

  • What units are active?
  • Is positioning absolute or incremental?
  • Which work offset is active?
  • What plane is active?
  • Are compensation and canned cycles canceled?
  • What feed mode is active?
  • Where is the tool now?
  • What is the next Z movement?
Mach3 file check

Inspect the .tap File

  • Correct program and revision
  • Expected units
  • Expected work offset
  • Safe initial Z
  • Correct minimum Z
  • No unsupported commands
  • Spindle behavior matches machine configuration
  • Feeds and speeds approved
  • Safe retract before rapid travel
  • M30 at program end