1

Generating CNC Code

At some stage you will want to produce CNC code from your EdgeCAM machining sequence
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.

2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 2
Passing Job Data to the NC File
When a job record is selected for a machining sequence the Comment,Family,Customer,
ProgrammerandJob Revision modifiers will be loaded into EdgeCAM (if specified for the job
record) and the values displayed in the appropriate field on the Job Data tab.
This information along with Material, Machine and Description will be passed through to the
Code Generator, bringing the Job Manager, EdgeCAM machining sequences and the NC file
closer together. Generating CNC Code
You can also
At some stageset these
you will modifiers on the New
want to produce CNC Machining
code from Sequence or Machine
your EdgeCAM Parameters
machining sequence
dialog. The relevant fields in the Job Manager will be updated when an NC file is generated.
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

Code Generator Variable Token Name Token Description

To generate the code from the active machining sequence
JOBDESC JM-DESC Job Manager Description

JOBCOM JM-COM Job Manager Comment

1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.
JOBFAM JM-FAM Job Manager Family
2. Specify the following parameters:
JOBMACH JM-MACH Job Manager Machine
CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension
JOBCUST JM-CUST using the Default NCJob
FileManager
Extension option on the
Customer
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
JOBPROG JM-PROG Job Manager Programmer
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences
JOBMATL JM-MATL (Options menu) Job
dialog.
Manager Material
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
JOBREV JM-REV Job Manager Revision
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 3
About CNC Filenames
When a milling or single turret turning sequence is generated, the CNC filename is generated
to the following format:

CNC file - example.nc

Generating
Setup file (optional) - example-set.nc CNC Code
At some
When stage .nc
a single youfile
williswant to produce
generated, thereCNC code
is no ‘-1’ from yourinEdgeCAM
included the name.machining sequence
This clarifies that the
information.
file To doturret
is for a single this, machine.
you must You
use the
can Code Generator
specify application.
an extension This‘.nc’.
other than converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.
When a multiple turret turning sequence is generated, the CNC filename is generated to the
following format:
To generate the code from the active machining sequence

1st CNC file - example-1.nc

1. Select
2nd the Generate
CNC file Code (File menu)
- example-2.nc command.
2. Specify the following parameters:
Setup file (optional) - example-set.nc
CNC Name
The EdgeCAM Editor–and
Enter a name for the modules
Communications CNC file interpret
(the defaultandfile
useextension is .nc).generated
long filenames You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File
from EdgeCAM (or any application) when running on a Windows NT installation. Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Note, however, that long filenames are truncated when viewed from Windows 3.1 and Novell
To save
networks. CNC file the
For example, namesfile in upper case checkwill
1234567890abc.nc thebe Force Upper
truncated to Case option .on the
123456~.nc
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
The name assigned to the ‘setup’ file is configurable in the Code Generator source file, for
Click
example, on the
instead of Browse... button in
including -SETUP to the
select an existing
filename, filebe
it may name to write
specified over.
as -HEADER.
Any CNCJob
file–generated
Type in the name
using anof the jobCode
existing file or Browse for
Generator thatthe name of
specifies a job infile
a ‘setup’ thename
Job
Manager.
should be ignoredAlso
andsee
.setPassing Jobto
appended Data
the to the NCin
filename File. Note that if the job is updated
its place.
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 4
File Menu Commands in the Code Generator
Select Code Generator- Selects the Code Generator source file to be compiled.
Print- Sends the current file to the printer.
Print Preview- Shows how the current file would appear if sent to the printer.
Print Setup- Configures the printer setup.
Generating CNC Code
Compile- Displays a dialog box containing the file compilation options. An input file is selected
and the filenames
At some stage youfor
willallwant
other
tooptions
produceare
CNCautomatically entered.
code from your Thesemachining
EdgeCAM filenamessequence
default to
the same name as the input filename followed by the appropriate extension. The name
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpathcan be
re-specified
data generatedby the user
within anif EdgeCAM
required. machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

To
Thisgenerate the codeto
option is applicable from the active
the Code machining
Generator Compiler sequence
only, and will be “greyed out” if you
do not have a licence.
Exit- Returns to the previous application.
1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.
2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 5
View Menu Commands in the Code Generator
Toolbar- Shows/hides the Toolbar.
Status Bar- Shows/hides the Status bar.
Large Icons- Uses the larger of the two icon sets for the Code Generator's buttons.
Tool Tips- Allows command names to be displayed if you hold the cursor over a button.
Generating CNC Code
At some stage you will want to produce CNC code from your EdgeCAM machining sequence
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.

2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 6
Options Menu Commands in the Code Generator
Re-run- Regenerates the CNC code using the data files for the last code generation. This
forces a re-compilation of the Code Generator file if the date and time of the source is later
that of the Code Generator.
Pause- Pauses\continues the active process. This lets you inspect the information displayed in
the text box. Use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars to move up and down the file.
Stop- Aborts the process.
Generating CNC Code
At some stage
Remove you Variables
Unused will want to produce CNC
- Instructs code from
the compiler to your EdgeCAM
remove machining
any duplicate sequence
or unused
information. To do this, you must use
variables from the source file (*.?xt) the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.
Quick Compile- Forces a quicker compilation by displaying the minimum amount of feedback
in the viewing window.
To generate the code from the active machining sequence
Specify Output Filename- Selecting this Code Generator Compiler-only option displays a
dialog box similar to this after you click onthe Compile button:
1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.
2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Enter a To
different name
save CNC filefor the compiled
names in upper Code Generator
case check file. If Upper
the Force this option
Case is option
not selected,
on the the
source filename will be used by default.
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 7
Editing the CNC Code
Once the Code Generator has created a file containing CNC code for a machining sequence,
you can load the file into the Editor and make any changes directly to the code, should they be
required.

To enter the Editor, select the icon from the EdgeCAM Program Group.
Generating CNC Code
At some
For morestage youplease
details, will want
refertotoproduce CNC
the Editor code from your EdgeCAM machining sequence
documentation.
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.

2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 8
Modifying a Code Generator File
One way to alter the CNC code produced for a machining sequence is to edit the Code
Generator itself. The recommended method for modifying Code Generators is to load the files

into the Code Wizard .

You must know how Code Generator Generating

sourceCNC
filesCode
work before trying this!
At some stage you will want to produce CNC code from your EdgeCAM machining sequence
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator application. This converts toolpath
For more details, please refer to the Code Wizard online user guide.
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.

2. Specify the following parameters:

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.
PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.
Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.

4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide

 9
Copyright
(C)1988-2003 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
Pathtrace Engineering Systems and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no
liability or responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any
liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this product,
including but not limited to any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits
or consequent damages resulting from Generating
the use orCNC Codeof this software.
operation
At some stage
Microsoft, you will
Windows andwant to produce
Windows NT areCNC code from
registered your EdgeCAM
trademarks machining
of Microsoft sequence
Corporation.
information. To do this, you must use the Code Generator
MemoHASP is a registered trademark of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. application. This converts toolpath
data generated within an EdgeCAM machining
NetSentinel is a trademark of Rainbow Technologies, Inc.sequence into files containing CNC code.
OpenGL(r) and Optimizer are trademarks of Silicon Graphics Inc.
Parasolid
To generateis a trademark
the code from of Unigraphics
the active Solutions
machining Inc. sequence
Autodesk Inventor (tm) is a trademark of Autodesk Inc.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
1. Select the Generate Code (File menu) command.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered
2. Specifyofthe
trademarks following Technology
Parametric parameters:Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other
countries.
AutoCAD CNC
andName
DXF are – Enter a name
registered for the CNC
trademarks file (the default
of Autodesk Inc. file extension is .nc). You can
specify
MicroStation is the default fileofextension
a trademark using the
Bentley Systems Default
Inc., NC File
an affiliate Extension Corporation.
of Intergraph option on the
IGDS isToolpaths
a trademark tab ofof the Preferences
Intergraph (Options menu) dialog.
Corporation.
EdgeCAM To Simulator
save CNC and EdgeCAM
file names Verifycase
in upper use technology developed
check the Force Upperby Case
Lightworks
optionDesigns
on the Ltd.
ACIS is Toolpaths
a trademarktab of of
Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed
the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. in co-operation with
Three-Space, Ltd., Cambridge, England, and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle,
Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.
Washington.
Job – Type
Other brands in the name
and product names ofare
thetrademarks
job file or Browse
of their for the name
respective of a job in the Job
owners.
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File. Note that if the job is updated
The information
when thecontained
NC code iswithin this document
generated is subject
any non-blank to change without
job parameters held in notice and does
the sequence will
not represent
be useda to
commitment
update theon the part
selected jobofrecord.
the vendor. The software described in this
document is furnished under a licence agreement and may only be used or copied only in
PDI with
accordance Name the–terms
You can alsoagreement.
of the name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.
Operation Names – Check Pathtrace
to addEngineering Systems
operation names as comments to the CNC file.
45 –
Open Editor Boulton
Check Road · Reading · start
to automatically Berkshire · England
the Editor · RG2the
and open 0NH.nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.
Telephone +44 (0)118 975 6084 · Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143
http://www.edgecam.com
3. Click on OK. The Code Generator main window is now displayed.
4. If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating the CNC
code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example. You need to enter or
accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have input this information, the Code
Generator begins to generate code for the active machining sequence.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

5. Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not choose to list
the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically when the compilation ends.

EdgeCAM User Guide