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Code Generator

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file. Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly using a suitable text editor.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

275 views

Code Generator

Uploaded by

Dulis Dulis

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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1

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

About the Compiler

EdgeCAM is a suite of software allowing users to design parts and then simulate the manufacturing
processes necessary to create them on a machine tool. The end-product of an EdgeCAM worksession is a
generalised instruction list, like this one:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically
This
list has to for
be translated
a particularinto
controller.
a CNC file
In practice,
format suitable
a previously
for a particular
tried and tested
make and
text type
file for
of aCNC
similar
controller.
CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
Code Generator files perform this translation function for EdgeCAM. They also provide extra commands
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
that are seamlessly integrated into the EdgeCAM command structure. Although EdgeCAM provides
standard Code Generator files, new Code Generators are usually written (using these as templates) to suit
particular CNC controller and machine tool combinations.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file (having an *.?cp extension) from a man-readable source text file (which
must have an *.?xt extension).
SeeFile Naming Conventions.
For example,

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

The compiled Machine Tool File can then be selected within a EdgeCAM worksession to specify the format
for the output CNC code (this is known as "selecting the Machine Tool" when entering EdgeCAM
Manufacture mode). Any number of Machine Tool Files may be present on a EdgeCAM system to give
maximum flexibility.
The man-readable file must contain all the appropriate parameters required to convert the raw EdgeCAM
data into usable CNC code, and must be written specifically for a particular controller. In practice, an
existing text file for a similar CNC controller would be edited to produce a customised parameter source file.

EdgeCAM User Guide

WARNING:
To avoid any possible damage to your machine tools and material, test EVERY Code Generator File
THOROUGHLY before using it to cut material.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

See Also
Writing Source Files
Generating CNC Code
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Writing Source Files

The author of a Code Generator parameter source file must be conversant with CNC code and be familiar
with the EdgeCAM Machining module in question.
Knowledge of a high level programming language (for example 'C', BASIC, PASCAL or FORTRAN) would
also be useful.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

To understand the computing process during an EdgeCAM machining/code generating session, note this
sequence of events:

1. Enter the EdgeCAM Manufacture option and select a Code Generator (actually referred to as a
Machine Tool in the modifier box). At this point the Code Generator is read in to select the commands
that are available with this Code Generator. Some of the menu commands that are common to all
Code Generators are taken from the relevant command file.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

2. Within the Files menu, select the command Generate Code to start creating CNC code from the
instruction list for the machining session. Once you have entered a name for the CNC file, the system
loads edgempp.exe. This reloads the Code Generator to translate the intermediate data to the output
file(s).
The Code
Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "MachineisTool"
file from
man-readable
source
text
fileselect
containing
allthe
theprogram
appropriate
3. If edgempp.exe
executed
froma the
program group,
and
you
Rerun,
reparameters
and logic
required
to convert
the rawgenerated
EdgeCAMtemporary
data into usable
CNC
code.file is also
processes
the output
using
the previously
files. The
source
recompiled if any edits have occurred.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

About Source Files

The Code Generator is a sequential ASCII file which, when compiled, becomes a binary file. The sequential
file, which can be edited, is usually referred to as the source text file. This file consists of a series of
definitions that each has a specific purpose.
A Code Generator is generally derived from a previously tried and tested source text file.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

File Naming Conventions

Structure of Source Files
Variable Declarations
The
Code
Compiler
is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Setting
theGenerator
Machine Tool
Environment
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
file
from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
Macros
parameters
and
logic
required
to
User-Defined System Variables convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Format Table
System Variables by Number
Source
files may
be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
System text
Variables
by Name
using
a
suitable
text
editor.
Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
Milling Cutter Radius Compensation
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Multilevel
Drilling
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

File Naming Conventions

The compiled file names will be the first eight characters plus the appropriate extension as listed below.
The Compiler recognises the type of Code Generator it is compiling by the source file extension. The
extension must always be ?xt where the ? is as follows:
Milling/Laser/Flame-cutting etc.

*.mxt

EdgeCAM Code
*.2xt Generator Compiler Guide

2-axis Turning
4-axis Turning

*.4xt

2 or 4-axis & C-axis Turning

*.cxt

The
Generator Compiler is an integral
WireCode
Erosion
*.wxt part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
The %MACHINE statement should be consistent with the extension to make recognition of the type of file
easier.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
For
example:
using
a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
%MACHINE=MILL=...

NNCNC01.MXT compiles as
NNCNC01.MCP
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file
specifically for a particular controller.
In practice,
a previously
tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
%MACHINE=LATHE=...
NNCNC01.2XT
compiles
as
controller would be edited to produce
a
customised
source
file,
or
final adjustments made to a file
NNCNC01.TCP
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
%MACHINE=LATHE=...
NNCNC01.4XT compiles as
NNCNC01.TCP
%MACHINE=LATHE=...

NNCNC01.CXT compiles as
NNCNC01.TCP

%MACHINE=UVWIRE=...

NNCNC01.WXT compiles as
NNCNC01.WCP

Copyright
1988-2005
Pathtrace Engineering
Systems. All
reserved.to 8.3 DOS like names. However, you may
Please note
that EdgeCAM
Code Generators
arerights
not limited

wish to adhere to this convention, as EdgeCAM running under Windows 3.1 and Win32S use it. This allows
Code Generators to be freely interchanged without renaming.
The type of lathe Code Generator is determined by the Compiler by the existence of particular macros in the
source file. For example,. Macro 43 = C Axis file, Macro 23 = 4 Axis file.
The Compiler also outputs a *.doc file which can be given to customers with the Code Generator. This file
can be either in printed form or to be viewed using the standard Windows application Notepad.exe, as a
reference guide to the commands within the Code Generator. The Compiler outputs all lines starting with an
asterisk to the .doc file. Any remarks that are only for the applications engineer's reference should begin
with a semi-colon.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Structure of Source Files

There are four distinct sections to a source text file:
Variable Declarations
These all start with %DECLARE. They may appear anywhere within the file except within MACROS or the
FORMAT TABLE.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Machine Tool Macro
This gives information about the machine tool CONFIGURATION such as maximum feeds/speeds, and also
controls some elements of the menu configuration during the initial set up procedure within machining.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Macros
These groups of lines must all start with %MACRO={name} and end with %ENDM. One MACRO must exist
for each type of machining instruction to be used. Definitions must not be nested. MACROS may appear in
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
any order. %PROCEDURE={name} are a subgroup of MACRO definitions.
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Format Table
This
a series contains
of lines starting
with the
statement
%FORMAT
and ending
with
the statement
%ENDF.
This is
document
information
to help
you produce
a customised
Code
Generator
parameter
source
file
specifically
for
a
particular
controller.
In
practice,
a
previously
tried
and
tested
text
file
for
a
The format table must contain only valid instructions for formatting particular letter addresses. similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Variable Declarations

Users may create their own variables which are referred to as user-defined variables. These are always
entered in upper case and may be of two kinds -numeric and string.
All user defined string and numeric variables must be declared using the statement %DECLARE=. The
general format for this is:
%DECLARE={variable1},{variable2},{variable3},......

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Any number of %DECLARE= statements may appear in the post file. User defined string and numeric
variables may be declared within the same statement but for clarity it is better to separate them.

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
See Also
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Numeric
Variables
String Variables
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Numeric Variables

All numeric variables have names beginning with a '#' and have a numeric value associated with them. This
has either been:
Declared explicitly, e.g. #BLOCK=10, or
Calculated, e.g. #BLOCK=#START+#COUNT, or

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Requested from the user during code generating (using %ASK).

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

String Variables

The names for user defined character strings begin with a '$'. These string variables represent a string of
alpha characters which the user has supplied during the machining session or whilst code generating. The
string will be output by the Code Generator.
During compilation of a %MACRO, if a user-defined variable is encountered which has not been declared,
then the following error message will appear:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Variable has not been declared in {line of file in error}

User-defined variable names may be of any length but must consist solely of alphanumerics (A-Z and 0-9).
It is only necessary to declare user-defined variables, as system variables are predefined. Any attempt to
declare variables not starting with either a '#' or a '$' will result in the Code Generator compiler error:
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
'Invalid
declaration
ina man-readable
{line in error}'
Generator
or "Machine
Tool" file from
source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Setting the Machine Tool Environment

The Code Generator source text file must contain the machine tool macro. This defines the default values
within the machining module; for example, maximum spindle speed, feedrate etc.
The macro can be used to define further options to be permitted during machining module initialisation.
The machine tool macro starts with a %MACHINE statement:
%MACHINE=[machine type]=[user defined text]

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

where[machine type] may be MILL, LATHE, or UVWIRE. The user-defined text may be up to 78
characters long and will appear on the screen during code generating and would typically contain machine
tool/controller/user name information.
The Code
Compiler
an integral
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Here
is an Generator
example layout
for aisturning
centre:
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%MACHINE=LATHE=Mori
Seikithe
SL-35
(MM units)
Fanuc
16TF
parameters
and logic required to convert
raw EdgeCAM
data into
usable
CNCcontroller
code.
MM=1,4000,3000,400,1,1,1,0,0,3,50
MT=Upper Turret,10,200,0,300,500,500,1000,-500,-500,-100,2000,1000,10
MT=Lower Turret,10,-200,0,300,-200,0,300,500,500,1000,-500,-500,Source100,1000,200,5
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a%ENDMACH
suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
The remaining lines of the machine tool macro are Code Generator defined modifiers which can be used
with any of the Code Generator macros.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
The machine tool macro is terminated by the %ENDMACH statement.
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
See
Also from the Code Wizard and its templates.
originating
MM (Machine Details Line)
MT (Machine Tool Turret Details Line)

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

MM (Machine Details Line)

MM=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,26,27
Position

Information

Range

Module

Units

0 = Inches
1 = Millimetres

All

2
3

EdgeCAM
Code Generator
Compiler
Maximum Rapid Rate
Value
All Guide
Maximum Spindle RPM

Value

Mill+Turn

4
Maximum Angular Feed
Value in Degrees/minute
Turn
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
5
Two tapes
0 = No
Turn
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
1 = Yes
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
6
Rapid 3D
0 = No
Mill+Turn
1 = Yes
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
7
Resolve
rapid movement
Resolved
Mill+Turn
using
a suitable
text editor.
Please note that if0 a= Code
Wizard source file is altered
manually it cannot be
1
=
Unresolved
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
8

Compatibility

SeeCompatibility

Mill

9 document
Axes
of Rotation
Seeproduce
Axes of Rotation
Mill
This
contains
information to help you
a customised Code Generator
parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
10
Plane Switching
0 = XY
Mill
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
1 = XY, ZX
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
2 = XY, ZY
3 = XY, ZX, ZY
11

Initial Plane

Value

Mill

Not used

Profile or Guide Height

0 = Profile
1 = Guide

UVWire

Z Top Guide

Value

UV Wire

Z Bottom Guide

Value

UV Wire

90 degree Lead in approach

move (factor * toolradius)

Value

Mill+Turn

Rotary output mode

SeeRotary Output Mode

Mill+Turn

Maximum Programmable
Radius

SeeMaximum Programmable
Radius

Mill+Turn

Radial Arc Output

(Rotary mode)

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Mill+Turn

CX Interpolation

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Turn

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

SeeCX Interpolation
21

Spline output support

0 = Disabled
1 = NURB (Fanuc)
2 = Spline (Heidenhain)
3 = Siemens 840D
SeeSpline Output

EdgeCAM User Guide

Mill

Helical arcs

0 = Not supported; output as

Mill+Turn
linear feed moves.
1 = Single Pitch at a time; helical
arc is limited to 360 degrees
maximum.
2 = Multi Pitch; complete helix
output as one arc move.

Default CNC Code filename

The text of the extension.
All
EdgeCAM
Code Generator
Compiler
Guide
extension
SeeDefault CNC Code Filename
Extension.

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Here is an example MM line:
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
MM=1,4000,3000,400,1,1,1,0,0,3,50
So, the Maximum RPM is specified as 3000 RPM (position 3=3000).
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
See
Also
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Compatibility (Position 8 of the MM Line)
Axes of Rotation (Position 9 of the MM Line)
This document
contains
information
to help
produceMachining
a customised Code Generator parameter source
Code
Generators
Configured
for Rotary
andyou
Multiplane
file
specifically
for Configured
a particular for
controller.
In Machining
practice, a Cycles
previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
Code
Generators
Five Axis
controller
wouldMode
be edited
to produce
a customised
Rotary Output
(Position
17 of the
MM Line) source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from
the
Code
Wizard
and
its
templates.
Maximum Programmable Radius (Position
18 of the MM Line)
CX Interpolation (Position 20 of the MM Line)
Spline output (Position 21 of the MM Line)
Default CNC Code Filename Extension (Position 27 of the MM Line)

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Compatibility (Position 8 of the MM Line)

Position 8 in the MM (Machine Details) line sets a bitwise flag that determines which compatibility settings
are to be used:

Bit
0
1
2

Meaning
Simple Index disabled. (Milling only)

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
Simple Index enabled. (Milling only)
Visit the Reset macro once the Mirror macro has finished. (Milling only)

4
Enables Reverse Offset. (Milling only)
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
8 or "Machine This
tool side in cases
where
single
45-degree
line
is being profiled.
Generator
Tool"reverses
file fromthe
a man-readable
source
text afile
containing
all the
appropriate
(Turningtoonly)
parameters and logic required
convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
16

Enable true NEXTMOVE look ahead within the Toolchange Macro. (Turning and
Milling)
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
See Note below.
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated by
the Wizard
without
losing4 the
manualcompensation
changes.
32
Enable
EdgeCAM
Version
controller
enhancements. (Milling only)
Note: This bit should only be set in Code Generator files intended exclusively for use
EdgeCAM
or later.
This document containswith
information
to Version
help you4.0
produce
a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
Note
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
There is a limitation with the NEXTMOVE system variables within the toolchange macro (%MACRO=15). If
a two stage rapid move is created directly after the toolchange (in the case of Turning by applying a Safe
Approach) the NEXTMOVE variables are set to the intermediate point rather than the final destination point.
To enable the ability to set the NEXTMOVE variables to the next destination point, you should add 16 to the
MM line switch 8. Although this feature gives improved look ahead, the logic in existing code generators
can be upset unless they are modified to take into account this change.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Axes of Rotation (Position 9 of the MM Line)

Position 9 in the MM (Machine Details) line defines the rotational axes of the machine tool.
Where the machine tool has only one axis of rotation, this axis is known as the primary axis.
Where a machine tool has a second axis of rotation, this axis is known as the secondary axis. This
secondary axis can further be defined as being either free (dependent on the primary axis) or fixed
(independent of any other rotary axis).

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Typically, fixed secondary axes are used for 5 axis machining, whereas free secondary axes are used in
multi-plane machining.
A axis is rotation about the world X axis.
B axis is rotation about the world Y axis.
C axis
is rotation
about
the world
Z axis.
The
Code
Generator
Compiler
is an
integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
See Also and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Code Generators Configured for Rotary and Multiplane Machining
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Code Generators Configured for Rotary and Multiplane Machining

The value in position 9 of the MM line is specified by adding the following primary and secondary axis
values:

Primary

Secondary (free)

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

A axis

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
B axis
2 (default)
16
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
axis
4 Please note that
32 if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
using aC suitable
text editor.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

For example,
This
documenta contains
machine information
tool which has
to help
a fixed
youaxis
produce
primary
a customised
A and a free
Code
axisGenerator
secondaryparameter
B would give:
source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
System variable MACHTYPE = 1(A) + 16(B)= 17
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

AMOVE BMOVE and CMOVE hold the rotational value of the primary and secondary axes dependant upon
the definition in the %Machine statement (position 9). From the above example, the machine type = 1(A
primary) + 16(B secondary) = 17, therefore:
AMOVE = ROT1
BMOVE = ROT2
CMOVE = #FUNNY

EdgeCAM User Guide

ROT1 and ROT2 will always be identical to two of the variables in both planar and rotary modes. For
turning, CMOVE will always be the primary axis. These variables are accessed through the Index macro.
When rotary mode has been selected, all rotary system variables will be available in the Feed, Rapid and
Move Angular macros.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Code Generators Configured for Five Axis Machining Cycles

Specify the value in position 9 of the MM line by adding these primary and secondary axis values:

A axis
B axis
C axis

Primary

Secondary (fixed)

2 (default) Code
128 Generator Compiler Guide
EdgeCAM
4

256

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Rotary Output Mode (Position 17 of the MM Line)

Toolpath cycles that have been generated using wrapped geometry can output the NC co-ordinates either
at the cycle depth, at the Wrapped radius or as unwrapped data. As this is a controller function, the MM line
switch number 17 is used.
0= Output NC co-ordinates at specified cycle depth. (Current default for Caxis)
1= Output NC co-ordinates at Wrapped Radius.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

2=Output NC co-ordinates as the original unwrapped data

The Profile Milling command supports six different toolpath outputs dependent upon Switch 17 on the MM
line and the Compensation modifier.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Tool Centre path at depth: The wrapped toolpath outputs the NC co-ordinates by outputting the tool centre
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
position at the specified depth of the cycle.
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
MM 17= 0 , Compensation = Pathtrace
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Tool
path
ateditor.
Wrap Please
level: The
outputs
the NC
by outputting
thebe
tool
usingCentre
a suitable
text
notewrapped
that if a toolpath
Code Wizard
source
fileco-ordinates
is altered manually
it cannot
centre
position
at
the
wrapped
level
of
the
specified
entities.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
MM 17= 1 , Compensation = Pathtrace
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically
Tool
Centre path
for aatparticular
Unwrapped:
controller.
The unwrapped
In practice,toolpath
a previously
outputs
tried
the
and
NCtested
co-ordinates
text file by
for outputting
a similar CNC
the
controller
tool
centrewould
position
be edited
of the unwrapped
to produce a
specified
customised
entities.
source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
MM 17= 2 , Compensation = Pathtrace
Tool Reverse offset at depth: The wrapped toolpath outputs the NC co-ordinates by offsetting the tool
centre position by the radius of the tool back towards the geometry boundary at the specified depth of the
cycle.
MM 17= 0 , Compensation = Controller
Tool Reverse
offset
at Wrap
level: The
wrapped
toolpath
outputs the NC co-ordinates by offsetting the
Copyright
1988-2005
Pathtrace
Engineering
Systems.
All rights
reserved.
tool centre position by the radius of the tool back towards the geometry boundary at the wrapped level of the
selected entities.
MM 17= 1 , Compensation = Controller
Tool Reverse offset Unwrapped: The unwrapped toolpath outputs the NC co-ordinates by offsetting the
tool centre position by the radius of the tool back towards the geometry boundary of the selected entities.
MM 17= 2 , Compensation = Controller

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Maximum Programmable Radius (Position 18 of the MM Line)

Most machine tools have a Maximum Programmable Radius (MPR), usually limited by the controller format.
The MPR can be entered into position 18 of the MM line as shown in these examples:
*...|16 |17| 18 |19|20
MM=...,1.5,1 ,9999.999,1 ,0

(MPR set to specific value)

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

*...|16 |17|18|19|20
MM=...,1.5,1 ,0 ,1 ,0

(MPR set to zero will convert all arcs to feed moves)

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
*...|16
|17|18|19|20
Generator
or "Machine
Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
MM=...,1.5,1
,-1,1to ,0
setEdgeCAM
to -1 removes
parameters
and logic required
convert(MPR
the raw
dataany
intolimitations)
usable CNC code.

Source
text
files may
be created
viasame
the interactive
facilities
of the
Wizard
may be written
The MPR
should
be entered
in the
units as set
in switch
1 ofCode
the MM
line. or
If non-default
unitsdirectly
are used
using
a
suitable
text
editor.
Please
note
that
if
a
Code
Wizard
source
file
is
altered
manually
it
cannot be
in a part program, the decimal place for the MPR will be moved up or down 1 place accordingly.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

CX Interpolation (Position 20 of the MM Line)

%CXCYCLE can be used when axially machining on a lathe. If this directive is not used within a Code
Generator, switch 20 on the MM line will allow you to disable this functionality, giving a timesaving when
generating CL data within EdgeCAM.
%CXCYCLE Enabled = 1
%CXCYCLE Disabled = 0

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Spline Output (Position 21 of the MM Line)

A macro is defined in the Code Generator called:
%MACRO=SPLINES
Within this macro, a number of system variables will be set, depending on the type of output required.
0 = Disabled
1 = NURB (Fanuc)
2 = Spline (Heidenhain)
3 = Siemens 840D

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The spline
Code Generator
output from
Compiler
EdgeCAM
is an
depends
integralon
part
theofmachine
the EdgeCAM
type selected,
suite of as
software.
the spline
It creates
formatsa of
Code
the
Generator
Fanuc,
Heidenhain
or "Machine
andTool"
Siemens
file from
controllers
a man-readable
are different.
source
The text
Fanuc
file controller
containingaccepts
all the appropriate
any NURB spline
parameters
up
to degreeand
3, the
logic
Heidenhain
required tocontroller
convert the
requires
raw EdgeCAM
a cubic polynomial
data into usable
parameterised
CNC code.
over the range [1..0],
and the Siemens controller requires a cubic polynomial paramaterised over the range [0..1]. (It also accepts
NURB splines of degree 2 or 3, but EdgeCAM does not output these for the Siemens controller.)
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
See Also
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Fanuc-Style Spline Output
Heidenhain-Style Spline Output
This document Spline
Siemens-Style
contains
Output
information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Default CNC Code Filename Extension

Switch 27 on the MM line is a default extension for CNC code files (without the dot).
To set an extension of 'TNC' for example:
;

1| 2

| 3

|4|5|6|7|8 |9|0|1 |2|3|4|5|6|7|

|9|0|1|2|3|4|5|6|7

MM=1,30000,2000,0,0,0,1,39,2,0,20,0,0,0,0,1,0,9999.999,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,TNC
This is used if you leave the extension of the CNC code filename unspecified, when generating CNC code.
It takes precedence over the default extension specified using Options menu Preferences Toolpaths
tab Default NC File Extension.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Omit the extension to leave a double comma ('...0,0,,0' for example), if you do not want to set it and you are
adding further switches to the line.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

MT (Machine Tool Turret Details Line)

MT=name,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22
Position

Information

Range

Module

Turret Name

String

All

Number of stations

Toolchange X position

Value

All

Toolchange Y position

Value

All

Value
Mill+Turn
EdgeCAM Code Generator
Compiler
Guide

5
Toolchange Z position
Value
Mill+Turn
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or
"Machine
file from a man-readable source
text file containing All
all the appropriate
6
Tool
home XTool"
position
Value
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
7
Tool home Y position
Value
All
8
Tool home Z position
Value
Mill+Turn
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
9
Maximum
X value
Value
Allmanually it cannot be
using
a suitable
text editor.
Please note that if a Code Wizard
source file is altered
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
10
Maximum Y value
Value
All
11
Maximum Z value
Value
All
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
12 specifically
Minimum
X value controller. In practice, a previously
Value tried and testedAll
file
for a particular
text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
13
Minimum Y value
Value
All
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
14
Minimum Z value
Value
All
15

Maximum Primary feedrate

Value

Mill+Turn

Maximum Secondary feedrate

Value

Mill+Turn

Toolchange dwell or Wire Threading dwell

Value in Seconds

All

Number of load points, on a single slide

Currently only
2 supported

Turn

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Separation of tools in Z for single slide. For B Value

Axis machines this field contains the B Axis
swing distance.

Turn

Separation of tools in X for single slide

Value

Turn

B-axis Swing Configuration

Currently only upper Turn

turret supported

Default Spindle Id

0 or 1

Turn

These parameters provide information on a specific turret (one line per turret).
Here are example MT lines:
MT=Upper Turret,10,200,0,300,500,500,1000,-500,-500,-100,2000,1000,10
MT=Lower Turret,10,-200,0,300,-200,0,300,500,500,1000,-500,-500,100,1000,200,5
So, from the example above, the first MT line has the turret name "Upper Turret", 10 stations, and so on.
For machines with multiple turrets on one slide, also see Macro 15 Toolchange.

EdgeCAM User Guide

MS & MG (Machine Spindle & its Gears Details Line)

Please note that these lines are alternatives to using Data Arrays for specifying their information.
If Macro 252 - Spindle Control is present this method will be used for spindle and gear definitions. This is
implemented for Advanced Turning.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

MS=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17
Position

Information

Values

Type

Main, Sub, Driven

The
Compiler is an integral 0,1,2,3
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
2 Code Generator
ID
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
3
TurretId
(-1=Not Applicable)
parameters
and logic required to convert theValue
raw EdgeCAM
data into usable CNC code.
4

Type

0 (Tool), 1 (Work)

Source
text Max
files may
5
RPMbe created via the interactive
Value facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
6
MaxAngFeed
subsequently
updated by the Wizard withoutValue
losing the manual changes.
7

Direction

0 (CCLW),1 (CLW)

This
document
contains information to help you
8
MirrorOutput
0,1 produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
9
CSSbe
Capable
0 (No), 1source
(Yes) file, or final adjustments made to a file
controller
would
edited to produce a customised
originating
from
the Code Wizard and its templates.
10
Rotation
0 (none),1 (A), 2(B), 3 (C)
11

Default Location X

Value

Default Location Y

Value

Default Location Z

Value

DefaultTurretID

0,1

HorsePower

Value

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

DatumToChuckFace

Value

RapidRate M/Min

Value

These parameters provide information on a specific spindle (one line per spindle).
Here is an example MS line:
MS=Main,0,-1,1,7500,280,0,0,1,3,0,0,0, 0,20,130
MG=1,2,3,4,5(,2,3,4,5(,2,3,4,5(,etc.)))
Position

Information

Values

Number of gears defined in line

Value

Minimum Rev's Per Minute

Value

Theoretical Maximum Rev's Per Minute

Value

Recommend Maximum Rev's Per Minute

Value

M Code

Value

(2,...

Start of next gear specification - you repeat 2 to 5 for

each gear you want to set up.

EdgeCAM User Guide

These parameters provide information on a set of gears for a spindle (one line per set of gears).

Here is an example MG line:

MG=2,28,5000,5000,41,5001,7500,7500,42

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Macros

The macro definitions within the Code Generator parameter files follow a standard layout as follows:
%MACRO=[Number]=[Syntax]=[Description]=[Modifier List]=[Option List]
:
: [directives to control and generate CNC output]
:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%ENDM

The
of the %MACRO
line
is mostpart
important
as it controls
theofscreen
menus
which aappear
The format
Code Generator
Compiler
is itself
an integral
of the EdgeCAM
suite
software.
It creates
Code
during
machining.
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
See Also
Number
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
Syntaxa suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Description
Modifier List
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
Option
List
file specifically
for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Number

This is used to direct the Code Generator and machining programs as to what function is being defined.
Relevant macros must be defined within the Code Generator, otherwise the corresponding command
will not be available during an EdgeCAM machining worksession using it.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The macro number falls into four groups:

1-50

Executive macros whose number relates to a predefined list of machining functions (see
relevant module chapters) and may produce cutter motions on the graphics screen, e.g.
The Code Generator
is an integral
of the
EdgeCAM
suite ofwithin
software.
It creates
a Code
toolchange,Compiler
profile, rapid,
feed etc.part
These
macros
are defined
the Code
Generator.
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
51-100
Non
macros
whose number
to adata
predefined
list ofCNC
non-machining
parameters
andexecutive
logic required
to convert
the raw relates
EdgeCAM
into usable
code.
functions.
Others in this group are contained within the Code Generator (for example, START, END,
Source textCLW,
files may
be created
via the
interactive
facilities
of the
Codethe
Wizard
may
CCLW,
SUBSTART,
RESET
and so
on). They
control
start or
and
endbeofwritten
CNC directly
using a suitable
text
editor.
Please
note
that
if
a
Code
Wizard
source
file
is
altered
manually
it cannot
programs and other special requirements such as subroutines. They do not form part
of be
subsequently
updated
by
the
Wizard
without
losing
the
manual
changes.
any menus offered to the user during machining and are referred to by name rather than
number within the Code Generator although they do have numbers which can be
accessed by the NEXTMACRO system variable.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
101-150
User-defined
macros
which allow
control of
M code type
CNC
special
file
specifically
for a particular
controller.
In practice,
a previously
tried
andoperations
tested textorfile
for a similar CNC
customer
requirements
(for aexample,
probing,
part
changer),
including PDIs.
These
controller would
be edited
to produce
customised
source
file,
or final adjustments
made
to a file
have
no graphical
on the tool path graphics when invoked. User defined
originating macros
from thewill
Code
Wizard
and its effect
templates.
macros become additional commands within EdgeCAM and are automatically merged into
theM-Functions menu, when the machine tool file is selected for a machining sequence.
We advise that M-Functions should use macros from 101 upwards and PDIs should use
macros from 150 downwards.
151-199 Reserved exclusively for use when writing a C Axis Code Generator.
200

Reserved for use in connection with PDIs. Allows PDIs to define tooling.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Note that macros with numbers greater than 200 are not permitted.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Syntax

Macros in source files used for PAMS may contain a two letter =??= unique syntax string or combination
syntax string of =??/??/??=.
EdgeCAM Macros do not use this format, and the two-letter string should be replaced with =..=, as shown
here:
=RT= becomes =..=

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

=CF/CM/CO= becomes =..=

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Description

This is a test string that describes the function of the macro.

This string is automatically merged into the EdgeCAM's Manufacture mode M-Functions menu for user
defined macros, numbers 101 to 151.
Code Generators can support non-English language descriptions. For these macros, the descriptions
should not be longer than 25 characters.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Modifier List

The modifier list defines which parameters or modifiers are requested when that macro is invoked. The
parameters are numbers which refer to the parameter list defined in the particular machining language file
(see the relevant module chapters for an explanation and example of the machining language file).
For example:
%MACRO=15=..=Toolchange=8,4,7,48,15,

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Each modifier number is separated by a comma. The last entry is also followed by a comma.

Certain parameters will always appear in the menus by default, for example the Cycles menu Rough
Profile command has the modifier Canned Cycle, which is a check box. To remove these from the menu,
prefix the parameter number by a negative sign (-).
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine
file from
a man-readable
source
text file Canned
containing
all the
appropriate
For
example,
the macroTool"
line shown
below
would remove
the modifier
Cycle
from
the Rough Turn
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
cycle:
%MACRO=4=..=ROUGH TURN=4,5,7,10,30,31,-21,40, 41,
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
If
the CANNED
modifier
is removed
the menu
of source
any macro,
mustmanually
redirect processing
using
a suitableCYCLE
text editor.
Please
note that from
if a Code
Wizard
file isyou
altered
it cannot be
through
"%NOCYCLE".
The
system
variable
PATHTRACE
automatically
returns
the
value of 1, but only
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
after regenerating the menu file and regenerating the machining instructions.
Any modifier displayed in a EdgeCAM machining command can be removed in this way (use the number in
This
document
information
to helpinyou
a customised
parameter
source
the first
column contains
to the right
of the modifier
the produce
ptmach.cmd
file). This Code
is veryGenerator
useful where
some complex
file
specifically
for
a
particular
controller.
In
practice,
a
previously
tried
and
tested
text
file
for
a
similar
CNC
EdgeCAM functionality is not required.
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
A
good example
is the
threading
which can be greatly simplified for many applications.
originating
from the
Code
Wizardcommand,
and its templates.
EdgeCAM may refuse to execute a command if certain essential modifiers are removed. Also, you can
get inconsistent results if you removed modifiers from generic commands such as Profile, Areaclear and
Crosshatch (Lace).
See Also
Assigning Values to Specific System Variables
Setting Default Modifier Values
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Assigning Values to Specific System Variables

Any EdgeCAM modifier value can be accessed by Code Generators by defining which modifier sets up
which system variable in the %MACRO line.
For example:
%MACRO=3=..=ARC=1,2,5,7,124|176

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

In this example the value of the MOVE ARC command 2POINT modifier will be set up in variable number
176, FIELD1.
A better use of this feature is to obtain variable information from PDI-defined commands.
Do not re-assign system variables, used by the current machining session, with inappropriate data.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
See Also
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
System Variables by Number
System Variables by Name
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Setting Default Modifier Values

You can set pre-assigned values for modifiers within the Code Generator. To do this, enclose the value with
square brackets '[]' after the modifier number.
For example:
%MACRO=153=..=Circular Feed Move=1,2,5,7,62[.001],

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

In this case the Tolerance modifier now defaults to a value of 0.001.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Option List

If the option list part of the %MACRO definition is present, an appropriate text list box will be available within
the command.
For example:
%MACRO=104=..=Coolant==Flood/Off

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

This example adds 'Coolant' to the M-Functions menu. If the command is selected, a drop down list box
containing the options Flood and Off is displayed:

Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
Within the user-defined macro, the value is assigned to the system variable SUBFUNCT.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Also note the two consecutive equals signs in this definition '=='. This is because the optional modifier's
numbers are not required for this user-defined macro.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

User-Defined System Variables (Q201 - 210)

This set of variables (Q201 to Q210) replaces the set Q67 to Q71; we recommend you use this new set, but
the old set is still available.
Note - You can use a combination of old and new Q vars in one code generator, but not in the same macro.
Q201-205 and Q67-71 both use USERVAR1 to USERVAR5 so you couldn't use these together.
Q201 populates USERVAR1

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Q202 populates USERVAR2

and so on....

Q210 populates USERVAR10

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
The
definition
or "Machine
syntax is:Tool"
Qnnn=_type=description
file from a man-readable
[macro
source
number(s)]
text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Where _type may be one of the following
"_radio"
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
"_list"
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
"_check"
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
"_$text"
This document
"_real" contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
,"_int"
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
"_separator"
from the Code Wizard and its templates.
For example: Q201=_check=Turret Face [104]
If a "_$text" type is used it will set up USERVARSTRING (this can only be used once per command) but
may be used in more than one macro.
Language Translation is also supported. In this example, string 345 from Ptmach.Txt will be used as the
modifier name:
Q202=_check=Through Spindle On [104]

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Q203=_int=Tool Length Register [12]

Q207=_list=Output Type^Longhand^Single Block Cycle^Canned Cycle [8]
Q206=_separator=... [15,165,104]
_check variables will be set to 1 if the box is checked.
_list and _radio variables will be set to a number corresponding with the position in the defined list of
the selected item.
_int _real and _$text variables will be set to the entered value
If you are adding one of these to an existing EdgeCAM executive macro, check in the edgekrnl.cmd that the
command in question does not already use the modifier ID you want to use - some commands use modifier
numbers 200 upwards already.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Format Table

When numeric variables (either system- or user-defined) are output as part of a line of CNC code, the post
must be instructed to format the number in terms of the letter address, leading zeros, trailing zeros etc., for
both millimetre and inch programs.
When a numeric variable is to be output as CNC code, a format table number is associated with it and the
numeric value associated with that variable name will be formatted as the line definition.
The first line after the %FORMAT is numbered zero, the next line is 1, and so on until the %ENDF
statement.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

An example format table follows:

%FORMAT
;Inch MMCompiler is an integral
Comments
The
Code Generator
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
file
from
a
man-readable
source text file containing all the appropriate
X,3,4,128,4,3,128,0
X MOVE
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Y,3,4,128,4,3,128,

Y MOVE

I,3,4,128,4,3,128,

I MOVE

Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
J,3,4,128,4,3,128,
3
J MOVE
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
R,3,4,128,4,3,128,
4
R MOVE
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without
losing the
manual changes.
G,2,0,1,2,0,1,

GCODE

N,5,0,0,5,0,0,
BLOCK
NUMBER
This
document contains information to6help you produce
a customised
Code Generator parameter source
file%ENDF
specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
The table must start with the line '%FORMAT' and the lines following must be in the order shown. Each line
in the table must contain seven entries followed by commas. Each entry has the following function:

Order

Line

Function

Letter Address Code

Character(s) which will precede the

numeric value when formatted.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Significant Digits

Number of significant digits before

the decimal point for Inch CNC format.

Decimal Places

Number of places after the decimal

point for Inch CNC format.

Control Code

Control code required for Inch CNC

format (see below).

Significant Digits

Number of significant digits before

the decimal point for Millimetre CNC format.

Decimal Places

Number of places after the decimal point

for Millimetre CNC format.

Control Code

Control code required for Millimetre CNC

format (see below).

The control code is crucial to controlling the format of a number in a CNC program. The code is made up by
adding together the control values from this table:

EdgeCAM User Guide

Control Value

Control Function

Leading zeros required

Leading blanks required

Trailing zeros required

Trailing blanks required

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator Compiler Guide
No decimal point
must be present

16
32

Use ',' instead of '.'

Force '.' on end of integers (whole numbers)

The
Compiler
is anofintegral
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
128 Code Generator
Force
'.0' on end
integers
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
256
Force
'+' on front
of positive
numbers
parameters
and logic
required
to convert
the raw
EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
512

Force '0.' on front of numbers between -1 and

+1
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
editor.
Please
notetothat
if a Code
Wizard
1024 a suitable text
Right
fill with
spaces
a total
width of
five source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
2048
Right fill with spaces to width of ten
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
The
following examples
show the
result of
codes:tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
file specifically
for a particular
controller.
In different
practice,control
a previously
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
Format Table
Number
CNC Code

X,3,3,128,3,3,128

Y,3,3,128,3,3,128

X2.0

2.125

X2.125

.25

X.25

Y2.0

2.125
Y2.125
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems.
All rights reserved.

I,4,3,64,4,3,64

J,4,2,21,4,2,21

Y25.0

I2.

2.125

I2.125

I25.

J000200

2.125

J000212

J002500

The format table must end with the line '%ENDF'.

An example of format table implementation is below
%MACRO=1=FE=...
...
...
#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR:#XMOVE=XMOVE:#YMOVE=YMOVE:#GCODE=1
...
EdgeCAM User Guide

<[#BNUM=7] [#GCODE=6][#XMOVE=0][#YMOVE=1]>
...
%ENDM
This would output the following type of code:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

N110 G01X25.352Y-42.1

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

System Variables by Number

XSTART

NEXTYMOVE

109

YDELTA

163

UMOVE

YSTART

XSAFE

110

XREP

164

VMOVE

XCENTRE

ZSAFE

111

YREP

165

WMOVE

YCENTRE

PITCH

112

PIP

166

PRECISION

RADIUS

XEND

OFFSETX

114

YSHEET

168

dummy

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator
Compiler
Guide
OFFSETZ
XSHEET
TOLERANCE
59
113
167

YEND
NEXTMACRO
PASS
SCALE
7
61
115
169
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
XMOVE
PATHTRACE
OFFSET
THICKNESS
8
62 file from
170the appropriate
Generator
or "Machine Tool"
a man-readable116
source text file containing all
parameters
and logic required
convert the raw EdgeCAM
into usable CNC171
code.XYPLANE
YMOVE
LEFTRIGHT
9
63 to STCOMMAND
117 data
ZMOVE
ENCOMMAND
LACECUT
UVPLNAE
10
64
118
172
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
UNIT
XSTARTPOS
ROWPRIORITY
LOWERWIRE
11
65
119
173
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
the Wizard
without losing the120
manual
changes.
XHOMEupdated by 66
ZSTARTPOS
MAXFEED
UPPERWIRE
12
174
YHOME
XENDPOS
MAXRPM
WIREDIAM
13
67
121
175
This document
to help you produce a customised
parameter
source
ZHOME contains information
ZENDPOS
MAXRAPIDCode Generator
FIELD1
14
68
122
176
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
XTOOL
XCURRENTPOS
TXMAX
FIELD2
controller
would be edited69
to produce
a customised source
or final adjustments
to a file
15
123 file,
177made
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
YTOOL
ZCURRENTPOS
TYMAX
FIELD3
16
70
124
178

ZTOOL

TOTALDEPTH

125

TZMAX

179

FIELD4

TOOLNUM

FEEDTYPE

126

ZTOOL1

180

FIELD5

TOOLRAD

NEXTSPEED

127

XTOOL1

181

FIELD6

TOOLEN

NEXTFEED

128

MACHTIME1

182

FIELD7

ZCLEAR
NEXTCOMP
MACHTIME2
21
75
129
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
XYFEED
NEXTCSS
IDLE1
22
76
130

183

FIELD8

184

FIELD9

ZFEED

DEPTH

131

IDLE2

185

FIELD10

SPEED

NEXTOOLPOS

132

YMAX

186

FIELD11

LAST

STARTSUB

133

FPASS

187

FIELD12

CIRCLE

ENDSUB

134

YSTEP

188

TAPERTYPE1

ZDEPTH

FEED

135

ORIENTATE

189

TAPERTYPE2

FPECK

CSS

136

TLXLEN

190

TAPER1

DEGR

COMP

137

TLYLEN

191

TAPER2

DWELL

DIRECTION

138

PUNCHMODE

192

NEXTXCENTRE

RPLANE

NEXTXYFEED

139

ZSHEET

193

NEXTYCENTRE

IPLANE

NEXTZFEED

140

ZHOME1

194

NEXTRADIUS

SUBROUTINE

ZMAX

141

XHOME1

195

MACRONAMEOP

XSUB

XMAX

142

NUMTOOLS1

196

APPEND

YSUB

NEXTGEAR

143

QUADRANT

197

CMT1

ZSUB

NEXTXMOVE

144

INDEX

198

CMT2

EdgeCAM User Guide

XINC

NEXTZMOVE

145

USERVAR1

199

LIBTYPE

YINC

TOOLCHANGE

146

USERVAR2

200

USERMATRIX

ZINC

SUBFUNCT

147

USERVAR3

201

CIT1

REPEAT

dummy

148

USERVAR4

202

CIT2

POSITION

ZLEVEL

149

USERVAR5

203

NOCYCLE

NEXTOOL

ZSTART

CMOVE

151

XDATUM

205

ROT2

ZCENTRE

TOTDEPTH

152

PECKRETRACT

206

WRAPRADIUS

RMOVE
YDATUM
ROT1
EdgeCAM
Code
Generator
Compiler
96
150
204Guide

The
Generator Compiler
an integral part of the153
EdgeCAM
suite of software.
ZEND
CONTMATRIX
RTYPEa Code
45 Code
99 is NEXTOOLLEN
207It creates
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
TOOLXSET
CSTART
46
100 to MASK
154 data
parameters
and logic required
convert the raw EdgeCAM
into usable CNC208
code.STYPE
47

TOOLZSET

101

NEXTARC

155

RSTART

209

SYSID

Source
text
TOOLWIDTH
files may be created
DRILLSUB
via the interactive facilities
the Code Wizard or
may be
SILENT
written directly
48
102
156 ofCCENTRE
210
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
TOOLANGLE
NUMTOOLS
RCENTRE
YGAUGE
49
211
subsequently
updated by 103
the Wizard
without losing the157
manual
changes.
50

TURRET

104

SFMOD

158

CEND

212

TRUEARCOP

TOOLUNIT
ANGLE
REND
AMOVE
This
51 document
contains information
105
to help you produce
159a customised
Code Generator
213 parameter
source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
TOOLANGLE1
STEP
NUMBLOCKS
BMOVE
52
160 file,
214made
controller
would be edited106
to produce a customised source
or final adjustments
to a file
originating
from
the
Code
Wizard
and
its
templates.
TOOLANGLE2
STANGLE
NUMCHARS
53
107
161

TOOLTYPE

108

XDELTA

162

CAXIS

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

System Variables by Name

AMOVE

213

MASK

100

SPEED

XDELTA

108

ANGLE

105

MAXFEED

120

STANGLE

107

XEND

APPEND

196

MAXRAPID

122

STARTSUB

XENDPOS

BMOVE

214

MAXRPM

121

STCOMMAND

XHOME

CAXIS

EdgeCAM
Code Generator
Compiler
Guide
NEXTARC
STEP
XHOME1
162
101
106

CCENTRE

156

NEXTCOMP

STYPE

208

XINC

141
37

CEND
NEXTCSS
SUBFUNCT
XMAX
158
76
93
88
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
CIRCLE
NEXTFEED
SUBROUTINE
XMOVE
26 Tool" file
74
33
Generator or "Machine
from a man-readable
source text file containing
all the appropriate 8
parameters
and logic
requiredNEXTGEAR
to convert the raw
data into usable
CIT1
SYSID
XREP
201
89 EdgeCAM
209CNC code.
110
CIT2

NEXTMACRO
TAPER1
XSAFE
202
61
190
56
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
CMOVE
NEXTOOL
TAPER2
XSHEET
97
42
191
113
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated
without losing
changes. 188
CMT1
NEXTOOLLEN
TAPERTYPE1
XSTART
197by the Wizard
99 the manual
1
CMT2

NEXTOOLPOS
TAPERTYPE2
XSTARTPOS
198
78
189
65
This
document contains information
to help you produceTEXTCASE
a customised Code Generator
COMP
NEXTRADIUS
XSUBparameter source
83
194
34
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
CONTMATRIX
NEXTSPEED
THICKNESS
XTOOL
controller
would be edited
a customised
file, or final adjustments
made to a file 15
153 to produce
73 source
170
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
CSS
NEXTXCENTRE 192
TLXLEN
XTOOL1
82
136
127
CSTART

154

NEXTXMOVE

TLYLEN

137

XYFEED

DEGR

NEXTXYFEED

TOLERANCE

167

XYPLANE

171

DEPTH

NEXTYCENTRE

193

TOOLANGLE

YCENTRE

DIRECTION

NEXTYMOVE

TOOLANGLE1

YDATUM

150

DRILLSUB
NEXTZFEED
TOOLANGLE2
102
86
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
dummy
NEXTZMOVE
TOOLCHANGE
168
91

YDELTA

109

YEND

dummy

NOCYCLE

203

TOOLEN

YGAUGE

211

DWELL

NUMBLOCKS

160

TOOLNUM

YHOME

ENCOMMAND

NUMCHARS

161

TOOLRAD

YINC

ENDSUB

NUMTOOLS

103

TOOLTYPE

YMAX

132

FEED

NUMTOOLS1

142

TOOLUNIT

YMOVE

FEEDTYPE

OFFSET

116

TOOLWIDTH

YREP

111

FIELD1

176

OFFSETX

TOOLXSET

YSHEET

114

FIELD10

185

OFFSETZ

TOOLZSET

YSTART

FIELD11

186

ORIENTATE

135

TOTALDEPTH

YSTEP

134

FIELD12

187

PASS

115

TOTDEPTH

YSUB

FIELD2

177

PATHTRACE

TRUEARCOP

212

YTOOL

FIELD3

178

PECKRETRACT

152

TURRET

ZCENTRE

FIELD4

179

PIP

112

TXMAX

123

ZCLEAR

FIELD5

180

PITCH

TYMAX

124

ZCURRENTPOS

EdgeCAM User Guide

FIELD6

181

POSITION

TZMAX

FIELD7

182

PRECISION

FIELD8

183

FIELD9
FPASS
FPECK

125

ZDEPTH

166

UMOVE

163

ZEND

PUNCHMODE

138

UNIT

ZENDPOS

184

QUADRANT

143

UPPERWIRE

174

ZFEED

133

RADIUS

USERMATRIX

200

ZHOME

RCENTRE
USERVAR1
ZHOME1
EdgeCAM
Code Generator
Compiler
Guide
28
157
145

140

IDLE1

130

REND

159

USERVAR2

146

ZINC

IDLE2

131

REPEAT

USERVAR3

147

ZLEVEL

The
Code Generator
CompilerRMOVE
is an integral part
software.ZMAX
It creates a Code
INDEX
USERVAR4suite of148
144
96 of the EdgeCAM
87
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
IPLANE
USERVAR5
ZMOVE
32requiredROT1
204EdgeCAM
149CNC code.
10
parameters
and logic
to convert the raw
data into usable
LACECUT

118

ROT2

205

UVPLANE

172

ZSAFE

Source
LAST text files may
ROWPRIORITY
via the interactive
VMOVE
of the Code Wizard
ZSHEET
be written directly
25be created
119 facilities
164 or may
139
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
LEFTRIGHT
RPLANE
WIREDIAM
ZSTART
117by the Wizard
31 the manual
43
subsequently
updated
without losing
changes. 175
LIBTYPE

199

RSTART

155

WMOVE

165

ZSTARTPOS

LOWERWIRE
RTYPE to help you
ZSUBparameter source
This
document contains
173 information
207
produceWRAPRADIUS
a customised Code
206 Generator
36
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
MACHTIME1
SCALE
XCENTRE
ZTOOL
128 to produce
169 source
3
controller would be edited
a customised
file, or final adjustments
made to a file 17
originating
from the 129
Code Wizard
and its templates.
MACHTIME2
SFMOD
XCURRENTPOS 69
ZTTOL1
104
126
MACRONAMEOP

195

SILENT

210

XDATUM

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

151

Milling Cutter Radius Compensation

The following changes have been implemented from EdgeCAM version 4.0. They solve many of the earlier
issues with controller compensation, and the output is considerably more reliable.
Compensation Application/Removal
If a 90 degree, linear only, manual lead has been requested it is extended by the tool radius.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

If no lead is specified a 90 degree straight lead will be created. The length will be the tool radius multiplied
by the radius compensation factor.
For all other manual linear leads a move at 90 degrees is appended to the lead. The length of this move is
calculated by multiplying the tool radius by the radius cutter compensation factor stored in the code
generator.
The
Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
"Machinecombinations
Tool" file from
text
file containing
the appropriate
For arc andorarc/linear
aa
90man-readable
degree move source
(with the
length
of the toolall
radius
multiplied by the
parameters
and
logic
required
to
convert
the
raw
EdgeCAM
data
into
usable
CNC
code.
radius cutter compensation factor) is appended to the lead.
In all cases these compensation moves are calculated from the nominal offset path to ensure that there is
sufficient
movement
cuttervia
radius
compensation
to beofapplied.
Source text
files mayfor
bethe
created
the interactive
facilities
the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
End
Point Liftupdated
Out
The end point of the lead out move has been adjusted to prevent the 3D moves that were previously
generated
and to
represent
more closely
theyou
situation
on athe
machine tool.
This document
contains
information
to help
produce
customised
Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
Code Generators
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
In order to take advantage of this new compensation logic you have to use the updated milling templates.
All existing code generators will function as previously. A user update on the template will implement these
changes for Code Wizard based code generators.
Custom posts will need minor changes to benefit from this logic:

1. Switch 8 on the MM= definition line must be incremented by 32.

2. Procedure PT=LEAD_OUT must be changed to set #LEADOUTCOUNT=FIELD12
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Remaining Potential Issues

In the case of external work where a profile finishes on a sharp corner, controller compensation should
always be used with square corner strategy set. Otherwise, the offset path will add a coupling arc and
the calculated leads for controller and Pathtrace are very different.
In the case of approach moves and intermediate rapid moves generated within a profile cycle EdgeCAM will
show both the geometry based tool centre line and a nominal offset simulation line. Whilst for FEED moves,
with a nominal cutter radius offset, the tool centre can be expected to follow the simulation line, for RAPID
moves (no compensation) the tool will follow the geometry based line but the screen simulation will, at
present, follow the offset simulation line.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Multilevel Drilling

This section clarifies the role of the Retract option in drilling cycles.
When completing a Hole Cycle dialog you are asked for depth settings of ZLEVEL, RETRACT
DISTANCE, DEPTH and ZCLEAR.
For single level cycles the RETRACT DISTANCE is passed to the Code Generator as a Retract Plane set at
ZLEVEL+RETRACT. If no retract distance is given the Retract Plane defaults to the Clearance Plane
Height.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

For Multilevel drilling the ZLEVEL is ignored and a RETRACT distance is passed to the Code Generator. If
a RETRACT distance is not stated it defaults to the ZCLEAR height. The Code Generator will then set up a
Retract plane based on the height of the first point and that Retract Distance. For this reason it is
recommended that in Multilevel Drilling a RETRACT distance should always be entered in the dialog.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
If
any multilevel
cycles are
to file
be used
is suggested that
for best
all hole all
cycles
with the same tool
Generator
or "Machine
Tool"
from ait man-readable
source
text results
file containing
the appropriate
should
be
treated
as
multilevel.
A
combination
of
multilevel
and
single
level
cycles
with
the
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code. same tool may
not give the expected NC output.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Numeric Variable Assignment

User numeric variables (those starting with #) can have a value assigned within a macro or procedure.
Although it is also possible to assign values to some system variables (those without a #) in this way, the
practice is not usually recommended since their values are normally set up according to data passed from
EdgeCAM.
Assignment statements may not contain space characters.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Any use of parentheses must be properly paired.

As with other Code Generator commands, the use of a colon : character denotes a new command
on the same input line.
The Generator
order of evaluation
and +- follows
the EdgeCAM
usual rule of
( ) then
^ then */Itthen
+- a Code
The Code
Compilerofis(),
an*/integral
part of the
suite
of software.
creates
Generator
or "Machine
from a assign
man-readable
The =
symbol isTool"
used file
to denote
value source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Variables may be assigned as follows:
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
Simple
a suitable
Assignments
text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Arithmetic Calculations
Use of Operators
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Simple Assignment, (variable)=(variable/number)

#BNUM=10

Assigns the value of 10 to the variable #BNUM.

#BNUM=#START

Assigns the value held in #START to the variable #BNUM

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Arithmetic Calculations,(variable)=(variable/number)(operator)(variable/number)
Where {operator} is:
+

(plus)

(minus)

/
*
^

(divide)
EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
(multiply)

(raise to the power)

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
For
example:
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert the
raw EdgeCAM
dataofinto
usable
CNC
#BNUM=#BNUM+10
Assigns
the old value
#BNUM
with
10 code.
added to it
#IVALUE=XCENTRE-XSTART
Assigns the difference between XCENTRE and XSTART
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
#DIAM=2*#RADIUS
Assigns a value 2 times that of #RADIUS
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
#TEST=(#TEST1+#TEST2)*#TEST3-#TEST4

This document
contains information
to help youof
produce
a customised
Code Generator parameter
There
is also a shortened
form for expressions
the form
{num1}={num1}{operator}{num2}
where source
the
file
specifically
operator
is + -/ for
or *,a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
for
examplefrom
#BNUM=#BNUM+#BNUMVAR
May be written as: #BNUM=+#BNUMVAR
originating
the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Use of Operators, {variable}={operator}({variable/number})

Where {operator} is one of these trigonometric or arithmetic functions:
SIN

sine

COS

cosine

TAN
ATAN
ASIN

tangent
EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
arc tangent
arc sine

ACOS
arc cosine
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine
Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
SQR
square root
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
INT
integer value of *
ABS
remove sign
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Note
trigonometric
angular
arguments
DEGREES.
usingthat
a suitable
text editor.
Please
note thatare
if ainCode
Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated
by
the
Wizard
without
losing
the
manual
changes.
* INT converts real numbers to integers by rounding down.
Thus
74.6 becomes 74 and 74.3 becomes 75. If rounding to nearest is required it can be achieved as follows
This document
contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
#PRECISION=1000
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
#XMOVE=(#XMOVE*#PRECISION+0.5
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
#XMOVE=INT(#XMOVE)
#XMOVE=#XMOVE/#PRECISION

For example, the coding to calculate incremental unsigned arc centres could be:
#IVALUE=XCENTRE-XSTART:#IVALUE=ABS(#IVALUE)
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

#JVALUE=YCENTRE-YSTART:#JVALUE=ABS(#JVALUE)

Multiple operator functions and parentheses ( ) may be used; for example:

#TEST=(ABS(#TEST1))/2

EdgeCAM User Guide

String Variable Assignment

String variables can be assigned by in much the same manner as numeric variables.
Here is an example of their use:
$PROGID=MSG
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%IF $ANSWER<>Y %THEN %GOTO @SKIP

...

...
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
...or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
@SKIP
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
String
comparisons
areby
space
dependent.
There
should
be no space
after the operator and a space should
subsequently
updated
the Wizard
without
losing
the manual
changes.
be placed after the testing string.
String variables may be defined as in the following example to obtain strings which contain spaces; for
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
example:
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited is
to produce
a customised
source file, or final adjustments made to a file
$STRING="This
a string
variable"
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
$MESSAGE="***A string message ***"

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Labels

Labels are positional indicators within a macro that define where code generating should continue after a
conditional or unconditional jump.
All labels must start with the character @ and must then be followed by the alphanumeric name of that
label. A label statement must appear on a line of its own.
The jump label destination of %GOTO must be within the macro in which that %GOTO occurred.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The same label name can occur in different macros.

Should more than 100 labels be defined in any one macro the compiler error message will be issued:
TOO MANY LABELS
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
An example of a label is:
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
:
Source:text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
%GOTO updated
@JUMP by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
:
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
:
file specifically
for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
@JUMP
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Directives

Directives are the commands available within macros and procedures that allow the manipulation of the
data available within each macro.
See Also
%ASK

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%COMMAND... %ENDCOMMAND (Integrating PDIs)

%DEBUG
%GOTO \{jump label\}

%IF
... %THEN
...
The Code
Generator
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
%IF... %THEN ... %ELSE
... file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%INCLUDE
%OPTIONS
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%ASK

%ASK={promptstring}={user defined variable name}

This is a statement that prompts the user to answer a question during code generating and the reply is then
stored as a variable. The variable may be either numeric or character string.
For example:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%ASK=Enter program label=$LABEL; string assignment

%ASK=Enter program ID number=#NUMBER ;numeric assignment

Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated
by the(or
Wizard
without
losing
the manual
changes.
If no replay string
is entered
Escape
or Abort
selected)
the return
value is set as #FUNNYfor numeric
variables or a null string("") for string variables.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%COMMAND... %ENDCOMMAND (Integrating PDIs into EdgeCAM)

These directives indicate that all data between the %COMMAND and %ENDCOMMAND is to be included
within the EdgeCAM menu structure.
This feature is specifically designed to allow a PDI program (EdgeCAM Development Interface program) to
be integrated within EdgeCAM and to be invoked in an identical manner to any other core EdgeCAM
command.
Here is a typical example allowing a PDI function (a PLANAR CIRCLE POCKET cycle) to be included within
the EdgeCAM menu structure:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%COMMAND
#CYCLES
9 suite of software. It creates a Code
The
Code Generator20
Compiler is an integral part of the1EdgeCAM
Generator
PLANAR or "Machine
2 Tool" file from a man-readable 1source text
2 file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
CIRCLE_POCKET|circpkt

121

FEEDRATE

105

Source text files mayPLUNGE_FEED

be created via the interactive facilities
of the
written directly
6
5 Code6 Wizard or
0 may be
106
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
SPEED
7
0
107
subsequently updated
by the Wizard without losing the7manual5changes.
%_STEPOVER

116

DEPTH_PARMS
162a customised
256
169
-2
285
This document contains
information to help you produce
Code Generator
parameter
source
file specifically for a particular
controller.
In
practice,
a
previously
tried
and
tested
text
file
for a similar CNC
CLEARANCE
28
5
28
2
128
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
LEVEL
161
5
168
2
287
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
DEPTH

109

%ENDCOMMAND

The above example will access a PDI called circpkt.exe using those modifiers specified within the Code
Generator. This format is consistent with that found within EdgeCAM *.cmd files.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%DEBUG

%DEBUG=ON
%DEBUG=OFF
This statement allows debug mode to be switched on and off from within a Code Generator.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%GOTO {jump label}

This is an unconditional jump which commands the Code Generator to continue code generating at a
position within the macro defined by a jump label.
For example:
%GOTO @DONT-ASK
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

...
...
The Code
Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
@DONT-ASK
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%IF ... %THEN ...

This is a conditional jump which sets up a test condition which can be used to control the subsequent flow
of the Macro or procedure.
Valid tests for the %IF directives are:
=

equal to

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
not equal to

<>
<

less than

<= or =<

less than or equal to

The
is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
> Code Generator
greater Compiler
than
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
>= or => and
greater
or equal
to
parameters
logic than
required
to convert
the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

For example:
Source
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
%IF #FRED=2
%THEN
%GOTO
@DONT-ASK
subsequently
updated by
the Wizard
without
losing the manual changes.
%ASK=Enter value for #FRED=#FRED
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
@DONT-ASK
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
or the shortened version (which cannot be used with %ELSE):
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
%IF #FRED=2 @DONT-ASK
%ASK=Enter value for #FRED=#FRED
@DONT-ASK
See Also
Controlling the CNC Output Precision
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%IF... %THEN ... %ELSE ...

%IF {var}{test}{var} %THEN {action 1} %ELSE {action 2}
This command tests for {action 1} to be applied if the {test} is true, if false apply {action 2} where
{action 1} could be #BNUMVAR=0
{action 2} could be #BNUMVAR=10

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The label at which post processing will continue if the conditional test passes must be defined within the
current macro.
More than 100 conditional/unconditional jumps within a macro will cause the compiler error message:
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
"Machine
Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
TOOorMANY
JUMPS
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%GOTO statements increment the jump counter by one.
%IF
%THEN
%ELSE
statements
increment
the jump
counter
Source
text files
may be
created via
the interactive
facilities
ofby
thetwo.
Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
a suitable
editor.
Please
notehas
that
if abeen
Code
Wizardthe
source
file iserror
altered
manually
it cannot be
If
the jump
label text
within
a %IF
directive
not
defined
compiler
message
will be:
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
UNDEFINED JUMP DESTINATION IN {line in error}
For
Thisexample,
document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
%IFwould
UNIT=1
%THEN
#GCODE=21
%ELSE source
#GCODE=20
controller
be edited
to produce
a customised
file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
Note that more than one assignment or directive can be made on each line by separating the commands by
a colon:
%IF UNIT=1 %THEN #GCODE=21:%CALL=METRIC_SETUP:%ELSE
#GCODE=20:%CALL=INCH_SETUP:%GOTO @SKIP
Multiple %IF...%THEN...%ELSE... statements are allowed:
%IF #CURRENTMACRO=8 %THEN
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

<NUM_STARTS=[FIELD1=27]>
.
.

%ELSEIF #CURRENTMACRO=5 %THEN

<LEAD_IN_ANG=[FIELD1=27]>
.
.
%ELSEIF etc....
.
.
%ELSE
<STRATEGY=[FIELD1=27]>
%ENDIF

EdgeCAM User Guide

Multiple statements using %ELSEIF must be terminated with the %ENDIF directive.
The tab separation and indentation is vital for the %IF and %ELSEIF statements to work correctly.
%IF statements may NOT be nested.
See Also
Controlling the CNC Output Precision

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%INCLUDE

%INCLUDE=filename
This directive allows you to include a secondary text file; this is useful where the same source code is
repeated in many text files. The text file must be in the same directory as the .?xt Code Generator source
file.
The %INCLUDE instruction must not be inside a macro or procedure.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%INCLUDE files may not be nested.

Note that after use of %INCLUDE it may be necessary to program an additional %ENDM either at the end
of
theCode
included
file or Compiler
immediately
after
the %INCLUDE
instruction.suite of software. It creates a Code
The
Generator
is an
integral
part of the EdgeCAM
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%INCLUDE=txt1.mac
parameters
and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%ENDM
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
It is permissible to call more than one file from a base file:
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
%INCLUDE=txt1.mac
%INCLUDE=txt2.mac
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
%ENDM for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
file specifically
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%OPTIONS

%OPTIONS={Prompt string^Option1^Option2...}={user-defined var}

This is similar to %ASK but displays an option list for the user to select from. The prompt string contains the
title of the option box, and selectable options are separated by "^".
The user variable is set up as the option number selected.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

For example:

%OPTIONS=Select Rapid Rate^HighFeed^RapidRate=#RAPID

This statement would cause the following option box to be displayed at the time of starting the Code
Generator
for CNC output.
The Code Generator
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file
for #RAPID
a particular
controller.
a previously
tried and
tested text file for a similar CNC
Thespecifically
user variable
is set
up as 1 In
forpractice,
High Feed
and 2 for Rapid
Rate.
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
If
Escape orfrom
Abort
detected
the and
#RAPID
variable is set to #FUNNY.
originating
theisCode
Wizard
its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Format Output Control

Four directives control the outputting of variables to CNC code. The first three are mutually exclusive.
%ALWAYS-OUTPUT

is the default for all variables. It cancels the variables

%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED and %DONT-OUTPUT

%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED restrains the output if the variable value has not changed

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
from the previous output. It cancels %ALWAYS-OUTPUT
and %DONT-OUTPUT

%DONT-OUTPUT
allows modal inhibition of the output of variables.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
It cancels %ALWAYS-OUTPUT and %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
to convert
raw EdgeCAM
datathe
intooutput
usableofCNC
code.
%CANCEL and logic required
is a non
modal the
command
that causes
the listed
variables at the next applicable opportunity. The output will
Source text files may be created
via the interactive
facilities
Code Wizard or may be written directly
occur independently
of the
settingofofthe
%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED,
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
andWizard
so output
will be
forced
the variable
value has or has not changed.
subsequently updated by the
without
losing
theifmanual
changes.
A variable included in the %DONT-OUTPUT statement can still be output in the CNC code if its output line
is preceded by a %CANCEL directive.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
PRECISION
is for
a system
variable
that sets
accuracy
limit for the
%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED,
%DONTfile specifically
a particular
controller.
In the
practice,
a previously
tried
and tested text file for a similar
CNC
OUTPUT
and %ALWAYS-OUTPUT
controller would
be edited to producedirectives.
a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
thevariable
Code Wizard
and its templates.
The syntax from
for the
is:
PRECISION=0.001
Using this example (0.001), if the last X move was X5.123456 and the next move is X5.12345786, the
%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED directive would only consider the first 3 decimal places, and the X move would be
suppressed.
See Also
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Example of %ALWAYS-OUTPUT

Example of %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED
Example of %DONT-OUTPUT
Controlling the CNC Output Precision

EdgeCAM User Guide

Example of %ALWAYS-OUTPUT
During machining three rapid moves had been defined as:
X2 Y3 Z4,
X2 Y3 Z0,
X6 Y3 Z0

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Within the Code Generator the X,Y, and Z are set as follows:
%ALWAYS-OUTPUT=XMOVE,YMOVE,ZMOVE

the CNC
The
Codecode
Generator
would be
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
... and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
parameters
N130 G00X2.0Y3.0Z4.0
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
N140 G00X2.0Y3.0Z0.0
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
N150 G00X6.0Y3.0Z0.0
...
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Example of %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED
%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED=XMOVE,YMOVE,ZMOVE,#GCODE
The CNC code would be:
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

N130 G00X2.0Y3.0Z4.0
N140 Z0.0
N150 X6.0

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Example of %DONT-OUTPUT
%DONT-OUTPUT=YMOVE
The CNC code would be:
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

N130 G00X2.0Z4.0
%CANCEL=#YMOVE
N140 G00Z0.0Y3.0

The Code
Generator
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
N150
G00X6.0
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
... and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
The directive used most commonly is %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED and it is usually placed within the START
macro
themay
required
variables.
Sourcewith
textall
files
be created
via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
The %CANCEL directive is used to emulate a controller which has turned off a modal function - for example,
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
a toolchange M06 might turn off the coolant, therefore the coolant could be canceled so that it was restated
after the toolchange was complete.
Note
that the %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED
andyou
%CANCEL
mayCode
only be
used forparameter
numeric variables,
This document
contains information to help
produce directives
a customised
Generator
source
whereas
the %ALWAYS-OUPUT
and %DONT-OUTPUT
directives
may
betested
used for
string CNC
file specifically
for a particular controller.
In practice, a previously
tried
and
textnumeric
file for aorsimilar
variables.
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

CNC Code Output

A macro line enclosed by < > is interpreted for conversion to CNC code.
The description of a CNC output line may take more than one line within the macro. If a > is not found within
a macro after a < has been encountered, this will cause the compiler error message:
UNEXPECTED END OF CNC CODE IN {line in error}

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Within the <...> three types of CNC code instruction exist:

Literal characters

which will always appear without any change in the CNC output.
For example <G90>

The
Code
Generator Compiler
is an
integral
part of theby
EdgeCAM
suite of software.
It creates
String
variables
They
must
be surrounded
square brackets.
No formatting
will a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
take
unless
theEdgeCAM
author restricts
the usable
string length
by adding
parameters and logic required
to place
convert
the raw
data into
CNC code.
the number of characters required onto the end of the string
(for example
[$FRED=12])
- thisofwill
justify
the string
to abe written directly
Source text files may be created
via the interactive
facilities
theleft
Code
Wizard
or may
using a suitable text editor. Please
if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
length note
of 12that
characters.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
System or User Defined Each numeric variable must be equated to a line number in the
numeric variables
format table and be surrounded by square brackets. For example,
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
[XMOVE=1]
commands
code generator
to tested
interpret
the
file specifically for a particular
controller. In
practice, athe
previously
tried and
text
filenumeric
for a similar CNC
controller would be edited tovalue
produce
a
customised
source
file,
or
final
adjustments
made
a file
of the system variable XMOVE, formatted as defined in to
line
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
1 of the format table, then output to the CNC code.

A numeric variable must always be followed by an = and then a number representing its format reference
number. A number less than zero or greater than the number of lines in the format table will cause the
compiler error:
FORMAT REFERENCE ERROR: {line in error}
Copyright
1988-2005
Engineering
Examples
of CNC Pathtrace
macro lines
are: Systems. All rights reserved.

<[#BNUM=19] G01[XMOVE=0]

; Note that this line

[YMOVE=1][ZMOVE=2][XYFEED=7]

; of CNC code has been

[ZFEED=7][#COOL=15]>

; created over 3 text lines

EdgeCAM User Guide

Special Characters

You may often need to include special characters in CNC code which already have a designated meaning
within EdgeCAM.
To do this, place the ASCII value of the required character between curly brackets { }.
For example:
<[#BNUM=20] (IF P67{60}{62}1 GOTO [#BNUMJUMP=20])>

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

because the ASCII value of < is 60, and the ASCII value of > is 62
This allows the output of any valid ASCII character (the next sub-section displays all common ASCII values.
ASCII characters 128-255 vary depending on the country).
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
WARNING:
If anrequired
output line
spilling
two lines
hard
coded
parameters
and logic
to convert
theover
raw into
EdgeCAM
datacontains
into usable
CNC
code.spaces, these
spaces may be truncated by the compiler.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
For example:
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
updated by the
Wizard
without...(CR)
losing the manual changes.
<[#BNUM=20]...
(80
spaces)
(40 spaces)... M30>
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file
for to:
a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
mayspecifically
be truncated
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
<[#BNUM=20]...
(10 spaces)
...(CR)
originating
from the Code Wizard
and its templates.
(40 spaces)... M30>
This line is therefore best written as:
<[#BNUM=20]... (120 spaces) M30>

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

ASCII Table

ASCII Value ASCII Character

032

SPACE

033

034

"
EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide

035

036

The
Code Generator
037
% Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
038
&
parameters
and logic
required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
039

040 text files may

(
Source
be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
041
)
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
042
*
043
+
This
document contains
information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
044
,
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from the
045
- Code Wizard and its templates.
046

047

048

049

050

052

053

054

055

056

057

058

059

060

061

062

063

064

065

EdgeCAM User Guide

066

067

068

069

070

071

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
G

072

073

The
Code Generator
074
J Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
075
K
parameters
and logic
required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
076

Source
077 text files may
M be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
078
N
subsequently
updated
by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
079

This
080
document contains
P
information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
081
Q edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
controller
would be
originating
from the
082
R Code Wizard and its templates.
083

084

085

086

087

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

088

089

090

091

092

093

094

095

096

097

098

099

100

101

102

EdgeCAM User Guide

103

104

105

106

107

108

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
l

109

110

The
Code Generator
111
o Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
112
p
parameters
and logic
required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
113

Source
be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
114 text files may
r
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
115
s
subsequently
updated
by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
116

This
117
document contains
u
information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
118
v edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
controller
would be
originating
from the
119
w Code Wizard and its templates.
120

121

122

123

124

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

125

126

127

DEL

EdgeCAM User Guide

Controlling the Size of CNC Files

By default EdgeCAM directs CNC output to one CNC file. However, the size of this file can be limited by the
use of the NUMBLOCKS or NUMCHARS system variables.
To restrict the number of blocks (lines) to 1500, define this statement in the START macro:
NUMBLOCKS=1500

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The NUMCHARS system variable is used in a similar way.

Multiple Files and Naming

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Multiple Files and Naming

When multiple files are created, the Code Generator modifies the original file name to allow each CNC file
to be stored on disk.
Each file created has the -# appended to the name, where # is the consecutive number of the file being
output. The file name extension remains as .NC
For example if the CNC file name is:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Bracket left side-Rev3.nc

then additional CNC files would be

Bracket left side-Rev3-1.nc
left side-Rev3-2.nc...
The Bracket
Code Generator
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
If the output is directed to a disk which does not support long file names then:
Bracket left side-Rev3.nc, becomes
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Bracket
.nctext editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
using
a suitable
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Bracke-1.nc
Bracke-2 .nc...
Thistodocument
contains
information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
Up
99 files may
be created.
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%DATA

You may need to use a logic loop to access a numeric value. The most common example is that of spindle
speed codes on an NC control which need to be output.
%DATA consists of two lists of values that have a fixed sequential relationship. The %DATA statements can
appear anywhere in the text file except within Macros, Procedures or the Format table. They are usually
placed at the top of the file immediately after the variable declarations, and before the %MACHINE
statement.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

These values are available within any macro or procedure in the form of an array.
An example of the use of %DATA is:

%DATA1=10,33,45,57,67,87,102,121, ;Speeds
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
%DATA2=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
;Speed codes
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable
source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
...
...
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
...
This document
...
contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
%MACRO=15=TL=Toolchange=8,47,48,
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
%CALL=SPEED
;Call process to calculate speed code
...
%ENDM
...

%PROCEDURE=SPEED
#LOOP=1 @LOOP ;SPEED CODE LOOP
%IF NEXTSPEED=121 %THEN #SPEED=8:%GOTO @ELOOP
%IF DATA1(#LOOP)=NEXTSPEED %THEN %GOTO @ELOOP
#SPEED=DATA2(#LOOP)
#LOOP=#LOOP+1
%GOTO @LOOP
@ELOOP
%ENDM
The value referenced by DATA1(4) (where #LOOP=4) will be 57, and correspondingly DATA2(4) will be 4.
Note that six data arrays are allowed, %DATA1 to %DATA6.
See Also

EdgeCAM User Guide

Limitations and Requirements

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Limitations and Requirements

Values must be integers between -32767 and 32767.
There may only be 100 values per %DATA statement and a maximum of six %DATA statements in a
source file.
Assignment of data variables is not supported, for example DATA1(10)=#Fred is not allowed.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

DATA statements need not appear in order, or even together.

If the DATA declaration exceeds one line it may be continued on the following line, for example:
%DATA1=1,2,3,4
,5,6,7,8
The Code
Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
,9,10,
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
required
to convert
the
EdgeCAM
data
usable
CNC
That
is, if theand
firstlogic
character
of the
next line
is raw
a space,
comma
or into
numeric
then
it iscode.
assumed to be part of
the preceding %DATA statement.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

User Data Array

A one-dimensional array UARRAY1(#) is available and can be used to store and retrieve numerical data.
Syntax
Assign Value
UARRAY1(1)=23.6 or UARRAY1(#COUNTER)=#SPEED

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Retrieve Value
#SPEED=UARRAY1(1) or #SPEED= UARRAY1(#COUNTER)
The
Codepossible
Generator
Compiler
is an
integral
the EdgeCAM
suite
of software.
It creates
a Code
It is also
to read
from or
write
to the part
Drill of
array,
but if a Hole
cycle
is used the
stored values
will be
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
file
from
a
man-readable
source
text
file
containing
all
the
appropriate
lost.
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

SUBFUNCT

Within macros the system variable SUBFUNCT may be set by EdgeCAM to known values so that decisions
can be made within the macro based upon a number of methods.
See Also
Multi Selection Choice
Accessing Tool Used Data
Accessing CPL Data
Accessing Retrospective Manipulation Commands
Accessing Cutting Conditions
Controlling Cutter Compensation in Milling and Wire EDM

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Multi Selection Choice

SUBFUNCT is used to obtain the result from the selection choice of a Code Generator-defined macro.
In this case SUBFUNCT is set to 1, 2 or 3 for Coolant Mist, Flood and Off respectively:
%MACRO=104=..=Coolant==Mist/Flood/Off
More than three options may be specified, except for the Compensation macro, where the maximum is four
in turning and three in milling.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The macro name (in this case Coolant) should be a maximum of 25 characters long.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Accessing Tool Used Data

Obtain data for the current tool, use SUBFUNCT in conjunction with the %LOAD statement.
For details of the %LOAD statement see %LOAD section.
For example:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%MACRO=15=..=TOOLCHANGE=8,47,48,
%LOAD=SUBFUNCT
...

The Code
...Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic
to convert
the raw
datausing
into usable
CNC code.
The data available
for required
the current
tool selected
is EdgeCAM
now available
the standard
system variables.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Accessing CPL Data

SUBFUNCT is used in conjunction with %GETCPL to obtain positional and rotational information about a
CPL.
For example:
%MACRO=43=..=INDEX PALLET=57,
%GETCPL=SUBFUNCT
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

This will make available via system variables the relevant data about the current CPL.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Accessing Retrospective Manipulation Commands

The commands translate, rotate and mirror are related to the SUBFUNCT values 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
After the retrospective macros have been completed the processing will be passed to the RESET macro, by
testing the value of SUBFUNCT, the axis positions can be corrected.
For example:
%MACRO=RESET

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

...
%IF SUBFUNCT=3 %THEN %CALL=MIRROR_RESET
The Code
...Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
... and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
parameters
%ENDM
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Accessing Cutting Conditions

The macros Rough Turn and Simple Turn assign the system variable SUBFUNCT the tool drive and cut
condition number.
Testing SUBFUNCT will yield a value within the range of 0 to 8. The value is directly related to the 'white
arrows' in the machining module:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright
1988-2005
Pathtrace
Systems. Alldid
rights
A value of
0 implies
that theEngineering
toolpath generated
notreserved.
match any of the possible canned cycles. In this

case %NOCYCLE should be used.

For example:
%MACRO=3=..=Simple turning cycle=1,2,5,7,10,21,
%IF MASK=1...
%IF SUBFUNCT=0 %THEN %NOCYCLE ;not a valid cutting condition so
;expand using FE, RA and CIRCLE
%IF PATHTRACE=1 %THEN %NOCYCLE;expand using FE, RE and CIRCLE
%IF SUBFUNCT=2 @FACE
%IF SUBFUNCT=4 @FACE
%IF SUBFUNCT=6 @FACE
%IF SUBFUNCT=8 @FACE
@TURN
%IF XMOVE=#XLAST @END

EdgeCAM User Guide

#BNUM=...

84
<[...][...][...]>
#XLAST=XMOVE

; save current X position

@FACE
%IF ZMOVE=#ZLAST @END

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

#BNUM=...

<[...][...][...]>
#ZLAST=ZMOVE
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
@END
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%ENDM
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Controlling Cutter Compensation in Milling and Wire EDM

It is possible to test against SUBFUNCT in the Feed, CLW and CCLW macros to determine if the move is a
profile cycle lead in or lead out move.

SUBFUNCT
0 = Not a lead move

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

1 = Lead in move

2 = Lead out move

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

User Defined Variable #FUNNY

The output within a line of CNC code of a particular variable may be temporarily inhibited by value
assignment (by convention, a user-defined variable called #FUNNY).
#FUNNY has a specific value and is beyond the practical output of the Code Generator and must be set in
the start macro, as follows:
%MACRO=START
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

...
#FUNNY=9989999000000
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
...or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
...
Source%ENDM
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
It
is also necessary
to declare
#FUNNY
in thelosing
declaration
table.changes.
subsequently
updated
by the Wizard
without
the manual
For example, to enable a Block Delete character '/' at the beginning of CNC lines via a user defined macro:
This document
contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
...
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
N0100X10Y10
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
(BLOCK DELETE ON)
/N0110X15Y25
(BLOCK DELETE OFF)
N0120X50Y30
...
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

The user defined macro will be for this example:

%MACRO=148=..=Block delete==Off/On
%IF SUBFUNCT=2 %THEN #DELETE=0 %ELSE #DELETE=#FUNNY
%ENDM
Each CNC output line will begin:
<[#DELETE=23][#BNUM=20]....>
The entry in the format table will control the output of '/' followed by no value:
/,0,0,0,0,0,0, 23 BLOCK DELETE

EdgeCAM User Guide

%LOAD

%LOAD={variable}
This is designed to allow the 'loading' of tooling information at any point within any Macro or Procedure. The
{variable} allows incrementing of a counter so that the information for all tools used during the last work
session can be examined.
For example:
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

#HEADER=1
@RELOAD
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%LOAD=#HEADER
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR: <[#BNUM=20][POSITION=10]>
Source#HEADER=#HEADER+1
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
%IF #HEADER < NUMTOOLS %THEN %GOTO @RELOAD
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
...
This will
document
contains
to help you
a customised
Codefor
Generator
This
load the
system information
variable POSITION
withproduce
the turret
number entered
each toolparameter
used. Thissource
is
file
specifically
for a particular
controller.
practice,
a previously
tried
tested information
text file for aused
similar
usually
set up within
the START
macro toIndisplay
a complete
list of
all and
the tooling
for CNC
each
controller
machiningwould
file. be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
%LOAD is also used at Toolchange to load the information required for the CNC output:
%MACRO=15=..=Toolchange=8,47,48,15,
...
#TOOLINFO=SUBFUNCT: #TOOLINFO=#TOOLINFO+1
; access next tool and hold
Copyright
1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering
Systems. All rights reserved.
%LOAD=#TOOLINFO:
#NEXTOOL=POSITION

%IF SUBFUNCT=NUMTOOLS %THEN #TOOLINFO=1

; reload first tool for preselect if on last toolchange
%LOAD=#TOOLINFO: #NEXTOOL=POSITION
; reload current tooling values
%LOAD=SUBFUNCT
...
%ENDM
SUBFUNCT at Toolchange is always set to the correct value to allow access to the current tooling
information.
Therefore the logic above will load the next tool's turret position for pre-selection and then reload the current
information.
When %LOAD is used the user variables defined for the toolchange macro will also be set with the values
given in EdgeCAM.
USERVAR1 to USERVAR5

EdgeCAM User Guide

Note that the content of these variables is dependent on the Code Generator file content.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%GETCPL

%GETCPL={variable}
This directive is designed to allow access to co-ordinate and rotational information attached to a CPL at any
point within any macro or procedure. The {variable} allows incrementing a counter so that information about
all CPLs used can be extracted. By setting %GETCPL = SUBFUNCT the current information is loaded.
List of variables affected:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

INDEX

= Pallet angle position

GROUPDESCRIPTION

= CPL name

STYPE
= Coord shift type ABS = 1 INC = 0
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
from a man-readable
source text file containing all the appropriate
ROT1 or "Machine Tool" file
= Primary
angle
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
ROT2
= Secondary angle
XSUB*
= Absolute X datum origin
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
a suitable text editor. Please
note that
if a Code
YSUB*
= Absolute
Y datum
originWizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
ZSUB*
= Absolute Z datum origin
SYSID
= Unique coord system identifier
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
Index direction
fileDIRECTION
specifically for a particular=controller.
In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
SUBFUNCT
= Current CPL pointer ( used with %GETCPL )
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
SFMOD
= Defines rotary axis, 1=X axis, 2=Y axis, 3=Z axis
* The system variables XSUB, YSUB and ZSUB (not #XSUB etc) contain the current position from world
origin, in current coordinates.

For example:
#POINTER=0
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

@AGAIN
#POINTER=#POINTER+1
%GETCPL=#POINTER
%IF SYSID=#FUNNY @BREAKOUT
<[GROUPDESCRIPTION=10] [XSUB=0] [YSUB=1] [ZSUB=2] [ROT1=27] [ROT2=9]
[SYSID=22]>
%GOTO @AGAIN
@BREAKOUT
This example will loop through all selected CPLs and output their relevant X, Y and Z values (where
reference to the format table is suitable for debug).
Once all the selected CPLs have been processed, the system variable SYSID is set to #FUNNY and the
loop is terminated.
%MACRO=43=..=Index=57,
%IF MASK=1 %THEN #BNUMVAR=0 %ELSE #BNUMVAR=#BNUMINC
%GETCPL=SUBFUNCT
#AMOVE=ROT1
#BMOVE=ROT2

EdgeCAM User Guide

<[#AMOVE=32][#BMOVE=33]>
; Load current CPL information so as
; to output new index position
...
...
%MACRO=48=DS=DATUM SHIFT
%GETCPL=SUBFUNCT
...
...

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%PROCEDURE and %CALL

The same routine may often be required by more than one macro within a source file. To reduce the size of
the source text file it is more efficient to hold the common cycle in a separate macro definition, analogous to
a subroutine, and then 'call' it as and when required.
The macro which holds the common code is called a PROCEDURE, the structure being similar to a macro.
For example:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%PROCEDURE=HOLD

#XHOLD=#XMOVE:#YHOLD=#YMOVE:#ZHOLD=#ZMOVE
%ENDM
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine
filefrom
fromwithin
a man-readable
source
file containing
all the
appropriate
A PROCEDURE
can beTool"
called
any other macro
or text
procedure,
the syntax
being
as follows:
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%MACRO=...
Source...
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
... updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
subsequently
%CALL=HOLD
This document
contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
...
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
%ENDM
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
A macro cannot be called from within a macro or procedure.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Array Expansions

Data within EdgeCAM machining is sometimes held in the form of an array. This data may be accessed by
setting up a loop to interrogate the array.
An example is the XY co-ordinates of a drill pattern:
XPOINT(#)

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

YPOINT(#)

where # is a numeric variable. It operates as follows:

XPOINT(1) holds the X co-ordinate of the first hole, YPOINT(1) holds the Y co-ordinate of the first hole in
the drill pattern.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Turn
profiles
also held
in the
XPOINT(),
YPOINT() source
array. Atext
third
RADIUS(),
is also set up, and
Generator
or are
"Machine
Tool"
file from
a man-readable
fileelement,
containing
all the appropriate
this
will be non-zero
this pointtorefers
to an
The radius
value
is signed
parameters
and logicif required
convert
thearc
rawcentre.
EdgeCAM
data into
usable
CNC (+'ve
code.is counterclockwise
and-'ve is clockwise).
UV Wire Profiles and Thread Milling information also use this array. See the relevant machining discipline
Source
files may
be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
section text
for more
information.
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
When
you need
to output
pattern without
co-ordinates,
through
the array and output the values held
subsequently
updated
by the Wizard
losing increment
the manual
changes.
within the array. The expansion is terminated by testing a System Variable LAST which is set to the number
of co-ordinates in the pattern.
This
document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
For example:
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
%PROCEDURE=LOOPEXPAND
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
#LOOP=2 ;DRILL REST FROM COORD TWO
@LOOP
%IF #LOOP>LAST %THEN %GOTO @ENDLOOP
#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR: #XMOVE=XPOINT(#LOOP): #YMOVE=YPOINT(#LOOP)
<[#DELETE=24][#BNUM=20] [#XMOVE=0][#YMOVE=1]>
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

#LOOP=#LOOP+1
%GOTO @LOOP
@ENDLOOP

#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR:#GCODE=80
<[#DELETE=24][#BNUM=20] [#GCODE=19]>
%CALL=HOLD ;STORE CURRENT AXIS POSITION
%ENDM

EdgeCAM User Guide

XYZ Array for Drilling in Different Environments

The hole cycles use an array to hold the co-ordinates of the selected points.
The following table shows what the values represent within different environments and modes:
Milling
Planar

EdgeCAM
XPOINT() = XCode
co-ordinateGenerator Compiler Guide
YPOINT() = Y co-ordinate
ZPOINT() = ZLEVEL (Multi-level only) or #FUNNY

The Code Generator

Compiler is an
integraldepth
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
MZDEPTH()=
Z drilling
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
MRPLANE()=
Retract the
plane
parameters and logic
required to convert
raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Rotary
XPOINT() = X or Y co-ordinate dependent on machine
Radial
config.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable textYPOINT()
editor. Please
note that
if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
= Angular
position
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
ZPOINT() = Not used
MZDEPTH()= Z drilling depth
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
RetractInplane
file specifically for aMRPLANE()=
particular controller.
practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
Rotary Axial
XPOINT() = X co-ordinate
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
YPOINT() = Y co-ordinate
ZPOINT() = Not used
MZDEPTH()= Z drilling depth
MRPLANE()= Retract plane
When axially machining, the co-ordinates are always Cartesian for both rotary and planar modes.
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Turning

Rotary Radial

XPOINT() = Z co-ordinate
YPOINT() = Angular position (C)
ZPOINT() = Not used

Planar Radial

XPOINT() = Z co-ordinate
YPOINT() = Y co-ordinate
ZPOINT() = Not used

Planar/
Rotary Axial

XPOINT() = X co-ordinate
YPOINT() = Y co-ordinate
ZPOINT() = ZLEVEL (Multi-level only) or #FUNNY
MZDEPTH()= Z drilling depth
MRPLANE()= Retract plane

When axially machining, the co-ordinates are always Cartesian for both rotary and planar modes.
Multi-level drilling is available in axial and B-axis orientation where supported by the Code Generator file.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%NOCYCLE

The statement is used to force longhand output of CNC. The command can force output of the following
types of code:
Generation of rapid, feed, clockwise and counterclockwise moves instead of controller canned cycles.
The expansion of retrospective operations to full CNC code instead of utilising controller canned
cycles

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The executive modifier 'Canned Cycle' sets the value of the system variable PATHTRACE, the selection of
'Pathtrace' or 'Controller' will result in 1 or 0 respectively.
The variable PATHTRACE can be tested to conditionally execute the command %NOCYCLE.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
The action of %NOCYCLE is to exit the macro definition, immediately passing the axis moves to the Feed,
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
Rapid and Circle macros (CLW, CCLW).
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
For example:
Source%MACRO=32=TR=Translate=43,44,45,14,26,37,21,
text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
*
subsequently
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
%IF PATHTRACE=Y %THEN %NOCYCLE ; redirect through Rapid, Feed
This document
to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
* ; andcontains
CLW, information
CCLW macros
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
* would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
*
%IF MASK=1 %THEN ...
#XSUB=...
#YSUB=...
#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR:<[...] [...]>
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR: <[...] [...]>

#BNUM=+#BNUMVAR:<[...] [...]>
%ENDM

EdgeCAM User Guide

System Variable NOCYCLE

Redirection by the %NOCYCLE statement can be verified by testing the system variable NOCYCLE.
NOCYCLE set to 1 indicates redirection. While NOCYCLE set to 0 indicates no redirection has occurred.

%NOCYCLE has no function within the Wire Erosion module. See Wire Notes for explanation of
equivalent functionality.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%SUBROUTINE

The statement defines the output position of controller subroutines. A controller subroutine is defined as a
sequence of blocks customising repeated machining cycles that can be called from a main program.
The macro Code Generator supports the output of subroutines in all the machining modules.
Nested controller subroutines are fully supported within the EdgeCAM Code Generator, and therefore care
should be taken to ensure that the controller is also capable of nesting.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

If nested subroutines occur and are not supported by the controller, you may want to add tests to the Code
Generator to output error messages.
A typical test is as follows:
The
Code
Generator
Compiler is an integral#NESTED=0
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
(In start
macro
)
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
#NESTED=#NESTED+1
(In macros SUBSTART
and CYCLSUB)
parameters
and logic required
to convert the
raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%IF #NESTED > 1 %THEN <ERROR:NESTING OF SUBS
NOT POSSIBLE
- USE
PATHTRACE
Source text files may be created via the interactive
facilities ofON
theTHIS
Code CONTROL
Wizard or may
be written
directly CYCLES>
using
a suitable
text editor. Please note that#NESTED
if a Code =Wizard
source-1file is altered manually it cannot be
(In macro
SUBEND)
#NESTED
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
(#NESTED will always return the current level of subroutine nesting if used in this way).
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
%SUBROUTINE
not appear
more than
once and
must only be
defined
withintext
thefile
macros
listed
file specifically formay
a particular
controller.
In practice,
a previously
tried
and tested
for a as
similar
CNC
below.
Thewould
position
of %SUBROUTINE
within the source
governs
output position
controller
controller
be edited
to produce a customised
sourcefile
file,
or finalthe
adjustments
madeof
tothe
a file
subroutines.
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
The following rules apply to the relevant positional definitions:
%MACRO=START
...
...
%SUBROUTINE
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

...
...
%ENDM
Controller subroutines output as the start of the CNC code:
%MACRO=END
...
...
%SUBROUTINE
...
...
%ENDM
Controller subroutines output as the end of the CNC code.
No occurrence of %SUBROUTINE. The subroutine will be output as the subroutines occur in the machining
file and nesting of subroutines will not be accepted by the controller.
EdgeCAM User Guide

See Also
MASK
Macro Definitions Related to Controller Subroutines
Controller Subroutine Calls by Block Number

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Macro Definitions Related to Controller Subroutines

%MACRO=SUBSTART
SUBSTART should contain the CNC code which defines the controller subroutine starting blocks. The
system variable SUBROUTINE is available for controller subroutine number identification.
%MACRO=SUBEND

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

SUBEND should contain the CNC code which defines the controller subroutine terminating blocks.
%MACRO=SUBCALL
SUBCALL
should contain
the CNC
which
controller
subroutine
call Itblocks.
The Code Generator
Compiler
is ancode
integral
partdefines
of the the
EdgeCAM
suite
of software.
creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%MACRO=CYCLSUB
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
CYCLSUB is called when subroutines can be output during drilling, tapping, reaming and boring. The macro
definition should contain the following CNC code:
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
1. Controller
subroutine
start
definition
subsequently
updated
by the
Wizard
without losing the manual changes.

2. Macro statements to expand arrays (see array expansion)

3. document
Controllercontains
subroutine
end definition
This
information
to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Controller Subroutine Calls by Block Number

CNC controllers which call subroutines by block number references are supported by use of the pseudo
system variables STARTSUB and ENDSUB. STARTSUB and ENDSUB should only contain block numbers.
The assignment of STARTSUB and ENDSUB should be in the SUBSTART and SUBEND macro definition
respectively.
If used, these variables must be set to zero in the start macro. If not used, processing will be noticeably
faster.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Notes on Translate Command

Changes have been made in EdgeCAM 7.00 to the way in which the Translate command works, particularly
for controller subroutines. These changes result in a better correlation between the moves shown by
EdgeCAM graphics and the toolpath on the machine tool.
Translated moves
EdgeCAM translates the toolpath as represented by move end points within the designated labels. From a
machine tool point of view the "Start" of a sub-routine is, therefore, the End of the move leading to that first
endpoint. Slightly different results will be seen depending on the type of move. A direct rapid or feed move
will result in its end point being the subroutine start and the move will effectively be "lost" in repeats of the
subroutine. A 2D rapid, doglegged, move (e.g. XY and then Z) will give the dogleg point as subroutine start
and only
first segment
or the
will bepart
lost.of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
The
Codethe
Generator
Compiler
is move
an integral

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Generator
or "Machine
Tool"show
file from
a man-readable
text file containing
all the
appropriate
Note that the
graphics often
an apparent
dogleg source
when resolved
rapids are not
used.
This intermediate
parameters
and
logic
required
to
convert
the
raw
EdgeCAM
data
into
usable
CNC
code.
points does not exist on the NC data - it is purely for visualisation purposes - and will not be used as a start
point.
Some
in this area
have
been removed
from
EdgeCAM.
This means
in somedirectly
cases
Sourceprevious
text fileschanges
may be created
via the
interactive
facilities
of the
Code Wizard
or maythat
be written
the
graphical
representation
will
change,
compared
to
previous
versions,
to
more
closely
represent
what
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
happens
on the
machine
subsequently
updated
by tool.
the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Good practice
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
For
safety reasons,
should always
start and
finish at a
safeand
clearance
height.
If this
practice
is
file specifically
for a subroutines
particular controller.
In practice,
a previously
tried
tested text
file for
a similar
CNC
followed then
thebe
link
moves
between asubroutines
be expected
to also
be at themade
safe height.
controller
would
edited
to produce
customisedcan
source
file, or final
adjustments
to a fileThe
subroutine from
should
include and
the liftout
move at the end of a cut.
originating
thealways
Code Wizard
its templates.
A specific move to a point near to the required start of the subroutine before defining the subroutine is
recommended. This is generally preferable to making a move direct from, say, toolchange and relying on
the 2D rapid's dogleg to be the start point. If the machine tool movements are not exactly as represented on
screen then this will minimise the discrepancy.
Code Generators
Some additional system variables have been added to the Code Generator to pass the subroutine start
point.
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
In macros TRANSLATE and RESET, the variables XEND, YEND, ZEND now represent the end of
any approach move and thus the start of the subroutine.
In macros SUBSTART and SUBCALL, the existing variables NEXTXMOVE, NEXTYMOVE,
NEXTZMOVE can be used.
The TRANSLATE Macro (No. 32) should now use XEND etc. as subroutine start point instead of
XSUB etc. Rapid approach moves to this point should be output.
The SUBSTART Macro (No. 55 ) should use NEXTXMOVE etc. as a "HOLD" point for calculation of
incremental moves.
The SUBCALL Macro (No. ) should include a rapid approach move to NEXTXMOVE etc.
Existing code generator files will continue to work as before since no existing variables have been changed.
It may be, however, that their actions are not correctly represented on screen by EdgeCAM graphics.
The Code Wizard templates for milling and turning have been updated to match the graphics. Template
based code generators should be updated to the version 7.00 templates to take advantage of these
changes.
The templates have also been updated to make the switch between incremental and absolute subroutines
easier. The logic within the template will now determine whether to use the Rapid or Translate code
constructors and G90/91 blocks will only be output by subroutine start and end if they are required. This last
change is within the default sequence of the code constructors. It will not be applied automatically to

EdgeCAM User Guide

100

updated CGD files but will be available for newly created files.
It should always be remembered that the exact action of a machine tool when using controller cycles is
beyond the control of EdgeCAM. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that his code generators are
correctly configured and that the on-screen representation closely matches the actions of his controllers.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

101

MASK

102

The MASK command is used to control output of data to the NC file. Setting it to 0 or 1 allows or prevents
output during processing:

MASK = 0
MASK = 1

allows output as normal

prevents output

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

MASK is used in the processing of the machining data file to CNC output code which utilises controller
subroutine calls. Examining MASK allows for the maintaining of block numbers and system variables during
multiple pass processing.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
"Machine
Tool"
file from
a man-readable
source
text file containing all the appropriate
EG.or%IF
MASK=1
%THEN
#BNUMVAR=0
%ELSE
#BNUMVAR=10
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
See Also
Source Usage
text files
be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Simple
of may
MASK
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
Complex Usage of MASK
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Simple Usage of MASK

103

Typical CNC output required:

...
L1

Subroutine Definition

Punch Component

Pause

Axis movement

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

L5
End of Definition
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
L6
...
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
L7
...
L8
Start of main code
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
L9 a suitable
Axis movement
using
text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
L10
Call Subroutine - 20 times
L11
End of code
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
The
example
willbe
reduce
code source
required,
but
simulate
within the
Pathtrace
controller
would
editedthe
to amount
produceofa output
customised
file,
orto
final
adjustments
made
to a file system
the full graphical
axes
movement
is required
to be output.
originating
from the
Code
Wizard and
its templates.
Therefore the graphics display will be as below:
Previous axis movement
...
O1 Axis movement
O2 Punch Component
O3
Axes movement
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
O4 Punch Component
O5 Axis movement
etc....
O36 Punch and move 17 times more ...
O37 ...
O38 End of Code
As can be seen in the example, the length of code generated would be of greatly differing lengths, and so
by the same definition the block numbers would also be different.
MASK and multi-processing of the machining file overcomes the block numbering problem. To explain
MASK in the outputting of L1 - L11 using the machining input data 1 - 038, MASK will be set to 0 to output
the subroutine definition, and to 1 to simulate the main CNC code.
The code is then processed again with MASK set to 1 during the subroutine definition and calls, but toggling
to 0 to output the main CNC code.
Therefore, by testing the value of MASK, the block number sequence can be maintained correctly.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Complex Usage of MASK

104

The first complex use of MASK is when the controller subroutines are to be output at the start or end of the
CNC code.
The output of the main CNC code and the subroutines is governed by the %SUBROUTINE statement.
The machining data file will be scanned to obtain all the subroutine definitions, and output, if required, with
MASK set to 0. The data file is then scanned again with MASK set to 1 in the main CNC code, but toggling
MASK to 0 when calling the subroutines.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The second complex use of MASK is when subroutines call other subroutines.
The data file is scanned to output the subroutine, MASK set to 0, and as the call to the next subroutine
occurs MASK toggles to 1. After the completion of the subroutine MASK is toggled back to 0 and the calling
subroutine
definition isCompiler
completed.
The
Code Generator
is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Subroutine at start
Subroutine at end
1st Pass
2nd Pass
1st Pass
2nd Pass
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Main Code
MASK=1
MASK=0
MASK=1
using
a suitable text
editor. Please MASK=0
note that if a Code Wizard source
file is altered manually
it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Subroutine
MASK=0
MASK=1
MASK=1
MASK=0
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
Main Code
MASK=1
MASK=0
MASK=1
controller
would be
edited to produce
a customised source file, orMASK=0
final adjustments made
to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
Processing
The data file is totally rescanned to output the lower subroutine with MASK set to 1 where output has been
made, and toggled to give output as required.
See Also
%SUBROUTINE
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Circle Programming

105

As circular interpolation which ranges over one or more quadrant is not available on all machine tool control
systems, the statement CIRCLE is available to output either full circle or quadrant programming.
Variable CIRCLE can be assigned the values:
1

CIRCLE=1

CIRCLE=0

quadrant programming

EdgeCAM
Code Generator Compiler Guide
full circle programming

The statement should be placed in the START macro, but can be altered at any time if output needs to be
switched between single and multi quadrant output.
A circular move of 360 is therefore processed by either calling the circular macros once or four times as
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
appropriate to the CIRCLE definition.
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameterscan
EdgeCAM
andalso
logicoutput
required
plane
to switching
convert the
arcs
rawinEdgeCAM
both the ZX
data
and
into
ZYusable
planes.
CNC
Thecode.
system variable
TRUEARCOP may be set to control output between true arc co-ordinates and fixed XYZ co-ordinates. The
differences in the system variables as set up are illustrated in the table below. If plane switched arcs are not
Source textthe
supported,
filesarcs
mayare
bebroken
createddown
via the
intointeractive
linear movements.
facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
TRUEARCOP
(Milling default)
1 (Turning
default) Code Generator parameter source
This document contains0information
to help you produce
a customised
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
XYARCS
XSTART,
YSTART,
originating
from the Code
Wizard and
its templates. XSTART, YSTART,
XCENTRE, YCENTRE,

XCENTRE, YCENTRE,

XEND, YEND

ZXARCS

ZSTART, XSTART,
ZCENTRE, XCENTRE,
ZEND, XEND

ZYARCS

ZSTART, YSTART,

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

ZCENTRE, YCENTRE,
ZEND, YEND
The system variable XYPLANE is set as 0, 1 and 2 for XY, ZX and ZY respectively when processing arcs.
See also:
Arc Bulge when using Radius NC Output

EdgeCAM User Guide

Arc Bulge when using Radius NC Output

Two system variables control arc bulging when using circular interpolation defined by a radius - see below.
When an arc is bulging more than the specified resolution the Arc is automatically output in 90 degree
quadrants.
Variable

Explanation

EdgeCAM Code
0 = BulgeGenerator
correction enabled Compiler Guide

NOBULGECORRECTION

1 = Bugle correction disabled

When not specified the option is enabled. This means existing Code
Generators will be enabled.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from
man-readable
all the
appropriate
Thea system
variablesource
shouldtext
be file
setcontaining
in the START
macro.
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Bulge correction is NOT required if the circular interpolation format
uses arc centre (I J K) or the Controller is set to single quadrant.
Source
text files may be created viaSpecify
the interactive
facilities
Code Wizard
may
RESOLUTION
the resolution
of of
thethe
Controller.
This or
used
forbe
thewritten
bulgedirectly
using a suitable text editor. Please note
that
if
a
Code
Wizard
source
file
is
altered
manually
it
cannot be
calculation error check.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
The system variable should be set in the START macro.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
%MACRO=START
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller
would be edited to produce
a customised
source file,
NOBULGECORRECTION=0
; 0=Bulge
correction
On or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from
the
Code
Wizard
and
its
templates.
%IF UNIT=0 %THEN RESOLUTION=0.0001 %ELSE RESOLUTION=0.001
The reason for the error is that the arc radius and start
and end points have to be rounded to the limit set by
the controller, which can cause an error of up to
0.0005mm for controllers with a limit of 3 decimal
places. There is a similar effect on Inch parts, but to 4
decimal places. The worst case is when the start and
end points have been rounded down so they are closer
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights
reserved.
together
and the radius is rounded up. This very small
change is enough to make the arc bulge outwards by
an amount far exceeding the specified tolerance.

A rounding error
of 0.0005mm
can cause the
arc to bulge by
up to 0.317mm
on a 50mm
radius.

The opposite effect can also occur where the end point
is further away than the arc radius. In this case the
controller appears to still try and cut the arc, but we
suspect this causes the arc to be too shallow. The
rounding by EdgeCAM is mathematically correct and
the error is inherent in the method used by the G2/G3 R
construction of arcs and limit of 3 decimal places. The
error is most commonly seen on circular Bosses or
pockets, which have a tapered wall. As the arc radius
changes size down the wall, the rounding varies slightly
the effect can be easily seen at some levels as a dig
inwards or a bulge.

This type of error can occur in 2D, contour or the Profiling cycle. The error is more noticeable when
machining a with contour wall or 3D shape as the amount of error changes down the part, as shown in this
side view of NC toolpath files containing Arcs:

EdgeCAM User Guide

106

107

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Controlling the CNC Output Precision

The system variable PRECISION affects these areas:
%OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED
%IF= and %IF<>
PRECISION sets the accuracy when using the directive %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED or when testing the
difference between two values. If the difference is less than or equal to the PRECISION value, the values
are treated as being equal.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Setting the PRECISION value

The
Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
The Code
formatGenerator
is:
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
PRECISION=value
For example,
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a%IF
suitable
text editor.
note that if a Code
Wizard
source file is altered manually it cannot be
UNIT=1
%THENPlease
PRECISION=0.001
%ELSE
PRECISION=0.0001
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
PRECISION can only be set in the START macro and will not take effect until the START macro has
finished.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
If
PRECISION
is notcontroller.
set, the system
assumes
these values:
filethe
specifically
for avalue
particular
In practice,
a previously
tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
UNIT=0
PRECISION=0.0001
(inches)
UNIT=1
(metric)

PRECISION=0.001

Example of using %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED

Output Value

Variable Value

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

*
PRECISION=0.00001
N20 X20.0 Z10.0

(XMOVE=20.0)

N30 X20.0 Z0.0

(XMOVE=20.0001)

In this example, the X value has been output twice because the %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED directive
considers the change in the X value to be different, but the output value appears the same because the
format table has rounded the value down to three decimal places (for the sake of the example).
*PRECISION=0.001
N20 X20.0 Z10.0

(XMOVE=20.0)

N30 Z0.0

(XMOVE=20.0001)

In this example, the X value has been suppressed because the %OUTPUT-IF-CHANGED directive
considers the change in the X value to be the same, because the difference is less than the PRECISION.
Example of using %IF

EdgeCAM User Guide

108

#XHOLD=20:#XMOVE=20.0001
%IF #XMOVE=#XHOLD @SKIP

109

If PRECISION has been set to 0.01, the statement above would pass the test (and GOTO the skip label) as
the difference between the values is less than the PRECISION. If PRECISION=0.00001, the statement
would fail and the GOTO would be ignored.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Debugging

110

The system variable MACRONAMEOP can be set so the name of each macro processed is output to the
CNC file. The statement MACRONAMEOP = [value] is normally included within the start macro.
Valid settings are:
0 = No debug output

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

1 = All macro executions output to CNC file.

2 = Macro names output only if MASK=0 (that is, CNC output turned on).

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Silent Output

111

The system variable SILENT can be set to inhibit output of CNC code to the screen. This will increase the
speed of code generating. A status message is displayed every 100 lines of output if silent output mode is
selected.
Valid settings are:
0 = Output to screen

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

1 = Inhibit output

The following lines included within the start macro. These allow this mode to be selected interactively when
generating CNC code. SILENT defaults to 0.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%OPTIONS=SILENTMODE^ON^OFF=SILENT
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%IF $SILENT=Y %THEN SILENT=1
$SILENT
must
declared
in a %DECLARE
statement.
Source text
filesbe
may
be created
via the interactive
facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Textcase

112

The system variable TEXTCASE provides the option of formatting the output so that comments, file name
and any ASCII text characters will be output as uppercase text. This is useful as some machines must have
all text as uppercase characters, otherwise the machine ignores the character.
Valid settings are:
1 = Will convert all text string to uppercase.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

2 = Will convert all text strings to lowercase.

Note that word letter addresses output from Format Table are not converted. If NC code is written as
text strings in output blocks (or Code Wizard code constructors) those strings will be converted by
TEXTCASE.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
Any
other value
or "Machine
for TEXTCASE
Tool" file will
from
result
a man-readable
in the text being
source
left text
unchanged.
file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Matrix Processing

113

The matrix operation provides a method of producing a series of identical components using one of the
following methods:

1. Full, longhand CNC code - for controllers with no subroutine facilities.

2. Controller subroutines and datum shifts.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Longhand Code

Testing the system variable PATHTRACE (modifier 21) can direct processing through the RAPID, FEED,
CLW and CCLW macros.
The
Code Generator
Compiler
is anto
integral
of the
EdgeCAM
suite
of software.
It creates
a Code
PATHTRACE=1
can be
interpreted
mean part
the user
has
requested
to generate
longhand
code.
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Subroutines and Datum Shifts
The testing of the system variable PATHTRACE can cause processing to be directed through the
Source text files
may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
manipulative
macros.
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
Controller
(0) -updated
generate
subroutines.
subsequently
bycontroller
the Wizard
without losing the manual changes.
Pathtrace (1) - generate longhand code.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

%Output

114

%OUTPUT controls the output of separate CNC output files (a tooling setup sheet and a main body
program). These files have the same prefix, the - character as a delimiter, and the assigned value of
$NAME as a suffix.
To enable the creation of the two files, you must specify the following macro commands in the START
macro:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%MACRO=START

... ; output filename="TEST"

APPEND=1 ; enable suffix file creation
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
$NAME=SETUP ; assign 'SETUP' as suffix to $NAME
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required
to convert
raw EdgeCAM
data into usable CNC code.
%OUTPUT=$NAME
; output
tothe
secondary
file
... ; direct output to a CNC file
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a...
suitable
; called
text editor.
TEST-SET'
Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
...
...
This document
contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
%OUTPUT=STANDARD ; direct output to standard TEST
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
the Code Wizard and its templates.
... from
; filename
...
You can redirect the output at any time by assigning %OUTPUT as either STANDARD or $NAME.
The suffix assignment must only be made once.
Where the files are directed to a disk which cannot support long file names (for example, Novell 3.1)
EdgeCAM
abbreviates the name to fit, by using the first six characters and then adding a dash plus the first
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.
character of the $NAME.
Here are some examples:
Long Filename

Truncated Filename

testcode-setup.nc

testco-s.nc

testcode-1.nc

testco-1.nc

testcode-2.nc

testco-2.nc

testcode-header.nc

testco-h.nc

EdgeCAM User Guide

Leader

115

LEADER is NOT a system variable.

The use of LEADER is to output a length of null characters within the output file. The RS232 software
interprets this command during a RS232 communication session.
The statement is a CNC output command therefore the syntax should be as below:
%MACRO=...
...
<LEADER=####>
...
%ENDM

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

where
####
is the number
of null
characters
required
be output. suite of software. It creates a Code
The Code
Generator
Compiler
is an
integral part
of thetoEdgeCAM
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
file
from
a
man-readable
source
text
containing
all thethe
appropriate
It should be noted that it is also possible to insert the statement
in file
an output
file using
Editor.
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Milling Modifiers

116

This table shows the system variable set up for each of the modifiers that may be included in the Code
Generator macro definition line.
Number

Heading

System Variables

Name

GROUPDESCRIPTION

5
6

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator Compiler Guide
Feedrate
XYFEED
Plunge feed

ZFEED

7
Speed
SPEED
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
8
Tool No.
TOOLNUM
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
andDepth
logic required to convert
the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
9
ZDEPTH
10

Cut increment

DEPTH

Source
may be created via theOFFSET
interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
12 text filesOffset
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
13
Side by the Wizard without
LEFTRIGHT
subsequently
updated
losing the manual changes.
14

From

STCOMMAND

This 15
document contains
help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
Commentinformation to USERDEFINEDSTRING
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
16 would%Stepover
controller
be edited to produce aSTEP
customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
21
Subroutines
PATHTRACE
23

Degression

DEGR

Angle

ANGLE

Radius

RADIUS

ENCOMMAND

Time

DWELL

Clear

ZCLEAR

Retract

RPLANE

Matrix/Repeats

REPEAT

X repeats

XREP

Y repeats

YREP

Direction/Priority

ROWPRIORITY

Lace Cut

LACECUT

{X} increment/length

XINC

{Y} increment/length

YINC

{Z} increment/length

ZINC

Quadrant

QUADRANT

Angle

INDEX

Move type

FIELD2

Distance

FIELD1

63 - 66

- Not defined -

EdgeCAM User Guide

USERVAR1

USERVAR2

USERVAR3

USERVAR4

USERVAR5

72 - 81

EdgeCAM
- Not defined - Code Generator Compiler Guide

Define layout

USERMATRIX

200

Multilevel in drill cycles ZPOINT()

The 201
Code Generator
Compiler
is an integral
part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Multidepth
in drill
ZDEPTH()
Generator or "Machine
Tool"
file
from
a
man-readable
source text file containing all the appropriate
cycles
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

EdgeCAM User Guide

117

Milling Cycle Commands

The diagram uses the drilling macro command (macro number 9), for the purposes of illustration only.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The flow diagram also applies to the chipbreak, tap, ream and bore macros.
See Also
System Variable - DRILLSUB
Procedure - LOOPEXPAND
Using MASK in Milling

EdgeCAM User Guide

118

System Variable - DRILLSUB

DRILLSUB = 1 indicates the present drill point array has repeated machining operations to be carried out
and generate controller subroutine definitions.
DRILLSUB = 0 indicates the present drill point array has only one machining operation and therefore output
array points immediately.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

119

Procedure - LOOPEXPAND
A call to the user-defined LOOPEXPAND procedure will expand the number of points to be machined. The
following macro definitions ordinarily contain a LOOPEXPAND call:
DRILL CYCLE
TAP CYCLE
BORE CYCLE

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

CHIPBREAK CYCLE
CYCLESUB

EdgeCAM User Guide

120

Using MASK in Milling

121

The actual output of CNC code is affected by the MASK system variable.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

Milling Macro Syntax

122

In the following macro definitions, the recommended syntax should be taken to mean the following:
%MACRO=[macro number]=..=[Description]=[Modifier List...]
For example:
%MACRO=1=..=RAPID=1,2,3,

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

At all times the following variables are available:

NEXTMACRO

Next macro to be processed.

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
or "Machine
from a man-readable
source
filetool
containing
all the appropriate
These variables
are setTool"
up byfile
a system
that looks ahead
to thetext
next
movement:
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
NEXTSPEED
Next spindle speed selected.
NEXTXYFEED
Next XY feedrate
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
NEXTZFEED
Next ZPlease
feedrate
using
a suitable text editor.
note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
NEXTCOMP
1 = No compensation
2 = Left compensation
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
3 = Rightcontroller.
compensation
file specifically for a particular
In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
NEXTXMOVE
Next X axis movement
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
NEXTYMOVE
Next Y axis movement
NEXTZMOVE

Next Z axis movement

These variables are all set up from the %MACHINE section:

XTOOL

Toolchange X position

YTOOL

Toolchange Y position

ZTOOL

Toolchange Z position

XHOME

Toolhome X position

YHOME

Toolhome Y position

ZHOME

Toolhome Z position

TXMAX

Maximum machine extents in X

TYMAX

Maximum machine extents in Y

TZMAX

Maximum machine extents in Z

IPLANE

Initial plane

MAXFEED

Maximum feedrate

MAXSPEED

Maximum speed

MAXRPM

Maximum spindle speed

NUMTOOLS

Number of tools used in the machining sequence

MACHTIME1

Machining time

During %NOCYCLE processing (through RAPID, FEED, CLW and CCLW macros) the following additional
EdgeCAM User Guide

variables are available:

123
NEXTARC

0 = Nextmove is linear
1 = Nextmove is counterclockwise
2 = Nextmove is clockwise
3 = End of %NOCYCLE processing

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

If the nextmove is an arc move,
NEXTXCENTRE
Two out of three of these will be set up
dependingison
planepart
switch
of the
arc
The
Code
Generator
Compiler
anthe
integral
of the
EdgeCAM
suite of software. It creates a Code
NEXTYCENTRE
and
the file
current
of the TRUEARCOP
Generator or "Machine
Tool"
fromsetting
a man-readable
source text variable.
file containing all the appropriate
NEXTZCENTRE
parameters
and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Milling Macro Reference

124

1 - MOVE RAPID

37 - THREAD MILLING

2 - MOVE FEED

40 - MOVE HOME

3 - MOVE ARC

41 - MOVE TOOLCHANGE

4 - FACEMILL CYCLE

42 - MOVE INITIAL PLANE

EdgeCAM Code43 Generator

Compiler Guide
- INDEX

5 - PROFILE CYCLE

6 - AREACLEAR CYCLE

44 - SELECT MILL MODE

(Rotary/Planar Milling)

The
of theANGULAR
EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
7 - Code
SLOTGenerator
CYCLE Compiler is an integral
45 part
- MOVE
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
8 - CROSSHATCH
46 -raw
MOVE
RELATIVE
parameters
and logic CYCLE
required to convert the
EdgeCAM
data2into usable CNC code.
9 - DRILL CYCLE

47 - MOVE CONSTRAINED

10 - CHIPBREAK
48 - DATUM
SHIFT
Source
text files mayCYCLE
be created via the interactive
facilities
of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
11 - REAM CYCLE
49 - RESET ROTARY DATUM
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
12 - BORE CYCLE
51 - START
13 -document
TAP CYCLE
53 you
- CLW
This
contains information to help
produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
14 - MOVE RELATIVE
54 - CCLW
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from the Code Wizard and its templates.
15 - TOOLCHANGE
55 - SUBSTART
21 - FEED TYPE

56 - SUBEND

22 - DWELL

58 - END

29 - RADIUSCOMP

59 - SUBCALL

30 - MATRIX MODE ON

60 - RESET

31 - MATRIX MODE OFF

61 - CYCLSUB

33 - ROTATE

70 - ANGCCLW

34 - MIRROR

71 - ATTRIBUTE

35 - PECK

72 - SPLINES

36 - TECHNOLOGY

EdgeCAM User Guide

Turning Modifiers

125

Number

Heading

System Variables

Name

GROUPDESCRIPTION

Feedrate

FEED

Plunge feed

ZFEED

Tool Number

TOOLNUM

6
7
8

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator Compiler Guide
Speed
SPEED

9
Total Depth
TOTALDEPTH
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
10
Cut Increment
DEPTH
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
12
andPitch
logic required to convertPITCH
the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
13

CSS

Source
14 text filesFrom
may be created via the STCOMMAND
interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
15
Comment
USERDEFINEDSTRING
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
17
Override
FIELD1
21
Canned Cycle
PATHTRACE
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically
23
for
Xinc
a particular controller.YINC
In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
24
Drive
RMOVE
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
25
Cut
CMOVE
26

End #

ENCOMMAND

Time

DWELL

Lead angle

TOOLANGLE1

Trail angle

TOOLANGLE2

Z Offset

OFFSETZ

X Offset

OFFSETX

Z mirror

STCOMMAND

Z lead

ENCOMMAND

Z Increment

XINC

L/R

LEFTRIGHT

Offset

OFFSET

Tolerance

TOLERANCE

Finish Depth

TOTDEPTH

Offset

OFFSET

L/R

LEFTRIGHT

Step

STEP

USERVAR1

USERVAR2

USERVAR3

USERVAR4

USERVAR5

EdgeCAM User Guide

Degression

DEGR

Angle

ANGLE

Radius

RADIUS

Clear

ZCLEAR

Retract

RPLANE

Xinc

XINC

XH Angle

ANGLE

78
79
81

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator Compiler Guide
Yinc
YINC

82
Retract
PECKRETRACT
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

EdgeCAM User Guide

126

PASS

127

The system variable PASS is the turret processing pointer. PASS is assigned the following values:
PASS = 1 = Upper turret processing
PASS = 2 = Lower turret processing

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

TURRET

128

The system variable TURRET is used to output the tooling data for the upper and lower turrets.
TURRET = 0 = Upper turret data
TURRET = 1 = Lower turret data

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

File Output

129

If parameter 5 in the appropriate machine format ('mm') line in the machine tool macro is set to:
0

Processing will output to a single file as follows: upper turret to first sync code,
lower turret to first sync code, upper turret to next sync code, lower turret to next
sync code and so on until all CNC code has been output.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Two tapes will be produced, one for each turret. If the name supplied for the
CNC file is TEST, the CNC files produced will be named TEST-1.NC and

TEST-2.NC
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
2
The file for the lower turret will be merged with the upper turret file at the
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required
synchronisation
points. to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

EdgeCAM User Guide

4 Axis Synchronisation

130

The SYNCHRONISE TURRETS macro causes either turret to wait until the other turret has completed its
operations. When the SYNCHRONISE TURRETS command is issued, a 'wait code' is sent to both turrets.
The command can be issued at any point within machining and is not turret dependent. It may also be
applied as a retrospective command.
The effect of the SYNCHRONISE command is that both turrets will start to perform their operations
simultaneously. Normally one turret will finish before the other and will read the SYNCHRONISE command.
This instructs the turret to wait until the second turret also reads the SYNCHRONISE command, at which
point both turrets are started again.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

Axis Output

131

UPPER TURRET

LOWER TURRET

Toolchange

Rapid

EdgeCAM CodeWaiting
Generator Compiler Guide

Rough Turn

SYNCHRONISATION
Rapid Home

Profile

The
Code Generator Compiler is an integral
Toolchange
... part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
Rapid
... raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
parameters
and logic required to convert the
Waiting

...

...
...
Source
text files may be created via the interactive
facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
...
Feed
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
SYNCHRONISATION
Threading
Rapid
Home a customised Code Generator parameter source
This
document contains information to help
you produce
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
...
End of operations
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from the Code Wizard and its templates.
...
Rapid Home
End of operations

EdgeCAM User Guide

Turning Macro Syntax

132

In the following macro definitions, the recommended syntax should be taken to mean the following:
%MACRO=[macro number]=..=[Description]=[variables...]

For example:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%MACRO=1=..=Rapid=1,2,

At all times the following variables are available (items marked with a * only apply to 4 axis lathe
The
Code Generator
Compiler
an aintegral
part
the EdgeCAM
of software. It creates a Code
configurations.
Macros
marked iswith
* should
beofremoved
from 2 suite
axis configurations):
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
NEXTMACRO
macro
to be processed.
parameters
and logic Next
required
to convert
the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
These variables are set up by a system that looks ahead to the next tool movement:
Source
text files may Next
be created
the interactive
NEXTSPEED
spindlevia
speed
selected. facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
NEXTXYFEED
used
XY feedrate
subsequently
updatedNext
by the
Wizard
without losing the manual changes.
NEXTZFEED

Next used Z feedrate

NEXTCOMP
1 =information
No compensation
This
document contains
to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
2 = Left compensation
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code
Wizard
and its templates.
3 = Right
compensation
NEXTXMOVE

Next X axis movement

NEXTZMOVE

Next Z axis movement

These variables are all set up from the %MACHINE section:

XTOOL

Upper turret X toolchange position

*XTOOL1

Lower turret X toolchange position

*ZTOOL1

Lower turret X toolchange position

XHOME

Upper turret X home position

*XHOME1

Lower turret X home position.

ZHOME

Upper turret Z home position

*ZHOME1

Lower turret Z home position

TXMAX

Maximum machine extents in X

TZMAX

Maximum machine extents in Z

IPLANE

Initial plane

MAXFEED

Maximum Feedrate

MAXSPEED

Maximum Spindle Speed

MAXRPM

Maximum Spindle Revolutions Per Minute

NUMTOOLS

Number of Tools used

MACHTIME1

Machining time

NUMTOOLS

Number of Tools in Upper Turret

EdgeCAM User Guide

*NUMTOOLS1

Number of Tools in Lower Turret

MACHTIME1

Machining Time for Upper Turret

*MACHTIME2

Machining Time for Lower Turret

MAXFEED

Maximum Feedrate -as %MACHINE

MAXRAPID

Maximum Rapid -as %MACHINE

MAXRPM

EdgeCAM
Code
Generator Compiler Guide
Maximum RPM
-as %MACHINE

PASS

Turret currently being processed:

0 = Upper turret

The Code Generator Compiler

an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
1 = Loweristurret
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
TURRET and logic May
be set
the post.
which turret
%LOAD
is to
be directed:
parameters
required
to in
convert
the Defines
raw EdgeCAM
data into
usable
CNC
code.
`

0 = Upper turret

Source text files may 1be= created

via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Lower turret
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
During
%NOCYCLE
processing
the following
additional
variables
are available:
subsequently
updated
by the Wizard
without losing
the manual
changes.
NEXTARC

0 = Nextmove is linear

1 =information
Nextmove is
This document contains
tocounterclockwise
help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
2 = Nextmove is clockwise
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code
Wizard
and its templates.
3 = End
of %NOCYCLE
processing
If the nextmove is an arc move,
NEXTXCENTRE

Two out of three will be set up depending

NEXTYCENTRE

on the plane switching of the arc and the

NEXTZCENTRE

setting of the TRUEARCOP variable.

EdgeCAM User Guide

133

Turning Macro Reference

1 - MOVE RAPID
2 - MOVE FEED
3 - SIMPLE TURN CYCLE

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

4 - ROUGH TURN CYCLE

5 - FINISH TURN CYCLE

6 - ROUGH GROOVE CYCLE

7 - FINISH GROOVE CYCLE
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator
8
- THREAD
or CYCLE
"Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
9 - DRILL CYCLE
10 - TAP CYCLE
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
11 - ROUGH PROFILE CYCLE
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
12
- TOOL DATUM
updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
14 - MOVE RELATIVE
15 - TOOLCHANGE
This
document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
16 - SELECT TURRET
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
17
- CUT DIRECTIONS
from the Code Wizard and its templates.
18 - CLEARANCE ANGLES
19 - SAFE DISTANCE
20 - SURFACE SPEED
21 - FEED TYPE
22 - DWELL
23 - SYNCHRONISE TURRETS

24 - SELECT PRIORITY
25 - MIRROR TURN CYCLE
26 - MIRROR ROUGH TURN CYCLE
27 - BALANCED TURN CYCLE
28 - BALANCED ROUGH TURN CYCLE
29 - RADIUSCOMP
32 - TRANSLATE
36 - TECHNOLOGY
40 - MOVE HOME
41 - MOVE TOOLCHANGE
51 - START
53 - CLW
54 - CCLW
55 - SUBSTART
56 - SUBEND
58 - END

EdgeCAM User Guide

134

59 - SUBCALL

135

60 - RESET
61 - CYCLSUB
71 - ATTRIBUTE
251 - SPINDLE SELECTION
252 - SPINDLE CONTROL

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

254 - SPINDLE DOCKING

255 - MOVE SUB SPINDLE

256 - BAR FEED
The
Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
257 -Code
CHUCK
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
258
- PART and
CATCHER
parameters
logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
259 - TAILSTOCK
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

EdgeCAM User Guide

C/Y Axis Macro Numbers

The Code Generator source file definitions are exclusively in the range of 151 to 200. With the additional
macro CX.OUTPUT most machine tool configurations can be supported. These macros encompass
functionality offered by driven tooling and the macro numbers are in general 150 higher than the equivalent
milling macro.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

136

C/Y Axis Limitations

137

The C/Y Axis extension does not support Mirror, Translate or Rotate milling type operations, and therefore
the definitions should not be included in the text source file.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

CAXIS

138

The CAXIS system variable is assigned a value which relates to the type of machining currently active:
0 = Static (Milling or Turning) Tool
1 = Axial/Reverse Axial, Driven (0 or 180)
2 = Radial/Reverse Radial, Driven (90 or 270)
3 = Other Orientation (B AXIS), Driven

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

0 = Normal Turning
1 = Axial Machining
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
2
= Radial or
Machining
Generator
"Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
The following macro definitions assign a value to CAXIS (therefore the variable should not be assigned by
the user):
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note
%MACRO=43=AX/RD=Axial/Radial
C-axis
thatmachining=
if a Code Wizard
(And
source
193) file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
%MACRO=45=..=Move Angular=5,6,7,
%MACRO=253=..=Lathe Index=..
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
%MACRO=165=..=Tool Change=..
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
These
values
from
arethe
maintained
Code Wizard
while
and
processing
its templates.
for reference by the code generator file.
CAXIS can be tested and conditional actions can be executed.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Y Axis

139

EdgeCAM is switched between Y Axis and C Axis milling by the use of the SELECT MILL MODE macro.
This sets up SUBFUNCT as 0 for C Axis and 1 for Y Axis milling (the default condition is C Axis). A user
variable should be set to flag that status in other macros.
For example:
%MACRO=44=..=SELECT MILL MODE...etc.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

%IF SUBFUNCT=1 %THEN #YAXIS=1 %ELSE #YAXIS=0

EdgeCAM User Guide

%CXCYCLE

140

This statement is used to force output of axial motion in terms of C Axis motion and the radial length, the
polar co-ordinate system.
%CXCYCLE is used to calculate axial movements for controllers that do not support the Cartesian coordinate system, therefore the output must be expressed in the polar co-ordinate system.
%CXCYCLE action is similar the %NOCYCLE command but redirection is effected through the macro
CX.OUTPUT (macro number 66).

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

The macro definition CX.OUTPUT must be written in the text source file to enable the redirection to occur.
Example:
%MACRO=164=..=4,64,65,59,60,7,5,62,
The Code
Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
%IF CAXIS=1 %THEN %CXCYCLE %ELSE %NOCYCLE
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
%ENDM
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
In
the above example,
redirection
to the
macro
definition
CX.OUTPUT
will only occur when set to Axial
subsequently
updated by
the Wizard
without
losing
the manual
changes.
mode.
It is also important to understand the consequence of %NOCYCLE when encountered in C/Y Axis mode.
This document
information
to 1help
produce
a customised
CodetoGenerator
parameter
source
Redirection
will contains
occur through
macros
andyou
2, and
it is therefore
necessary
test the system
variable
file
specifically
for 1a and
particular
controller.
a previously
tried
tested
text file for a similar CNC
CAXIS
in macros
2 which
must callInapractice,
user-defined
procedure
to and
effect
axis output.
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
If
the Codefrom
Generator
does
not require
originating
the Code
Wizard
and its%CXCYCLE,
templates. it can be disabled in switch 20 of the MM line for faster
processing (see MM Line).
Controller compensation is available in Radial and Axial modes.
not supported when using CXCYCLE in Axial Turning.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Note that Controller compensation is

C Axis - Angular Co-ordinates

When processing arc or linear movement in CAXIS, the position expressed in angular co-ordinates is made
available. The additional variables are as follows:
Linear Motion
CMOVE Angle
RMOVE Radius

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

ROT1 Rotary angle (same as CMOVE but is available for compatibility with rotary milling)

Arc Motion
The
Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
CSTART
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
RSTART
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
CCENTRE
RCENTRE
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using
CENDa suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
REND
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

EdgeCAM User Guide

141

C Axis Macro Syntax

142

In the following macro definitions, the recommended syntax should be taken to mean the following:
%MACRO=[macro number]=..=[long description]=[variables...]
For example:
%MACRO=1=..=RAPID=1,2,3,

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

C Axis Macro Reference

143

38 - ROTARY ROTATE

159 - DRILL CYCLE

43 - AXIAL OR RADIAL MODE

160 - CHIPBREAK CYCLE

44 - SELECT MILL MODE

161 - REAM CYCLE

45 - MOVE ANGULAR

162 - BORE CYCLE

EdgeCAM Code163
Generator
Compiler Guide
- TAP CYCLE

49 - RESET ROTARY DATUM

53 - CLW

164 - MOVE RELATIVE

54 - CCLW
165 - TOOLCHANGE
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
66 - CX.OUTPUT
166 - SELECT
TURRET
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable
source
text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and
logic
required
to
convert
the
raw
EdgeCAM
data
into usable CNC code.
69 - ANGCLW
172 - DWELL
70 - ANGCCLW
182 - TRANSLATE
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
151 - MOVE RAPID
186 - TECHNOLOGY
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
losing
the manual
152 - MOVEupdated
FEED by the Wizard without
190
- MOVE
HOME changes.
153 - MOVE ARC
191 - MOVE TOOLCHANGE
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
155 - PROFILE CYCLE
193 - TURNING AXIAL OR RADIAL
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
MODE
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating
from the Code
Wizard and its templates.
156 - AREACLEAR
CYCLE
196 - MOVE RELATIVE 2
157 - SLOT CYCLE

197 - MOVE CONSTRAINED

253 - B Axis Index

158 - CROSSHATCH CYCLE

EdgeCAM User Guide

Wire Notes

144

Output for wire erosion machines is different to that of either Milling and Turning. Pathtrace have developed
a method to access data, which is used in EDGEWIRE.WXT. What follows is a description of this technique,
and we recommend that it is used in all EdgeCAM Wire Code Generators.
Four axis CNC output is performed through two macros, Macro 17, Machine Design and Macro 26, Cut
Glue Stop.
Information about the upper and lower profiles is made available in the XPOINT(), YPOINT(), ZPOINT()
array. All data required for both cycle output and expanded output (that is, point to point links for XYUV
output) is contained within this array. This array is composed of the three variables and is of variable length.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

For each pair of entities being linked (upper and lower), the X, Y ,ZPOINT() array is filled with:
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
1. Header
block. Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
Generator
or "Machine
parameters
logic
2. Block and
for the
XYrequired
entity. to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

3. Block for the UV entity.

Source
text files
may be created
via thefor
interactive
4. Block
of expanded
data required
longhandfacilities
output. of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
The
array is loaded
updated
from
byelement
the Wizard
onewithout
throughlosing
to thethe
value
manual
indicated
changes.
by the system variable LAST.
Guide height values are only applied to longhand output. Code Generators working at guide heights
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
should have taper mode disabled and 4-axis circular arcs should be converted to linear moves.
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Wire Array Structure

145

The first block of data is a header block. The external procedure GETHEADER reads this and sets up these
user variables:

Procedure: GETHEADER
Index

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

Start bearing of XY element

End bearing of XY element

Start bearing of UV element

#UVENDBEAR

#STARTLEAD

#ENDLEAD

EdgeCAM Code#XYENDBEAR
Generator Compiler
Guide
#XYSTARTBEAR
#UVSTARTBEAR

The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
End bearing of UV element
Start lead angle
End lead angle
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert the
raw EdgeCAM data into usable
CNC code.
3
#STARTSIDE
#ENDSIDE
#XYUVPAIRS
Number of xyuv pairs for long
handor
output
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard
may be written directly
using
a suitable
text editor. Please note that#UVELEMENT
if a Code Wizard source file is #TYPE
altered manually it cannot be
4
#XYELEMENT
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Element type on XY profile, see Element type on UV profile,
Element type couple
below
see below
See below
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
5 specifically
#XYNEXTSTARTBEAR
Not used
file
for a particular controller. In #UVNEXTSTARTBEAR
practice, a previously tried and tested
text file for a similar CNC
controller Start
wouldbearing
be edited
to
produce
a
customised
source
file,
or
final
adjustments
made to a file
of next XY element End bearing of next UV
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
element
6

Start side angle

End side angle

#XYNEXTELEMENT

#UVNEXTELEMENT

Next element type on XY profile Next element type on UV

profile

#NEXTTYPE

Next element couple type

EdgeCAM Wire Erosion can effectively link any two of four entity types to each other, giving a possible
sixteen combinations, for example a Line can be linked to a Point.
Copyright
Pathtrace
Engineering
Systems.
All rights (not
reserved.
The four 1988-2005
entities are
POINT,
LINE, ARC,
and CONIC
arc). The user defined variable #TYPE is set up

to identify which type of link is occurring:

#TYPE
XY

Line

Point

Arc

Conic

128

#TYPE returns the sum of the XY and UV couple.

For example:
%IF #TYPE=33 %THEN %CALL=LINE_TO_POINT
When TYPE is checked, an internal procedure to handle this case can be called. Within this procedure, a
check is made to determine whether to use long hand output or cycle output.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Wire Cycle Output

146

The external procedure GETHEADER checks both #XYELEMENT and #UVELEMENT, then calls a
procedure for each type. These external procedures are:

Procedure : XYLINE
Index
1

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

X start of line

Y start of line

Z start of line

EdgeCAM Code
Generator Compiler
Guide
#XSTART
#YSTART
#ZSTART

2
#XEND
#YEND
#ZEND
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
X "Machine
end of lineTool" file from Y
of line
X end
of line all the appropriate
Generator or
a end
man-readable
source text file
containing
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Procedure : UVLINE
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Index
XPOINT()
YPOINT()
ZPOINT()
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently
1
updated by the Wizard without
losing the manual changes.
#USTART
#VSTART
#WSTART
U start of line

V start of line

W start of line

This
document
contains information to#VEND
help you produce a customised
Code Generator parameter source
2
#UEND
#WEND
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
U endbeofedited
line to produce V
end of line source file, or final
W end
of line
controller would
a customised
adjustments
made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.
Procedure : XYARC
Index

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

#XCENTRE

#YCENTRE

#XYRADIUS

X centre of arc

Y centre of arc

Radius

#XEND

#YEND

Not used

XYARCSTARTANGLE

#XYARCENDANGLE

#XYELLIPENDARC

XY arc start angle

XY arc end angle

only set up if #XYELEMENT=15

(CONIC)

Procedure : UVARC
Index

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

#UCENTRE

#VCENTRE

#UVRADIUS

U centre of arc

V centre of arc

Radius

#UEND

#VEND

Not used

U end of arc

V end of arc

UVARCSTARTANGLE

#UVARCENDANGLE

#UVELLIPENDARC

UV arc start angle

UV arc end angle

only set up if #UVELEMENT=15

(CONIC)

EdgeCAM User Guide

Procedure : XYPOINT

147

Index

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

#XPOINT

#YPOINT

#ZPOINT

X point

Y point

Z point

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Procedure : UVPOINT
Index

XPOINT()

YPOINT()

ZPOINT()

#UPOINT

#VPOINT

#WPOINT

U point Compiler is an integral

V pointpart of the EdgeCAM suite
W point
The Code Generator
of software. It creates a Code
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
At this point all applicable user defined variables are now initialised. Therefore in the example under Array
Structure where #TYPE = 33 we would call the procedures XYLINE and UVPOINT.
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Other procedures used in WIREDATA.MAC are:
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
%PROCEDURE = CALC_ARC_CORNER
This calculates the corner point on a blend radius between two lines and the start point of an arc.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

These variables are set up:

#XSTART
#YSTART
#XCORNER
#YCORNER

Use the procedure by:

%CALL = CALC_ARC_CORNER
%PROCEDURE = TEST_ARC
This procedure should be used to determine if the arc to arc move can be supported via the control or if
long hand output is required.
TEST_ARC sets up a variable #ARCTYPE which returns the value:
Unsupported arc #ARCTYPE=0
Standard 2D arc #ARCTYPE =1
Standard taper conical #ARCTYPE = 2
Standard taper cylinder #ARCTYPE = 3
Taper with different start/end tapers #ARCTYPE = 4
Use the procedure by:
%CALL = TEST_ARC

EdgeCAM User Guide

%PROCEDURE = WIRE_VECTOR
This procedure calculates the IJK vectors of the wire.
Values returned are:
#IVECTOR = X
#JVECTOR = Y
#KVECTOR = Z
(The resultant is a unit vector.)

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Use the procedure by:

%CALL = WIRE_VECTOR
The vectors are calculated from #XEND #YEND Z U V W
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Ensure
thatorthese
variables
set before calling
thistext
procedure.
Generator
"Machine
Tool"are
filecorrectly
from a man-readable
source
file containing all the appropriate
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

EdgeCAM User Guide

148

Expanded CNC Output for Wire

Immediately following the Cycle information, data in expanded form links the elements by using the selected
tolerance to generate line-to-line movement.
If you do not need expanded output, call the external procedure SKIP_LONG_HAND. This increments the
array over the expanded data and sets the array index #LOOP to the next header block.
The size and number of links is dependent on the system variable TOLERANCE (selected by the user). The
following variables will be set up until the next header is encountered:

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Procedure : GETPAIR
Index
XPOINT()
YPOINT()
ZPOINT()
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
1
#XEND
#YEND
#ZEND
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and logic required to convert #VEND
the raw EdgeCAM data into usable
CNC code.
2
#UEND
#WEND

EdgeCAM User Guide

149

Wire Macro Syntax

150

In the following macro definitions, the recommended syntax should be taken to mean the following:
%MACRO=[macro number]=..=[Description]=[variables...]
For example:
%MACRO=17=..=Machine=5,12,21,24,25,

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

Wire Macro Reference

151

1 - MOVE RAPID

33 - ROTATE

2 - MOVE FEED

34 - MIRROR

3 - MOVE ARC

40 - MOVE HOME

5 - 2D PROFILE

51 - START

EdgeCAM Code
Generator Compiler Guide
53 - CLW

6 - 2D DESTRUCT

15 - MACHINING CONDITIONS

54 - CCLW

17 - MACHINE DESIGN
55 - SUBSTART
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
22 - DWELL
56 - SUBENDsource text file containing all the appropriate
Generator
or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable
parameters
and logic required
the- raw
26 - CUT SUPPORT
TAG to convert 58
ENDEdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
29 - COMPENSATION
59 - SUBCALL
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
32 - TRANSLATE
60 - RESET
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.

EdgeCAM User Guide

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.
Compile - Displays a dialog box containing the file compilation options. An input file is selected and the
filenames for all other options are automatically entered. These filenames default to the same name as the
input filename followed by the appropriate extension. The name can be re-specified by the user if required.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

This option is applicable to the Code Generator Compiler only, and will be greyed out if you do not have a
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
licence.
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
parameters
and
requiredapplication.
to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
Exit- Returns
to logic
the previous

EdgeCAM User Guide

152

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.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

EdgeCAM User Guide

153

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 recompilation 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.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Remove Unused Variables- Instructs the compiler to remove any duplicate or unused variables from the
source file (*.?xt)
Quick Compile- Forces a quicker compilation by displaying the minimum amount of feedback in the
viewing window.
The
Code
Generator
Compiler
is an integral
partGenerator
of the EdgeCAM
suite ofoption
software.
It creates
a Code
Specify
Output
Filename
- Selecting
this Code
Compiler-only
displays
a dialog
box
Generator
or
"Machine
Tool"
file
from
a
man-readable
source
text
file
containing
all
the
appropriate
similar to this after you click on the Compile button:
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.

Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
Enter a different name for the compiled Code Generator file. If this option is not selected, the source
This document
to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
filename
will becontains
used by information
default.
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
originating from the Code Wizard and its templates.

EdgeCAM User Guide

154

155

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 the use
or operation of this software.

EdgeCAM Code Generator Compiler Guide

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

MemoHASP is a registered trademark of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd.
NetSentinel is a trademark of Rainbow Technologies, Inc.
OpenGL(r) and Optimizer are trademarks of Silicon Graphics Inc.
The Code Generator Compiler is an integral part of the EdgeCAM suite of software. It creates a Code
Parasolid is a trademark of Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
Generator or "Machine Tool" file from a man-readable source text file containing all the appropriate
Autodesk Inventor (tm) is a trademark of Autodesk Inc.
parameters and logic required to convert the raw EdgeCAM data into usable CNC code.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Source text files may be created via the interactive facilities of the Code Wizard or may be written directly
Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.
using a suitable text editor. Please note that if a Code Wizard source file is altered manually it cannot be
AutoCAD and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
subsequently updated by the Wizard without losing the manual changes.
MicroStation is a trademark of Bentley Systems Inc., an affiliate of Intergraph Corporation.
IGDS is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation.
EdgeCAM Simulator and EdgeCAM Verify use technology developed by Lightworks Designs Ltd.
This document contains information to help you produce a customised Code Generator parameter source
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with Three-Space, Ltd.,
file specifically for a particular controller. In practice, a previously tried and tested text file for a similar CNC
Cambridge, England, and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
controller would be edited to produce a customised source file, or final adjustments made to a file
Other
brands
and
names and
are trademarks
of their respective owners.
originating
from
theproduct
Code Wizard
its templates.
The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a
licence agreement and may only be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Pathtrace Engineering Systems

45 Boulton Road Reading Berkshire England RG2 0NH
Telephone
+44 (0)118
975
6084 reserved.
Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143
Copyright 1988-2005 Pathtrace
Engineering
Systems.
All rights
http://www.edgecam.com

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