Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

1

1

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

Passing Job Data to the NC File

When a job record is selected for a machining sequence the Comment, Family, Customer,
Programmer and Job Revision modifiers will be loaded into EdgeCAM (if specified for the job
record) and the values displayed in the appropriate field on the Job Data tab.

This information along with Material, Machine and Description will be passed through to the
Code Generator, bringing the Job Manager, EdgeCAM machining sequences and the NC file
closer together.

You can also set these modifiers on the New Machining Sequence or Machine Parameters
dialog. The relevant fields in the Job Manager will be updated when an NC file is generated.

Code Generator Variable

Token Name

Token Description

JOBDESC

JM-DESC

Job Manager Description

JOBCOM

JM-COM

Job Manager Comment

JOBFAM

JM-FAM

Job Manager Family

JOBMACH

JM-MACH

Job Manager Machine

JOBCUST

JM-CUST

Job Manager Customer

JOBPROG

JM-PROG

Job Manager Programmer

JOBMATL

JM-MATL

Job Manager Material

JOBREV

JM-REV

Job Manager Revision

2

2

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

About CNC Filenames

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

CNC file

- example.nc

Setup file (optional) - example-set.nc

When a single .nc file is generated, there is no ‘-1’ included in the name. This clarifies that the
file is for a single turret machine. You can specify an extension other than ‘.nc’.

When a multiple turret turning sequence is generated, the CNC filename is generated to the
following format:

1st CNC file

- example-1.nc

2nd CNC file

- example-2.nc

Setup file (optional)

- example-set.nc

The EdgeCAM Editor and Communications modules interpret and use long filenames generated
from EdgeCAM (or any application) when running on a Windows NT installation.

Note, however, that long filenames are truncated when viewed from Windows 3.1 and Novell
networks. For example, the file 1234567890abc.nc will be truncated to 123456~.nc .

The name assigned to the ‘setup’ file is configurable in the Code Generator source file, for
example, instead of including -SETUP in the filename, it may be specified as -HEADER.

Any CNC file generated using an existing Code Generator that specifies a ‘setup’ file name
should be ignored and .set appended to the filename in its place.

3

3

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

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.

This option is applicable to the Code Generator Compiler only, and will be “greyed out” if you
do not have a licence.

Exit - Returns to the previous application.

4

4

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

View Menu Commands in the Code Generator

Toolbar - Shows/hides the Toolbar.

Status Bar - Shows/hides the Status bar.

Large Icons - Uses the larger of the two icon sets for the Code Generator's buttons.

Tool Tips - Allows command names to be displayed if you hold the cursor over a button.

5

5

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

Options Menu Commands in the Code Generator

Re-run - Regenerates the CNC code using the data files for the last code generation. This
forces a re-compilation of the Code Generator file if the date and time of the source is later
that of the Code Generator.

Pause - Pauses\continues the active process. This lets you inspect the information displayed in
the text box. Use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars to move up and down the file.

Stop - Aborts the process.

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.

Specify Output Filename - Selecting this Code Generator Compiler-only option displays a
dialog box similar to this after you click on the Compile button:

Enter a different name for the compiled Code Generator file. If this option is not selected, the
source filename will be used by default.

6

6

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

Editing the CNC Code

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

To enter the Editor, select the

icon from the EdgeCAM Program Group.

For more details, please refer to the Editor documentation.

7

7

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

Modifying a Code Generator File

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

into the Code Wizard

.

You must know how Code Generator source files work before trying this!

For more details, please refer to the Code Wizard online user guide.

8

8

EdgeCAM User Guide

Generating CNC Code

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

To generate the code from the active machining sequence

Select the Generate Code (File menu)

command.

1.

Specify the following parameters:

2.

CNC Name – Enter a name for the CNC file (the default file extension is .nc). You can
specify the default file extension using the Default NC File Extension option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

To save CNC file names in upper case check the Force Upper Case option on the
Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.

Click on the Browse... button to select an existing file name to write over.

Job – Type in the name of the job file or Browse for the name of a job in the Job
Manager. Also see Passing Job Data to the NC File.

Note that if the job is updated

when the NC code is generated any non-blank job parameters held in the sequence will
be used to update the selected job record.

PDI Name – You can also name a category-run PDI file to execute before NC code
generation begins. This is provided for users who have written their own PDIs and want
to execute them before NC code generation.

Operation Names – Check to add operation names as comments to the CNC file.

Open Editor – Check to automatically start the Editor and open the .nc file after code
generation. Please note that this option is checked by default.

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

3.

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

4.

If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have modified the source file,
the system compiles a new Code Generator file before compiling any CNC code.

The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using these controls. When the
code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set up to list the NC code,
EdgeCAM displays a dialog box (similar to this example).

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

5.

Copyright

(C)1988-2003 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Pathtrace Engineering Systems and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no
liability or responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any
liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this product,
including but not limited to any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits
or consequent damages resulting from the use or operation of this software.

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.
Parasolid is a trademark of Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
Autodesk Inventor (tm) is a trademark of Autodesk Inc.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other
countries.
AutoCAD and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
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.
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with
Three-Space, Ltd., Cambridge, England, and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle,
Washington.

Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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 [phone] · Facsimile [phone]

http://www.edgecam.com

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EdgeCAM User Guide