Welcome to the exciting world of CNC programming!
If you’re curious about the O CNC code and want to learn how to use it, you’ve come to the right place.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. Don’t worry if you’re new to this, because the O code is super easy to learn.
So, let’s jump in to discover the O CNC code together!
What does the O code do?
The O code lists the CNC program number.
It is found on the first line of a CNC program.
Example program numbers
| Code Block | Program Number |
|---|---|
| O0001 | 1 |
| O1234 | 1234 |
| O0555 | 555 |
Important: The O code identifies the program number
What range of numbers can you use with the O code?
Most controllers allow the use of program numbers O0001 through O9999.
Some newer machines allow a larger range of program numbers, but they would rarely be used or needed.
O code program example
| Code Block | Code Description |
|---|---|
| O0001 | (Program number: O0001) |
| G90 G80 | (Absolute positioning mode, cancel canned cycles) |
| G54 G0 X0 Y0 | (Select coordinate system G54, rapid move to X0 Y0) |
| M3 S1000 | (Start spindle clockwise at 1000 RPM) |
| G43 H1 Z0.1 | (Tool length compensation active, move Z to 0.1) |
| G1 Z-0.5 F100 | (Linear move to Z-0.5 at a feed rate of 100) |
| X1 Y1 | (Linear move to X1 Y1) |
| X0 Y0 | (Linear move back to X0 Y0) |
| G0 Z1 | (Rapid move to Z1, retracting the tool) |
| M30 | (End of program and rewind) |
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Make Learning G Code EasyUsing the O code when running subprograms with M97 and M98
Subprograms are reusable pieces of code that are often used for repetitive tasks such as drilling holes or changing a tool.
There are two codes used to call subprograms; M97 & M98.
When using M98, the P code is used to choose the subprogram to be run.
For example, M98 P5678 will tell the CNC to run subprogram O5678.
M98 calls a separate program.
The M97 code calls a subprogram by line number in the current program.
Important: M97 and M98 call subprograms differently. M97 jumps to another line in the current program. M98 moves to a completely separate program.
An example of this is M97 P500 will tell the machine to jump to line number 500 in the current program. The N code notes the line number.
