Wow HuFlung, That wore me out reading it. BadRandle wanted a "simple" explanation.
G2 will cut an arc in the Clockwise direction. G3 will cut an arc in the CounterClockwise direction. Make a linear move (G1) to where the starting point of the arc. Then program a line with G2 or G3 and an X,Y,I,J as follows:
X = the X coordinate of the end point of the arc.
Y = the Y coordinate of the end point of the arc.
Note: if cutting a full cirlce, X/Y will be the same as the starting point.
I = the distance and direction in the X axis from the starting point of the arc to the arc center.
J = the distance and direction in the Y axis from the starting point of the arc to the arc center.
Note: direction for I/J is defined using positve or negative numbers.
Also beware of cutter compensation (G41/G42) when using G2/G3. This will determine if you will cut to the inside of your arc or on the outside. |