Circular interpolation is a critical function in CNC machining, allowing the cutting tool to move along a circular path. The Fanuc G02 G Code is used to perform clockwise circular interpolation.

Usage Format

The basic format for G02 is as follows:

G02 X__ Y__ I__ J__ F__

• X and Y are the end point coordinates of the arc.
• I and J are the distance from the starting point to the center of the arc along the X and Y axes, respectively.
• F is the feed rate.

Explanation

When programming a CNC machine using G02, the control system uses the current point, the specified end point, and the center point coordinates to calculate the circular path. The tool moves at the specified feed rate along this path.

Example

Let’s consider an example where we want to move the tool in a quarter-circle path from the current position to a point 10 units right and 10 units up, with a radius of 10 units.

Here’s how the code might look:

G02 X10.0 Y10.0 I0 J10.0 F5.0

And here’s a simple text diagram to illustrate the movement:

(Start)
  |
  |          (End)
  |         /
  |       /
  |     /
  |   / R=10
  | /
  +----------------
(Current Position)

In this diagram, the tool starts at the bottom left, moves in a clockwise direction along a circular path with a radius of 10 units, and ends at the top right position.