G41 G-Code Command
G41 is a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming code used in machining to activate cutter compensation to the left of the programmed tool path. This code tells the machine to offset the tool path by a certain amount to the left, which compensates for the size of the cutting tool. This helps to ensure that the finished part has the correct dimensions and shape. The opposite code, G42, activates cutter compensation to the right of the tool path.
How G41 G-Code Command is used
Here’s an example of G41 being used in a G-code program with comments in brackets and a spindle on command for 2000 RPM:
G00 X0 Y0 Z0 (rapid move to starting position)
M03 S2000 (spindle on clockwise at 2000 RPM)
G01 Z-0.1 F100 ( move to point 1 at a feed rate of 100 mm/min, with Z-axis 0.1 mm below the surface)
G01 G41 D01 X1 Y1 (activate cutter compensation to the left of tool path using tool offset #1)
G03 X2 Y2 I0.5 J0.5 F200 (arc from point 1 to point 2 with a radius of 0.5 mm and a feed rate of 200 mm/min)
G02 X3 Y3 I-0.5 J0.5 F200 (arc from point 2 to point 3 with a radius of 0.5 mm and a feed rate of 200 mm/min)
G01 X4 Y4 Z-0.2 F100 (move to point 4 at a feed rate of 100 mm/min, with Z-axis 0.2 mm below the surface)
G40 (deactivate cutter compensation)
M05 (spindle off)
In this example, the G41 code is used to activate cutter compensation to the left of the tool path using tool offset #1. The spindle is turned on at a speed of 2000 RPM using the M03 command. The program then moves through a series of X, Y, and Z coordinates to create a shape. At the end of the program, the G40 code is used to deactivate cutter compensation, and the spindle is turned off using the M05 command.
