Advanced Examples

Complex, production-ready GScript programs demonstrating advanced features and real-world workflows.

Multi-Operation Fixture Plate

A complete fixture plate with facing, pocketing, and mounting holes - demonstrating a typical production workflow.

Use case: Creating custom fixture plates for CNC work holding

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "fixture-plate-100x80"
  material: "aluminum-6061"
  units: mm
  origin: {x:0, y:0, z:0}

tooling:
  # Large tool for facing
  - id: face-mill-12mm
    type: endmill
    diameter: 12.0
    max_rpm: 8000
    flutes: 4

  # Medium tool for pockets
  - id: endmill-8mm
    type: endmill
    diameter: 8.0
    max_rpm: 10000
    flutes: 3

  # Finishing tool for detail
  - id: endmill-4mm
    type: endmill
    diameter: 4.0
    max_rpm: 12000
    flutes: 2

  # Drill for mounting holes
  - id: drill-5mm
    type: drill
    diameter: 5.0
    max_rpm: 5000

setup:
  stock: {x:110, y:90, z:12}
  safe_height: 8

program:
  # Step 1: Face top surface for flatness
  - op: face
    tool: face-mill-12mm
    depth: 1.0
    pass_depth: 0.5
    feed: 1200
    bounds: rect(0, 0, 100, 80)
    stepover: 0.7

  # Step 2: Rough pocket with larger tool
  - op: pocket
    tool: endmill-8mm
    bounds: rect(15, 15, 70, 50)
    depth: 6.0
    pass_depth: 2.0
    feed: 900
    strategy: spiral
    stepover: 0.6

  # Step 3: Finish pocket walls with smaller tool
  - op: contour
    tool: endmill-4mm
    depth: 6.0
    pass_depth: 1.5
    feed: 600
    closed: true
    path:
      - {x:15, y:15, z:0}
      - {x:85, y:15, z:0}
      - {x:85, y:65, z:0}
      - {x:15, y:65, z:0}

  # Step 4: Create smaller detail pockets
  - op: pocket
    tool: endmill-4mm
    bounds: rect(25, 25, 15, 15)
    depth: 3.0
    pass_depth: 1.0
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  - op: pocket
    tool: endmill-4mm
    bounds: rect(60, 25, 15, 15)
    depth: 3.0
    pass_depth: 1.0
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  # Step 5: Drill mounting holes in corners
  - op: drill
    tool: drill-5mm
    depth: 10.0
    feed: 300
    locations:
      - {x:5, y:5, z:0}
      - {x:95, y:5, z:0}
      - {x:5, y:75, z:0}
      - {x:95, y:75, z:0}

  # Step 6: Drill center locating hole
  - op: drill
    tool: drill-5mm
    depth: 8.0
    feed: 300
    locations:
      - {x:50, y:40, z:0}

export:
  backend: grbl
  optimization: O1
  post_process: true

Key concepts:

Progressive tooling: Large → medium → small tools
Roughing vs finishing: Rough with larger tool, finish with smaller
Multiple operation types: Face, pocket, contour, drill
Strategic ordering: Face first, drill last
Optimization: Using appropriate stepover and pass depth per tool

Estimated time: ~15-20 minutes Material removal: ~12,000 mm³

Nested Pockets with Islands

Create complex geometry with material islands inside pockets.

Use case: Parts with internal features, weight reduction pockets

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "nested-pocket-demo"
  material: "aluminum"
  units: mm

tooling:
  - id: roughing-mill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 8.0
    max_rpm: 10000

  - id: finishing-mill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 4.0
    max_rpm: 12000

setup:
  stock: {x:120, y:100, z:15}
  safe_height: 8

program:
  # Outer pocket (large area)
  - op: pocket
    tool: roughing-mill
    bounds: rect(10, 10, 100, 80)
    depth: 8.0
    pass_depth: 2.0
    feed: 1000
    strategy: spiral
    stepover: 0.5

  # Inner detail pockets (avoiding "islands")
  - op: pocket
    tool: finishing-mill
    bounds: rect(30, 30, 20, 20)
    depth: 12.0
    pass_depth: 1.5
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  - op: pocket
    tool: finishing-mill
    bounds: rect(70, 30, 20, 20)
    depth: 12.0
    pass_depth: 1.5
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  - op: pocket
    tool: finishing-mill
    bounds: rect(30, 60, 20, 20)
    depth: 12.0
    pass_depth: 1.5
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  - op: pocket
    tool: finishing-mill
    bounds: rect(70, 60, 20, 20)
    depth: 12.0
    pass_depth: 1.5
    feed: 700
    strategy: climb

  # Profile the outer edge for clean walls
  - op: contour
    tool: finishing-mill
    depth: 8.0
    pass_depth: 2.0
    feed: 600
    closed: true
    path:
      - {x:10, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:110, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:110, y:90, z:0}
      - {x:10, y:90, z:0}

export:
  backend: grbl
  optimization: O1
  post_process: true

Technique: Create nested features by:

Rough outer pocket first
Mill inner features at different depths
Finish outer walls last

Optimization Comparison

Demonstrating the impact of optimization levels on output.

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "optimization-demo"
  material: "aluminum"
  units: mm

tooling:
  - id: endmill-6mm
    type: endmill
    diameter: 6.0
    max_rpm: 12000

setup:
  stock: {x:50, y:50, z:10}
  safe_height: 5

program:
  # Simple face operation - watch how optimization affects output
  - op: face
    tool: endmill-6mm
    depth: 2.0
    pass_depth: 0.5
    feed: 800
    bounds: rect(0, 0, 50, 50)

  # Pocket with strategic moves
  - op: pocket
    tool: endmill-6mm
    bounds: rect(10, 10, 30, 30)
    depth: 5.0
    pass_depth: 1.0
    feed: 700
    strategy: spiral

export:
  backend: grbl
  optimization: O1  # Try O0, O1, O2, O3
  post_process: true

Compile with different levels:

bash

# No optimization
gscriptc compile optimization-demo.gscript --target grbl -O0 -o o0.gcode

# Basic optimization (default)
gscriptc compile optimization-demo.gscript --target grbl -O1 -o o1.gcode

# Compare file sizes
ls -lh o0.gcode o1.gcode

Typical results:

O0: 450 lines, many redundant moves
O1: 320 lines, ~30% smaller, moves merged
O2: 250 lines, ~45% smaller, arc fitting [planned]
O3: 200 lines, ~55% smaller, path optimized [planned]

Multi-Backend Compatibility

Single program that compiles to multiple CNC controllers.

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "universal-part"
  material: "aluminum"
  units: mm

tooling:
  - id: universal-endmill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 6.0
    max_rpm: 12000
    flutes: 2

setup:
  stock: {x:80, y:60, z:10}
  safe_height: 5

program:
  - op: face
    tool: universal-endmill
    depth: 1.5
    pass_depth: 0.5
    feed: 1000
    bounds: rect(0, 0, 80, 60)

  - op: pocket
    tool: universal-endmill
    bounds: rect(20, 15, 40, 30)
    depth: 4.0
    pass_depth: 1.0
    feed: 800
    strategy: climb

export:
  backend: grbl  # Change this for different targets
  post_process: true

Generate for all backends:

bash

# Hobby CNC (GRBL)
gscriptc compile universal.gscript --target grbl -o universal-grbl.gcode

# 3D Printer CNC mode (Marlin)
gscriptc compile universal.gscript --target marlin -o universal-marlin.gcode

# Industrial CNC (Fanuc)
gscriptc compile universal.gscript --target fanuc -o universal-fanuc.gcode

# Open-source controller (LinuxCNC)
gscriptc compile universal.gscript --target linuxcnc -o universal-linuxcnc.gcode

# Compact controller (TinyG)
gscriptc compile universal.gscript --target tinyg -o universal-tinyg.gcode

Backend differences handled automatically:

Spindle control commands (M3/M4)
Coordinate system setup
Program structure (O-codes, program numbers)
Tool offset handling
Feed rate modes

Deep Hole Drilling with Peck

Efficient drilling of deep holes using peck cycles.

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "deep-holes"
  material: "steel"
  units: mm

tooling:
  - id: drill-8mm
    type: drill
    diameter: 8.0
    max_rpm: 3000  # Lower speed for steel

setup:
  stock: {x:100, y:100, z:40}
  safe_height: 10

program:
  # Deep holes require peck drilling
  - op: drill
    tool: drill-8mm
    depth: 35.0
    peck_depth: 5.0  # Retract every 5mm to clear chips
    feed: 150        # Slower feed for steel
    locations:
      - {x:25, y:25, z:0}
      - {x:75, y:25, z:0}
      - {x:25, y:75, z:0}
      - {x:75, y:75, z:0}

export:
  backend: fanuc  # Industrial controller
  post_process: true

Peck drilling benefits:

Clears chips from deep holes
Prevents drill breakage
Better hole quality
Safer for expensive tools

Generated G-code includes:

G83 peck drill cycles (where supported)
Automatic retract and re-entry
Proper dwell times

Production Part Template

A template structure for production parts with comprehensive metadata.

yaml

meta:
  part_name: "production-part-001"
  material: "aluminum-6061-t6"
  units: mm
  origin: {x:0, y:0, z:0}
  # Additional metadata in comments:
  # Customer: ACME Corp
  # Part Number: P-12345
  # Revision: A
  # Operator: Initials required
  # Setup: Vise, soft jaws, 10mm stop

tooling:
  # Document tool library references
  - id: roughing-endmill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 10.0
    max_rpm: 10000
    flutes: 3
    # Tool library: HSS-010-3F

  - id: finishing-endmill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 6.0
    max_rpm: 12000
    flutes: 4
    # Tool library: CARB-006-4F

  - id: spot-drill
    type: drill
    diameter: 3.0
    max_rpm: 4000
    # Tool library: SPOT-003

  - id: drill-6mm
    type: drill
    diameter: 6.0
    max_rpm: 4000
    # Tool library: DRILL-006-HSS

setup:
  stock: {x:150, y:100, z:25}
  safe_height: 10
  # Setup notes:
  # - Z-zero on top of stock
  # - X/Y zero front left corner
  # - Check soft jaw clearance

program:
  # Operation 1: Face top surface
  - op: face
    tool: roughing-endmill
    depth: 0.5
    pass_depth: 0.5
    feed: 1500
    bounds: rect(0, 0, 150, 100)
    # Leave 0.5mm for finish pass if needed

  # Operation 2: Rough main pocket
  - op: pocket
    tool: roughing-endmill
    bounds: rect(20, 15, 110, 70)
    depth: 15.0
    pass_depth: 3.0
    feed: 1200
    strategy: spiral
    stepover: 0.6
    # Rough to depth, leave 0.5mm for finish

  # Operation 3: Finish pocket walls
  - op: contour
    tool: finishing-endmill
    depth: 15.0
    pass_depth: 3.0
    feed: 800
    closed: true
    path:
      - {x:20, y:15, z:0}
      - {x:130, y:15, z:0}
      - {x:130, y:85, z:0}
      - {x:20, y:85, z:0}

  # Operation 4: Spot drill mounting holes
  - op: drill
    tool: spot-drill
    depth: 2.0
    feed: 200
    locations:
      - {x:10, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:140, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:10, y:90, z:0}
      - {x:140, y:90, z:0}

  # Operation 5: Drill through holes
  - op: drill
    tool: drill-6mm
    depth: 22.0
    feed: 250
    peck_depth: 5.0
    locations:
      - {x:10, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:140, y:10, z:0}
      - {x:10, y:90, z:0}
      - {x:140, y:90, z:0}

export:
  backend: grbl
  optimization: O1
  post_process: true
  # Quality control:
  # - Verify dimensions after op 2
  # - Check hole positions before op 5
  # - Deburr all edges after completion

Production features:

Comprehensive metadata and documentation
Tool library references
Setup instructions in comments
QC checkpoints noted
Progressive roughing to finishing
Spot drill before final drill

Workflow Tips

Testing New Programs

bash

# 1. Validate first
gscriptc validate advanced-program.gscript

# 2. Compile with no optimization for debugging
gscriptc compile advanced-program.gscript --target grbl -O0 -o test.gcode

# 3. Simulate before running
gscriptc simulate test.gcode --summary

# 4. Estimate time
gscriptc estimate advanced-program.gscript

# 5. When confident, compile with optimization
gscriptc compile advanced-program.gscript --target grbl -O1 -o final.gcode

Multi-Operation Strategy

Face first - Establish reference surface
Rough with large tools - Remove bulk material quickly
Finish with small tools - Final dimensions and surface finish
Drill last - Avoid stress concentrations during milling

Tool Selection

Roughing: 50-70% stepover, larger diameter, aggressive depth
Finishing: 25-40% stepover, smaller diameter, shallow depth
Drilling: Spot drill first, proper speeds for material

Next Steps

Real-World Projects - Complete production examples
Basic Examples - Start simpler if these are complex
Language Reference - Understand all syntax options
CLI Commands - Master the toolchain

Download Examples

All examples are in the repository.

Try them:

bash

cd gscript-core/examples
gscriptc compile widget-plate.gscript --target grbl -o widget.gcode
gscriptc simulate widget.gcode --summary

Advanced Examples ​

Multi-Operation Fixture Plate ​

Nested Pockets with Islands ​

Optimization Comparison ​

Multi-Backend Compatibility ​

Deep Hole Drilling with Peck ​

Production Part Template ​

Workflow Tips ​

Testing New Programs ​

Multi-Operation Strategy ​

Tool Selection ​

Next Steps ​

Download Examples ​

Advanced Examples

Multi-Operation Fixture Plate

Nested Pockets with Islands

Optimization Comparison

Multi-Backend Compatibility

Deep Hole Drilling with Peck

Production Part Template

Workflow Tips

Testing New Programs

Multi-Operation Strategy

Tool Selection

Next Steps

Download Examples