Axial and radial live tools
| Tool orientation | Works on | Typical plane / cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Axial (along Z) | Part face | G17, face drilling G83 |
| Radial (along X) | Part diameter | G19, side drilling G87 |
Cycle codes shown are typical of FANUC-type lathes; other controllers use different cycle names.
Live tool spindle control
- Separate M-codes for live tool CW/CCW and stop (builder specific).
- Maximum live tool speed, often far lower than a milling machine.
- Speed and direction per tool, including angled or gear-ratio holders.
- Feed per minute for milling, not per revolution of the main spindle.
Example: radial drilling with live tool
T0505 (RADIAL DRILL 6)
M* (C-axis on)
G00 C0.
M* (live tool CW) S2500
G98 (feed per minute - system A)
G00 X40. Z-12.
G87 X10. R-1. Q2000 F120.
C90.
C180.
C270.
G80
M* (live tool stop)Q is peck depth in microns on many FANUC lathes when no decimal point is used; the post formats it accordingly.
Y-axis live tooling
Machines with a Y-axis can mill flats and off-centre features directly, without polar interpolation. The post outputs Y moves and chooses the correct plane.
Rigid tapping with live tools
Rigid tapping synchronises the live tool with the Z or X feed. It needs the right cycle and activation code, which differ between machines.
Live tooling adds a second spindle to the post, with its own rules.
Live tooling posts
See our CNC post processor development service and C-axis and live tooling output.