When migration happens
- A machine is retrofitted with a new controller.
- A new machine arrives with a different controller brand.
- A company standardises on one controller across plants.
Mapping functions between controllers
| Function | FANUC | SINUMERIK | Heidenhain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peck drilling | G83 | CYCLE83 | CYCL DEF 203 / 205 |
| Rigid tapping | M29 + G84 | CYCLE84 | CYCL DEF 207 |
| Tilted plane | G68.2 | CYCLE800 | PLANE SPATIAL |
| TCP | G43.4 | TRAORI | M128 / FUNCTION TCPM |
| High-speed mode | G05.1 Q1 | CYCLE832 | CYCL DEF 32 |
Rigid tapping activation on FANUC depends on machine settings; some machines use M29, others a parameter or builder M-code.
What to keep
Shop standards (headers, tool lists, safe start, retract strategy, probing logic) should survive the migration. Only the controller-specific formatting and functions change.
Old programs
Existing NC files written for the old controller will not run on the new one. The reliable approach is to re-post from the CAM files. For legacy programs without CAM files, conversion tools can help, but every converted program must be verified.
Validation
- Post a full test set with the migrated post.
- Compare motion (not text) with old output using simulation.
- Prove critical programs on the machine first.
Migrate the logic, not just the syntax, and prove it before production.
Controller migration support
See our CNC post processor development service and post migration for new machines.