Skip to main content

NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The NIST RS274NGC Interpreter - Version 3

Published

Author(s)

Thomas R. Kramer, Frederick M. Proctor, Elena R. Messina

Abstract

This report describes an interpreter which reads numerical control code and produces calls to a set of canonical machining functions. The interpreteris a software system written in the C++ programming language. The output of the interpreter may be used to drive 3-axis to 6-axis machining centers. Input to the interpreter is RS274 code in the dialect defined by the NextGeneration Controller (NGC) project, with modifications. The interpreter may be compiled as a stand-alone computer program or may be integrated with the NIST Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) control system. Input can comefrom a file or from a user typing on a computer keyboard. Output commands can either be printed for future use or be executed directly on a machining center. The report includes a full description of the RS274/NGC input language and the canonical machining functions called by the interpreter. It is a complete users manual.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6556
Report Number
6556

Keywords

controller, interpreter, machining, NC code, NIST, numerical control, rs274

Citation

Kramer, T. , Proctor, F. and Messina, E. (2000), The NIST RS274NGC Interpreter - Version 3, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=823374 (Accessed October 13, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created August 1, 2000, Updated November 24, 2008
Was this page helpful?