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G20 & G21 - Unit Selection Commands
DMC File Mode: Supported
Streaming Mode: Supported
Description
G20 and G21 are unit selection commands that specify whether coordinate values in subsequent G-code commands should be interpreted as inches or millimeters respectively.
- G20 - Sets the coordinate system to use inches
- G21 - Sets the coordinate system to use millimeters
Important: Galil Motion Controller Implementation
These commands do not directly affect machine operation because Galil's motion controllers operate in "counts" (encoder counts or step counts). The actual machine movement is determined by the "counts per unit" configuration value for each axis.
As long as the user defines all of their machine configuration and G-code commands using the same consistent units (either all inches or all millimeters), the machine will operate correctly regardless of which unit system is selected.
Syntax
G20 ; Set units to inches
G21 ; Set units to millimeters
Parameters
Command | Parameters | Description |
---|---|---|
G20 | None | Sets coordinate system to inches |
G21 | None | Sets coordinate system to millimeters |
Examples
Example 1: Setting Up for Inch-Based Machining
G20 ; Set units to inches
G90 ; Absolute positioning
G0 X1.5 Y2.0 ; Rapid move to 1.5", 2.0"
G1 Z-0.1 F10 ; Linear move down 0.1" at 10 inches/min
Example 2: Setting Up for Metric Machining
G21 ; Set units to millimeters
G90 ; Absolute positioning
G0 X38.1 Y50.8; Rapid move to 38.1mm, 50.8mm
G1 Z-2.54 F254; Linear move down 2.54mm at 254 mm/min