About GibbsCAM Macros

The GibbsCAM macro language is a programming system that enables you to create geometry, tools and operations. It was originally implemented to assist with family of parts programming. To provide a method for a user to input a set of dimensions for a part. To use those dimensions to create a shape, build the required process and tool and DoIt.

GibbsCAM macros are text files which are interpreted at run-time. There is no compiler stage for GibbsCAM macros. The language used is similar to Basic.

All macro files must be plain ASCII text files. You may use Notepad or the text editor of your choice for creating macros. The macro files may be saved anywhere on your system and they are run from the Macro menu in GibbsCAM. You edit the macro menu by using the configure option which is always on the bottom of the macro menu.

Your code can be stored in a single macro file (with the .mac extension), or you may break it up into smaller macros that are called from the main macro. User input is available through a simple prompt for a single value, or a user defined dialog (a seperate text file, with the .dlg extension) that may contain input boxes, check boxes, radio buttons, drop down menus and pictures.

In addition to a good understanding of the GibbsCAM product, you should also be comfortable with the basic concepts of computer programming before writing a GibbsCAM macro. This includes the use of variables (numbers and strings), logic (IF/THEN), loops (FOR/NEXT).