Welcome to the Fanuc Macro Variable Encyclopedia.

This is the most complete reference guide for Fanuc Macro B variables, system variables, common variables, local variables, machine data variables, position variables, alarm variables, and automation programming.

Macro variables are the foundation of advanced CNC programming.

They allow calculations, automation, adaptive machining, intelligent decision making, probing, setup automation, and reusable manufacturing systems.

This encyclopedia documents the most important Fanuc variables used in real machining environments.

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SECTION 1 — VARIABLE FUNDAMENTALS
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Variables store values.

Examples

1

2

3

100

500

1000

Variables can store

Coordinates

Tool offsets

Measurements

Counters

Logic values

Calculations

Automation parameters

Benefits

Automation

Reusable programs

Reduced code

Adaptive machining

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SECTION 2 — LOCAL VARIABLES (#1–#33)
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Purpose

Temporary storage.

Common Usage

Macro arguments

Mathematical calculations

Loop counters

Conditional logic

Examples

1

2

3

4

5

Typical Applications

Bolt circles

Hole arrays

Pattern generation

Reusable macros

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SECTION 3 — COMMON VARIABLES (#100–#199)
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Purpose

Shared program values.

Examples

100

101

102

103

Applications

Machining dimensions

Feedrate calculations

Part dimensions

Reusable manufacturing data

Benefits

Persistent within machining operations.

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SECTION 4 — PERMANENT VARIABLES (#500–#999)
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Purpose

Retain values after power-off.

Examples

500

501

502

503

Applications

Tool life tracking

Production counters

Maintenance counters

Part tracking

Automation systems

Benefits

Persistent storage.

Critical for production environments.

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SECTION 5 — POSITION VARIABLES
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Common Variables

5001

5002

5003

5021

5022

5023

Applications

Current position monitoring

Part alignment

Adaptive machining

Automatic probing

Verification systems

Benefits

Real-time machine awareness.

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SECTION 6 — TOOL OFFSET VARIABLES
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Applications

Read tool offsets

Adjust offsets

Compensation systems

Tool management

Automatic correction

Benefits

Adaptive manufacturing.

Reduced setup time.

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SECTION 7 — SYSTEM STATUS VARIABLES
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Examples

4001

4003

4006

4120

Applications

Read machine status

Detect active modes

Safety verification

Controller monitoring

Benefits

Program awareness.

Operational control.

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SECTION 8 — ALARM VARIABLES
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Examples

3000

3006

Applications

Custom alarms

Operator messages

Automated warnings

Process control

Example

3000 = 1 (TOOL CHECK REQUIRED)

Benefits

Advanced automation.

Improved safety.

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SECTION 9 — TIMER VARIABLES
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Applications

Cycle monitoring

Runtime tracking

Tool life analysis

Machine utilization

Benefits

Manufacturing analytics.

Process optimization.

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SECTION 10 — COUNTER VARIABLES
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Applications

Part counting

Production monitoring

Tool usage tracking

Batch control

Benefits

Automated reporting.

Production control.

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SECTION 11 — MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS
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Functions

ABS

ROUND

FIX

FUP

SQRT

SIN

COS

TAN

ATAN

Applications

Bolt circles

Coordinate calculations

Pattern generation

Complex geometry

Benefits

Parametric programming.

Intelligent machining.

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SECTION 12 — LOGIC AND DECISION MAKING
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IF Statements

WHILE Loops

GOTO Commands

Conditional Execution

Applications

Automation

Adaptive machining

Decision systems

Benefits

Smart programs.

Reduced operator intervention.

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SECTION 13 — ADVANCED MACRO APPLICATIONS
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Bolt Circle Generator

Automatic Hole Patterns

Pocket Calculators

Probing Systems

Tool Life Monitoring

Part Family Programming

Fixture Automation

Smart Setup Systems

Adaptive Machining

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SECTION 14 — MOST IMPORTANT VARIABLES
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1–#33

Local variables

100–#199

Common variables

500–#999

Permanent variables

3000

Custom alarms

3006

Messages

4001

Active G-code group

4120

Current tool number

5001–#5003

Machine coordinates

5021–#5023

Current work coordinates

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SECTION 15 — TROUBLESHOOTING MACRO VARIABLES
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Problem

Unexpected values

Cause

Variable overwritten

Solution

Verify assignments

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Problem

Wrong calculations

Cause

Incorrect formulas

Solution

Verify equations

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Problem

Infinite loops

Cause

WHILE condition never satisfied

Solution

Review loop logic

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Problem

Alarm failures

Cause

Incorrect #3000 usage

Solution

Verify alarm structure

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SECTION 16 — REAL-WORLD PRODUCTION EXAMPLES
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Automatic bolt circle generation

Automatic fixture compensation

Adaptive tool offsets

Production counters

Maintenance tracking

Part family automation

Smart probing systems

Lights-out machining support

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FINAL PRINCIPLE

Fanuc Macro Variables are the foundation of intelligent CNC programming.

Understanding local variables, common variables, permanent variables, position variables, tool offset variables, system variables, alarms, timers, counters, mathematical functions, and logic structures allows programmers to create powerful automation systems that dramatically reduce programming effort and increase manufacturing efficiency.

Mastering variables is the point where CNC programming evolves into CNC automation.

The programmer stops writing code.

The programmer starts building systems.