What is G81 commonly used for in CNC machining?

G81 is a standard G-code in CNC programming that is widely used primarily for drilling operations. It initiates a simple, uniform drilling cycle. When G81 is called in a CNC program, it instructs the machine to move to a specified point in the XY plane and then to lower the drill bit down into the material to a defined depth, subsequently retracting back to the original position after completing the drilling cycle.

This code simplifies the process of drilling by automating the motion path required to effectively create holes, allowing for efficient programming and execution in CNC machining. It is essential to note that although there are other codes for tapping and milling operations, G81 specifically targets the task of drilling, which helps streamline repetitive drilling tasks in machining processes.