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rapid traverse

For CNC mill or lathe. Moves from point to point at full speed but (usually) without linear interpolation. CNC word: G00

For most CNC machines rapid traverse is a non linear movement. When the controller reads the G-code (G00) it turns on both axis motors to full speed to get to the coordinate called out in the program block.. When one motor reaches it's designated X or Y coordinate position it stops running and the remaining motor continues on to it's designated X or Y position. Example follows.

N1000 G90 G01 X-6 Y-4 (first position bottom left)
N1010 G00 X2Y9 (rapid to this coordinate upper right)

Notice this is not a straight line. The X axis, running full speed, gets to X2 long before the Y axis gets to Y9. It is important to understand this concept as it will prevent crashes.