A canned cycle is a way of conveniently performing repetitive CNC machine operations. Canned cycles automate certain machining functions such as drilling, boring, threading, pocketing, etc... Canned cycles are so called because they allow a concise way to program a machine to produce a feature of a part. A canned cycle is also known as a fixed cycle. A canned cycle is usually permanently stored as a pre-program in the machine's controller and cannot be altered by the user.