Kipware® Conversational vs. On-The-Machine CNC Based Conversational

Many of today's machine tool builders have finally seen the light ... the light that has been guiding us at Kentech Inc. for years. The light that leads to the understanding that conversational programming for those simple everyday parts ... the type of parts machined on about 95% of real world shop floors everyday ... is a powerful tool for productivity and efficiency.

Their problem ... the only way they can provide this to end users is on their CNC control ... the control that sits on their machine on the shop floor. Why is this a detriment?

• Most CNC controls like Fanuc controls are not true PC's ... and they lack all the features of a PC like power to build a strong and potent user interface ... storage capacities ... and so many of the other features we take for granted on our PC's.
• Kipware® conversational takes full benefit and uses the latest and greatest PC technology for a more powerful and more robust application than any CNC based application.

• The CNC control is on the machine ... which means that creating programs takes place on the shop floor with all the noise, chip cutting, distractions, etc. ... NOT TO MENTION THAT THE MACHINE NEEDS TO BE PRIMARILY CUTTING CHIPS IF IT'S GOING TO MAKE THE OWNER ANY MONEY !!! ... Hello !!
• Kipware® conversational can also be on the shop floor ... just put a PC or laptop on the floor.

• Expanding the note above ... If you want to make a program, you need the machine.
• Kentech inc. provides (2) seats standard with all Kipware® conversational applications. Most clients put one on their shop PC's and one on a laptop which they can take and create programs anywhere. Or provide (2) seats to personnel so (2) people ... or more by purchasing additional seats ... can be knocking down those needed programs.

• The fact that the CNC control is not a full PC hinders the creation of the user interface and as a result commands, button, etc. end up being cryptic and hard to understand and work with ... and this ends up requiring specialized training just to operate the application.
• With the full backing of a powerful operating system like Windows ... Kipware® conversational has the look and feel familiar to PC users ... learning the software is intuitive and easy.

• CNC control conversational is tailored to the machine and control on which it is installed. And the G code output can only be used on the machine where it is installed.
• Kipware® conversational can be configured and through the use of KipwareXC® can create G code output for virtually any machine and control.

I think you get the picture.


If you're thinking about purchasing a machine tool just because it has a conversational control ... of course we would suggest you at least give the points outlined above and Kipware® conversational some consideration.

If you have a machine with conversational and you now realize some of the things outlined above ... we would love it if you give Kipware® conversational a look as an alternative and / or companion to your CNC based conversational.

Thanks for taking the time to explore our blog ...
and Happy Holidays from all of us at Kentech Inc. !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.