Our View on Using G Code Programs to Estimate Cycletime

Oftentimes when we are demonstrating our KipwareCYC® - Machining Cycletime Estimating Software to clients and ask : "How do you currently estimate cycletime?" ... the answer we often receive is "I create a G code program and then get the run time from that.

Having lived and worked on the shop floor for over 25+ years ... this answer blows us away. But we do understand why they're looking for a better cycletime estimating solution.

Our belief has always been that it's a fine line between obtaining an accurate machining cycletime for an estimate ... and going over the line with both overkill and investing a tremendous amount of time in something that may never lead to results. Creating a G code program ... even though a CAD/CAM package ... and then obtaining a run time off of that G code program is DEFINITELY overkill ... which is why they are seeking a better solution.

Using a G code program for cycletime is a good alternative if you have a job that is currently running or has run on your shop floor and you want to know the cycletime. But for estimating ... we disagree strongly.

KipwareCYC® was designed after years spent creating machine justifications for clients looking to purchase new CNC equipment. Clients wanted to know an accurate run time for their parts on the equipment we were proposing to sell them for production. So ..... if the client decided our machine was it ... that cycletime better be correct.

KipwareCYC® was designed to utilize a perfect blend of time, effort, user input and application calculated data. BUT ... I don't want to go on and on here telling you the how's and why's. Instead ... if you are in the market for a quality cycletime estimating solution ... log on http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml. There you can request a date and time that is convenient to attend a live, online demonstration and let us show you how KipwareCYC® can create accurate cycletime estimates for your quotes ... with a minimum of effort.

Let's get that bottom line growing in the coming New Year.
Wishing All a Happy and Prosperous New Year !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® is Going to India !!

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the finalization of our distribution agreement with Jayashree Enterprises for distribution of Kipware® software in India. Jayashree Enterprises will operate in the Indian states Mahastra, Gujrat, Karnatak and Chennai distributing a wide array of Kipware® titles.

We welcome this new adventure in India and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Mr. Venkatesh Kulkarni and Jayashree Enterprises.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® is Going to China !!

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce our relationship with Randy Gu and AAASCM Consulting Co. Ltd. for distribution of Kipware® software in China.

In addition to providing sales and support in the China market ... Randy and AAASCM will be assisting in the translation of various Kipware® titles into Chinese.

We expect the first release of the first Chinese titles to be completed before April of 2014.

We welcome this opportunity and are looking forward to a long and prosperous future with Randy and AAASCM Consulting Co. Ltd.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New KipwareM® 4th Axis Conversational Engraving Feature Released

2013 might be in it's last days ... but we are determined to add to our accomplishments for the year. So the development here at Kentech Inc. goes on at breakneck speeds.

As we continue to receive feedback from our valued clients for our newly released 4th Axis Menu for KipwareM® ... we are pleased to announce the release of the 4th Axis Engraving option. This conversational menu will allow you to quickly and easily create G code programs for engraving along the OD of a circular part mounted in your 4th axis. This is a powerful menu that allows the user to quickly and easily set the following parameters using a simple fill-in-the-blank form :

• HEIGHT of the text string
• DISTANCE BETWEEN THE LETTERS in the text string
• DIAMETER of the stock

With those simple inputs along with the user defined text string ... KipwareM® will perform all the calculations and create the complete G code programming to ENGRAVE the text string along the OD of the part including all X and rotary axis moves.

Simple ... Powerful ... No CAD or Drawing Required

Currently the operation is available for engraving along the X and rotary axis ( along the length of the part ) but will soon be available for engraving along the Y and rotary axis ( along the complete diameter of the workpiece ).

This new feature is now shipping standard as part of the included standard KipwareM® 4th Axis Menus.

Enjoy !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Yearly Development Report - WOW !!!

We had ANOTHER aggressive year regarding development and enhancements in 2013. We would like to take a post here in our BLOG to blow our own horn ... and to demonstrate to those potential customers the kind of PARTNER you will find in Kentech Inc..

First though ... I would like to reiterate a couple of points we try to make during the year :

1. Kentech Inc. is a full C corporation. We are not a hobby ... we didn't tinker with a hobby idea and put it out there with no support. Call us ... you'll talk with a real person. Email us ... you'll have a response not in 24 hours but probably within 2 or 4 minutes during normal business hours or 2 to 4 hours on off hours. Want to see our software ... you can schedule a live online demo in as little as 15 minutes !!
2. We do charge a realistic fee for our software because we stand behind it. There's plenty of "free" software out there ... mostly the reason it's free is because those that wrote it figure that if they don't charge for it they are not responsible to support it or to insure that it even works correctly.
3. We are committed to our products and our customers ... we have been in business for almost 28 years. This list below I think that makes it crystal clear ... You can count on us for the long haul !!

KipwareCYC® 
Machining CycleTime Estimating Software

We released a number of new enhancements for KipwareCYC® in 2013 including our new and improved CUT LENGTH CALCULATOR. The new CLC SketchPad gives the user the ability to use mouse movements to virtually machine the workpiece while the SketchPad records the length of the tool in the cut. That LOC is then used to determine that operations cycletime. You can get all the info in this blog post : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013_09_01_archive.html

KipwareW® 
Conversational CNC Programming Software for Wire EDM - Waterjet - Plasma

Using the proven-in-the-trenches design and features of our KipwareM® ( milling ) and KipwareT® ( turning ) conversational titles ... we released our KipwareW® application in February. You can check out all the features and power of KipwareW® here : http://www.kentechinc.com/KipwareW.shtml

KipwareM® 
Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling

WOW !!! Hard to know where to start we have released so many new features in KipwareM®. I guess a list is probably the most complete and easiest :

1. Added CUSTOM EIA CYCLE to the menus ... create any user defined G code block for auto-insertion when the G code is created.
2. Added RAMPING to all pocketing menus.
3. MULTI-LOCATION feature for ROUND POCKET and HELICAL milling operations.
4. Increased the number of cycles that can be linked to a single tool from 5 to 10.
5. QUALIFY STOCK menu added to assist in milling the ends of stock to qualify.
6. O RING GROOVE menu added to create G code for machining an OD Groove on the face of a workpiece.
7. Groundbreaking 3D CONVERSATIONAL OPTION released and includes a variety of "standard" 3D shapes .... such as curbed surface, cones, tapered pockets, tapered bosses, troughs and more ... all able to be programmed using strictly a conversational fill-in-the-blank format.
8.  4th AXIS CONVERSATIONAL OPTION released and we continue to add new menus and features based on user inputs.

KipwareT® 
Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning

Development has begun on the conversational Y axis module for KipwareT® with development expected to be completed by years end. Stay Tuned to this blog for additional info ... here is a tease post from the blog : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013/10/first-look-conversational-y-axis_16.html

KipwareXC® 

G Code Conversion Software

In March 2013 we released a completely re-designed KipwareXC® utilizing all the features and power of the Microsoft .NET4 framework. With tons of new features and a new slick user interface ... KipwareXC® is now built for the long haul and it will be much easier for us to continue to add new and powerful features.

Kipware® CNC XChange 

Fanuc <--> Okuma G Code Conversion Software

2013 made CNC XChange the premier G code conversion application that allows FANUC and OKUMA CNC controlled machines to operate seamlessly. We saw an explosion of sales for CNC XChange in 2013 and that has led to tons of new features and new power ... all driven by client requests and developed in short order by the new Kentech Inc. CSD Unit ( Custom Software Development Unit ).

New Ground Breaking Feature Leads to 

Patent Application
Kipware® SketchPad - Machinist Mode

In our never ending quest to add "real world" features to our software ... we developed our patent-pending Machinist Mode for the Kipware® SketchPad. For all the details ... too many to list here ... please review this blog post : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013/04/fastest-and-easiest-cam-ever.html

New Custom Software Development Unit Launched

Custom CNC and Machine Shop Software Development is NOW a REALITY !

We receive so many requests to develop custom CNC and machine shop applications that we created a whole Strategic Business Unit to devote to this area of our business. Operating under the motto "If you can DREAM IT ... we can CODE IT" ... the SCD unit of Kentech Inc. stands ready to turn your CNC and machine shop ideas into reality. You can get all the details on our CSD UNIT at their website : www.KentechInc.us.

New Websites Launched 
Kipware.com - MachineShopSoftware.com - KentechInc.net

We wanted to help streamline our information delivery ... so we created individual websites to specifically handle our major software categories.

MachineShopSoftware.com is devoted to our Kipware® Business applications.

Kipware.com is devoted to our conversational CNC programming applications.

KentechInc.net is devoted to our Kipware® G Code Conversion applications.

.... and as always, it's all there at www.KentechInc.com

KipwarePA® 
G Code Programming Wizard

In June 2013 we released a completely re-designed KipwarePA® - Advanced G Code Programming Wizard. For all the details ... please see this blog post : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013/06/kipwarepa-advanced-g-code-wizard.html

Now that's a year !!! 

To quote a famous phrase :

"BAM !!!! We really took it up a notch !!!"

WHAT LIES AHEAD ?? 
Where are we going now ??

As we look ahead to 2014 ... we can let you in on some of the possibilities :

1. We are currently in discussions to have KipwareQTE® translated and developed into Chinese ... as we work to establish a new VAR in China. Other titles would follow as well.
2. With all the development and conversions of our older source code into the latest OS's ... we are now primed to release many new features to our titles ... quite a few were already mentioned in this post. 
3. Andoid development will be jump started this year ... you WILL see Kipware® for Android in 2014.
4. Our new CSD ( custom software development ) unit is getting more and more interest ... I see great things for CSD in 2014. If you have a CNC / machine shop problem that requires a custom software application ... please visit www.KentechInc.us to see if Kentech's CSD unit can develop a custom software solution for you.
5. .... and so much more !!

Just one more thing .... With enhancements and development like this, shouldn't you become a member of the Kipware® family ?

It's not too late to make an IMPACT PURCHASE for 2013 ....

A purchase that will really have a positive impact on your bottom line ... on your shop floor ... A Kipware® Purchase !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

4th Axis Threading Added to KipwareM® 4th Axis Menus

At a request of one of our KipwareM® users ... we are pleased to announce the release of a new standard option to the KipwareM® 4th Axis conversational options.

The X/Y Thread Milling option allows users to program thread cutting using their 4th axis rotary table.

As with all KipwareM® conversational menus ... the XY Threading screen presents the user with many professional machining options such as :

1. Ability to utilize multiple depths of cut to achieve the final depth
2. Ability to designate + or - 4th axis rotation ... for both left and right hand threading
3. Ability to define both roughing and finishing into the same cycle ... or create individual cycles for roughing and finishing
4. Ability to select left-to-right or right-to-left cutting directions ... not only for right and left hand threading but also climb or conventional machining.

After some initial test cutting ... below are some pics of the results.

Initial Pass for a 10 TPI Thread

Finished Product

 As we continue towards years end ... it's been another BIG year of development and feature enhancements to all our Kipware® titles. Both KipwareM® and KipwareT® have seen major enhancements begging the question ... Isn't it time to DUMP the limited G code "wizards" ?? ... and GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Curved Surface Added to KipwareM® 3D Menu

As we continue our torrid development pace heading toward the year end ... we have released another new KipwareM® 3D conversational option developed from a KipwareM® user request.

Our user needed to machine a specific part for the Harley Davidson company and wanted a simpler way to create the G code program then having to trudge through his CAD/CAM system. Having dealt with Kentech Inc. on a prior project for some 3D machining ... he approached us again to see if we could develop a solution. We decided it was a perfect application to add to our KipwareM® 3D menu ... and we developed our CURVED SURFACE conversational option for KipwareM®'s 3D menu. Developed at NO CHARGE to our client might I add !!

As you can see from the screenshot above of the CURVED SURFACE conversational menu ... like all our Kipware® conversational menus ... it puts tons of options into the hands of the user. The user can define individual parameters for BOTH roughing and finishing machining such as depth of cut ... feedrates ... etc.. The surface can also be kicked off at any user defined angle ... like all KipwareM® options ... with a single Rotation Angle input !!

Above is a 3D plot of the sample result. This program for both roughing ( with a square end mill ) and finishing ( with a ball end mill ) was created in less than 1.5 minutes ... with NO drawing required !!

This new CURVED SURFACE menu is now shipping standard with the KipwareM® 3D option. For all the other 3D menu options available ... please see our Blog back-post : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013/09/kipware-3d-conversational-programming.html

Thank you to all our customers for their input and support that enables us to continually update and enhance our REAL WORLD machine shop software .

Isn't it time to Dump the limited G Code Wizards and GO PRO ?
Kipware® Conversational are PROFESSIONAL programming
applications ... with built-in PROFESSIONAL features ...
that will help anyone machine like a PRO !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Live OnLine Demonstrations - Join In !!

As our various Kipware® titles grow in popularity more and more every day ... potential customers have really been reaping the rewards of our online, live demonstration through our use of Cisco Webex. The conversations usually start out with the client requesting a "trial"version of a title ... and when we explain that we can also offer a live, online demo ... they jump at the chance. They really get excited at the opportunity to see the software in action while they sit in the comfort of their office or from home ... with multiple members of their team if desired .... and to have the ability to ask questions and get answers in real time.

To cut to the chase ... a live Webex meeting allows the client to sit in his office while we sit in ours ... the client can view our PC screen on his PC screen and see the software title in action. Through the audio conference they can ask questions and get answers in real time.

You will see this icon at the bottom of all our product pages ....
Just CLICK IT to set up a live, online demonstration.

Cisco Webex is an online meeting service that we can set up in as little as 15 minutes. Here are some of the features and advantages of Webex :

• Webex meetings are completely FREE for anyone who wishes to attend.
• Webex is a web-based service and works with any browser ... so you can attend a demonstration from any computer (Windows, Mac, Linux, or Solaris) -- as well as your iPhone, Blackberry, or any other WiFi or 3G-enabled mobile device. 
• Users receive a link to log on for the video portion and a toll-free number to call to join a conference call ... this is the audio portion of the presentation. Users can also use the microphone on their PC instead of calling the toll free number.
• Webex meetings can accommodate from 1 to 25 participants ...  so multiple people can attend from either the same location ... or each one can log in from a different location.
• Because of the large number of Webex meetings we provide ... our Webex meetings are available to both US and international clients,

Some clients assume that this service is only for "professional" groups ... but we very often host online meetings for single clients who log in from the comfort of their living rooms or home offices.

Trial Versions VS. Live Demonstrations
Most often, users miss important features of software ... no matter how easy-to-use they are touted ... when "playing" with a trial version. Not to mention the loss of time and productivity as you fumble through learning a new software package. This may be due simply to the learning curve or the fact that the customer assumes it will work one way and when it doesn't they assume the feature is not there ... when in fact it just worked a different way. Live demonstrations allow the user to have all their question and concerns answered in one session ... and to get on with their decision making process armed with all the information they need.

And it's not just for sales ... it's for training too !!
In addition ... Kentech Inc. oftentimes utilizes Webex meetings for software training. Again ... a Webex meeting allows users to see the software in action so we can fully demonstrate HOW to solve the clients question ... using both audio and video. Webex training sessions within the warranty period are offered at no charge to the client ... and are most often offered free even outside the warranty period.

How can we offer live, online demonstrations ?
Unlike other software "companies" ( are they really companies? ) ... the developers at Kentech Inc. are not creating software as a hobby. Kentech Inc. is a real company ... with a real telephone number ... with real developers ... who has been creating and developing Real World CNC and machine shop software for over 25+ years. And our commitment to our customers and to our customer support is unmatched in our industry.

So if you have an interest in ANY of the software titles we offer ... we encourage you to set up a Webex meeting at a date and time that is convenient for you. I am sure YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED !!!

CLICK THIS link to visit our Schedule a Live Demo Webpage

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

You meet the nicest people ...

Recently we had the pleasure of selling our KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling to a client in Alaska. Harold is retired  ( I guess you would say he is retired but I think he might be still "working" ... but just loving it too much to call it work ) and had purchased a CNC mill for his home workshop. While perusing the internet looking for some G code programming software ... he came across KipwareM® and decided to give it a go with a (1) year subscription.

Over the course of about 2-3 weeks I had the pleasure of answering some questions ... providing some guidance ... and along the way learned what a fascinating life Harold has led. He's really quite a guy and I have really enjoyed our emails and phone calls.

About a week ago we were discussing his full 4th axis he has on the mill and a project he was looking to program with KipwareM®. Well ... we didn't really have the conversational option available ... but decided that "Hey ... this is something a lot of clients might be interested in and is a great idea to add some additional capabilities to KipwareM®." So we began the development of this additional feature in KipwareM® for 4th Axis Programming ... you can read the full story here http://bit.ly/1aJrxtl

Harold helped us do some tweaking ... and got the program running and did some cutting on a bolt for a rifle ... the results are below :

This pic does not do it justice because of the constraints of this Blog ....

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SIZE IMAGE

Here's what Harold had to say about KipwareM® and Kentech Inc. :

"Kenney, I am sooooo PLEASED with the program and moreover, very pleased with customer service. However, blissful satisfaction is exceedingly overshadowed with gratitude for all the help and support that you have provided. This is a wonderful retirement gift. Words can't begin to express what this means to me.

Thank You So Much !"

Needless to say Harold converted that Subscription to a Full Version ... and we are more than happy to welcome him to the Kipware® family of users. Although we certainly appreciate his comments ... we're more happy to have a new friend and proud to be able to help him in some small way. Looking forward to following the progress of many more completed projects with such awesome results. Great Job Harold !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

4th Axis Conversational Programming Now Available in KipwareM®

Have a full 4th axis on your CNC mill? If so the new features now available in KipwareM® will be of interest.

Due to customer requests ... we have added new conversational menu options that will cover the creation of G code programs for machining that can be accomplished with a 4th axis. As time goes on and additional requests are received ... we will add more "fan favorite" options.

The first menu option released is for XY Slotting. Some of the features available in this menu include :

1. Straight slots or "twisted" slots.
2. Easily create programs to machine multiple, evenly spaced slots ( straight or twisted ) by simply inputting the total number of slots and the angle between the slots.
3. The user can select the cutting direction .... climb or conventional milling ... for both roughing and finishing.
4. The user can select from a variety of machining options beyond just roughing and finishing including :

• Zig-Zag cutting with Z ramping
• Zig-Zag cutting with Z plunging
• One-Way cutting with Z ramping
• One-Way cutting with Z plunging

We are excited to be able to add this feature to KipwareM® and to start the process of building a complete and robust 4th axis option moving forward.

Do you have a machining operation you would like to see added? Rrop us a line at Sales@KentechInc.com and let us know the details. If we feel it would be a "fan favorite" ... we'll get it included in the next release.

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Kentech Inc.'s C.S.D. Strategic Business Unit for Custom Software Development Goes Live

In the 25+ years of our existence, we have created hundreds of custom software applications from custom G code conversion applications to custom conversational CNC programming applications. In September 2013, due to increased customer demand for custom machine shop and CNC applications, we created our C.S.D. Strategic Business Unit to better concentrate developers and their resources on these custom applications. With this new SBU, we can insure your custom machine shop and CNC applications are developed professionally and intelligently and brought to your shop floor in the quickest and most efficient manner.

Our over 25+ years of metacutting, CNC and machine shop experiences enable us to "see" the shop floor and our clients problems with a clarity unmatched in manufacturing based software development. Our focus lies with our strengths ... in manufacturing ... in metacutting ... in CNC programming and in G code and G code creation. If you have ideas that you feel would benefit your shop ... we encourage you to contact the Kentech Inc. C.S.D. unit today and turn those IDEAS into INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY !!

The Kentech Inc. C.S.D. unit operates on the philosophy :

If you can DREAM it ... We can CODE it !!

For additional information, capabilities and to find out what the 

Kentech Inc. C.S.D. Unit can do for you ... 

please visit the C.S.D. website :

www.KentechInc.us

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

SpaceX purchases Kipware® for their CA Manufacturing Facility

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the purchase of Kipware® software by SpaceX for use in their manufacturing facility in Hawthorne California.

The sale of (40) seats of Kipware® was finalized on October 23, 2013.

Welcome SpaceX to the Kipware® family of users !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

First Look - Conversational Y Axis Programming for Turning Centers

First look and development progress on theY AXIS CONVERSATIONAL PROGRAMMING module for KipwareT®

In late September we began development on the Y Axis Conversational Programming
module for KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programmng Software for Turning. We have been steadily creating new menus and the accompanying toolpath generating code for Y axis milling operations such as pocketing, boss machining, thread milling and more ... with options to perform these machining operations on the FACE or OD of the workpiece.

The same proven-in-the-trenches milling toolpaths created through KipwareM® will soon be available for milling on Y axis turning centers.

In addition, revisions are being implemented into our KipwareTP® - Toolpath Plotting Software to accommodate Y axis toolpath plotting both on Z axis and X axis features.


Full release is scheduled for mid to late November 2013. Stay tuned to " ... In The Trenches" or watch for your November Kentech Inc. Newsletter for more details. If you're not signed up to receive the Kentech Inc. Newsletter ... which always contains our vastly popular Monthly Puzzler ... you can sign up here.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Training Video Available

We have added a new training video for Kipware® conversational covering the Kipware® conversational TREE and the cycle editing options available for cycles loaded into the tree.

This video also highlights some new options recently added and made available for cycle editing.

You can view all our videos through our YouTube channel : KTSoftware ... or by visiting the Kipware® Video Training page ... the link is directly available within all Kipware® conversational applications.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Live Webinar on Machine Shop Estimating with Kipware®

We would love to invite you to join us for a live Webinar demonstration of quoting and estimating with KipwareCYC® machining cycletime estimating software and KipwareQTE® job costing and estimating software ... this Thursday 10/10/2013 at 1:30 pm ET. Our webinars usually last between 20 and 30 minutes with Q&A session to follow.

Also ... our Kipware® business software titles are featured in our Stupid Deal of the Week this week. So come and join us ... get the scoop on quoting and estimating with Kipware® ... get all your questions answered in real time ... and if it feels right, save some serious $$$ with a Stupid Deal of the Week purchase of an individual Kipware® title or all our business titles in our Kipware® Suite bundle.

You can Register Here : http://www.kentechinc.com/webinar_registration.html

The webinar capacity is limited to 25 ... so don't miss out ... register early.

Thanks to all in advance ... hope to see ya Thursday !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release - New KipwareCYC® Cut Length Calculator Features

On the heels of the release of the CLC SketchPad for KipwareCYC® machining cycletime estimating software  ( http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-release-clc-sketchpad-for.html ) ... we have added another new feature to the Cut Length Calculator as well.

Version 10.1.0 gives user the ability to SAVE and RECALL operations calculated using the CLC conversational / fill-in-the-blank forms. This new feature will allow for faster length of cut calculations as user will be able to save commonly used operations ( e.g. - Peck Drilling in 303 Stainless ) ... then  recall them ... make any subtle changes to the data ... and rec-calculate the length of cut without having to re-enter all the information onto the form.

We have also posted a new video to our YouTube channel ( KTSoftware ) that demonstrates the creation of a sample cycletime estimate using all the latest features within KipwareCYC®.

As always ... many thanks to our Kipware® users for your feedback and support.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release - CLC SketchPad for KipwareCYC® - Cycletime Estimating Software

We are pleased to announce another NEW release for Kipware® ... this one is for our KipwareCYC® - Machining CycleTime Estimating Software.

One of the inputs required when estimating machining cycletime ... is what is referred to as "length of cut". The distance the tool will travel while in the cut. Onviously, this is required along with the cutting feedrate to determine the time it takes the tool to remove the material.

KipwareCYC® has always included an application we call the Cut Length Calculator or CLC. CLC uses a variety of conversational, fill-in-the-blank forms for standard type operations ... pocket milling, drilling, turning, grooving, threading, etc. ... which allow the user to determine length of cut by simply describing the operation. Simple inputs like depth of cut, length and width, diameters, tool diameters, etc. are entered and CLC will auto-calculate the length of cut.

This has always worked well for standard type operations ... but non-standard type operations ... contouring, part profiling, etc. ... still contained a bit of guesstimating to determine the length of cut. It's a fine line between getting the information you require ... and overkill. But we think that we have created a great solution that is accurate ... fast ... and easy-to-use. The CLC SketchPad.

We have taken our proven-in-the-trenches SketchPad from our Kipware® conversational software ... with the patent-pending Machinist Mode ... and adapted it for use in determining length of cut. Basically ... users can import a DXF file ... select a graphical tool representation from the user defined Tool Library ... and then simply move the tool ( mouse ) around the part creating a toolpath they envision would be used for that machining operation. CLC SketchPad will record all the positions automatically and will then auto-calculate the length of cut. Results will be displayed ... and can then be copied to the clipboard and pasted into the KipwareCYC® form in the appropriate field.

You can view a complete presentation video on our YouTube Channel ( KTSoftware ) ... by clicking the link below.

If you are not a KipwareCYC® user ... does your estimating software provide you with a field for length of cut ... or with innovative and accurate tools to assist in it's calculation?

If you are a current KipwareCYC® user ... UPGRADING to the NEW CLC with the CLC SketchPad will add new accuracy and improve your cycletime estimating. Upgrade pricing can be found here ... in the Kentech Inc. OnLine Store.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Two More NEW Conversational Features Released

"Winter is coming John Snow." ( for all the Game of Thrones fans )

Winter always seems to bring a flurry of development here at Kentech Inc. ... and we have started early. On the heels of our groundbreaking 3D Conversational release for KipwareM® ... we have released two more additional features.

Kipware® SketchPad :
The SketchPad has always required drawing using X and Y coordinates ... even if you were drawing a part to be coded for a lathe. Of course the SketchPad would auto-convert everything and your G code would be either diameter or radius X lathe compatible ... but the actual drawing was done using X and Y coordinates.

The new feature released allows for separate designations for the G code output and now ... a designation for the type of coordinates to be used when drawing. Users can draw using either X-Y coordinates ... radius X - Z coordinates ... or diameter X - Z coordinates. This of course makes drawing a ton easier for "lathe people" ... while still giving you the opportunity to do something funky like ... draw with diameter X and have your G code come out in radius X !!! Pretty neat and very handy ... professional machinists will know what I mean.

KipwareM® 3D Rotation :
As with all the other menus in KipwareM® ... now the newly released 3D shapes can be ROTATED at any angle with just a simple user input. We have added a ROTATION field on the forms where the user can designate the rotation angle if so desired. Like all the 2D menus ... now the 3D shape can be auto-rotated with just a simple input.

So go ahead ... take that trough and machine it at 65 degrees !!

What's Coming Next :
We now turn our development attention to a feature that has been on my wish list. And since I'm the boss ... I get what I want !!

We have now begun the development of more Live Tool options for KipwareT® to better accommodate the wave of multi-axis turning centers. The next release will have FULL Y AXIS MILLING - ALL CONVERSATIONAL !! Stay tuned ... release will probably be around November.




We keep telling ya ....
Now more than ever ...
DUMP the G CODE WIZARDS !!!
GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!
( you don't get development like this from a "wizard " )
( it comes from professionals !! )




Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® 3D Conversational Programming Released

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the release of our ground-breaking 3D conversational option for our KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling.

This innovative and ground breaking release allows user to create G code programs for common 3D shapes using only a conversational, fill-in-the-blank forms. Release1 shapes include :

• Tapered Cone
• Tapered Hole
• Tapered Square / Rectangle Boss
• Tapered Square / Rectangle Pocket
• Horizontal Trough
• Vertical Trough

Powerful and innovative options are available to the user through the simple, fill-in-the-blank forms including :

• Both Rough and / or Finish operations can be created.
• Options for SQUARE or BALL NOSE end mills are included ... users can rough or finish these shapes using either a square or ball nose end mill !!
• Climb or Conventional mill options are available for both roughing and finishing !!
• Only basic, simple user inputs are required with KipwareM® performing all the complex calculations and creating the G code program all automatically.

Through this ground breaking and innovative development ... users now have the capability to expand their product and machining offerings without having to deal with expensive and complex CAD/CAM systems. Tapered holes ... or tapered square pockets can now easily be created using the simple KipwareM® interface.

Watch the video above and explore this new and groundbreaking

feature of KipwareM®

Since the late 1990's ... KipwareM® and Kipware® conversational have set the standard in conversational CNC programming software ... taking these applications from the limited, underdeveloped world of "wizards" into the mainstream of CNC programming. Kipware® conversational continues to set the standard and raise the bar with this 3D option release ... on the heels of our release of our patent-pending Machinst Mode for the Kipware® SketchPad.

For additional information on all our Kipware® CNC and machine shop software ... please visit our website at www.KentechInc.com.

Now more than ever ... 
Dump the G Code Wizards ...
GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Reason #1 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - CAD/CAM OVERKILL !!!

#1 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
CAD/CAM OVERKILL !!

Well we have reached the pinnacle ... the top of the mountain ... the essence of Kipware® !! During our series we have outlined a lot of good and valid reasons WHY KIPWARE® saves you money ... and here we are at #1 ... a little thing we call CAD/CAM OVERKILL. 


The main point behind CAD/CAM Overkill is : If you use your CAD/CAM system for EVERY CNC program you create ... you are impacting your productivity and efficiency in a very negative way.

Not every CNC program requires a CAD/CAM system or operator ... and requiring one brings all kinds of inefficiencies and removes all kinds of good chipmakers from your programming process.For the most part we are talking about professional job shops ... not the hobby machinist who has time to "play" ... although even some of the good hobby guys realize that a simpler and more efficient way to create simpler G code programs is a great idea. For the professional job shop ... getting the part running and getting good parts out the door is the key factor for their bottom line ... and requiring every job move through the CAD/CAM "guy" is not the best choice for 95% of the work they produce and a day-to-day basis. Most shops are not programming for molds or aircraft parts which the CAD/CAM system was designed. Yes ... for that type of work the CAD/CAM system is a must ... but for the flanges, shafts, simple milling, drilling, simple turning, grooving, threading ... CAD/CAM is OVERKILL !!

Kipware® CONVERSATIONAL software is the cure for CAD/CAM OVERKILL

As we mentioned many times in our Blogs ... we lived and worked on the shop floor. We cut our teeth ... cutting chips. The software titles we have created were born from our wants and needs from our experiences on the shop floor and in cutting chips. Kipware® conversational is a tool for your programming arsenal that can quickly and easily create those simpler, everyday G code programs ... the programs required in 95% of job shops around the world every day. We have Blogged extensively on this subject ... and invite you to look back using any of the links below :

• R U Using the Wrong Tool for the Job
• O-Ver-Kill
• Cad/CAM Overkill - Realize It and Prosper

But the bottom line is ... and the reason we selected CAD/CAM OVERKILL as our #1 Reason - WHY KIPWARE®? ... is that producing and delivering parts is the lifeblood of every machine shop. Don't deliver ... Don't get paid ... Don't survive and prosper. Today's shops need an arsenal of programming tools ... not a one size fits all CAD/CAM philosophy ... to be efficient. Adding Kipware® conversational to your programming arsenal will insure another layer of productivity and efficiency to your shop floor.

Kenneth Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

And don't be fooled by simple, underdeveloped G code "wizards" ... 

If you're gonna go ... GO PRO ... with Kipware® Conversational

Reason #2 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - Real World Cycletime Estimating

#2 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
Real World Cycletime Estimating

No matter what you use or how you perform your cost estimating ... the basics of a good and profitable cost estimate begins with an accurate machining cycletime estimate. Looking at a part and saying "That should take us about 2 mins. to machine" ... is not cycletime estimating ... it's guesstimating ... and it WILL be FATAL !!

That's why we choose REAL WORLD CYCLETIME ESTIMATING as our #2 Reason Why Kipware® SAVES YOU MONEY!!

KipwareCYC® was born from the experiences of creating machine justifications while working as an Applications Engineer for a major Japanese machine tool builder. Companies came to us and wanted to know the age old question ... How long is it going to take to machine our parts on your machine? Based on the cycletime estimates I created ... they would either purchase the machine or walk away. If they purchased the machine ... life only got tougher. Now we had to make that cycletime stick ... in the real world. Just like shops do in the real world every day. KipwareCYC® was enhanced and further developed while working as a Manufacturing Engineer in a high production, large volume machine shop ... I had to insure that the machining time estimated was realistic and accurate. Those Real World experiences are built into KipwareCYC® ... and it has been more than proven-in-the-trenches over the years.

As we wind down our TOP 10 Reasons - Why Kipware®? ... we are really keying on our TOP software products that we have designed and developed ... based on over 25+ years in-the-trenches ... that produce the biggest cost advantages for our clients. All of our products have their niche ... and reasons why they are so effective in the Real World ... but KipwareCYC® stands out as one of the TOP.

Want to learn more ... we invite you to visit www.KentechInc.com or www.MachineShopSoftware.com and explore KipwareCYC® in more detail.

Better yet ... why not arrange for a personal online demonstration and let us show you how we can back up our claims ... click here to set one up.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Reason #3 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - Control Incompatibility

#3 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
Control Incompatibility

Almost every shop floor I have ever encountered consisted of different machine tools ... both from different machine tool builders and machine tools equipped with different CNC controls. And inevitably ... the control incompatibility issue would rear it's ugly head ... usually at the most inopportune moments. The most common issue came when the G code program was written for one machine ... now when it's time to run the part that machine is busy ... the program needs to be run in another machine which has a different control.

But there were also other scenarios ... like :

• We want to buy another machine ... but the machine that would really fit nice is equipped with a different type of control ... what we will we do with all our older programs?
• Jack only knows programming on machine A ... Joe is out today and we really need a program for machine B, the machine he programs.
• ... and we can go on and on.

You get the point ... or are experiencing the point on your own shop floor.

Because we lived and worked in the real world ... we are able to "see" these types of issues ... and to create real world solutions to address them. Since 1986 ... when we were first contracted by Raytheon to develop G code conversion software for their shop floor ... Kentech Inc. has been a leader and a pioneer in G code conversion software. Over the years we have developed many customized applications to address many types of control incompatibilities on shop floors for various clients ... and then put that knowledge to use to develop our own line of G code conversion applications.

KipwareXC® is our user-defined or soft coded conversion application. Through a mixture of pre-defined conversion options and user defined conversion options ... KipwareXC® has been proven in-the-trenches to be both flexible and effective in converting G code from one format to another. With the ability to create multiple conversion Profiles ... users can configure KipwareXC® to handle multiple format conversions for multiple types of CNC's.

Kipware® CNC XChange is our hard coded applications. We design and build specific versions of CNC XChange to handle specific types of conversions. Rather than the user configuring the conversion options ... our developers write the conversions directly into the source code. To convert programs the user simply browses for the file to convert and selects convert ... CNC XChange prforms all the necessary conversions ... all automatically. Our most popular version of Kipware® CNC XChange is our Fanuc <--> Okuma version ... which is why it is our Reason #6 - TOP 10 Reason - WHY KIPWARE®?

Control Incompatibility and all the issues it creates on the shop floor ... is a major reason for production inefficiencies that will directly effect your companies bottom line. Removing that control incompatibility ... through Kipware® conversion software ...  is just one of the TOP 10 Reasons why KIPWARE SAVES YOU MONEY !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Reason #4 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - Increased G Code Ouput

#4 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
Increased G Code Output

Now one can deny that CAD/CAM is a great tool ... but for the 95% of G code created around the world every day ... simple milling, drilling, turning, grooving, threading, etc. ... IT'S OVERKILL !!

The fact is that most shops around the world are not programming aircraft parts or mold work on a day-to-day basis. And those are the type of jobs that CAD/CAM was designed to handle ... and it does it very well. Most shops are doing what we described above ... simple milling, drilling, turning, grooving, threading, etc. ... and CAD/CAM presents a lot of negatives for this type of work. Using your CAD/CAM system is not always your best programming option ... period. And to compete in today's world ... you programming requires an arsenal of tools ... not just a CAD/CAM system.

Here is the most glaring negative ... that DECREASES your G code output ... and the reason Kipware® conversational is a powerful tool in your programming arsenal.

• CAD/CAM systems are complex ... no matter how EASY they tell you they are. Most have a wide array of menus, screens, options ... because they are needed for the complex stuff ... that makes both navigation and operation quite complex. And that means you need a qualified CAD/CAM operator ... and most likely not everyone in your shop will or can be a qualified CAD/CAM operator. In addition, CAD/CAM requires a drawing in order to create even the simplest G code program. A drawing is not always available ... which means one has to be created. Which means the operator has to have at least CAD experience. You don't need a drawing to machine a round pocket with a drilled and tapped bolt circle at the bottom. Drawing wastes valuable time ... time that could have been used creating and running G code ... making parts.That means your CAD/CAM system is removing good chipmakers from your programming process. Having only one or two people capable of producing your G code is a detriment to efficiency and productivity.

• Kipware® is conversational and intuitive ... using plain English, fill-in-the-blank forms to gather the required data to create the G code program. This allows for easy creation of G code programs ... allowing users with no drawing or CAD/CAM background ... to create the G code for the simpler everyday jobs ... the majority of programming done in the real world everyday. This means increased efficiency and productivity. Kipware® does not require a drawing for those simpler, everyday programming. The conversational design of Kipware® conversational allows for easy and fast G code creation. If the part is more complex and it requires a drawing ... the built-in Kipware® SketchPad has an interface and layout that is more intuitive than CAD packages ... allowing non-CAD proficient operators to easily create sketches that can then be machined using a conversational menu. In addition ... the patent pending Machinist Mode in the SketchPad creates G code toolpaths by simply moving the mouse !!

Free your floor from the shackles of  CAD/CAM OVERKILL.

What does Increased G Code Output mean? It's simple ... more chips, more parts, more money. Realizing that your CAD/CAM system is not always the best programming alternative ... implementing Kipware® conversational into your system ... will break the chains that are holding back your productivity, your efficiency, and your G code output.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Reason #5 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - Real World Estimating

#5 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
Real World Estimating

Let's face the facts ... quoting and estimating is the LIFEBLOOD of your business. Period. End of story.

If the jobs don't come in ... or if they come in and your shop is losing money on them ... the shop is on the road to ruin. Sorry ... it's the fact.

Having lived and cut our teeth on the shop floor and in the real world ... we developed KipwareCYC® and KipwareQTE® to insure that shops using them not only win work ... but win profitable work. And since 1990 ... shops of all sizes have profited from our design, our development and our experience built into KipwareCYC® and KipwareQTE®.

KipwareCYC® was born from the experiences of creating machine justifications while working as an Applications Engineer for a major Japanese machine tool builder. Companies came to us and wanted to know the age old question ... How long is it going to take to machine our parts on your machine? Based on the cycletime estimates I created ... they would either purchase the machine or walk away. If they purchased the machine ... life only got tougher. Now we had to make that cycletime stick ... in the real world. Just like shops do in the real world every day. That experience is built into KipwareCYC® ... and it has been more than proven-in-the-trenches over the years.

As a Manufacturing Engineer in a high production, large volume machine shop ... I had to insure that the cost estimates I presented to our clients were realistic and accurate. An error of even a small amount of say $.25 ... over 10,000 parts ... meant a loss of $2,5000. No small chunk of change ...as I'm sure you know. That's why KipwareQTE® includes things that most cost estimating software don't even think of ... like perishable tooling as one example. Sure you need to drill 25 holes in each part ... is anyone including the cost of the drills when estimating? Real world features and experience like this are built into KipwareQTE®.

If your thinking about your quoting and estimating process ... and all the MRP and ERP talk has got you seeing $$$ signs and "features" you know you'll never use ... we invite you to give KipwareCYC® and KipwareQTE® a look. And as you look ... I'm gonna bet you will find yourself more than once saying, "Boy that makes sense."

That's KipwareCYC® and KipwareQTE® - Quoting and Estimating for the REAL WORLD.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Reason #6 - TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? - Fanuc / Okuma Compatibility

#6 In our Series of the TOP 10 Reasons ... WHY KIPWARE® is :
Fanuc - Okuma Compatibility
( We should also add the popular HAAS to this as well )

Reason #6 in our series TOP 10 Reasons - WHY KIPWARE®? deals with the two most common programming formats found in professional metalworking shops around the world. Tons of machine tool builders use Fanuc controls ... so much so that being "fanuc compatible" is almost a must for CNC controls. Willing to stand on their own merit ... Okuma have built a strong empire of their own using their own controls and their own programming format. Together ... "fanuc compatible" and Okuma controls make up a huge part of the installed CNC machine tool base. Even HAAS machine tools ... next on the list of most popular machine tools and who have their own CNC controls ... are 100% "fanuc compatible".

Having lived in the real world ... we have seen this first hand as we visited and worked in shops around the country. It's for this reason that all Kipware® titles support primarily Fanuc and Okuma ( and Haas ) controls.

Kipware® Conversational
All of our Kipware® conversational software creates G code that is Fanuc and Okuma compatible ... out of the box. No post processor nor any other conversion app's are required to create G code programs within Kipware® to operate your Fanuc, Okuma or Haas machine ... milling, turning or wire EDM.

Kipware® CNC XChange
Knowing that shops want to buy the best machine tool for their individual requirements ... tons of shops have a mix of Fanuc and "fanuc compatible" and Okuma machine tools on their floor. We created our innovative and ground breaking Kipware® CNC XChange software to address this particular issue ... what we call control incompatibility. Kipware® CNC XChange allows for the conversion of G code between Fanuc and Okuma formats. CNC XChange works strictly with the G code programs ... no CAD or CAM files are required ... and will auto-convert code from Fanuc format to Okuma format ... and reverse. CNC XChange and our other conversion app ... KipwareXC®  ... give shops who have a mix of CNC controls the capability to be more productive, efficient and to operate all their machines seamlessly by removing the control incompatibility from their shop floors.

KipwareEDU® Training Software
All of our KipwareEDU® training software deal primarily with Fanuc and Okuma CNC controls and their programming language / format. If you know Fanuc and Okuma G code programming ... that means you are qualified to program in about 95% of machine shops around the world.

Just a note for hobby machinists out there ...
Hobby machinists might find all this Fanuc and Okuma talk a little hard to believe ... living in their restricted MACH3 and other hobby CNC world. But the fact is that those who have chosen "fanuc compatible" professional controls have realized a major difference in functionality and power over the limited hobby controls and software. But don't take our word for it ... take a look at the website of the creators of MACH3 as illustrated below ...

The image on the left is from the Newfangled Solutions main webpage ... the one on the right is from their Services webpage. They both clearly show Fanuc controls ... not controls using their own MACH3 software. Even they have discovered what most professional machine shops know ... Fanuc controls and "fanuc compatibility" are the mainstay of professional machine tool builders. Kipware® conversational is MACH3 compatible ... but users have to program to the capability of the control ... so users miss a lot of the power and features of Kipware® as they have to create G code that this simpler control can run.

So if your shop floor is like the 95% of shop floors around the world and contain Fanuc ... Okuma ... Haas ... or "fanuc compatible" CNC controls ... Kipware® speaks your language.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.