CNC Machine and Control Compatibility with Kipware® Conversational

Almost everyone who takes an interest in our Kipware® Conversational CNC Programming software inevitably has the same question ... "Will it work with my CNC machine and control?" So we thought best to take a blog post and spread some of the good news !!

1st ... Kipware® Conversational is different than CAD/CAM
In addition to not having to create a drawing to create a G code machining program like CAD/CAM ... Kipware® conversational also makes creating G code output for a variety of CNC machines and controls REALLY EASY. We designed Kipware® conversational's G code output to be "fanuc compatible" out of the box. That means you don't need any post processors like CAD/CAM ... because isn't that just a way for them to get their hands in your wallet anyway ??. "

Almost every CNC control maker out there tries to make their G code compatible with Fanuc controls. The reason ... Fanuc is the most popular maker of CNC controls in the world ... having their CNC control on about 95% of the machine tools on the market. So if you want people to buy your machine and control ... gotta give them something they are used to ... something they probably are familiar with ... gotta make your control "fanuc compatible".

Fanuc compatible G code is the same G code that is used in :

• ALL Fanuc model controls ... ANY machine tool builder
• Centroid
• Daewoo
• DMG / Mori Seiki
• EMC2
• Fadal
• Fagor
• Haas
• Hurco
• Hyundai
• Leadwell
• Mach3 / Mach4
• Makino
• MAZAK ( Matrix and Smart )
• Milltronics
• Mitsubishi
• Okuma
• Siemens
• Tormach ( Mach3 and PathPilot )
• Toyoda
• Yasnac
• actually many more ... too numerous to mention

So when we designed Kipware® conversational ... milling or turning ... we made the output "fanuc compatible" out of the box. No mess ... no fuss ... no post processors required.

Now of course there are some minor differences when it comes to machine tool builders and their machines ... so we took that bit of code out of the auto-creation and gave the user the ability to customize that code output using a simple text editor ... and the user can create an unlimited number of these custom files for as many different machine tool builder as required. Block of code like ... start of the program ... start of the tool ... end of the tool ... end of the program ... can all be created using a the simple Kipware® conversational POST editor ... and these blocks of code will be auto-inserted into the G code output when the program gets created.

So in essence ... it's the best of both worlds. Auto-output for the G code side ... customized output for the non-standard side.

2nd ... KipwareXC® is there if you need it.
As you can see from the above ... we've got most of the CNC controls and machine already covered out-of-the-box. But there still will be clients who have a "non fanuc compatible" machine / control. We got that covered too ... with the KipwareXC® option.

Since 1986 ... Kentech Inc. has been a leader and pioneer in the world of G Code Conversion. The art of taking a G code program formatted for one machine and control and auto-converting into a format compatible for another machine and control. Our KipwareXC® G code conversion software makes a perfect tool and solution for those non-fanuc compatible scenarios.

KipwareXC® allows users to continue to program ... regardless of the machine or control ... every scenario in the familiar Kipware® conversational interface. When the G code program is completed ... simply run that G code through KipwareXC® and it will be auto-converted for whatever machine and control you require. KipwareXC® allows the user to define the what-to-convert-into-what for an unlimited number of machines and controls ... meaning you can run your standard Kipware® conversational G code program through KipwareXC® and have it auto-converted into the format your machine / control requires.

And the best part ... KipwareXC® will work on any G code program ... whether created in Kipware® conversational or not. Think of the possibilities for your shop floor !!

So ... if you've gotten to the point where you're considering Kipware® conversational for your programming ... you can rest assured that the output will be compatible with your equipment ... either out-of-the-box or by employing the powerful KipwareXC® option.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about Kipware® conversational ... please contact us at any of the options below.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Voice : 508.754.1198
Email : Sales@KentechInc.com

Feature Based Cost Estimating for Machine Shops

Taking a trip around the net you might find a few of the machine shop job costing and estimating software applications out there touting there application as "FEATURE BASED" estimating. My first reaction is always ... REALLY ??? Does anyone really fall for that sales gobbly-gook speak ???

What else would you want to estimate ... THE NON FEATURES ?????

With further thought it becomes abundantly apparent that it simply sounds good ... makes for a good sales pitch ... catches the eye ... but the reality is ... don't be fooled. As a professional think about it. If you have a part with a variety of "features" that need to be machined ... the simple act of estimating the time to machine those features ... WHICH IS REALLY ALL THE ESTIMATE IS BEING CREATED FOR ... is the act of feature based estimating. THERE ISN'T ANY OTHER TYPE !!!

AND ... if you are touting feature based estimating you better be able to handle ALL kinds of features ... not only simplistic milling and turning of simplistic parts. Real world workpieces have odd shaped pockets and contours ... odd shaped turned parts with various types of grooves and undercuts. Simplistic "feature based" estimating app's simply don't handle the "real world" well.

Take a look at "feature based" estimating on STEROIDS in our KipwareCYC® - CUT LENGTH CALCULATOR video ... the link is below :

For additional information on the complete KipwareCYC® - Machining CycleTime Estimating Software application ... CLICK HERE.

AND ... for complete information on turning that cycletime estimate into a complete COST ESTIMATE and QUOTATION ... check out KipwareQTE® ... CLICK HERE.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

DUMP the "wizards" ...

STOP being held back ...

GO PRO ...

BE A PRO ...

with Kipware®

Kipware Mobile-Friendly Website Launched

We are pleased to announce that the new Kipware mobile-friendly website ... www.KipwareSoftware.com ... has gone LIVE as of July 1, 2015.

The new site has a much easier to view menu sections with big bold text for easy reading. Much of the product information is in video format ... with more being added as quickly as possible. We will also be expanding our Kipware Animation Domination to the new site ... hooray, no more boring videos !!

The transition to the mobile-friendly site is being taken care of all automatically through the use of auto-forwarding JAVA script on all our pother websites ... KentechInc.com ... Kipware.com ... KentechInc.net and MachineShopSoftware.com. If you log onto any of these sites using a mobile device, you will be automatically forwarded to the mobile-friendly www.KipwareSoftware.com.

Thanks so much to everyone who has visited and researched our Kipware software ... we truly hope that the new mobile-friendly version will make your visit that much more enjoyable. Please check it out !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release - 3D Bending Die Menu for KipwareM®

Kentech Inc. continues to turn the conversational CNC programming software world on it's head releasing unprecedented and powerful fill-in-the-blank programming options for it's Kipware® conversational CNC programming software for milling and turning.

In late April, the most powerful and easy-to-use conversational TURNING and BORING menus hit the market for KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Software for Turning ... bringing unprecedented ease of programming for complex shapes that can include unlimited and unbounded radii and tapers. The success has been unbelievable ... thank you to all the professional machinists that have added true, powerful conversational CNC programming to their arsenals for their turning programming.

In 2014 Kentech Inc. released it's ground-breaking conversational 3D options for KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling ... the ONLY conversational 3D programming ON THE MARKET .... whether PC based or CNC control based !! We also put the statement out there for our users ... send us your 3D shapes and we'll consider adding those shapes to our options. In April we were asked to consider adding an option to create a bending die ( male and female ) 3D menu by a client in Illinois. The idea seemed like one that other users might benefit from ... so we set to work.

Today we are pleased to announce the release of the MALE BENDING DIE 3D option for KipwareM®.

As you can see from the screenshot above ... as always ... we included many powerful options for this operation including :

• The ability to use EITHER a square OR ball end mill.
• The ability to ROUGH and / or FINISH in one or separate operations.
• The ability to CONVENTIONAL and / or CLIMB mill for EITHER roughing or finishing operations.

Using this simple, fill-in-the-blank form ... users can create the G code program to machine the MALE side of the bending die from STOCK ... the FEMALE menu and machining option will be released before the end of June ... stay tuned.

We are proud that Kipware® continues to set the bar for conversational CNC programming software ... a bar that no other software company can even come close to touching. Our commitment to our clients and our resolve to be the best ... drives our developers to continue this trend with many new releases in the pipeline for 2015.

Sooo ... 

• Are you settling and struggling with limited, underdeveloped G code "wizards" ??
• Tired of "wizard" toolpaths that machine like an amateur and waste motion ??
• Tired of being treated like a hobbyist ?? ... like an amateur ??
• Wanna go PRO ?? Machine like a PRO ??
• Tired of using your complex, bloated, expensive CAD/CAM system and paying your expensive CAD/CAM programmer for your everyday programming ??

Then DUMP the "wizards" and 

BE A PRO ... 

GO PRO ... 

with Kipware® Conversational !!

Profit from the realization that CAD/CAM is NOT the best solution for EVERY programming scenario.

For in-depth video presentations of ALL our Kipware® software ... please visit our YouTube channel here : http://www.youtube.com/ktsoftware

For additional information on ALL our Real World Kipware® titles ... please visit our website at www.KentechInc.com.

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Machine Shop Estimating Software - Animation Domination from Kentech Inc.

The developers at Kentech Inc. continue to push out our new ANIMATION DOMINATION informational videos ... and last week released (2) new animation covering KipwareCYC® - Cycletime Estimating Software and KipwareQTE® - Machine Shop Job Costing and Estimating Software.

You can check out these new animation videos through the links below ... or on our YouTube Channel here : KTSoftware.

KipwareCYC® 

Machining CycleTimes Estimating Software

KipwareQTE® 

Machine Shop Job Costing and Estimating Software

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

A Custom Conversational CNC Software Development Story

Recently we were approached by a client in Florida who was looking at our KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling ... trying to find a solution to assist his shop floor machinists create G code programs for workpieces running through their shop. Their workpieces were very targeted ... always containing the same materials and similar operations such as spot drill - drill - tap or spot drill - drill - countersink. They only machined a very specific list of hole types ... say 1/4-20, or 5/16 ream or 3/8-16 tap. etc..

After some lengthy discussions ... working closely with our client to understand his needs and requirements ... we both decided that the better approach was to create a more targeted and limited custom application that was specifically designed for their specific material, tools and machining operations. With the type of specifics ... it became clear that depths, tool #'s, and cutting parameters could be left out of the interface and auto-loaded during the program creation based on the simpler user inputs and selections.

The combination of our CSD ( Custom Software Development ) business unit experience with conversational software development and CNC programming and our clients machining experiences for their products ... were a perfect match and the user interface and software operation came together very quickly and easily. Kentech's CSD unit created a very targeted interface that included :

1. Choice of (3) materials
2. List of cycles that could be programmed ... the list only contained cycles specific for the clients operation ... nothing else.
3. The ability to enter X / Y coordinates for the hole locations.

Depths ... tool #'s ... cutting parameters were all stored in a TEXT file and auto-loaded by the software using existing Kentech developed algorithms for searching / reading / sorting text used in our G code conversion applications. Using a simple text file allowed for any user customization that may be required down the road ... and eliminated the need and cost for the client to come back to Kentech for minor modifications.

Taking it a step further ... the interface allowed the user to mix cycles together in one program. For example : the part had (5) 1/4-20 tapped holes and (4) 5/16 reamed holes.

The interface was simple ... but gave the operator powerful options like editing created cycle selections and deleting cycles. X / Y locations could be quickly and easily reviewed ... and edited on-the-fly if needed. Once all the inputs and cycles were selected ... the behind-the-scenes source code put it all together and auto-saved the G code program in a pre-defined user location on the network.

Programs with multiple hole types could be created in a matter of minutes ... with no prove out or dry run necessary. And the best part was that the shop floor machinists could create their programs without any need for assistance from the main programming department.

Working closely with our client we provided consultation and development ... and delivered the final software version in less than 7 days from the initial discussions.

Kentech's CSD business unit was designed and built for custom CNC and machine shop software development ... and has a strong track record with Fortune 500 companies ... and small shops ... looking for customized solutions for their manufacturing challenges. We invite you to look around your shop ... and if you can envision a customized solution to your manufacturing challenges ... contact Kentech's CSD unit to discuss the possibility of custom software development. The Kentech CSD unit has a motto : If you can DREAM it ... we can CODE it.

Click the link below for more info and to see projects completed by the Kentech Inc. CSD Business Unit : http://www.kentechinc.us

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release - Game Changing OD & ID Turning Menus for KipwareT®

Kentech Inc. is proud to continue the Kipware® conversational tradition of raising the bar for conversational CNC programming software with the release of Version 18.0.0 of KipwareT - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning.

Version 18 contains many new under-the-cover code upgrades but the main focus is on the vastly updated and enhanced OD Turning and ID Boring menus. The previous version was quite limiting in both corner chamfer and radii options as well as the type of machining G code output that was available. The new and enhanced menus kick the "simple turning" concept up a notch ... and allows users to quickly and easily create G code for complex shapes ... that can contain multiple different tapers and radii on an unlimited number of levels.

Below are a list of the key features ... available in both OD TURNING and ID BORING menus.

• Unlimited Number of Diameters / Faces : whereas the previous version and most limited G code wizards limit the number of diameters and faces that can be included in this type of menu ... the new KipwareT® menu gives the user the ability to define an UNLIMITED number of diameter and faces for machining.
• Any Radii - Any Angle : each "section" is defined using three corners ... with one corner always the same as the adjoining element. Corners 1 and 3 can contain either a radii or chamfer ... the chamfer having any angle and any length as defined by the user. The radii is also completely user defined. Corner 2 can also have any user defined radii between the (2) diameters.
• Not Just Corner Breaks : corner 1 and 3 are not just corner breaks ... only machined on the finish pass. All corner machining is included in the ROUGHING toolpath ... which allows for the machining of big and robust chamfers and radii ... not just simplistic corner breaks.
• Powerful Feature Editing : any feature can easily be edited or altered completely. Quickly and easily change from 45 degree chamfers to full corner radii ... all conversationally.
• Multiple Types of  Machining Options Available : Machining is available either using a turning or facing type machining ... and roughing and or finishing is available for both types. Users can define any combination of the four to complete the part machining.
• Multiple Output Formats Available : G code can be output using long hand G code or canned cycle format supporting all models of Fanuc and Okuma formats.
• Cutter Compensation is Automatic : either long hand G code or canne3d cycle output always automatically includes cutter compensation including the start up block and cancel block ... all output automatically.
• Cycles Can be Easily Re-Loaded : as with all Kipware® conversational cycles ... any created cycle can be re-loaded from disk and easily edited or altered ... including all chamfer and radii definitions ... in the conversational form.

Below is the recently released KipwareT® - Version 17 Release Video 

from our YouTube Channel :

Below is the link that will enable you to view these ground-breaking menus 
in action in a sample programming video :

Version 17.0.0 of KipwareT® will be shipping standard as of Wednesday ... April 29th.

These new menu options are UNMATCHED in the industry ... whether when compared to any conversational CNC control based application ... or any conversational type wizard programming application. Which begs the question ... WHY SETTLE? Go Pro ... Be a Pro ... with Kipware® Conversational.

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Kipware® Cloud Development Plans Finalized

After months of research, discussions and trials, Kentech Inc. has decided on the path to be taken to gradually move our Kipware® software line to the cloud. With the path finally set in stone ... initial development has begun with the first title release set for June of this year ( 2015 ).

First look at the KipwareTB® Cloud Based Interface

( KipwareTB® will be the first cloud based Kipware® application released. )

Over the past months we have researched SaaS hosting, JAVA re-programming options as well as Android development options. The path confirmed will include the moving of our source code to the ASP.NET framework for hosting on either our own servers or on a pay hosting platform.

What does it all mean for you ... our clients?
First and foremost this decision illustrates our commitment to the constant upgrading and enhancements of our machine shop and CNC software product line ... meeting the future head on. We feel that this path will allow us to offer our clients the best of both worlds. We will continue our current distribution options of purchasing the software directly ( a normal software purchase ) ... a subscription purchase where available ( yearly subscription as currently offered ) .. or a new option of having your software title available through the cloud. This option would mean that the title or titles purchased would be accessible from any device ... your PC, your tablet ( iPad or Android ) ... and from anywhere where you can secure an internet connection ... which is the only requirement for running the cloud based applications.

While the development of the process and distribution options are still ongoing and will be evolving over time ... we wanted to announce this initial step to let our past and future clients know that the cloud option for Kipware® software distribution will be available ... for some titles in 2015. This new development will certainly insure that Kipware® software will be available to our clients who wish to maintain the current PC application model ... but also as applications running in a browser ... available from anywhere ... on any device ... for those seeking that model as well.

The best of both worlds for Kipware® ... coming soon !!
Stay tuned to this "... in the Trenches" blog for ongoing information and updates.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Kentech Animation Domination Has Begun !!

Tired of boring informational videos? ... so are we. That's why we're going animated. If you haven't seen our newest form of information dissemination ... have a look at the links / videos below. Take a break from your day ... and have a laugh.

BTW ... these were all created by Kentech Inc. staff ... demonstrating just how talented ... diversified ... and fun we are. Wouldn't you like to work with a partner like that ??

Presentation video for Kipware® Software and Kentech Inc.

CAD/CAM Frustration

Machine Shop Estimating Woes

The Story of Control Incompatibility

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release - Enhanced Printing Functions for Quoting and Estimating Software

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the release of version 13.3.0 of KipwareQTE® and version 6.3.0 of KipwareCYC®.

KipwareQTE® is our machine shop cost estimating and quoting software.
KipwareCYC® is our machining cycletime estimating software.

Both titles now have enhanced PRINTING options that allow for the printing to any device connected and registered with the operating system on the PC. This means that printing to any device ... including "virtual"devices such as PDF printers ... can be done for any printing option in either software title.

This new feature is shipping standard as of 3/5/2015 in both titles.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Please visit us at www.KentechInc.com for additional 

information and video content on all our 

Real World Machine Shop Software

Kipware® VS. CAD/CAM ... "wizards" ... and conversational CNC controls

Some of the most frequently asked questions we hear in regards to conversational CNC programming are :

1. "Why should I consider Kipware® conversational over CAD/CAM ?"
2. "Why should I consider Kipware® over a conversational CNC control ?"
3. "What's the difference between Kipware® and those G code "wizards"?

And we actually love these questions ... because the answer becomes really clear with some simple explanations and some outlining of the facts. If you're wondering the same ... here's a brief outline.

Kipware® VS. CAD/CAM

STOP the CAD/CAM Frustration !!

• 95% of everyday CNC programming does not require a CAD/CAM system ... despite what the CAD/CAM companies tell you. If you are a job shop performing every day type programming ... excluding complex aircraft components like airfoils or mold machining ... your CAD/CAM system is most likely overkill for 95% of your CNC programming ... and is excluding good chip makers from the programming process ... and that's hurting your efficiency.
• To create even the simplest programs ... a drawing is required ... and that requires you to have CAD and drawing experience ... and time.
• Kipware® has a simple, easy-to-use user interface ... no complicated icon systems to remember like CAD/CAM systems ... and is much less expensive ... in the short term and long term. The ROI (Return On Investment) with Kipware® is faster because you will be manufacturing more parts at a faster pace because of the simple design and ease-of-use and you can get more people involved in program creation.
• Even if you are creating programs for complex parts ... Kipware® is a great compliment to a CAD/CAM system. Simpler programs can be created by anyone with Kipware® leaving the complex "stuff" for the CAD/CAM. Kipware® allows you get more out of your CAD/CAM system.

Kipware® VS. "wizards" 

• These designs include simplistic interfaces ... limiting the programmers capabilities and the type of workpieces and operations that can be programmed.
• Most of the "conversational wizards" have been create by "hobby machinists" ( one of my biggest pet peeves ... see here : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2014/05/pet-peeve-term-hobby-machinist.html ) who have VERY LIMITED experience or vision of a professional machine shop. They have stated many times that what separates a "professional machinist" from a "hobby machinist" is that the professional makes money with their equipment. I gotta disagree forcefully ... I went through years of training and gaining experience to get the title MACHINIST ... some digerati who straps a router head onto some moving axis and cuts crap does not have the right to call himself a "machinist? ... AND DEVALUE THE TRADE. A proud and honorable trade that has moved the world forward. I'm proud to be a 3rd generation MACHINIST with a skill set honed over years of training and work. Who creates your machine shop software? 
• Let's back this up with actual facts :

Below is a sample screenshot of one of the "wizards" ... to machine an OD radius. Limited to 90 degrees only ... what if you have two 45 degree lines with a radius in between. Out of luck. 

And then there is the toolpath ... screenshot on the right.. Wasted motion ... and who machines a radius like this ?? Certainly not a professional machinist. Further ... OD chamfer "wizard" screen and toolpath. Really? Only 45 degrees ... and more wasted motion

In comparison ... below are a screenshot of the KipwareT® conversational OD radius screen ... and generated toolpath.

Professional ... end of story.

•  Unlike simplistic "wizards" ... Kipware® conversational is a complete programming system ... including conversational programming, conversational CAD/CAM, DXF importing, speed and feed wizard, toolpath plotting, full G code editing, toolbox software, programming assistant, and DNC communication software.

Kipware® VS. conversational CNC controls

• Two words ... OVERLY SIMPLISTIC. Everyday programming is NOT Rocket Science ... BUT it's NOT Kindergarten either.
• All the so called "hobby" conversational CNC controls give the user only simplistic menus that do not have any real power. Case in point ... some screenshots below :

These types of on-the-machine programming system are just too OVERLY SIMPLISTIC ...
and do not give the user room to grow into more complex programming when required.

• These designs include simplistic interfaces ... limiting the programmers capabilities and the type of workpieces and operations that can be programmed.
• Not EVERY job in the shop is quick and easy and these overly simplistic "conversational controls" do not have the ability to handle more complex machining when required ... or how about drawing or DXF import capabilities?
• Unlike simplistic controls ... Kipware® conversational is a complete programming system ... including conversational programming, conversational CAD/CAM, DXF importing, speed and feed wizard, toolpath plotting, full G code editing, toolbox software, programming assistant, and DNC communication software.
• Kipware® conversational was designed from the production shop floor up ... by professional machinists ... and includes powerful, real world shop programming features like cutter compensation ... rotation ... DXF importation capabilities ... canned cycles ... and more.
• If you are looking for a conversational CNC ... the better option is a Surface tablet or laptop loaded with Kipware® conversational. This allows for programming multiple CNC machines with a single device and single interface. Just pick it up and move it around easily which allows for programming on the shop floor or in the office or even at home ... by multiple individuals. Now your conversational CNC includes powerful options and features including DXF import ... and the cost is less than $1200 (US).

 

If you or your shop are exploring conversational CNC programming systems and software ... we would love for an opportunity to show you the major differences between the proven-in-the-trenches Kipware® software and complex and expensive CAD/CAM ... limited and under-developed G code "wizards" ... and limiting, simplistic conversational CNC controls.

Please visit our website :
www.KentechInc.com

And arrange for a live, online demonstration of ANY Kipware® title :
http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

New Release - Conversational 3D BOWL Shape Menu Released for KipwareM®

Kentech Inc. is continuing our ground-breaking conversational 3D shape development and we are pleased to announce the release of Version 16.5.0 of our KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling. With this version release we add a new 3D menu to the 3D Options ... BOWL shape machining.

Kipware® conversational is the ONLY conversational programming software on the market ... PC based or machine control based ... that offers conversational 3D shape programming for standard type shapes.

The 3D BOWL shape is now included along with the current 3D options :

1. Tapered Cone
2. Tapered Hole
3. Tapered Boss
4. Tapered Pocket
5. Horizontal Trough
6. Vertical Trough
7. Curved Surface

As with all Kipware® conversational programming ... through a simple fill-in-the-blank form, the user can define the dimensions of the bowl as well as the cutting parameters and machining operations ... and KipwareM® will automatically create the G code program.

Some of the more powerful options available for this menu include :

1. User defined ROUGHING or FINISHING or BOTH
2. Select to have the machining performed with a SQUARE or BALL END MILL
3. Separate user defined depth of cut in Z for BOTH Roughing and Finishing
4. Separate cutting parameters ( RPM/ Feedrate ) for BOTH Roughing and Finishing

The 3D BOWL shape option is now shipping standard with KipwareM® when the 3D Option is selected at the time of purchase.

For more information on all the Kipware® conversational title ... please visit the link below :
http://www.kipware.com/

To schedule a LIVE online demonstration of any of our Kipware® title ... please visit the link below :
http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml

To watch our in-depth videos on any of our Kipware® titles ... please visit our YouTube channel :
https://www.youtube.com/user/KTSoftware

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Help Us Raise Money for the Wounded Warrior Project

Hi and Welcome ... 

I am hijacking our Blog for one post ... and asking for your help.

In mid March 2015 ... less than 4 weeks from this posting ...  I am going to attempt to complete my 2nd HALF MARATHON before I reach the ripe old age of 60 ... ya, I better run fast. My first HALF brought an unbelievable feeling of self-accomplishment ... but this time I wanted to take on an additional challenge to try and channel that feeling beyond myself.

I have decided to challenge myself to complete the race while raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. If you are not familiar with WWP ... their mission is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history through their many holistic programs offered to wounded service members and their caregivers ... all free of charge ... and that's why we are asking for your help.

Many of my friends and family have seen and commented about the WWP Survival Strap that I wear in support of WWP ... it's a cause I have believe in for quite a long time. So with this challenge ... and your help ... we can step up and make a difference.

I have set a very ambitious goal of raising $500 before race day through my Strength for Honor fundraising page. Your tax deductible contribution will go directly to WWP ... and is not a statement on government military action ... but a statement to pledge to honor and support the brave few that have sacrificed so much to answer the call. 

As the saying goes ... every little bit helps.

If you would like to donate ... please don't wait ... please do it now while it's still fresh in your mind ... and because race day is fast approaching. Click the link below ... then enter the amount you would like to contribute and follow the instructions on the page.

Donation Link : 
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/KSkonieczny

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post ... and for taking the time to make a donation ... it will mean more than you can imagine.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New Release : Kipware® SketchPad Machinist CYCLE Mode

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the CYCLE MODE for the Kipware® SketchPad - Conversational CAD/CAM application. The new Kipware® SketchPad ... Version 11.0.0 ... is available STANDARD with ALL Kipware® Conversational CNC Programming titles and also is available as a stand-alone application.

The MACHINIST MODE in the Kipware® SketchPad is our unique toolpath creation function that allows users to create G code programs for ANY shape and pattern by simply moving and double-clicking the mouse ... which is an on-screen simulation of a user defined cutting tool.  Using RAPID, FEED, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, FREE HAND and now CYCLE modes ... users can quickly and easily create G code programs that has them in complete control of the cutting toolpath. No complex menus and no complex commands ... just move the mouse and double-click to record.

The new CYCLE mode adds even more control by allowing the user to control the DEPTH OF CUT with simple keystrokes of the keyboard ARROW keys. These keys combined with the RAPID and FEED modes allow for the fast and easy creation of ROUGHING toolpaths for ANY type of contour or shape.

The video below illustrates both the MACHINIST mode and new CYCLE mode in more detail :

For additional information on Kipware® conversational titles 

as well as the Kipware® SketchPad ... 

please visit our website : www.KentechInc.com

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

New Release : Shoulder Grooving for KipwareT®

Version 17.3.0 of our KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programming System for Turning has been released and includes (2) new conversational options ... OD and ID Shoulder Grooving.

We define shoulder grooving as an operation that creates an undercut or groove where the "spindle side" of the groove has a larger diameter than the opposite wall. Although KipwareT® already contains many grooving options ... the OD and ID straight grooving considered that both the front and rear of the groove lie on the same diameter.

As with all Kipware® conversational options ... powerful machining toolpaths with complex machining operations can quickly and easily be created using simple keystrokes and inputs. One of the options available in shoulder grooving give the user the ability to specify how much material is to be removed from the rear face ... in essence pushing the rear face back as mush as desired. Other standard complex grooving options are included such as :

1. Peck Grooving with Chip Break
2. Peck Grooving with Complete Retraction
3. Easily add CHAMFERS or RADII to one or both corners
4. Select ROUGH and / or FINISH operations

KipwareT® OD Shoulder Grooving Option

KipwareT® ID Sholder Grooving Option

Version 17.3.0 with the new shoulder grooving option is shipping standard as of 01/12/15.

If you're using or considering limited, underdeveloped so called "wizards" ... we invite you to explore the Kipware® conversational system at www.KentechInc.com.

GO PRO ... BE A PRO ... with Kipware® conversational.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New KipwareT® Option in Development

Proud to say we are starting out the New Year with the same aggressive development as we have shown right along. On 1/7 we started development for (2) new options soon to be standard in KipwareT® - our conversational CNC programming software for turning.

These new options are for conversational programming of what we are referring to as "shoulder grooves" ... both on the OD and ID. These would be applicable for the type of groove where one face of the groove is up against a larger diameter than the opposite face of the groove. With many options available ... this fill-in-the-blank menu will have the capability to create fairly complex machining toolpaths from a variety of user inputs.

Stay tuned ... release is set for Friday ... 1/9/2015.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Don't Be Fooled by limited, under-developed, so-called G Code "Wizards" ...

Go Pro with Kipware® Conversational !!