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.