New G Code Conversion Application -- Kipware® CNC XChange

Since 1986 ... when we developed our first G code conversion application for Raytheon ... Kentech Inc. has been the pioneer and a leader in G code text conversion software. In addition to our off-the-shelf versions ... we often develop custom G code conversion applications to meet client specific requirements.

Recently we were approached by  a client who was looking to develop a G code conversion application to handle the following requirements :

• The client had a large quantity of existing turning programs that utilized the tool tip programming point as the center of the tool nose radius ( TNR ) ... no cutter compensation ( G41 / G42 ) was utilized.
• A new machine was about to be delivered and the client wished to change over to standard programming practice in which the programming point would be the actual tool tip.
• PROBLEM : How to auto-convert all those existing turning programs into a format compatible with the new machine ... to be used on the new machine ... and maintain consistency on the shop floor.

We set to work.

In an unheard of time frame of just 2.5 weeks ... we designed, developed and BETA released a new version of our Kipware® CNC XChange software that met the clients requirements. Here's how it works :

• The user simply BROWSES for the file to be converted ... and selects CONVERT
• Kipware® CNC XChange then ... first ... gathers the tool information from the existing program and displays a list for the user.
• Using the existing programs set-up sheet ... the user enters the original tool's nose radius and selects the tool nose cutting position from a graphic display. The user also has the ability to change to T code command to match the new tool's position in the turret.
• Once all the tooling information is complete ... Kipware® CNC XChange then performs all the math ... auto-adjusts and replaces the X and Z coordinates ... and performs a variety of other G code conversions required to transform the older programs into a format compatible with the new machine.
• The original G code program and the converted G code program are then displayed in a side-by-side editor for review and any additional editing the user might desire.
• All automatically ... all within a time frame of less than 3 seconds !!!

Tool Configuration Screen ... the user selects from a list of available
graphic tool representations to "tell" CNC XChange where
the tool is cutting and what kind of tool it is.

Utilizing our G code conversion development skills and real world chip making background ... we are able to bring our clients existing G code programs from old, outdated G code to modern, standard G code with a minimum of time and effort. This version of Kipware® CNC XChange allows them to utilize their thousands of existing G code programs in their new machine ... saving hundreds if not thousands of of re-programming and editing hours.

Have a control incompatibility issue on your shop floor?

Why not put the G code conversion development skills of Kentech Inc. to work on a solution? We can help your shop realize seamless integration between all your machines resulting in increased efficiency and production.

You can check out all our off-the-shelf G code conversion applications here :
http://www.kentechinc.net/

Contact us toll free at 1.888.754.1198 or via email at Sales@KentechInc.com to discuss your G code conversion requirements.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

New 4 Axis CNC XChange Option Slated For Release

We are pleased to announce the release for our Fanuc / Okuma OSP 4 axis conversion option for our Kipware® CNC XChange software.

This option will allow for the conversion of (2) Fanuc style programs ... turret #1 and turret #2 ... simultaneously into Okuma OSP code and then the two programs will be auto-merged into one program when completed. In addition to the standard G code conversions that are currently performed by CNC XChange ... this option will auto-convert all Fanuc style "waiting codes" as well as spindle commands, gear change M functions, optional stop commands into Okuma OSP "P" code formats. In addition ... the user will have the ability to define up to (10) user specific commands to be converted into Okuma "P" code commands. Such machine specific commands such as gear range M functions and others can be customized easily by the user with this feature.

Once the conversion is completed, the Kipware® CNC XChange Editor will display each program ... original and converted ... in our unique 4 axis Editor. Each program can be viewed, compared and independently edited within the Editor. Selecting the MERGE CONVERTED FILES will cause the software to merge the files and complete the conversion process.

The initial release will include Fanuc to Okuma conversions ... we do anticipate a reverse conversion of Okuma to Fanuc in the very near future ... probably before the end of June.

For additional information on Kipware® CNC XChange ... CLICK HERE.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.