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.

KipwarePA® - Advanced G Code Wizard Released

Kentech Inc. has released a new and updated version of our KipwarePA® - G Code Programming Assistant application.

Sporting a brand new, state-of-the-art, Microsoft .NET4 interface ... the new KiwparePA® makes creating G code programs a simple point-and-click affair. No need to remember ... or even know ... those canned cycle commands ... KipwarePA® will gather your inputs from a simple, fill-in-the-blank form ... and then auto format and output the correct G code.

NO MORE TYPOS ... NO MORE MISSED OR MISPLACED CODE !!!

Why is KipwarePA® different than a G Code "Wizard" :

1. KipwarePA® can create G code programs for BOTH milling and turning.
2. KipwarePA® outputs G code compatible with Fanuc, Okuma, Haas, Mach3, Yasnac and Siemens CNC controls.
3. KipwarePA® includes a full, G code specific Editor ... users can create progranms from scratch either  through KipwarePA® or in the Editor directly ... and users can import and edit ANY G code program file.
4. KipwarePA® contains a full, toolpath plotter that can plot any G code program ... either milling or turning ... whether it was created with KipwarePA® or not.
5. KipwarePA® contains a full, RS-232 serial communications package.

Check out all the details in the KipwarePA® Presentation Video

For more info on KipwarePA® and ALL the Kipware® applications ... please visit our website :

www.KentechInc.com

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Coming in June ...

We are pleased to announce that we will be releasing our newly revised and enhanced KipwarePA® - G Code Programming Assistant application in the middle of June.

Here are a couple of teaser screen shots :

KipwarePA®'s MILLING Mode

KipwarePA's TURNING Mode

Create G code with a simple POINT-AND-CLICK interface.

You can easily customize BUTTONS to output your specific required outputs !!

KipwarePA® was designed to give users an easy programming application in which they can create G code programs. Who can benefit from KipwarePA® ? Basically ... anyone who CREATES ... EDITS ... or works with G code ...here is why :

• By eliminating typing errors, misplaced codes, missed codes and mis-formatted codes it assists the user to create a error free and efficient programs.
• KipwarePA® uses a simple point and click interface. By clicking the buttons on the screen the user can add movement...G code...M code...just about anything to the program being created.
• If more than the click is needed, KipwarePA® will auto-display a fill-in-the-blank form and will auto-convert the entered form data into the correctly formatted corresponding G code output and add to the program editor.
• As code is being created it is displayed on the screen ... this is a great way to learn G code programming !!
• Once the program creation is completed ... the code in the window is auto-converted and displayed in our full featured. G code Editor. The Editor is fully G code specific with tons of features like auto-sequencing and re-sequencing, add / remove spaces for readability, and much more. In addition, the Editor can be used from scratch to create or edit ANY G code program ... whether created in KipwarePA® or not.
• Our KipwareTP® Toolpath Plotting software is also included ... plot programs created in KipwarePA® or ANY G code program.

So .... the complete lowdown :

• KipwarePA® also is included standard with all Kipware® conversational, full version purchases ... the best of both worlds !!
• KipwarePA® is also available as a stand-alone application and includes :
• KipwareTP® - Toolpath Plotter and Editor
• KipwareDNC® - Serial Communication Software

As always ... UPGRADES for Kipware® conversational software are FREE and INCLUDED for (3) months ... so making a purchase of ANY Kipware® conversational application now will insure you get a FREE UPGRADE to the new KipwarePA® when released in June !!!

So don't wait ... DUMP the WIZARDS !!! ... GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.

KipwareM® - New Features Released

We recently released NEW features to our KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling. Here is a list and explanation :

1. CUSTOM EIA CYCLE : users have the ability to create cycles that will load into the tree and that contain blocks of G code entered through this option. EIA code cycles are treated as any other cycle and can be edited and added to the program just like any other cycle. 
2. RAMPING : we have added a ramping feature for all pocket cycles which include square / rectangular pockets and round pockets.
3. RE-ORDERING CYCLES : we have made some enhancements to the cycle re-ordering option for cycles in the tree.
4. POCKET MILLING / HELICAL MILLING : we have added the ability to create pocket milling and helical milling cycles in multiple locations using one screen. The user has the option of manually entering an unlimited number of locations ... or using the pre-defined BOLT CIRCLE, GRID PATTERN or HOLES-ON-A-LINE options and KipwareM® will auto-calculate the locations and load then as positions ... this is a really nice feature and very powerful!!
5. (10) CYCLES PER TOOL : we have increased the number of cycles that can be linked to any tool form (5) to (10) ... to better support 4th axis programming along with the new Custom EIA Cycle option.

We also loaded a new video presentation that outlines these and all the features of KipwareM® ... check it out on our YouTube channel KTSoftware ... or click the link below :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y6XBbeURN0U

These features are now standard as of 2/27/2013 ... and will be shipping standard with all KipwareM® FULL or SUBSCRIPTION purchases.

DUMP the "wizards" ... GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!


Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

KipwareM® - Don't Call Me a Wizard !!

We posted a new video of KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling that illustrates all the latest features ... please check it out on YouTube :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y6XBbeURN0U

Did you know that unlike limited G code "wizards" ... ALL Kipware conversational full version packages include :

• Conversational module for standard shape programming
• Kipware® SketchPad conversational CAD/CAM module where you can draw directly or import a DXF file for machining.
• FULL G code specific EDITOR where you create and edit ANY G code program.
• KipwareTP® - G code backplotter for milling and turning programs with another FULL G code specific Editor.

Dump the "wizards" ... 

GO PRO with Kipware® Conversational !!

CAD/CAM Overkill ... Realize It and Prosper !!

No one can deny that CAD/CAM is a powerful tool. Without it ... many of the products and designs we have today would not have been possible. BUT ... in some instances, that power and complexity can actually be a detriment to productivity and efficiency.

Now I'm not saying that shops do not need a CAD/CAM system. What I am saying is that the CAD/CAM system is not the most efficient tool for EVERY job. For the programming that is done in 95% of real world shops every day ... CAD/CAM can slow down the programming process ... and oftentimes eliminates good chip makers from that programming process ... creating bottlenecks and holding your shop floor hostage. 

A tool like Kipware® conversational gives the shop floor the power and flexibility to have multiple chipmakers creating the everyday programs ... and leaves the CAD/CAM guy for the more complex, 3D, mold work ... if that ever comes down the road.

CAD/CAM OVERKILL .... 

just think about it the next time you have to create a G code program.

Click the links below to check out any of the Kipware® conversational CNC programming titles from Kentech Inc. :

KipwareM® - Milling

KipwareT® - Turning

KipwareW® - Wire EDM - Waterjet / Plasma

And by all means don't settle for limited, under-developed G code "wizards" ...
If you're gonna do it, do it right and be a pro !!

DUMP the "wizards" ... GO PRO

with Kipware® Conversational !!

Dump the G Code Wizards !!

As a developer of conversational CNC programming software since the late '90's ... one of the things that really gets me is the denigration of conversational software into the world of "wizards" category. Conversational software has proven to be one of the best investments you can make for your shop floor programming. Our marketing theme of "CAD/CAM Overkill" is a proven fact ... for the parts made on 95% of shop floors everyday ... CAD/CAM is not required ... can slow down the programming process ... and can remove perfectly good chipmakers from the programming process.

If you take a trip around the web ... you will find a number of "companies" that market their "wizards" for creating G code programs. The closer the look you take ... you will find that ALL treat their applications as after-thoughts ... shoved in on the back page ... given away for free ( because they don't want to support it ) ... and the development is totally incomplete.

Since the late '90's ... Kentech Inc. has taken our Kipware® conversational out of the shadows of after-thoughts and wizards and taken it to the professional level. Our development of our conversational software has led to many innovative features. Realizing that not all shapes are simple and easy ... we developed a new world CAD application. Our SketchPad dumps the unnecessary complexity of CAD programs for a simple, intuitive drawing application anyone can use. PC based conversational frees you from the tether of the machine control and gives you the power of conversational programming anywhere you wish from your desktop to on-the-go on your laptop.

We invite you to spend some time at www.Kipware.com and explore the differences between "wizards" and after-thoughts and a professional, CNC conversational programming applications ... Kipware® conversational.

Dump the Wizards ... 

Go PRO ... 

with Kipware® conversational !!

Kipware.com Launched

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of our www.Kipware.com website ... dedicated to our Kipware® CNC conversational programming applications.

Kentech Inc. has created and distributes over (13) CNC and machine shop titles along with information for all those titles ... and that makes for a TON of necessary information to post. Partial information can be just as frustrating as too much information ... and although we have striven to make navigation as quick and easy as possible ... there might be products on www.KentechInc.com that are getting in the way of the information you desire.

www.Kipware.com was designed to be dedicated to only our Kipware® conversational CNC programming applications ... KipwareM ( milling ) ... KipwareT ( turning ) and KipwareW ( wire EDM - waterjet - plasma ). We feel that devoting a site to our conversational titles will make www.Kipware.com just a little easier to navigate.

Of course ... there is always www.KentechInc.com ... for videos, information and pricing for all the other great Kipware® software titles.

Whether you use www.Kipware.com or www.KentechInc.com ... the best in Real World CNC and machine shop software is only a click away !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® and MACH3

We have been receiving a lot of inquiries lately regarding the compatibility of our Kipware® conversational CNC programming software and machines running the MACH3 controller software. MACH3 is a hobby controller software application that is used on a wide array of machines and machine tools that are converted from manual use to CNC.

KipwareM® ( milling ) is 100% compatible with MACH3. 

KipwareT® ( turning ) conversational module is about 95% compatible with MACH3. The Kipware® SketchPad is compatible with MACH3 regarding all finishing and contouring toolpaths created through the SketchPad. Roughing toolpaths created in the SketchPad utilize canned cycles ... which the limited MAC3 does not support. However ... we have made allowances to allow the user to create long hand G code ( which MACH3 fully supports ) through conversational menus. In essence ... you can create nearly every type of toolpath you require through KipwareT® ... and it will run in your MACH3 controller.

KipwareW® ( soon to be released - Wire EDM / waterjet / plasma ) is 100% compatible with MACH3. 

We just wanted to "get the word out" to those considering Kipware® conversational for their machines running MACH3.

We also wish to invite MACH3 users to explore Kipware® conversational in-depth as the differences between the limited MACH3 "wizards" ... as well as other "hobby" developers who tout their "conversational" applications ... and Kipware® conversational are extensive and important to consider.  Kipware® conversational includes an extensive and extremely flexible conversational module for standard toolpath applications combined with a powerful drawing and DXF importation application for those non-standard toolpath requirements. Kipware® conversational is proven-in-the-trenches for both the "hobby" machinist as well as full time, industrial metalworking facilities.

DUMP the "wizards" ... and GO PRO !!

We have worked very hard over the last 15+ years to take our Kipware® conversational out of the world of "wizards", "after thoughts" and "add ons" into the world of professional G code creation software. In addition, Kentech Inc. is a corporation ... our full time business is software development ... this is not a "hobby". Call our office ... you will talk with a real person. Kipware® is a registered U.S. trademark ... we have invested in our company and our products. We are and will always be committed to our products ... our clients ... and the constant improvement and enhancement of our software applications.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.