Kentech Inc. Releases KipwareTP® - G Code Editor and Plotter

We are happy to announce the release of our new and enhanced version of KipwareTP® - G Code Editor and Toolpath Plotting application.

For 90 to 95% of CNC programming done everyday in the real world, programmers and operators are looking for a simple tool that will produce a simple plot to confirm their G code program. Instead most other software companies have developed in depth complicated tool animation applications that take an 8 hour day just to set up for a plot. KipwareTP® is a simple toolpath plotting software package that will enable users to quickly, accurately and efficiently view the toolpath of their CNC programs.

Kentech Inc. originally developed KipwareTP® as a companion application to our Kipware® Conversational Programming Applications. We have recently completely re-designed it to include many new useful features creating a stand alone product which remains simple and easy to use. KipwareTP® can be used with any "Fanuc compatible" G code programs including Haas and Okuma and of course all models of Fanuc controls.

KipwareTP® was designed and created like all our machine shop software - from the shop floor up. Using our unique mix of metalcutting, CNC, machine shop and computer programming experience we developed a fast, efficient and accurate utility for shops to test and edit their CNC programs before they hit the shop floor - saving time and money. 

We invite you to explore all the features of KipwareTP® at our website ... http://www.kentechinc.com/KipwareTP.shtml ... but here are a few feature outlines to stir your interest :

• Plots Milling...Turning...Wire EDM...Water Jet/Plasma G Code Programs...All in one Application.
• Quick and easy ZOOM, PAN, ZERO SET and DISPLAY CLEAR functions make for fast and simple plotting.
• Ability to edit the plotting program on the fly or in the full Text Editor.
• User is able to view current conditions and positions as the plot progresses.
• Uses handy machine like functions for plotting like: Single Block, Optional Stop, Block Delete, Selectable Plotting Speed, Selectable Tool Display.
• Has many user-configurable parameters including: Radius X/DiameterX, ABS/INC Arc Centers, Colors and more.
• User can plot their G Codes against a back drop of user configured stock models includes Square/Rectangle and Round and even DXF files.
• Includes a full featured and rich functioning G code specific Text Editor.
• Users can edit their G Codes using standard editing functions as well as CNC code specific functions like: Search and Replace, Search and Remove Sequence Numbers, Auto-invert X and Z coordinates, Auto-invert G02/G03 Codes, OVERRIDE OPTION allowing adding or subtracting defined percentage to entire program,Open, Save or Print Program and many other functions.

As always, thanks to all for for taking the time to explore Kentech Inc. and our software products.

From all of us at Kentech Inc. ... Best Wishes to all for a Happy ... Healthy ... and Prosperous 2012 !!

Kentech Introduces the Kipware® Cloud

Are you ready to take your software experience to the next level?

Are you ready to work without the wires ... Without being tied to your PC or your office?

Are you ready to set your employees free to be the efficient workforce you dreamt of?


If so, we invite you to explore the Kipware® Cloud
the next generation of software and software delivery.

What is CLOUD computing?
Cloud computing simply means that the software you use ... the files and databases you create ... are not run or stored from your local PC. Instead, users log onto a website ... a remote server ... where the software is installed and where all their information and files are stored. This means that users can log onto and use their software from any internet enabled device ... your office PC, your home PC, your tablet, your laptop on the road .... and on and on and on. With your software being stored on a remote server, you have complete access to your software from any internet connection. Now that's freedom !!!

What is the Kipware® Cloud?
The Kipware® Cloud is Kentech's version of cloud computing. Here's how it works :

• Users create an account with a unique UserName and Password and pay a small monthly fee.
  
• Use this account to access ANY of our software titles ... use the account for creating quotes and estimates ... create your G code programs ... for training, either yourself or your employees ... to get answers on your shop floor ... anything.
  
• This cloud account can be accessed via any PC using a standard internet connection ... work from the office, your home PC, your laptop on the road using a wirless connection ... there are no restrictions other than the internet connection.
  

What are some of the overriding advantages of cloud computing?

• No more physical software to buy and maintain.
  
• No more being tied to a single PC ... or to operating the software at one location.
  
• No more having to purchase licenses for multiple PC's or users.
  
• No more worries about your computer crashing and losing either your software or your files.
  
• No more re-installing and worries about losing the installation file or CD.
  
• No more worries about uprades ... the latest software version is always running on the Kipware® Cloud.
  
• Don't need or want the software any longer ... just cancel your account. Use the software for as long as you need or want it. ( may be subject to a minimum time period ).
  
• ... to name just a few.
  

What software is available on the Kipware® Cloud with my account?
ALL the Kentech Kipware® titles are available to all users. That's right, once you create an account, anyone using your account will have access to any Kipware® title. That means you will have unlimited access to :

• CycleTime Estimating, Quoting and Estimating, Machine Scheduling and Quotation Tracking using our KipwareCYC®, KipwareQTE®, KipwarePLN® and KipwareTRK® applications.
  
• Create your G code programs for milling, turning, wire EDM and waterjet / plasma machines using our KipwareM®, KipwareT®, KipwareEDM® and KipwareJT® conversational programming applications.
  
• Perform auto-conversion of your G code programs for any of your machines and files using our KipwareXC® and Kipware® CNC XChange applications.
  
• Employees need training? The Kipware Cloud gives you unlimited access to our complete line of KipwareEDU® training software ... turning, milling, multi-axis turning centers, manufacturing engineering version as well as Fanuc macro version.
  
• Need answers on the shop floor? Your account gives you unlimited access to our toolpath plotting, machine shop toolbox and trig calculator applications from any internet connected device.
  

I am ready .... How can I get connected to the Kipware® Cloud?

• We expect the Kipware® Cloud to be up and running by early fall 2011.
  
• We are currently accepting preliminary sign up's. This is not a commitment in any way and there are no associated costs. When everything is finalized and the Kipware® Cloud is online, registrants will be emailed the final details and can decide at that time whether or not to finalize and create their account.
  
• Early registrants will be offered a 10% discount on their Kipware® Cloud monthly fee.
  

To register, please visit 

http://www.kentechinc.com/KipwareCloud.shtml

Kentech Inc. Announces the Release of the NEW Kipware® SketchPad

Finally the concept of CAD and CAM ... for the Real World !

For over 10 years, Kentech Inc. and its Kipware® line of conversational software has proven the concept that conversational CNC programming can both streamline and enhance any shops CNC programming. While standard operations and shapes such as round pocketing, bolt circle machining, simple milling, turning, threading, grooving has been its main focus ... the vastly improved and enhanced Kipware® SketchPad is now taking aim at the non-traditional shapes as well ... and as usual with software developed by Kentech Inc., takes the CAD / CAM concept and makes it "real world".

Kentech Inc. has used its unique "real world" perspective to develop a tool that goes well beyond the CAD and CAM concept. The Kipware® SketchPad is truly intuitive, conversational, easy-to-use yet powerful enough to handle those special shapes and machining operations that pop up every so often in every shop. Let us explain ....

Intuitive ( in-tu-i-tive ) adj. ... of or possessing or based on intuition ( understanding something immediately without reasoning or being taught ).

Rather than utilize CAD standard type menus, the Kipware® SketchPad utilizes a conversational type menu system where the user selects an icon that not only indicates the type of element to be drawn but gives the software additional definition of the element desired. In this way, even if information about the element is not known, the software will store the known information, allow the user to continue along the shape, and will utilize its own "intuition" to calculate the unknown data and complete the elements as the user proceeds. This makes drawing intersecting lines as well as line-fillet-line combinations easy for anyone .... No CAD experience required ... as the user simply inputs the know information and the SketchPad will auto-calculate the unknown data to compete the

drawing.

Conversation ( kon-ver-saysh'n ) n. ... an informal talk.

From start to finish, the Kipware® SketchPad is designed to have a "conversation" with the user ... leading them down the road to create the tool path they desire in a sketch ... then allowing them to answer plain questions to transform that sketch into the G code program. This "real world" design ... for which Kipware® is known ... allows everyone to create G code programs. You do not need to be a CAD guy, an expert CNC programmer or even an expert chipmaker. Kentech Inc. has taken the fluff out of the CAD / CAM concept and simplified the menus to include only those features that are really needed and has built the powerful G code features like ramping and cutter comp automatically into the software code. Streamlined programming times and real world, powerful G code programs are the result.

Comprehensive ( kom-pri-hen-siv ) adj. ... including much or all.

The Kipware® SketchPad can create G code programs for turning, milling, EDM and waterjet / plasma machines ... all from within the same interface. Users can draw their toolpaths using the standard X / Y coordinate system ... select Turning as the machining method ... and the SketchPad will automatically convert everything and output a turning G code program ... or select Milling and a milling G code program will be the output.

Because it was built using real world, on-the-shop-floor experience, the Kipware® SketchPad takes the concept of CAD and CAM and brings it to the real world ... for everyone.

We invite you to explore how stepping out of the "CAD/CAM box" can lead to more productive and efficient CNC programming. Explore Kipware® conversational and the NEW Kipware® Sketchpad at our website ... www.KentechInc.com or watch the Presentation Video at the link below.

We were fortunate to have one of our satisfied customers write this article for our Newsletter explaining the benefits of our KipwareXC. Please check it out!

KipwareXC®,

The Ultimate Solution

By Bryan Felsher,

True Precision CNC

Recently, one of our customers was given a complex aerospace component to manufacture, along with a set of ten "proven" G-code programs written for a Mazak 4-axis machine. Having these proven programs could prove to be a great advantage, saving the customer many hours and dollars of programming fees. However, the problem was that this customer did not own a Mazak machine, but rather had a Mori-Seiki 4-axis with a Fanuc controller.

We received the panicked phone call regarding this very hot job, requesting if there was anything we could do to help out! This type of project is not one normally taken on by True Precision. Typically, we program parts from scratch ourselves. After searching the web, and making phone calls to many of our contacts, we found Kipware XC software by Kentech. If this software worked as described, it was the Ultimate Solution!

We made the decision to purchase Kipware XC after a brief phone call with Ken, the owner of Kentech, maker of Kipware XC. The software was so easy to use and learn, that on the first day, we converted all 10 programs. Needless to say, the low $395 asking price for Kipware XC was paid for many times over, within hours of purchase! Now, True Precision offers G-code conversions without the need of the source CAM system data. We believe that this is a valuable service, and will turn large profits for True Precision.

True Precision is a CNC programming services bureau specializing in complex multi-axis programming. They support any machine configuration and can be reached through their Website at www.trueprecisioncnc.com.

Our thanks to Bryan for sharing this article with us. For more information on KipwareXC® please Click Here .

Search and Replace is Sooooo Yesterday

The number of reasons why G code programs are edited are as numerous as the number of machine shops. Some shops accomplish this with the crude, non-CNC tools of a text editor or by making the changes manually … and experience limited and often costly success in time, money and sometimes repairs. If your shop requires G code editing because of any of the reasons below, you owe it to the broken tools who have made the ultimate sacrifice to take a closer look at the G code conversion software from Kentech Inc.
• Have you ever developed a CNC program for a machine and then find out that the machine time is not available ... and you can't run the job on the other machine unless you re-program it all over again?
• Do you feel trapped into buying new equipment with the same CNC controls as the ones you now own for fear of the "control incompatibility" issue?
• Are your shop and your programmers divided and limited because some know one control and some know the other control?
• Are you a machine tool salesperson who loses sales because of the "control compatibility" issue?
• Do you run a CAD/CAM package and have to tweak your G code output?
• Do you use Search and Replace as a means of G code conversion in a standard text editor which is inefficient, impractical and has a limited degree of success.
Since 1986, Kentech Inc. has become a pioneer and a leader in the creation of automated G code conversion software. Our KipwareXC® and Kipware® CNC XChange can easily handle all of the above … and many more scenarios that shops come across every day that require manual edits for their G code programs.
What is G code Conversion Software?
G code conversion software from Kentech Inc. is designed to perform edits to standard, ASCII text format G code files automatically, with no user intervention. Performing such edits automatically brings the power of consistency, mistake free conversions … and we all know what mistakes in G code programming can cost in time and money.
Edits can range from the simple: convert M80 to M18 … to intricate, complex conversions such as convert: G73 Z-1.234 R.050 Q.100 F10.0 to Z-1.2 F4.0 G3 W.1 K.100 Q.01.
One of the most powerful features of this type of software is that it only requires the G code text file … no CAD or CAM file is needed … nothing but the existing G code text file. This enables the software to be utilized on G code programs that have already been proven on the floor … and the resulting converted files can be employed making chips in a matter of minutes. This is whether the old program was created 5 minutes or 5 years ago.
How does G code conversion software work?
Kentech has 2 types of Conversion software. Kipware® CNC XChange is referred to as “hard coded”. This means that all the conversion code is already pre-written into the software. The user basically loads the software onto the PC … selects the file to convert … and presses the convert button. All the conversion factors are pre-written in the source code and the software is completely automated. These packages are created for specific applications. Our most popular versions convert Fanuc G code to Okuma OSP code … and reverse. These are available for either turning or milling.
KipwareXC® is a completely user configurable package. The user creates a “ Profile” and uses a mix of pre-defined conversion options ( i.e. convert R to I,J … convert X radius values to diameter values, etc. ) and user created “macros” to basically tell the software what-to-convert into what. Using KipwareXC® the user can create an unlimited number of Profiles and within each Profile an unlimited number of user defined macros … which give the software a great deal of flexibility and power. Users can even utilize two different Profiles in the same file conversion operation … all automatically.
And the cost?
The $395 to $750 monetary cost for any of the packages from Kentech Inc. is easily outweighed by the time savings and the increase in up-time productivity that can be attained. Not to mention the savings in machine repair costs … broken fixture costs … broken tool cost … and more.
In addition to the standard off-the-shelf versions Kentech provides … we also create custom conversion solutions based on individual customer’s unique requirements.
If you think about any of the manual edits your shop is forced to make on any given day, we are sure that we have a conversion software solution that can help. Consistency and accuracy is vital when G code editing is required. Kipware® conversion software will save your shop hundreds of hours, allow your shop the flexibility to be more productive and allow your personnel to become more efficient by handling your G code editing tasks automatically and accurately.

New CNC XChange Version targets Acramatic to Fanuc / Haas

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the release of our newest version of Kipware® CNC XChange - G code conversion software. AF CNC XChange can automatically convert G code milling programs for Acramatic SX850 controls into either Fanuc or Haas compatible code.

 Some of the AF CNC XChange features include :

• Complete tool change conversions including all code conversion as well as the auto addition of G43 and H commands.
• Separation of commands on a single line whose format is not compatible with Fanuc / Haas.
• Auto separation of Z command moves
• Auto conversion of all drilling cycles ... including R and W commands utilized in the Acramatic format.

 As with all versions of Kipware® CNC XChange, AF XChange also contains an unlimited User Option section where users can define their own specific code conversions not already included in the "hard code". For example, machine specific M functions such as convert M51 to M05. In addition, the user can create an unlimited number of User Option files with different user option designations and load specific option files as required.

AF CNC XChange also includes our full featured, G code specific Editor for program editing. Our popular XChange features of auto-sequence numbering, color pallet painting, and addition or removal of spaces have been retained and enhanced in this version.

AF CNC XChange is a 64 bit application and was designed to operate in the Windows 7 environment under the .NET4 framework. This makes the G code conversion time the fastest of any previous version of Kipware® CNC XChange and has allowed us to build even more power and options into the software.


To schedule a live, online demonstration of AF Kipware® CNC XChange or any other version of CNC XChange, please visit http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml.

Thank you for your software interest.

Celebrating 25th Anniversary!

Do you remember 1986? ... The Chernobyl disaster. ... Greg LeMond, not Lance Armstrong, wins the Tour de France... Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev meet in Reykjavík, Iceland.... The NY Mets defeat the Boston Red Sox in 7 games in the World Series... The Iran - Contra affair. ... Kentech Inc. is incorporated in Massachusetts.

Has it really been 25 years? In April of 1986, Kentech Inc. was incorporated in Massachusetts. Originally providing CNC machine repair services ... we quickly branched out to provide not only repair but application services such as contract programming and CNC programming and operation training. Being contracted by many machine tool builders and dealers throughout the Northeast U.S., we were in the shop every day, touching and learning all the newest technologies.

Being "in the trenches" also gave us the ability to clearly see all the "real world" tools that were missing. Tools like fast, easy, efficient shop floor programming software and real world cycletime and job costing software to take the guesstimating out of quoting and estimating. We realized that these were not unique to our customers, but were a much needed commodity throughout the metalworking world.
So ... using our real CNC, business and chipmaking experience we started development of a line of real world metalworking software to fill those gaps. Not with the most bells and whistles ... not with the highest price tags ... but with the features that made them easy-to-use, efficient, powerful ... built for the real world.

Now, 25 years later , our Kipware® software is sold throughout the world. Our "real world" concept and design philosophy has been proven successful over and over by our customers. We are proud that we passed the test of time over these 25 years ... but our biggest pride comes from the fact that our customers prosper and become more efficient every day from the tools we envisioned and created.

On Line Demos

Kentech Inc. has begun to use Cisco Webex for live demonstrations of their software products. Webex combines real-time desktop sharing and phone conferencing so everyone sees the same thing on their own computer screens. It is far more productive and informative than emailing files or demos as it allows the customer to ask real-time questions and get real-time answers. Control of meeting is able to be passed to customer to control remote desktop so customers have a chance to work with software products and experience how they “feel”.

WebEx is a web-based service that works on any computer or Wi-Fi or 3G-enabled mobile device, including iPhone, iPad, and BlackBerry. There’s no complicated installation and no sign up needed to attend the meeting. Meetings can include 1-25 customers. Currently Kentech Inc. is able to accommodate their customers in the US and Canada with this service. Meetings are able to be scheduled Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. To schedule simply go to http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml and fill out the information on the web page or call our office.

Kentech to Create Dynapath to Heidenhain Version of CNC XChange

Kentech Inc. has been contracted by ZPS-CNC USA to develop a new version of our Kipware® CNC XChange G-code conversion software. ZPS-CNC USA (http://www.zpsusa.com ) is a wholly owned subsidiary of TAJMAC-ZPS, a fully integrated and developed multinational machine tool company. Within the Czech Republic, TAJMAC-ZPS has a long lasting tradition of machine tool design, prototyping, production and maintenance. TAJMAC-ZPS manufactures machining centers, CNC lathes and multi-spindle automatic lathes. They are one of the major Czech exporters and rank high among the world’s top machine tool manufacturers.

Development of this new version has already begun with a scheduled BETA release scheduled for mid-March 2011. This new milling version of Kipware® CNC XChange will auto convert Dynapath Model 20 conversational G-code programs to Heidenhain TNC530 conversational code. We anticipate future development of additional versions of Kipware® CNC XChange to allow conversion of additional G-code programs to Heidenhain code. You can follow our progress on this blog and at our website www.KentechInc.com.

Kentech announces release of KipwareCYC® 4.0

After intense development, Kentech Inc has released a new enhanced version of our machining cycletime estimating software, KipwareCYC®. This version takes full advantage of the power of the Windows 7 environment and continues many of the popular features of our current version. It also includes enhanced graphics, streamlined integration and a more powerful user interface. Please visit http://www.kentechinc.com/KipwareCYC.shtml for complete product information, in-depth video presentations and pricing. If you have any questions after reviewing the website please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.