Thursday, December 27, 2012

Fanuc <--> Okuma Conversion Software Now Available by Subscription

Our Kipware® CNC XChange - Fanuc <--> Okuma G Code Conversion software is one of our most popular software titles. This application has helped hundreds of clients remove the control incompatibility issue and all the bottlenecks and associated problems off their shop floors.

But sometimes ... Kipware® CNC XChange is only required for a short period of time. One of most common scenarios  we hear about is when the client is purchasing a new machine to replace an older machine ... and simply needs to convert a number of previous created G code programs to the new machine format.

In response ... we are rolling out our new Subscription Purchase for Kipware® CNC XChange as well. We have recently instituted this option for some of our other popular titles ... and after review we felt it was a great fit for some scenarios for Kipware® CNC XChange as well.

Here are the details :

  1. The subscription period is for (90) days.
  2. Subscriptions are available for both the Fanuc <--> Okuma MILLING and TURNING versions.
  3. Subscription price includes ALL available options for the title and ALL periodic UPDATES and UPGRADES.
  4. After the subscription period, the customer has a (15) day period where they can upgrade to a full version and pay only the difference between the subscription price paid and the current full version price of the title ... so you can fully "try" the software on your conversion project ... and if you don't finish in the (90) days or feel you need the software on a permanent basis ... you can upgrade to a full version with no monetary penalty.
The Subscription Purchase is a great option for one-time or short term G code conversion scenarios. You get all the available options for the title at a reduced price with no software restrictions or limitations ... other than the subscription time period.

For additional information and pricing .... please visit the Price List page at www.KentechInc.com.

Happy New Year !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Last Minute Gift for that Special Metalworker

No one will deny that the gift of knowledge is an invaluable one.

If your still looking for that special gift for your CNC guy / gal ... machinist ... programmer ... you can still give them the gift of knowledge by giving KipwareEDU® - CNC Programming Training and Reference Software.


KipwareEDU® is a very reasonably priced package ... priced from $175 to $575 ... and comes in a variety of different versions :


So if you are still looking for the perfect gift for your shop floor ... your personnel ... or a personal pal ... don't forget the gift of knowledge ... KipwareEDU®.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Kipware® for Android ?

We are in discussions among ourselves about the best way to move into the tablet and smartphone arena ... or whether or not there is even a place for us there.

After some time spent "soul searching" ... it does look like come January of 2013 we will begin moving and re-designing some of our application for the Android marketplace.

We are interested in your thoughts as well about what type of applications you feel are important to metalworkers. Among ourselves, we feel the following will be the first tools to look at :

(1) Machining CycleTime Estimating
(2) Cost Estimating
(3) Shop Floor programming types apps.
(4) Toolbox type software for shop formulas ... trig functions ... point plotting ... etc.

Although not etched in stone ... we think this may be the preliminaries for the path to take.

What do you think?

Please feel free to drop us a line at sales@kentechinc.com ... or ... visit our Kipware® News and User Forum and get into the "Thoughts on Manufacturing" forum and express your thoughts there.

Thanks to all.

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Kipware® Conversational vs. On-The-Machine CNC Based Conversational

Many of today's machine tool builders have finally seen the light ... the light that has been guiding us at Kentech Inc. for years. The light that leads to the understanding that conversational programming for those simple everyday parts ... the type of parts machined on about 95% of real world shop floors everyday ... is a powerful tool for productivity and efficiency.

Their problem ... the only way they can provide this to end users is on their CNC control ... the control that sits on their machine on the shop floor. Why is this a detriment?

  • Most CNC controls like Fanuc controls are not true PC's ... and they lack all the features of a PC like power to build a strong and potent user interface ... storage capacities ... and so many of the other features we take for granted on our PC's.
  • Kipware® conversational takes full benefit and uses the latest and greatest PC technology for a more powerful and more robust application than any CNC based application.

  • The CNC control is on the machine ... which means that creating programs takes place on the shop floor with all the noise, chip cutting, distractions, etc. ... NOT TO MENTION THAT THE MACHINE NEEDS TO BE PRIMARILY CUTTING CHIPS IF IT'S GOING TO MAKE THE OWNER ANY MONEY !!! ... Hello !!
  • Kipware® conversational can also be on the shop floor ... just put a PC or laptop on the floor.

  • Expanding the note above ... If you want to make a program, you need the machine.
  • Kentech inc. provides (2) seats standard with all Kipware® conversational applications. Most clients put one on their shop PC's and one on a laptop which they can take and create programs anywhere. Or provide (2) seats to personnel so (2) people ... or more by purchasing additional seats ... can be knocking down those needed programs.

  • The fact that the CNC control is not a full PC hinders the creation of the user interface and as a result commands, button, etc. end up being cryptic and hard to understand and work with ... and this ends up requiring specialized training just to operate the application.
  • With the full backing of a powerful operating system like Windows ... Kipware® conversational has the look and feel familiar to PC users ... learning the software is intuitive and easy.

  • CNC control conversational is tailored to the machine and control on which it is installed. And the G code output can only be used on the machine where it is installed.
  • Kipware® conversational can be configured and through the use of KipwareXC® can create G code output for virtually any machine and control.


I think you get the picture.


If you're thinking about purchasing a machine tool just because it has a conversational control ... of course we would suggest you at least give the points outlined above and Kipware® conversational some consideration.

If you have a machine with conversational and you now realize some of the things outlined above ... we would love it if you give Kipware® conversational a look as an alternative and / or companion to your CNC based conversational.

Thanks for taking the time to explore our blog ...
and Happy Holidays from all of us at Kentech Inc. !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

WOW .. What a year !! Here's what we accomplished this year in a Nutshell.

We had one of our most aggressive years regarding development and enhancements in 2012.

We hear it all the time regarding our competitors where customers tell us "I pay $xxx dollars a year for a Maintenance Agreement ... and I maybe get some minor updates and bug fixes a year. But nothing like what I'm paying for." Kentech Inc. has no maintenance fees ... all our UPGRADES are in the $95 to $145 range and we never stop working hard for our customers ... advancing our real world software.

We invite you to scroll through the list below as yourself this question : What has my "Maintenance Agreement" with Big Software Company Inc. gotten me this year? I'll guarantee it's nothing to match what you'll see below !!!

First though ... I would like to emphasize a couple of points

  1. Kentech Inc. is a full C corporation. We are not a hobby ... we didn't tinker with a hobby idea and put it out there with no support. Call us ... you'll talk with a real person. Email us ... you'll have a response not in 24 hours but probably within 2 or 4 minutes normal business hours or 2 to 4 hours on off hours.
  2. We do charge a realistic fee for our software because we stand behind it. There's plenty of "free" software out there ... mostly the reason it's free is because those that wrote it figure that is they don't charge for it they are not responsible to support it or even if it works correctly.
  3. We are committed to our products and our customers ... we have been in business for almost 27 years. This list below I think makes it crystal clear ... You can count on us for the long haul !!

  • January : We completely revised our website ... www.KentechInc.com ... with a new enhanced and improved user interface to make everything "kipware" easier to find and navigate to.
  • February : We released a completely revised and enhanced version of our KipwareTP® toolpath plotting and editor software with tons of new features and with a new and enhanced user interface built for the future.
  • March : We released a new and enhanced version of our Kipware® SketchPad - Conversational CAD/CAM with powerful new features ... a completely new user interface ... which took our conversational drawing and CAM ideas to the next level.
  • June : We released a new and enhanced version of our KipwareTRK® - Quotation Tracking and Analyzing Software. With a complete redo ... KipwareTRK® is a state of the art tracking and analyzing software application whose uses are really only limited by your imagination.
  • July : We added a ROTATION feature to our KipwareM® conversational CNC programming software for milling. The NEW KipwareM® was released in late fall of 2011 and now users can auto-rotate many features in KipwareM® with just a single input ... that means engraving at any angle and tons more !!
  • August : We released a completely redesigned and enhanced version of our KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning. With the success of the NEW KipwareM® ... we worked hard to incorporate all the new features and user interface from KipwareM® into the new KipwareT®. This insured that both applications would have the same look and feel for ease of learning ... and to insure KipwareT® would also be just as powerful.
  • September : We went through and updated our complete video library accessed through our Youtube channel ... KTSoftware ... as well as through our website to make all our video presentations up to date. We also updated our Training Videos to bring all of them up-to-date as well.
  • October : We released a new and enhanced version of our Kipware® CNC XChange - Fanuc <--> Okuma Conversion Software with tons of new features and a new and enhanced user interface. Since 1986, Kentech Inc. has been a pioneer and a leader in G code conversion software ... and our new release of Kipware® CNC XChange insures that that will continue long into the future.
  • November : We created the Kipware® News and User Group to enable our clients to interact with other Kipware® users to get answers to their questions ... make comments ... suggest enhancements ... and to plain old have a central location for all things Kipware®.
  • December : To assist with the "fiscal cliff" and the downturn in manufacturing in general ... we instituted a yearly Subscription Purchase option where clients can put quoting software ... cost estimating software ... cycletime estimating software ... conversational programming software for milling and turning with all the goodies ... in their shop for as little as $0.34 a day ... $125 a year !!
Now that's a year !!! 
To quote a famous phrase :
"BAM !!!! We really took it up a notch !!!"

So proud to write this post ... 
So proud of what we accomplished ... 
So proud of our developers / web designers ...
So proud to ask YOU .... With enhancements like this, shouldn't you become a member of the Kipware® family ?

It's not too late to make an IMPACT PURCHASE for 2012 ....
A purchase that will really have a positive impact on your bottom line ... on your shop floor ... A Kipware® Purchase !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Learning Lesson from my Dad ... funny? ... true?

My Dad, who was a second generation machinist, was a genius ... unknown to me with my "I know everything" young punk attitude ... and the most amazing machinist I ever saw. He could literally do any job that came his way in a day ... back in the 60's-80's ... when machinists were real machinists ... manual machinists. Running manual lathes, millers, boring mills, planers, shapers, OD / ID grinders ... and he ran them all to perfection. When a job needed to be done and done right ... "Skunny" was the guy to give it to.

When I was in my late 20's and looking for my place in the world ... he took me under his wings and got me a job in the shop where he was a supervisor and taught me all the machines. I had come out of school with an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering ... ya, I knew nothing about the real world of cutting chips. He taught me turning ... milling ... grinding ... everything. Years later when I went to work for Mori Seiki and started living in the world of CNC ... it all played a role in my life ... every lesson.

Including this one ... his phrase still rings in my ears.

I was working on a radial drill in the early years and was drilling some holes in plate. Using my "I know everything" attitude ... I set up the job and started drilling. Everything was going great until I took the plate off the drill table ... and realized I drilled 2 of the holes not only through the plate .. which was the job ...BUT THROUGH THE DRILL TABLE AS WELL !! To my horror ... there were 2 gaping 1/2" holes right through the drill table.

Well ... with my tail between my legs I set out to find the old man ... I didn't know what to do and thought for sure this was it ... big trouble.

He walks over the to the table and looks down ... and gives me that phrase that still echoes in my head "Well, one of the signs of a good machinist is one that can hide his mistakes. Let's fix it."

We proceeded to make a couple of cast iron plugs with a press fit ... pounded them into the holes and then machined them and polished them flat to the table surface. It helped that the shop we worked in was actually a machine repair / rebuilding facility. We rebuilt machinery so taking the table off and machining the table was pretty much normal work for us.

When we were done ... it was perfect ... you could never tell what happened.

As life turned out ... years later I went to the factory of Mori Seiki in Japan for training. Long story short ... we wrote a practice turning program ... loaded it into the machine and were test running it. Well not so good ... the tool turret scraped against the chuck as we were doing some boring ... and scored the face of the turret a little. Watching the tool and not the clearance. Well ... my Dad's phrase echoed in my head as we took off the turret and sent it to the grinding department for a touch up.

Whenever these types of instances happen ... I guess you could call it a self inflicted "screwup" ... my Dad's words still echo in my head. What do you think? True statement? Is the sign of a good machinist the fact that  he can virtually make anything ... when it comes to his trade of metalworking?

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Kipware® Update / Upgrade Information

In an effort to keep the latest news on software UPDATES and UPGRADES easily available to our clients ... we have re-located this information into our Kipware® News and User Group forum.

Now our clients have easy access at any time to all the latest UPDATE and UPGRADE information for all Kipware® titles. Now you can see all the changes and revisions that have been made along the way in an easy and organized manner.

We also have a board there that outlines information that pertain to UPDATES and UPGRADES including eligibility and steps to use to request a new build for a specific software title.

Please log in and register to access the Kipware® Update / Upgrade Board on :
http://kipwareforum.proboards.com/

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Kipware® Now Available by Subscription Too !!

Our most popular Kipware® titles are now available by SUBSCRIPTION ... in addition to the Standard Purchase option.

Purchasing Kipware® software by SUBSCRIPTION offers some of the following advantages :

Low Start-Up Fee - Most titles available range in price from $125 for individual titles to $225 for Suites and Studios. This gives users the ability to get started with the software for a low fee ... try the software out for a full year ... and if it works for you, then continue to use the software and only pay a low yearly fee.

Now Worries About Updates / Upgrades - During the time that the subscription is active ... ALL periodic updates and upgrades are provided free of charge. So you're always using the latest version of the software.


Now Worries About PC CRASHES - During the time that the subscription is active ... you can request a new installation at any time ... with no charges, fees or worries.


The CHOICE is Yours - Titles will also continue to be available through a STANDARD PURCHASE as well ... so you can decide which form works best for you.

The following titles are available either through the Standard Purchase or Subscription Purchase Options
  • KipwareQTE® - Machine Shop Job Costing & Estimating Software
  • KipwareCYC® - Machining CycleTime Estimating Software
  • Kipware® Suite - Complete Kipware® Business Software Bundle
  • KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling
  • KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning
  • Kipware® Studio - Complete Conversational CNC Programming Bundle for Milling and Turning

NOTE : The Kipware® conversational titles also include the Kipware® SketchPad ( conversational CAD/CAM ), KipwareTP® ( toolpath plotting ), KipwareTB® ( machine shop toolbox ), KipwareDNC® ( serial communication software ).

We want to thank everyone who is considering Kipware® for their metalworking and machine shop needs. We hope that this new purchase option will allow you easier access to join the Kipware® User Family !!

Sincerely,

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Small Manufacturers Aren't Little Versions Of Major Manufacturers

Truer words were never spoken ... and it is those who realize it that just may survive these challenging manufacturing times.

I ran across this interesting article ... http://www.manufacturing.net/articles/2012/10/small-manufacturers-arent-little-versions-of-major-manufacturers ... it really encompasses the thoughts and designs of the software products we create here at Kentech Inc..

I spent a lot of years "in the trenches" ... I saw a lot of things along the way. The best shops I visited and worked in were the shops that new their place ... understood their market ... and made decisions based on that knowledge. They didn't necessarily go with the "trends" ... they understood what they needed and made purchases for items on the shop floor that filled those needs. Not always the items with biggest price tags ... nor the ones that made the prettiest pictures.

Allow me to give you one example of a poor shop that sums it up.

This shop was basically a job shop ... taking in any kind of manufacturing that came in the door. Had a wide array of equipment from VMC's to HMC's and turning equipment ... your average job shop.

They  utilized Solidworks for their design and engineering needs ... which was great. They were doing a lot of work on creating some type of product that they could manufacture and sell ... maybe a golf putter ... and some various other products. They were so impressed with Solidworks that everything revolved around it ... even their CNC programming. They made a purchase of a CAM package that worked inside Solidworks and decided that that would be the programming package for the shop floor.

So everything that came in the door ... from simple squaring up blocks to simple drilling patterns to simple turning ... needed to be programmed through this software ... or programmed by hand. The problem ... not one of the machinists on the shop floor ... the guys doing the set-ups and writing the programs ... had any knowledge of either Solidworks nor the CAM program. And the "programmer" who knew how to operate both was always busy doing the engineering work and was never available to help out.

The result ... almost everything was programmed by hand ... was fraught with errors ... took time to prove out ... and resulted in lots of scrap and wasted time. But Solidworks made the prettiest pictures and was definitively the top of the line engineering app ... so it must be the best for everything.

This was one case that I personally experienced ... but I'm sure is repeated throughout the manufacturing community. Management forcing the latest technology whether it's a good fit or not ... if it's the latest and greatest it must be a good fit for us.

I am seeing this more and more with the complex, multi function CNC machinery being produced. Hey ... no problems with turning centers with live tooling and Y axis ... ya, needed. But these turning centers with 5 axis milling capabilities ... REALLY ??? This may be the GE and BOEING of tomorrow ... but I'm not convinced that this is the future for the thousands of shops operating in the real world of job shop manufacturing. And my fear is that if they buy into the hype ... they may not survive.

Do you think that innovation like this is driven by these machine tool builders need to make something new to make more money? ... or by the desire to create real world solutions for perceived manufacturing issues?

At Kentech Inc. ... our slogan has always been "real world software." And we pride ourselves on developing applications that fit in the real world ... that provide real world solutions to real world problems. And over the past 25+ years ... we are proud to say that Kipware® products are used every day by thousands of manufacturers around the world.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Kipware® Tips and Tricks !!

If you haven't paid a visit yet to the Kipware® News and User Group ... http://kipwareforum.proboards.com/ ... we recommend a trip over to check it out and register.

It's just getting started but we have begun to receive inquires and we started posting some Tips and Tricks for Kipware® users. We certainly invite anyone to join in with your questions and comments. There are a wide range of categories available on the board and include all the Kipware® software titles as well as some other manufacturing related categories where users can share and interact with others in the metalworking industry.

We feel that both as a support outlet as well as a product development tool ... user input will lead to better products built with the features that users need in the real world.

Thanks in advance to everyone who has checked it out and registered.

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.

Friday, November 2, 2012

New CNC XChange Training Videos Posted

We have started additions to the Kipware® Training Video page ... regarding our new Kipware® CNC XChange versions. Initial videos have been posted covering the following :

  • Main Screen Settings
  • Software Settings
  • User Option development and outline
If you are a member of the Kipware® CNC XChange family ... you have the Training Video Page link ... check out the new videos and get the most out of your version of Kipware® CNC XChange.

Have a great weekend !!!

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

New Kipware® User Forum Started

October 20, 2012

To help better serve our Kipware® customers with news, information, tips, tricks and to give them a forum to more freely interact with us and other users ... we have started the Kipware® News and User Group forum.

This newsgroup will allow anyone who registers to have access to the following categories open for discussion and review :

  • CNC Tips : We will be posting new CNC Tips every week based on our 25+ years of CNC, machine shop, programming, chipmaking, whatever experience. Regsitered users can view and follow the tips through the forum.
  • Kipware® Tips : We will be sharing tips and tricks that pertain to the use of all the various Kipware® software titles.
  • User Forum : Tell us what you think ... ask a question for us or your fellow Kipware® users ... read other Kipware® users Q&A ... get it all in the forum for all the various Kipware® titles.
It is just getting started ... but we will be growing and expanding as we move forward.
We invite all to register and join in !!

Here is the link : http://kipwareforum.proboards.com/

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.


Friday, October 19, 2012

New Okuma <--> Fanuc CNC XChange Released

October 15, 2012

Kentech Inc. is proud to release the latest version of our Kipware® CNC XChange - Fanuc <--> Okuma G code conversion software.

Since 1986, over 25+ years, Kentech Inc. has been a pioneer and leader in G code conversion software. Since about 1995, our Fanuc <--> Okuma version of CNC XChange has been assisting manufacturers and machine tools sales organization with the seamless integration between Fanuc controlled machines and Okuma OSP.

This latest release of this version of CNC XChange builds on that 17+ years of experience with new and innovative features and a new, more powerful, more intuitive and streamlined interface built for the future. This version is also built on the power of Microsoft's .NET4 to insure compatibility for now and into the future.

We invite you to explore the Kipware® CNC XChange page at www.KentechInc.com ... or log onto our YouTube channel ( KTSoftware ) to view the complete product presentation video.

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

G Code Conversion - Why It Matters - Volume 3

G Code Conversion vs. Re-Posting Through CAD/CAM 

What do you do when you need to move a running G code program from one machine to another machine with a different CNC control?
The most often course of action for clients who utilize a CAD/CAM system for their programming is to take the drawing and re-post it ( re-create the G code ) through that system. It is an easy method ... but ripe with problems. Most likely there have been a number of tweaks made on the shop floor ranging from :

  • Speed and feed alterations due to actual cutting conditions.
  • Perhaps tool substitution based on a pre-defined tools availability / unavailability
  • Perhaps some manual edits to enhance the cutter path.
  • Offset changes mandated by the actual cutting conditions.
  • .... the list can go on and on.
Re-posting the file through a CAD/CAM system basically brings you back to stage 1 ... the program prove out stage ... when the program hits the shop floor.

For users who DO NOT utilize a CAD/CAM system ... it's even worse. Manual edits costing time ... not to mention the massive potential for errors ( typos, missed code, uugghhh or worse ).


The Benefits in This Scenario of G Code Conversion software. 
In this scenario, G code conversion software from Kentech Inc. is a must. Either our KipwareXC® or Kipware® CNC XChange will accomplish the code conversion to allow the already proven code to operate on another machine and control seamlessly. The user simply takes the existing file ... already proven, edited,  enhanced, whatever ... and runs it through Kipware® which will auto-convert the code to run in another machine and control ... in seconds. No human intervention and therefore reduced risks for errors ... virtually no time loss ... and the operator does not even have to know how to program either machine because the software performs all the conversions automatically.

So STOP the shop floor bottleneck that is CONTROL INCOMPATIBILITY ... with KipwareXC® or Kipware® CNC XChange ... click this link for MORE INFO.

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech inc.



Friday, October 5, 2012

G Code Conversion - Why it Matters - Volume 2

In part 1 we established the need for G code conversion software ... basically the biggest need is CNC control incompatibility ... a program written for one machine and control doesn't work on another machine and control without changing the format. And Kipware® G code conversion applications can perform all those changes automatically.

So What Kind of Conversions Can Kipware® Conversion Software Actually Perform?
As mentioned in Part 1 ... KipwareXC® can handle a variety of pre-defined conversions ... but they are all user defined. Kipware® CNC XChange can perform pre-defined format conversions ... like Fanuc ( Haas ) to Okuma OSP and reverse ... all automatically becuase all the conversion weree defined by us inside the source code.

So with Kipware® CNC XChange ... we got it all covered ... all automatically.

With KipwareXC® ... here is a quick outline of what conversion capabilities are available :

Pre-Defined Options :
Pre-defined conversions are options where the user can simply click an option button to implement. They are listed on an option page and the user simply checks the box to implement that option automatically during the conversion process.
  • Circular Interpolaton Conversions : There are quite a number of options available here including :
    • Convert INC I,J,K to ABS I,J,K ... and reverse
    • Convert R ( or any user defined radius address ) to INC or ABS I,J,K
    • Axis Reversal ... take all X POS values and make them all NEG values ... reverse G02 / G03 and center coordinates call outs ... and more
    • Decimal point conversions ... either ADD or REMOVE decimal points for user defined letter addresses
    • Auto Offset Feature ... have a user defined value automatically added or subtracted from X,Y,Z coordinates in a program
    • Separate G and M codes on an existing line ... maybe the "other" machine can only handle one G or M code per line.
    • XC-Override Feature ... per user defined settings you can say add 10% to all feedrates ... subtract 5% from all spindle speeds ... scale X,Y,X coordinates ... and more.
    • Re-Sequence programs
    • Convert G code from INCH to METRIC and reverse ... with just a simple button click
User Defined KipwareXC® Macro Conversions : 
In addition to the pre-defined options ... we have developed a MACRO language where the user can define basically anything to convert. From a simple change of M90 to M910 ... to very complex conversions including multiple conversions on a single line. Each Profile can contain an unlimited number of code conversion macros ... which makes KipwareXC® extremely flexible. Some examples :

  • Convert (1)X1.000W.500F20.0 to G01X1.000Z.500F20.0
  • Convert X=1.00Y=2.00Z=3.00 to X1.00Y2.00Z3.00
  • Break up the line T01M06 into separate lines of T01 and next M06.
  • and so much more !!
The combinations and the conversion available are really limited only by the users imagination. It may seem like a mass search and replace function ... but our design options and MACRO language make it so much more than that. Our MACRO language is extremely flexible and powerful.

So there you have it ... either because we built into the source code ( CNC XChange ) or you built into your Profile ( KipwareXC) ... you can convert virtually any format of G code into another format.

In addition ... because Kentech Inc. is the creator and owner of the code ... we can customize any title or  add any features that might be specific to any application.

So STOP putting up with the CNC control incompatibility bottleneck on your shop floor !!!

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

G Code Conversion - Why It Matters - Volume 1

In the real world ... most shops contain a variety of CNC machines from different builders and with different controls. Even in the world of Fanuc controls ... different G code formatting exists between double line / single line canned cycles. This is the reality of the real world ... plain and simple.

And those shops know first hand the bottleneck that "CNC control incompatibility" causes on the shop floor. Some examples :

  1. A program is created for a specific machine ... only to find out when the job hits the floor that that machine isn't open ... going back to the CAD/CAM system and re-posting can be time consuming and hold up the job.
  2. Programmer is familiar with one control ... you need him/her to program the "other" control ... issues.
  3. Need to run parts on another machine in addition to the one it's running on ... re-posting ... issues.
  4. That older CNC ... maybe doesn't use decimal points or something quirky like that ... works well but programming it is a real pain.
  5. ... the list goes on and on.
We lived on the shop floor and dealt with these and similar issues every day. And that's the reason we developed our line of Kipware® G Code Conversion Software.

We would like to take a few blog posts to explain not only the concept of G code conversion software ... but along the way the reasons why it is so important and can be such a great tool for shop floors.

What is G Code Conversion Software?
The first point to make is that our G code conversion applications work with the actual text G code files ... so you do not need any CAD or CAM files ... just the G code text file that was probably already running on your CNC machine. Our applications read through that G code file and processes through the text code ... automatically interpreting that code ... and converting it to another format all automatically.

Types of G Code Conversion Software?
Kentech Inc. has created two types of conversion applications :

Soft Coded ( KipwareXC® )
This type of application allows the user to completely customize the software ... basically the user defines the "what-to-convert-into-what". Users can develop an unlimited number of PROFILES ... and within these Profuiles the user can select from pre-defined conversion options ( e.g. : convert R to I,J,K ) and also create their own conversions using our MACRO language ( e.g. : convert G81Z-1.250R.200F20.0 into G181Z-1.250R=.200F20.0 ). The user can create an unlimited number of PROFILES ... which means that one application can be used to convert multiple formats into multiple formats ... very flexible.

Click here to jump to our KipwareXC® webpage for more information.


Hard Coded ( Kipware®  CNC XChange )
This type of application requires very limited user configuration ... all the conversions have been created within the source code. The user basically select the file to convert ... selects the direction ... and selects convert. The software performs all the conversions from one format to another all automatically.

Versions of CNC XChange have been created for specific conversions ... our most popular version converts Fanuc G code to Okuma OSP G code ... and reverse. Everything to convert these G code programs has been written into the source code. We have other versions also available ... please click the link below for more information.

Click here to jump to our Kipware® CNC XChange webpage for more information.

In our next Blog post we will delve deeper into the world of G code conversion ... stay tuned. 

Kenney Skonieczny
President - Kentech Inc.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

New CNC and Machine Shop Software YouTube Videos

We have added a new set of presentation videos to our YouTube channel that include :

  • KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling
  • KipwareT® -  Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning / Lathes
  • KipwareQTE® - Machine Shop Job Costing and Estimating Software
  • KipwareCYC® - Machining Cycletime Estimating Software
  • CNC XChange - Fanuc <--> Okuma G Code Conversion Software
  • ... and more.
You can log onto our YouTube channel through the link below to view all our videos :
http://www.youtube.com/KTSoftware

Saturday, August 4, 2012

WOW ... What a Ride!!!

It's been some time since we posted ... why?

We have been on a development tear. We have been totally engrossed in new product development ... and product upgrades and enhancements. And it really shows!!!

We have built and re-built our packages into the latest Windows .NET framework ... which basically means we are built for the future. This framework gives us tons more power and allows us the ability to add even more powerful features to our software as we go into the future.

ENHANCED ... KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling
WOW ... this package has been completely upgraded and enhanced with tons of new features ... not the least of which is the addition of automatic ROTATION!! If you have not checked out KipwareM® in a while ... definitely time to give it a another look.
( P.S. - 3D conversational options are coming soon !! )


ENHANCED ... KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning
DOUBLE WOW ... this package has also been completely upgraded and enhanced with tons of new features ... and includes upgrades to the Live Tool option as well !! Again, if you have not checked out KipwareT® in a while ... definitely time to give it a another look.


NOTE : Both of these packages are now being considered by major machine tool builders and some smaller control makers and retro-fitters for inclusion on their CNC controls. We are certain that soon Kipware® will be the standard in conversational CNC programming !!

NEW ... KipwareTRK® - Quotation Tracking and Sorting Software.
We have totally redesigned and enhanced our KipwareTRK® package ... it's now really a powerful compliment to our KipwareQTE® quotation software. This new design and operation comes from the hard work and development of our newest developer ... Susan. Thanks so much for your dedication, hard work and "down to earth" innovation !!

ENHANCED ... KipwareQTE® - Machine Shop Job Costing and Estimating Software
We have added many new reporting features ... based on the "wish list" expressed by users.


ENHANCED ... KipwareCYC® - Machinining Cycletime Estimating Software
Again ... we have added many new features ... based on the "wish list" expressed by users.

We invite you to visit www.KentechInc.com and explore how our real world development ... based on our real world experience ... can help your manufacturing operations in these economically challenged times.


Thanks to our great customers for their continued feedback ... loyalty ... and support.

Kenney Skonieczny
President

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Shop Floors ... Too Complicated !! - Part #2

If you've looked at our past posts or investigated our real world machine shop software products, you know that our feeling is that today's shop floors are TOO complicated ... plain and simple. Of course there certainly are instances and requirements for the complex ... but our feeling is that the 90%-95% of shops operating in the "real world" could be slimmer, trimmer, less complex ... all leading to more efficiency.

In this post ... our thoughts on an EFFICIENT shop floor.

The most efficient shops I have visited and worked were the shops where everyone pitched in to do every task. There was no set "programmer" for the CNC's ... maybe a lead person ... but every operator wrote their own programs and every operator performed their own set-ups. The lead person was the guy you went to when you had a problem you couldn't solve. But, for the most part, you were responsible for your machine. From getting it programmed to setting it up to run to making sure it ran efficiently.

In my opinion those shops were efficient. No bottlenecks waiting for the "programmer" or the "set up guy". I also feel those employees felt empowered and in control of their jobs and their futures. They also felt their employers trusted and respected them and this was the key to putting that "people power" in motion.

But ... How to accomplish this is today's environment?

Most importantly is to provide the floor with the tools they need to be successful. From our perspective ... at least one PC and probably more is a definite requirement. Load that PC with "real world" software that can assist in programming and with shop floor calculations that personnel need every day. Trig functions ... speeds and feeds ... formulas ... calculations like SFM to RPM and others. Much time is often wasted seeking answers in these related areas and frustration can build when trying to track them down.

Software such as our Kipware® conversational to assist with the creation of the "everyday" CNC programming. Software that is easy to understand and implement and can quickly and easily create efficient CNC programs for those everyday simple drilling, milling, turning and threading type applications.

G code conversion software that can automate those everyday edits and tweaks that are often required due to actual cutting conditions. From the simple but time consuming tasks such as ... reducing all feedrates by 5% ... increasing all RPM by 10% ... subtracting 2.00" from all X dimensions too the complex task of auto-converting a G code program written for one machine and control to operate on a different machine and control. Without having to re-post and funnel the job back through programming means faster print to chip time.

PC based training and reference software where users can find answers to programming questions. Even if someone just wants some clarification about how a specific G code works. PC based training and reference software like our KipwareEDU® is a perfect addition to any shop floor PC.

These types of tools can help increase efficiency by further empowering the shop floor personnel without a major outlay in terms of costs. Putting answers and solutions at the fingertips of your shop floor personnel certainly means more efficiency and more opportunity to succeed in all areas.

How about your shop floor?
Have you taken a good look lately?
Have you tried empowering ... re-training ... cross training ... to make an efficient workforce?
Have you really gauged the skills of your workforce and placed them in the positions to succeed both on a personal level and for your company?

Come on manufacturing ... We can do this !!!

Kenney

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Is the shop floor TOO Complicated?

Article after article I read today talks about how manufacturers are having such a hard time finding people to fill their shop floor openings. And time after time it hits me ... the shop floor today has become way to unnecessarily complex ... and as a result, the requirements needed for shop floor personnel has become unnecessarily complex as well.

It was brought home to me the other day when I was having a Webex meeting with the personnel of a major machine tool builder regarding our G code conversion software. After my presentation ... the applications manager's first comment was "What about our blah blah machine? " ( machine name deleted to protect the innocent ... but suffice to say it was one of the multi-function, turning machine with a milling machine attached fancy contraptions that cost about a gazillion dollars ). Come on really? Is this the REAL WORLD?

How many of these machines do you sell in a year? And to who? ... Boeing, Lockheed? Probably ... but the reality on the ground is that there are thousands of metalworking shops ... that drive real worlds manufacturing ... that are still using your standard 2 axis lathe, lathes with live tool, 3 and 4 axis VMC's and HMC's ... that are producing most of the metal parts that touch and run our lives every day.This is the REAL WORLD !!!

Granted ... these high cost machines are what make you the most profit ... but they are not the driving force behind manufacturing in the real world. %$&^%**&^^

But I digress ... back to the main point about today's shop floor ... in the real world. But this point is related.

Today's shop floor ... the 90%-95% of real world shops ... could be streamlined and made more real world ... would be even more competitive ... and made more accessible to workers with varied skills. Machine tool dealers present these machines as the "new wave" and shops think that this is how I stay competitive ... this is what I really need. This brings a whole host of issues .... buying machines I really don't need ... spending more $$$ than I need to .... now I need someone to run them who will demand big $$$ and require lots of skills ... and on and on.
 
Over the next couple of weeks, months, whatever ... as therapy for my aggravation and for my desire to wake up manufacturing ... I would like to post some thoughts to further prove my points.

I'm going to start by re-referring any readers back to my last February post regarding CAD/CAM overkill ... http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html which starts the ball rolling. But over the next weeks we will hit on quite a few topics ... some you might agree on and some you might not.

If you have any comments, anything to include ... please let us know by email ... follow us and comment through Twitter @Kipware ... and of course stay tuned to this blog ... maybe even spread the word by re-tweeting.Help us ... let's get a movement started ... "Manufacturing in the Real World" ... raise your voice ... or your glass if that's where you are at.

I feel a little better at least for now ... but I'll be back !!

Kenney

Monday, February 13, 2012

CAD/CAM Overkill ... What?

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.

When we refer to CAD/CAM Overkill ... what is it exactly that we mean?

Think about this example ... a part is about to hit the shop floor's VMC. The machining consists of a simple profile cut ... a round pocket with a bolt hole circle at the bottom. The kind of programming done in 95% of shops every day. What happens next?

In the CAD/CAM World ...

The first thing that is required is a drawing ... or perhaps the the customer has supplied a sold model. First ... a solid model .... REALLY? Do we need a solid model for a part like this? Or a CAD drawing ... again, do we really need to spend the time creating a pretty CAD drawing. If you are living in the CAD/CAM world ... yes. Nothing happens without a drawing. In either instance ... an experienced CAD/CAM "guy" is required.

In the CAD/CAM world ... next comes the selection of tooling ... the creation of the program ... the posting of the program for the desired machine and control ... deliver the G code to the machine for set-up.

After test cutting ... some changes are required which means maybe some re-drawing ... re-posting ... all done by the CAD/CAM "guy" only. Don't even go to "We'll have to run this on the "other" machine."

All of the above is being performed by the high priced, experienced CAD/CAM "guy". In your typical small manufacturing environment, this simple programming job is tied to maybe one or two people who have the experience to operate that company's specific CAD/CAM system. If they decide to seek better fortunes elsewhere ... the job search begins for someone with experience in that company's specific CAD/CAM system ... or hire someone who requires training to adapt their knowledge to that company's specific CAD/CAM system.

In the REAL WORLD ...

Using a programming system like Kipware® conversational from Kentech Inc. ... the first thing that happens is the boss gives the print to a machinist ... maybe someone who is not a great CNC programmer ... but a good chipmaker. He pulls up the conversational menus, completes the plain and simple on-screen questions, and creates an efficient G code program quickly and easily.

Every shop should have or does have an experienced chipmaker on the shop floor ... oftentimes not so capable of creating a G code program from scratch ... maybe capable of editing G code. A tool like Kipware® conversational is just what they need to go from an editor to a programmer.


Since the software uses generic G code ... it is most likely compatible with any machine on the shop floor. If some specific requirements are needed ... an add-on tool like Kentech's KipwareXC® application ... can convert the standard G code output to another format. KipwareXC® only requires the G code program ... better than any post-processor system. So the job comes back next month but needs to run on the "other" machine. Anyone can take the proven G code ... run it through KipwareXC® and have it auto-converted to the "other" machines format. Better yet ... KipwareXC® can accommodate any G code ... any machine format ... no CAD or CAM file needed. That means that program you wrote 2 years ago and for which no CAD/CAM file can be found can be converted as well.

Now we are not saying that shops do not need a CAD/CAM system. What we are 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.

Could your CAD/CAM system actually be costing you money?





Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Kipware's Hidden Advantages - #2

Taking a few lines in this post to outline another "hidden advantage" of Kipware® conversational CNC programming software ... G CODE PROGRAMMING TRAINING.

The design of Kipware® conversational allows the user to create G code programs without the need or the use of a CAD drawing. G code programs are created by simply selecting the shape to machine and then answering a list of on-screen, fill-in-the-blank, plain English questions. From those inputs, the software automatically creates the G code program. Simple and efficient ... and allows even those who are not familiar with G code or G code programming to create powerful and efficient machining programs.

And if the user pays close attention ... they can easily see how those inputs are turned into the G codes that drive the machine. The inquisitive user can match their plain English inputs with the G code output and translate how their input values are turned into G code.

Whether it be seeing how a code of a canned cycle is created ... or seeing how their simple inputs translate into a continuous, repetitive cycle .... many of our users have credited the using of Kipware® conversational with their development and understanding of G code programming.


We take pride in the fact that our real world software design and development has led not only to more efficient manufacturing ... but also to the development of those living and working "in the trenches".

Kenney Skonieczny
Kentech Inc.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Highlighting Major Advantages of Kipware® Conversational - #1

If you explored our Kipware® Conversational CNC Programming software applications ... you may have missed some of the "hidden" advantages which come from the "real world" design of the applications. I would like to take a few posts in our BLOG to highlight some of these "hidden" tricks.

Kipware® Hidden Advantage #1 :

The design of Kipware® conversational allows the user to create "pieces" of the complete machining operation ... in any order. Let's say you are machining a part on a VMC or HMC ... you need to FACE then ROUGH A ROUND POCKET then DRILL A BOLT CIRCLE. In KipwareM®, you create each "piece" of this complete process using the fill-in-the-blank "conversational" forms for each operation ... in any order. So first you could create the program for the bolt circle ... then the facing operation ... then the round pocket. Each "sub-program" gets saved to disk at the time it was created ... and added to the TREE. Later, the user utilizes the MAIN PROGRAM feature and link tools and spindle related info to one or more of these sub-programs. The way these operations are defined in this MAIN PROGRAM option is what creates the final program and the final machining process.

BUT ... each one of these "pieces" ... these sub-programs ... are saved to disk. This means that they are available for future programs. Let's say a month from now you have a part that requires the same pocket and bolt circle machining. You can simply click the file and ADD that "piece" or sub-program to the TREE. NO NEED TO RE-PROGRAM OR RE-CREATE THEM, YOU CAN LINK THE EXISTING G CODE TO NEW TOOLS AND NEW SPINDLE CALLS IN THE MAIN PROGRAM OPTION.

THE ADVANTAGE : Kipware® conversational is automatically creating re-usable G code programs that can dramatically save you time and energy on your future G code creation. Sure creating your G code is quick and easy through the basic conversational design ... but this "hidden" feature ... utilizing previously created G code programs ... makes Kipware® conversational even more powerful ... more "real world".

Keeps this feature in mind when considering your weapons in the battle with "CAD / CAM OVERKILL" ... or when you are programming in any of the Kipware® conversational applications.

For more information on Kipware® conversational or to schedule a free Webex OnLine Presentation ... visit our website at www.KentechInc.com.

As always, thank you for investing some of your valuable time at our website.
Kenney Skonieczny
Kentech Inc.