New Release - 3D Bending Die Menu for KipwareM®

Kentech Inc. continues to turn the conversational CNC programming software world on it's head releasing unprecedented and powerful fill-in-the-blank programming options for it's Kipware® conversational CNC programming software for milling and turning.

In late April, the most powerful and easy-to-use conversational TURNING and BORING menus hit the market for KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Software for Turning ... bringing unprecedented ease of programming for complex shapes that can include unlimited and unbounded radii and tapers. The success has been unbelievable ... thank you to all the professional machinists that have added true, powerful conversational CNC programming to their arsenals for their turning programming.

In 2014 Kentech Inc. released it's ground-breaking conversational 3D options for KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling ... the ONLY conversational 3D programming ON THE MARKET .... whether PC based or CNC control based !! We also put the statement out there for our users ... send us your 3D shapes and we'll consider adding those shapes to our options. In April we were asked to consider adding an option to create a bending die ( male and female ) 3D menu by a client in Illinois. The idea seemed like one that other users might benefit from ... so we set to work.

Today we are pleased to announce the release of the MALE BENDING DIE 3D option for KipwareM®.

As you can see from the screenshot above ... as always ... we included many powerful options for this operation including :

• The ability to use EITHER a square OR ball end mill.
• The ability to ROUGH and / or FINISH in one or separate operations.
• The ability to CONVENTIONAL and / or CLIMB mill for EITHER roughing or finishing operations.

Using this simple, fill-in-the-blank form ... users can create the G code program to machine the MALE side of the bending die from STOCK ... the FEMALE menu and machining option will be released before the end of June ... stay tuned.

We are proud that Kipware® continues to set the bar for conversational CNC programming software ... a bar that no other software company can even come close to touching. Our commitment to our clients and our resolve to be the best ... drives our developers to continue this trend with many new releases in the pipeline for 2015.

Sooo ... 

• Are you settling and struggling with limited, underdeveloped G code "wizards" ??
• Tired of "wizard" toolpaths that machine like an amateur and waste motion ??
• Tired of being treated like a hobbyist ?? ... like an amateur ??
• Wanna go PRO ?? Machine like a PRO ??
• Tired of using your complex, bloated, expensive CAD/CAM system and paying your expensive CAD/CAM programmer for your everyday programming ??

Then DUMP the "wizards" and 

BE A PRO ... 

GO PRO ... 

with Kipware® Conversational !!

Profit from the realization that CAD/CAM is NOT the best solution for EVERY programming scenario.

For in-depth video presentations of ALL our Kipware® software ... please visit our YouTube channel here : http://www.youtube.com/ktsoftware

For additional information on ALL our Real World Kipware® titles ... please visit our website at www.KentechInc.com.

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Kipware® VS. CAD/CAM ... "wizards" ... and conversational CNC controls

Some of the most frequently asked questions we hear in regards to conversational CNC programming are :

1. "Why should I consider Kipware® conversational over CAD/CAM ?"
2. "Why should I consider Kipware® over a conversational CNC control ?"
3. "What's the difference between Kipware® and those G code "wizards"?

And we actually love these questions ... because the answer becomes really clear with some simple explanations and some outlining of the facts. If you're wondering the same ... here's a brief outline.

Kipware® VS. CAD/CAM

STOP the CAD/CAM Frustration !!

• 95% of everyday CNC programming does not require a CAD/CAM system ... despite what the CAD/CAM companies tell you. If you are a job shop performing every day type programming ... excluding complex aircraft components like airfoils or mold machining ... your CAD/CAM system is most likely overkill for 95% of your CNC programming ... and is excluding good chip makers from the programming process ... and that's hurting your efficiency.
• To create even the simplest programs ... a drawing is required ... and that requires you to have CAD and drawing experience ... and time.
• Kipware® has a simple, easy-to-use user interface ... no complicated icon systems to remember like CAD/CAM systems ... and is much less expensive ... in the short term and long term. The ROI (Return On Investment) with Kipware® is faster because you will be manufacturing more parts at a faster pace because of the simple design and ease-of-use and you can get more people involved in program creation.
• Even if you are creating programs for complex parts ... Kipware® is a great compliment to a CAD/CAM system. Simpler programs can be created by anyone with Kipware® leaving the complex "stuff" for the CAD/CAM. Kipware® allows you get more out of your CAD/CAM system.

Kipware® VS. "wizards" 

• These designs include simplistic interfaces ... limiting the programmers capabilities and the type of workpieces and operations that can be programmed.
• Most of the "conversational wizards" have been create by "hobby machinists" ( one of my biggest pet peeves ... see here : http://kentechinc.blogspot.com/2014/05/pet-peeve-term-hobby-machinist.html ) who have VERY LIMITED experience or vision of a professional machine shop. They have stated many times that what separates a "professional machinist" from a "hobby machinist" is that the professional makes money with their equipment. I gotta disagree forcefully ... I went through years of training and gaining experience to get the title MACHINIST ... some digerati who straps a router head onto some moving axis and cuts crap does not have the right to call himself a "machinist? ... AND DEVALUE THE TRADE. A proud and honorable trade that has moved the world forward. I'm proud to be a 3rd generation MACHINIST with a skill set honed over years of training and work. Who creates your machine shop software? 
• Let's back this up with actual facts :

Below is a sample screenshot of one of the "wizards" ... to machine an OD radius. Limited to 90 degrees only ... what if you have two 45 degree lines with a radius in between. Out of luck. 

And then there is the toolpath ... screenshot on the right.. Wasted motion ... and who machines a radius like this ?? Certainly not a professional machinist. Further ... OD chamfer "wizard" screen and toolpath. Really? Only 45 degrees ... and more wasted motion

In comparison ... below are a screenshot of the KipwareT® conversational OD radius screen ... and generated toolpath.

Professional ... end of story.

•  Unlike simplistic "wizards" ... Kipware® conversational is a complete programming system ... including conversational programming, conversational CAD/CAM, DXF importing, speed and feed wizard, toolpath plotting, full G code editing, toolbox software, programming assistant, and DNC communication software.

Kipware® VS. conversational CNC controls

• Two words ... OVERLY SIMPLISTIC. Everyday programming is NOT Rocket Science ... BUT it's NOT Kindergarten either.
• All the so called "hobby" conversational CNC controls give the user only simplistic menus that do not have any real power. Case in point ... some screenshots below :

These types of on-the-machine programming system are just too OVERLY SIMPLISTIC ...
and do not give the user room to grow into more complex programming when required.

• These designs include simplistic interfaces ... limiting the programmers capabilities and the type of workpieces and operations that can be programmed.
• Not EVERY job in the shop is quick and easy and these overly simplistic "conversational controls" do not have the ability to handle more complex machining when required ... or how about drawing or DXF import capabilities?
• Unlike simplistic controls ... Kipware® conversational is a complete programming system ... including conversational programming, conversational CAD/CAM, DXF importing, speed and feed wizard, toolpath plotting, full G code editing, toolbox software, programming assistant, and DNC communication software.
• Kipware® conversational was designed from the production shop floor up ... by professional machinists ... and includes powerful, real world shop programming features like cutter compensation ... rotation ... DXF importation capabilities ... canned cycles ... and more.
• If you are looking for a conversational CNC ... the better option is a Surface tablet or laptop loaded with Kipware® conversational. This allows for programming multiple CNC machines with a single device and single interface. Just pick it up and move it around easily which allows for programming on the shop floor or in the office or even at home ... by multiple individuals. Now your conversational CNC includes powerful options and features including DXF import ... and the cost is less than $1200 (US).

 

If you or your shop are exploring conversational CNC programming systems and software ... we would love for an opportunity to show you the major differences between the proven-in-the-trenches Kipware® software and complex and expensive CAD/CAM ... limited and under-developed G code "wizards" ... and limiting, simplistic conversational CNC controls.

Please visit our website :
www.KentechInc.com

And arrange for a live, online demonstration of ANY Kipware® title :
http://www.kentechinc.com/livedemo.shtml

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

Programming with Kipware® Software - Press Parts to Tesla Parts

As we have stated many times ... we are extremely proud of the fact that thousands of machine shops around the world have found a productive, efficient, steady and reliable solution to their manufacturing needs through our Kipware® software. We love to hear about those real world situations where Kipware® software is making a difference.

Last week we had the privilege of working closely with two of our clients who were in the middle of those "gotta have it tomorrow" projects ... creating CNC programs for two very different machining projects.

Problem #1 - Creating Parts for a Tesla Automobile
Simultaneously while working on the issue below ... we also had a client contact us who was in the midst of a rush programming project .... programming a contour to machine a part that would eventually be used in the Tesla electric car. Although they had been using the conversational module of Kipware® conversational for years to program their "standard" parts ... this particular part required a no-traditional contour be programmed ... and required the use of the Kipware® SketchPad. Not having too much experience and in a rush to get their parts made ... we stepped in and up.

The Solution :
The client emailed a DXF file of the contour ... and using our Kipware® SketchPad we created the G code program to machine the parts. It was great to have the opportunity to utilize the software we created to create a real world G code program to machine a real world part. And the coolest part was that it was for Tesla car ... although Elon Musk's SpaceX is already a member of the Kipware® family with (40) seats of Kipware® in their Hawthorne California manufacturing facility.

Problem #2 - Small Part Programming
As mentioned ... while working on the project above ... we were also called into action to support another small manufacturer client who was working to create a one-off specialty item for their customers. They were creating their program using Kipware® conversational ... and found the machine doing some strange movements when executing the G code program. Unable to diagnose the issue ... it was something they never experienced before ... they submitted a Support Ticket through our Helpdesk and asked for our assistance. The problem was new to us as well ... and required we talk directly by phone to get more information and lend some deeper assistance. It turned out that the client was new to CNC programming ... had been using Kipware® conversational for quite a while and getting all their programming done with Kipware® quite nicely ... but were now experiencing a little more complex part and programming that was getting a bit more complex ... mainly dealing with cutter compensation. Long story short ... their machine had some specific requirements and the program being created by Kipware® using standard cutter comp programming was causing the generation of some errors by the control.

The Solution :
We worked with the client suggesting some alternative G code programming solutions ... explaining how to create the revised G code and why ... to try a few different scenarios to diagnose the issue. Once the issue was diagnosed and an alternative G code model created that worked ... in less than (2) hours we had revised Kipware® to include a new, user selectable alternative option for cutter compenstion output ... and had an UPGRADE installation ready and available for the user to download. It was great working hand-in-hand with the client ... both teaching and helping them program ... and creating some newer features for our Kipware® conversational based on their real world inputs.

As you can see from the scenarios above ... Kentech Inc. is more than committed to our software support ... we are committed to our clients. This is just a small sample, a couple of scenarios from one week in our business life. These types of scenarios are repeated quite often here ... and we're always happy to jump in and assist in any way possible. And it's especially rewarding as we get to go into the "real world" ... on the shop floor ... and help make some chips !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.

It's Not Always Rocket Science

If you have visited our website ...  www.KentechInc.com ... at all you'll recognize the saying that is the title of this blog post. It is the mantra here at Kentech Inc. ... born from the decades of living and surviving on the machine shop floor ... from living and working in the "real world". When we talk with customers or conduct online demos with clients for our software ... they emphatically agree. But for those with whom we cannot connect directly ... we wanted to take a post to outline our visions and software design philosophy in depth ... to explain why we feel and what we mean by " ... it's not always rocket science."

Is this you with your CAD/CAM or MRP / ERP software?

For most machine shop and CAD/CAM software developers today ... it seems that the flashier the pictures and the more complex the user interface ... that would equate into the most innovative software. For most users of these products however ... the experience is best described as trying to get a drink of water from a firehouse. It's all just overkill .... there is just too much "fluff" there ... most of it is lost or never used ... and the bottom line results are never realized.

Take CAD/CAM for example ...

No one can deny that CAD/CAM is a great tool ... no doubt ... and most of the designs we use in the world every day would not be possible without at least the CAD portion of CAD/CAM. But one fact is clear to anyone living in a production world ... if a machine shop puts every job through the CAD/CAM system ... through the CAD/CAM programmer ... they are inevitably losing money. The simple part programming ... the programming actually done in 95% of shops in the real world every day ... does not require a CAD/CAM system ... nor a CAD/CAM programmer. Giving additional chip makers the capability to quickly and easily create G code programs for these simpler workpieces ... gives the shop a much higher level of efficiency ... faster finished part output ... and in the end a better bottom line. It's a simple fact. Of course not every workpiece can be accomplished with a simple programming tool ... those complex jobs will still require something equivalent to a CAD / CAM system ... but with other chip makers handling the simpler programming ... the "CAD/CAM guy" has more freedom and more time to devote to the complex programming tasks ... and the work flow and finished output is greatly enhanced.

Innovation is not always the most complex solution.

OR take MRP/ERP systems for example ...

Again ... no one can deny that these complex systems have their place ... and can positively effect a companies bottom line. The problems we encounter is that there a way too many "features" ... and as a result they are either missing the important "real world" features ... or these features are so under-developed the results they produce do more harm than good. It seems the developers are so concerned with the number of bells and whistles ... they never adequately develop the truly needed features. For example ... quite a few of the big $$$ MRP and ERP systems denigrate machining cycletime to a simple user input ... no auto-calculations ... just a field for a user input. WHAT ??  Anyone living in the real world knows that building a cost estimate based on an inaccurate time to machine the part is a recipe for lost profits. And anyone living on the shop floor knows that consistency and accuracy along with the ability to insure that cutting parameters used in cycletime estimates can be reproduced on THEIR shop floor .... is the key to machining profitability.

KipwareCYC® ( cycletime estimating ) and KipwareQTE® ( cost estimating ) are applications devoted to the tasks for which they were developed. Proven in-the-trenches for over 2 decades ... helping our clients around the world to not only win MORE work ... but win MORE PROFITABLE work. And after all isn't that the key ... winning work that is profitable ... not having the shop busy producing parts that are losing money.

Kipware® =  a more logical approach

Using real world tools like Kipware® conversational or Kipware® business software is the equivalent of turning down the flow of the firehouse ... more of that water can be captured and used for it's intended purposes.

CLICK HERE for more information on Kipware® software

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

4th Axis Conversational Programming Now Available in KipwareM®

Have a full 4th axis on your CNC mill? If so the new features now available in KipwareM® will be of interest.

Due to customer requests ... we have added new conversational menu options that will cover the creation of G code programs for machining that can be accomplished with a 4th axis. As time goes on and additional requests are received ... we will add more "fan favorite" options.

The first menu option released is for XY Slotting. Some of the features available in this menu include :

1. Straight slots or "twisted" slots.
2. Easily create programs to machine multiple, evenly spaced slots ( straight or twisted ) by simply inputting the total number of slots and the angle between the slots.
3. The user can select the cutting direction .... climb or conventional milling ... for both roughing and finishing.
4. The user can select from a variety of machining options beyond just roughing and finishing including :

• Zig-Zag cutting with Z ramping
• Zig-Zag cutting with Z plunging
• One-Way cutting with Z ramping
• One-Way cutting with Z plunging

We are excited to be able to add this feature to KipwareM® and to start the process of building a complete and robust 4th axis option moving forward.

Do you have a machining operation you would like to see added? Rrop us a line at Sales@KentechInc.com and let us know the details. If we feel it would be a "fan favorite" ... we'll get it included in the next release.

Kenney Skonieczny - President

Kentech Inc.

SpaceX purchases Kipware® for their CA Manufacturing Facility

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce the purchase of Kipware® software by SpaceX for use in their manufacturing facility in Hawthorne California.

The sale of (40) seats of Kipware® was finalized on October 23, 2013.

Welcome SpaceX to the Kipware® family of users !!

Kenney Skonieczny - President
Kentech Inc.