2015 Kipware® Development Report

It’s hard to believe that we are about to close out 2015 and start a new journey into another New Year. At this time each year we are fond of taking a look back to reflect and evaluate what we have accomplished during the past year for our products in terms of development and enhancements … and of course for our clients.

Versus other software vendors who boast “millions of hits on our website” … we’re doers. We don’t talk about it … we do it … and we’re more than happy to publish our doing it and lay it out there for all to see. We’re proud of our hard work and results and the fact that THOUSANDS of real world machinists … from the one man shop to fortune 500 companies like SpaceX and General Dynamics around the world use Kipware® software. I guess they’re doers too. Are you a doer?

Why do we feel it is important?

Since 2012 … the first year we started blogging regularly … we have posted our year-in-review article highlighting the main items of development over the year.  We feel this is SOOOO VERY IMPORTANT for a number of reasons … but let’s focus on the top two.

  1. To show clients and potential clients that Kentech Inc. and Kipware® software is constantly on the move … innovating … inventing … improving … and enhancing. So clients and potential clients can compare our rate of the above against other competition and developers. We are by far the busiest in terms of enhancing and upgrading our machine shop software … all our market leading titles. If you follow our blog you’ll know we are a big fan of software Version #’s. For developers who adhere to the software version norms … major release, minor release and build numbers ( e.g. 10.1.0  )  … these are an actual reflection of the number of releases which usually illustrates the amount of new development. As the major release number grows … it reflects the number of major upgrades and enhancements. The reverse … software with Version #’s that are low … reflect the lack of development and lack of major releases. This is a good indicator of how much work and effort a company is putting into development. We always encourage any potential client to compare our version numbers with any competitor … the result is always astounding. We have posted the current version #’s next to each title along with the release information for the last year for your review. Nothing to hide here.
  2. So existing clients can view the various changes and enhancements to titles they may own … and help them decide if these changes warrant an UPGRADE investment. Kentech Inc. does not have any maintenance agreements and no yearly fees. Our UPGRADE policy basically allows the user to pick-and-choose when they wish to upgrade based on features released. At any time the user can UPGRADE … and will receive the latest version of the software with ALL the current features. So if we release an UPGRADE and the features are not of interest this time but they are the next time … an UPGRADE purchase will get you ALL the features that have been released to date.

By the way … if you missed any of our previous end of the year reports or wish to see our progress … here are some links to help :

So without further ado ….

curtain

Let’s raise the curtain on this years highlights !!

Below is a list of our accomplishments for 2015 … with links to articles with in-depth information about each. Enjoy.

KipwareT®

Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning
Current Version : 18.1.4

  1. Shoulder Grooving Conversational menu released … for more info CLICK HERE.
  2. New unprecendented conversational OD and ID turning menu released … truly game changing … for more info CLICK HERE.

KipwareM®

Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling
Current Version : 16.9.1

  1. New conversational 3D BOWL menu released … for more info CLICK HERE.
  2. New conversational 3D MALE and FEMALE BENDING DIE menus released … for more info CLICK HERE.
  3. New conversational TAPERED TOP facing menu released … for more info CLICK HERE.

Kipware® SketchPad

Conversational CAD / CAM
Current Version : 11.0.0

  1. Machinist CYCLE MODE released for both milling and turning … for more info CLICK HERE.

KipwareCYC®

Machining Cycletime Estimating Software
Current Version : 8.0.0

  1. Enhanced PRINTING options released … for more info CLICK HERE.
  2. New MULTI-PART estimating features released to aid in tombstone, multi-vise and multi-spindle cycletime estimating … for more info CLICK HERE.
  3. New RUNTIME CALCULATOR companion application released to aid in production runtime calculations … for more info CLICK HERE.

KipwareQTE®

Machine Shop Job Costing and Estimating Software
Current Version : 14.0.1

  1. Enhanced PRINTING options released … for more info CLICK HERE.

KipwareXC®

G Code Conversion Software
Current Version : 15.2.0

  1. New X-Y-Z SEPARATION and HEIGHT OFFSET AUTO ADDITION features released … for more info CLICK HERE.

These illustrate only the MAJOR releases … there are also tons of minor tweaks behind the curtain along with User Interface changes that have been released without any fanfare. Unlike some developers who tout screen color changes or pop-up tips as MAJOR enhancements. I guess it comes from our on-the-shopfloor no-nonsense experiences … don’t give me something unless it truly makes a difference.

We invite you to compare this type of development and enhancements with any software developer you are considering. We like to use that famous New England clothiers marketing phrase … “An educated consumer is our BEST customer.” or “Shop us last … you’ll love us.

Of course … we couldn’t accomplish anything without the dedicated crew here at Kentech Inc. nor our fabulous family of Kipware® users. Thank you to everyone for your support and we promise to keep working hard … dedicate our efforts … to create and enhance our REAL WORLD software to make a difference in the REAL WORLD.

Happy New Year to ALL !!

Wishing all the best to everyone in 2016 !!
Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

New KipwareXC® Feature Release – X-Y-Z Separation & Height Offset Auto Addition

The latest version of KipwareXC®, Kentech Inc.’s ground breaking G code conversion software, contains a couple of new features catering to Fadal users and others who need to separate X-Y-Z moves and add height offset calls to G code during conversions.

COORDINATE SEPARATION

Some CNC controls have the capability to perform X-Y movement prior to a Z axis move when X-Y-Z coordinates are all commanded in the same line. On some controls … the command line :
G00G90X1.00Y-1.00Z.500
would result in the Z axis not moving to the .500 position until the X-Y movement has been completed. Most CNC controls do not possess this capability and will perform the 3 axis move … X-Y-Z … all axis simultaneously.

The new COORDINATE SEPARATION feature now included in Version 15.3.0 of KipwareXC® allows the user to set up a Profile to automatically separate this type of move command into two lines … with the X-Y positioning in the first line followed by the Z axis positioning command on the next on a line by itself.

In addition … KipwareXC® will automatically skip over this separation while all drilling canned cycles are invoked and active … allowing normal Z axis transitions to still be available in canned cycle command lines.

A simple checkbox is provided in the G-M Code Separation area of the KipwareXC® Profile option screen.

x y z axis seaparation in KipwareXC G code conversion software

Conversion

AUTO HEIGHT OFFSET INCLUSION

For users who wish to auto-convert G code from CNC controls that do not utilize height offset commands to G code that requires such commands … Version 15.3.0 of KipwareXC® can assist in these situations as well.

In addition to the ability to separate X-Y and Z moves as outlined above … users now have the ability to set the KipwareXC® Profile up to automatically insert any user defined height offset G code command during the first Z axis move after a tool change … and also have a corresponding H offset call command inserted either with using the current tool # or with a default 00 value.

For example … original G code formatted :

T01
M06
G90S1200M03
G00X1.000Y-2.000Z1.000M08

can be automatically re-formatted by KipwareXC® to read :

T01
M06
G90S1200M03
G00X1.000Y-2.000M08
G43Z1.000H01

The conversion will be done ALL AUTOMATICALLY by KipwareXC® during the conversion process. As the screen capture below illustrates … the user has multiple options available for this re-formatting.

automatically add height offset commands with KipwareXC

Post Processors are SOOO Yesterday and SOOO Obsolete

These two new feature releases on their own are very powerful options to have in your arsenal … add that to the multiple other conversion options available in KipwareXC® … which ALL perform simultaneously during a conversion … and you can see why utilizing a post processor to re-post / re-format existing G code just doesn’t make any sense. KipwareXC® can take your PROVEN G code program and automatically re-format it for another machine / control and never lose all the integrity of the proven code. Sooo simple … sooo fast … sooo efficient.

If you haven’t checked out KipwareXC® or any of the other pioneering G code conversions applications from Kentech Inc. … please visit www.KentechInc.com and check ’em out.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Top 6 Reasons Why Kipware® Conversational … vs “the wannabees”

Since 1986 … almost 30 years … Kentech Inc. has been creating powerful and professional conversational CNC programming software … marketed under our Kipware® trademark. That’s a LOT of experience … a LOT of customer feedback … a LOT of improved toolpath features based on the feedback.

Nowadays … if you take a trip around the web and you’ll find a lot of CNC programming options out there. From CAD/CAM to conversational controls to simplistic “G code wizards” that create what we call “kindergarten toolpaths”.  No canned cycles … no cutter comp … limited math calculations … and on and on. Many can be classified basically as Kipware® wannabees … developed to be “like” Kipware® … the undisputed conversational CNC software market leader. But the truth is in the saying … “Often imitated but never duplicated.”

Doubtful? We present the facts in this post … “The Top 6 Reasons Why Kipware® Conversational … vs the wannabees.” There are  a lot more than 6 but let’s keep it short and focus on the best. These come straight from our clients … based on their trials and experience between Kipware® conversational and other “wizard” type applications.

Number One

The ability to create cycles using a fill-in-the-blank form is not unique to Kipware® … but the ability to re-load previously create cycles back into the conversational menu IS. Only Kipware® can recall previously created cycles … whether created minutes or months ago … back into the fill-in-the-blank form allowing users to re-create the cycle with new parameters ( say different depth of cut ) or create a totally new cycle without having to re-enter data based on a previously created cycle. Time saver and quick and easy editing.

Number Two

The ability to go beyond standard shapes when required to create non-standard toolpaths. The Kipware® Sketchpad … included standard with all Kipware® conversational titles … gives users the ability to draw directly or import a DXF file … and then to easily create a toolpath from the “sketch” by simply selecting the START and END points along the contour and inputs in a simple fill-in-the-blank form. Only the Kipware® SketchPad also contains the patented and ground breaking Machinist Mode that literally makes your mouse a cutter and allows the user to create ANY toolpath desired by simply moving the mouse. Creating roughing toolpaths for non-standard shapes cannot be any easier !!

Number Three

Say good-bye to simplistic hobby machining toolpaths … “kindergarten toolpaths” … with tons of professional machining options included in all Kipware® conversational screens like :

  • Milling and Turning Kipware® : Rough and / or finish machining  can be included with a simple mouse click
  • Milling and Turning Kipware® : Automatically have cutter comp included in the toolpath … Kipware® does all the start-up and shut-down moves and programming all automatically.
  • Milling Kipware® : Select climb or conventional mill with a simple mouse click. Separate selections can be employed for roughing and finishing if desired.
  • Milling Kipware® : Rotate any shape at any angle with one simple input.
  • Turning Kipware® : Select canned cycle or long hand G code output for most standard shapes … power to the people.
  • Turning Kipware® : Select Z axis cutting ( turning ) or X axis cutting ( facing ) for most standard shapes … more power to the people.
  • and on and on and on.

It is amazing to us that some programming applications DO NOT give users the ability to invoke either canned cycles or long hand G code … and don’t include cutter compensation !! Any machinist worth his weight knows that turning a radius or angle without cutter comp will only result in an incorrect part … but some “wizards” don’t even give the user the ability to invoke cutter comp in these instances. Come On !!!

Conversational

Number Four

Integrated KipwareCSF® – Speed and Feed Wizard for Kipware® Conversational makes including YOUR SHOP’S cutting parameters quick and easy. You know your cutters … your cutter inventory … your shop’s speeds and feeds. Creating a database that contains YOUR SHOP’S … not some pie in the sky … parameters means less fiddling on the floor and more real world programs cutting chips and making money faster.

Number Five

Integrated KipwareTP® – Editing and Toolpath Plotting Software makes double checking your toolpaths quick and easy. With the ability to create cutter shapes to be included in the plot and the ability to import a DXF models or choose standard shapes as stock … KipwareTP® has all the features you need all in a no-frills … down to earth interface. Animations are nice but these app’s never tell you all the work and effort that goes into the set-up. Well our clients have told us that our no-nonsense, simple app gives them what they need fast and easy. That means more time spent cutting chips.

Number Six

Constant development. Kipware® is not a hobby for us … it’s our life and the developers at Kentech Inc. are CONSTANTLY developing new ground breaking features and re-developing and improving already released features to make them even more powerful. Some enhancements are based on tried and tested user input … or based on our over 30+ years of real world chipmaking experiences. This is more than evident in these facts :

  • Only KipwareM® offers 3D conversational milling menus.
  • Only KipwareT® offers conversational LIVE TOOL programming options.
  • Only KipwareT® offers conversational Y AXIS programming options.
  • Only KipwareM® offers CONVERSATIONAL 4th AXIS options … standard !!
  • Only Kipware® conversational is a COMPLETE PROGRAMMING SYSTEM … not an after-thought or add-on … and includes conversational CAM, conversational CAD/CAM, toolpath plotting, auto speed and feed generation, a standard DNC application, a standard machininst toolbox application and a CNC programming assistant / wizard all standard … all in one package.

We could go on and on about all the reasons our clients tell us they choose Kipware® …

  • adding good, shop floor  chipmakers to the programming process to cover the simple, everyday programming means faster program creation, more chip making and better delivery time frames.
  • our powerful, intuitive design puts an end to the time consuming, non-productive tasks of having to maintain “tool cribs”, lists of cutters, cutter geometry and others. Kipware® unshackles your inner machinist with our intuitive, real world software design.
  • intelligent, simple, easy-to-use, no-nonsense user interfaces means less time learning the software and more time cutting chips.
  • the ability to use each included app as a stand-alone or as part of the system means more “bullets” in your programming arsenal.
  • anytime, unlimited access to our powerful and complete video training website means answers to questions are only a simple video away.
  • and much, much more.

How about you? … Ready to go Real World?
Ready to unshackle your machinist skills? … or do you want to be referred to as a “cnc’er” forever?
Ready to get your good chipmakers involved in the programming process for better productivity?

If you’re ready to STEP UP … we invite you to explore all the Kipware® Conversational titles at our website :  www.Kipware.com

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

New Feature Release – KipwareM® Tapered Top Facing

Kentech Inc. announces the release of a new conversational menu for KipwareM® – Conversational CNC Programming Software for milling.

We created the menu based on a request from one of our clients who was looking for a menu that would allow him to create a G code program to face a part that is fixtured at an angle … as the below illustration outlines.

tapered_top_image

Of course a normal facing cycle could be used … but with a lot of wasted motion and “air cutting”. Based on our clients requirements … and the fact that other users might find the menu useful … we created a conversational menu that will create a G code program to face with no wasted or air cutting. The software calculates the depth along the angle for each depth of cut so cutting is done efficiently along the calculated length and width with no wasted motion. As with all KipwareM® conversational screens … inputs are simple yet powerful as with the simple ROTATION input that will allows the user to create facing motion along the X or Y axis … or at any angle desired .. using ROUGH and / or FINISH cutting parameters.

tapered_top_screenshot

This new Tapered Top Facing is now included standard with all KipwareM® purchases as of 12/2/2015.

Kentech Inc. continues to stand the conversational CNC programming software world on it’s head with constant innovation and unprecedented, ground breaking development.

Conversational

Who creates your CNC and machine shop software?
Want to be a BETTER and MORE PROFESSIONAL MACHINIST??
Join the Kipware® family and STEP UP !!

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.