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KipwareM®

 

 

 

This Chapter will deal with some information specific to KipwareM® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling

 

For complete video training for Kipware® Conversational ... please visit our Video Training Catalog through the link below :

https://www.kentechinc.com/Kipware_Video_Training_Catalog/index.htm

 

SETTINGS :

The SETTINGS in KipwareM® gives users the ability customize some of the G code output as outlined below.

The user can set KipwareM® for INCH or METRIC programming.

Users can define the tool change as being a single line or double line output.

Users can define the G code format for output as either "fanuc compatible" or Okuma OSP compatible.

Some CNC controls ... like Fanuc ... use a set-up line prior to the command for Rigid Tapping. Set the appropriate rigid tapping pre-code and select whether or not to output the S command on the same line as the pre-code output.

Set the desired default post-file to to be used when creating a Main Program in KipwareM®

In the NC / G CODE FILE Settings users can set the default three letter extension to be attached to any program saved through the Kipware® Editor and also the default folder where to save those files.

Under the MACHINE SETTINGS options users can define the Height Offset Activation Code ( G43 on a Fanuc control / G15 on an Okuma control ) as well as a specific line to output prior to a tool change command ( G00G91G28Z0 on a Fanuc control / G00G90Z50.0 may be used on an Okuma control ) and the letter address and precision to be used when commanding move for a 4th axis.

SAVE-ing the settings will make them permanent and will be automatically re-loaded each time KipwareM® is started. Making any changes to the SETTINGS and not saving the settings will make the changes only available while the current session of KipwareM® is running. When the software is re-started the saved settings will become active.

 

General Philosophy / Design / Operation :

Kipware® conversational is very different than CAD/CAM and requires a different mind set. The main design is to create fast and efficient G code without the need for or use of a CAD model or drawing. Whereas CAD/CAM always starts with creating a drawing, Kipware® conversational is designed to cut to the chase and create G code right off the bat.

Kipware® works by having the user create cycles or operations for evry aspect of the machining of the workpiece. Cycles are created using the conversational, fill-in-the-blank forms for standard shapes or the included SketchPad for non-standard shapes. For example, the workpiece to be programmed in KipwareM® will require a facing operation to flatten the top ... then a center drilling operation for a bolt circle ... then a drilling operation to complete the bolt circle and the production. Each pone of these operations would be defined using a conversational screen ... each cycle created and logged into the tree. Once all the cycles are created ... the user would use the create main program option to link each cycle to tools and operations. the result would be one complete G code program auto created by Kipware® that the user can then send to the machine for execution.

The machining order and the order in which cycles are created are different. The main idea is to ensure all cycles for all machining operations are created and in the tree prior to creating a main program. Cycles can be created and logged into the tree in any order. When creating the main program ... the order of operations and the order the cycles are arranged in those operations is the actual order of machining.

Each operation and thus each tool in the main program can execute up to (10) cycles. For example, the user wants to use a .250" end mill to mill the ends of the part ( cycle created using the Qualify Stock menu ) and also to rough (1) square pocket and one round pocket. When that tool is called in an operation ... the user can link the individual cycles previously created from the QUALIFY STOCK, ROUGH SQUARE POCKET and ROUGH ROUND POCKET to that one tool. They will all be executed one after the other in the order they are linked to the tool in the operation screen.

Kipware® conversational is designed both for the beginner and the novice CNC programmer. If the user never wishes to see or work with the actual G code ... Kipware® is built for that. If the user sometimes only wishes to create a snippet of code and then copy and paste it into an existing G code program ... Kipware® is built for that too. Kipware® was built from the shop floor up with the idea that not every part requires complex CAD/CAM nor a CAD/CAM programmer. Kipware® can be used to increase efficiency on the shop floor by allowing good chipmakers to create the "everyday" programs ... leaving the more complex, if required, to the "CAD/CAM guy".

 

 

 

 

 

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