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This Chapter will deal with some information specific to KipwareT® - Conversational CNC Programming Software for Turning
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 KipwareT® gives users the ability customize some of the G code output as outlined below.
•The user can set KipwareT® for INCH or METRIC programming.
•Users can define the tool change as being a single line or double line output ... and whether or not to output the T--00 command or to output an M06 command.
•Users can define the G code format for output as either Fanuc output ( Type I or Type II / Haas is Type I "fanuc compatible" ) or Okuma OSP compatible. The Fagor output is available but still in BETA testing and not as of yet fully supported. This settings can be used but users should be aware and prove out any Fagor output carefully.
•Users can also set up whether or not to output decimal points in canned cycle command lines ( mostly Fanuc specific ).
•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. Also the desired default post-file to to be used when creating a Main Program in KipwareT® can be sepcified.
•Use the SAVE SETTINGS button to save the settings permanently and they will be automatically re-loaded each time KipwareT® is started. Making any changes to the SETTINGS and selecting the SET TEMPORARILY will make the changes only available while the current session of KipwareT® is running. When the software is re-started the saved settings will become active.
•LIVE TOOL SETTINGS ... users should configure the Live Tool Settings ( if available ) to reflect their machine specific M codes that control the various aspects of live tool, Y axis and sub spindle programming for their specific machine and CNC control.
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 (5) cycles. For example, the user wants to face the part then rough the OD with the same tool. The user would create two cycles ... one using the FACING menu, the other using the SIMPLE TURNING MENU to create the two cycles. When the tool is called in an operation ... the user can link the two individual cycles previously created to that one tool. They two cycles would then 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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