All posts by Kenney Skonieczny

I'm proud to say that I am a 3rd generation machinist ... I became a CNC Applications and Service Engineer / Manager for Yamazen and then Mori Seiki USA ... and I then took my acquired skills and entrepreneurial drive to start my own business in 1986. Since then ... Kentech Inc. and Kipware® software has become a leader and pioneer in machine shop software. Every day I strive to improve our products ... service ... and machining and machinists around the world.
General, Kipware® G Code Conversion Software, Kipware® Programming Software, Kipware® Quoting and Estimating Software

The 3 Biggest Obstacles Facing Machine Shops Today – And How KIPWARE® Solves Them All

Machine shops today face THREE major challenges, driven by technological advancements, market pressures, and labor dynamics.This article lays them out clearly … and gives you the good news of how KIPWARE® software can help solve them all. Let’s dive in !!

1. Skilled Labor Shortage

  • Problem: There is a shortage of skilled CNC programmers and with shops relying heavily on CAD/CAM … those operators are hard to find and are in short supply. In addition … entry level G code creators who are not experienced in CAD/CAM in general … and your CAD/CAM in particular … are being exclded from the CNC programming process.
  • Impact: These factors extremely limit productivity and increases the costs of production, and lead directly to production bottlenecks.
  • The KIPWARE Solution : By adding Kipware® conversational CAM to your CNC programming arsenal … you can get more people involved in the G code creation process and it requires no CAD/CAM, no drawing and even G code experience to quickly asnd easily create quality G code. This increase productivity … output … and increases your shop’s turnaround capability. And every clients is looking for faster turnaround.

2. Customer Expectations for Short Lead Times

  • Problem: Customers are increasingly demanding faster delivery and custom, high-quality products.
  • Impact: Machine shops must optimize workflow and  reduce downtime.
  • The Kipware Solution : Again, relying on complex expensive CAD/CAM and CAD/CAM operators slows down the CNC programming and G code creation process. Adding Kipware® conversationa CAM can help grow your shop through increased output, efficiency and faster turnaround.

3. Inceased Competition

  • Problem: Competition from low-cost shops, perhaps outside the U.S. especially in Asia, puts pressure on pricing and profitability.
  • Impact: To stay competitive, machine shops need to find ways to respond to RFQ’s faster …. but more accurate. The rush to assume AI will help generate quotes and estimates faster and easier is acually leading to just faster … inaccurate … money losing … quotes and estimates.
  • The KIPWARE Solution : Today’s shops have to find new tools to help generate both machining cycletime estimates and cost estimates and quotes faster and with hair thin margins … more accurate. Using over 40 years of real world machine shop experiences, KIPWARE quoting and estimating software are easily tailored to YOUR shop … to produce quotes and estimates that can actually be reproduced on YOUR shop floor. After all … if you cannot reproduce what is outlined in your cycletime estimate and cost quotation … you’re still guesstimating and still losing money.

These obstacles can create a complex landscape for machine shops to navigate, but they also present opportunities for innovation, improved efficiency, and differentiation from competitors. KIPWARE software are proven-in-the-trenches solutions for these opportunities.

Check out all the REAL WORLD Kipware® solutions at www.KIPWARE.com

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® Programming Software, New Product Release Information

5 Reasons Why Kipware® Conversational CAM is the BEST

Kipware® Conversational CAM is highly regarded in the industry for various reasons. Here are five key aspects that make it stand out:

  1. User-Friendly Interface:
    • Ease of Use: Kipware® is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even for those who may not have extensive CAM programming experience. Its conversational interface allows users to quickly input data and generate G-code without the need for complex programming skills.
    • Intuitive Design: The software features an intuitive interface that guides users through the programming process, reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity.
  2. Efficiency and Speed:
    • Rapid Programming: Kipware® enables rapid creation of CNC programs, significantly reducing the time required to move from design to production. This efficiency is crucial for shops that need to maintain a fast turnaround time.
    • Minimized Errors: The conversational approach minimizes the likelihood of programming errors, ensuring that CNC machines can operate smoothly and without costly mistakes.
  3. Versatility and Flexibility:
    • Wide Range of Applications: The software supports a wide variety of machining operations, including turning, milling, and drilling. This versatility makes it suitable for different types of CNC machines and machining tasks.
    • Customizable: Kipware® allows for customization to meet specific needs, providing flexibility that can be tailored to the unique requirements of different projects and shops.
  4. Cost-Effective Solution:
    • Affordability: Compared to other CAM software solutions, Kipware® is relatively affordable, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized machine shops looking for cost-effective tools to enhance their capabilities.
    • No Maintenance Fees: Kipware® offers a one-time purchase option without recurring maintenance fees, providing long-term savings for businesses.
  5. Support and Training:
    • Comprehensive Support: Kipware® provides robust customer support, including online resources, tutorials, and responsive technical assistance to help users get the most out of the software.
    • Training Resources: The availability of training materials ensures that users can quickly become proficient in using the software, further enhancing its value and usability.

These factors collectively make Kipware® Conversational CAM a top choice for many CNC machining operations, offering a balance of simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

 

General, Kipware® Programming Software

Kipware Conversational #CAM … It’s Like Driving a Sports Car !!

Kipware® Conversational CNC programming is like driving a sports car, while CAD/CAM is akin to driving an older car. Let’s break it down:

  1. Conversational CNC Programming (Sports Car):
    • Speed: Like a sports car, Kipware® conversational is agile and quick. It allows programmers to create CNC toolpaths directly at the machine interface without relying on complex software.
    • Flexibility: Just as a sports car can swiftly adapt to different road conditions, Kipware® conversational enables quick adjustments and modifications to machining operations on the fly.
    • Intuitiveness: Similar to how a sports car’s controls are designed for a seamless driving experience, Kipware conversational’s interface is user-friendly, allowing operators to input machining parameters without extensive training.
    • Efficiency: Sports cars are engineered for high performance; likewise, Kipware conversational optimizes machining processes for efficiency and productivity.
  2. CAD/CAM (Old Car):
    • Complexity: CAD/CAM systems, like older cars, can be more intricate and require a learning curve to master. They involve designing parts in CAD software and then generating toolpaths using CAM software.
    • Reliability: Just as an older car may require more maintenance and upkeep, CAD/CAM systems require regular updates and troubleshooting to ensure smooth operation.
    • Precision: CAD/CAM systems excel in producing intricate and precise machining instructions for complex parts and require extensive training to operate. When simpler parts are involved, that precision and training often removes good chipmakers from the programming process.

In essence, Kipware® conversational CNC programming software offers speed, agility, and simplicity akin to driving a sports car, while CAD/CAM provides the precision and automation capabilities reminiscent of an older car’s reliability and complexity.

We invite you to explore Kipware® conversational in more detail HERE.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® Programming Software, New Product Release Information

KipwareT® – Conversational CAM for TURNING – New Release

Kentech Inc. is pleased to announce new menu additions for our LIVE TOOL option for KipwareT® – Conversational CNC Programming Software for TURNING … details are below.

Live Tool Conversational CNC Programming with KipwareT®STRAIGHT SLOTTING

This new menu allows for the creation of G code to mill a slot or series of slots along the Z axis. The slots can be straight or fluted, determined by the user. The user can also use just this one menu to create code to mill an unlimited number of slots at incremental angles from each other.

Live Tool Conversational CNC Programming with KipwareT®

ANGLED SLOTTING

This new menu allows for the creation of G code to mill a slot or series of slots along the Z axis where the angle at the midpoint is different than the start / end. The user can also use just this one menu to create code to mill an unlimited number of slots at incremental angles from each other.

Version 24.3.0 is shipping standard as of 04/12/2024.

You can get full details on KipwareT® through the link below :

KipwareT – Conversational CNC Programming CAM for Turning

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® Programming Software, New Product Release Information

KipwareM® – Conversational CAM for MILLING – New Release

Version 23.0.0 of our KipwareM® – Conversational CNC Programming Software for MILLING has been released. This release includes a multi-location feature for easy repeating SQUARE / RECTANGULAR BOSS … O RING GROOVES … ROUND BOSS machining in mutliple locations using a single menu form.

How does the multi locations meaning work?

(1) Select the conversational menu desired … square / rectangular boss, O ring groove or round boss … input the specifics as they relate to the shape and machining … size, depth of cut, cutter diameter, etc..

(2) Select LOCATIONS button and the above form will be displayed. User can enter an UNLIMITED number of locations either manually, through the reading of a DXF file where every POINT in the DXF is brough in as a location … or to have the locations automatically calculated using a BOLT CIRCLE, GRID or LINE-AT-AN-ANGLE conversational menu.

(3) Returning to the original menu … select CREATE PROGRAM … and the defined shape and G code program will be auto created with the machining taking place at each location previously defined.

A sample RECTANGULAR BOSS plot is illustrated below.

This is a terrific time saver when identical shapes are required in multiple locations. This location option wax previously available in other menus … but now has been extended to almost all conversational menus.

Version 23.0.0 is shipping standard as 02/20/2024.

UPGRADE pricing and purchase options are available in the Kipware® OnLine Store … https://www.BuyKipware.com

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

General, Kipware® G Code Conversion Software

KipwareXC® – The Intelligent Post Processor Alternative … Maybe Genius Level !!

One of the biggets, constant and universal struggles in machine shops around the world is the “control incompatibility” issue. G code formats between CNC controls are different … Fanuc different than Okuma … different than Fagor … different than Mazak … different than Haas … and on and on. The result is that G code created for one machine won’t run in a different machine … leading to re-posting … or re-programming … or worse.

But the GENIUS developers at Kentech Inc. have created the ultimate solution.

Kentech Inc. has been developing pioneering and ground-breaking G code conversion since 1986 when first commissioned by Raytheon Corp. to help with their shop’s control incompatibility issues. Those years of experience went into the development of both our KipwareXC® and Kipware® CNC XChange applications … resulting in easy-to-use and powerful conversion applications. thousands of shops around the world use KipwareXC® and CNC XChange to allow all their shop floor machinery to operate seamlessly … putting an end to the time consuming and error prone re-posting or re-programming of proven G code programs.

But what are the advantages of G code conversion software?

Kipware® conversion software is a bit mind blowing because not many similar type of applications exist. But once you see the advantages … it all becomes clear and makes enormous sense. Here goes :

  1. Proven G code running on the shop floor more often than not contains tweaks and edits that were needed due to cutting conditions, re-design or to just plainly increase efficiency. Converting that proven G code from one format to another using Kipware® means none of those nuance’s are lost … whereas re-posting or re-programming means basically going back to square one … resulting in hours of lost time and re-prove-out meaning non-productive machining.
  2. With the cost of post processors ever on the rise … Kipware® conversion allows users to generate G code using one post processor … and then convert that standard G code output into output compatible with other machines and controls with just a single purchase of an application like KipwareXC®.
  3. KipwareXC® allows users to create an unlimited number of PROFILES … the what-to-convert-into-what … and select the desired PROFILE at the time of conversion to auto-convert the original file to the new format.One purchase can handle an unlimited number of conversion scenarios.
  4. Since KipwareXC® is completely user-configurable … you have control of the output rather than being at the mercy of some CAD/CAM post processor developer.
  5. KipwareXC® and CNC XChange uses plain English and simple forms to tell the software what-to-convert-into-what. Editing a post processor usually requires some coding experience and the cryptic post-processor language is difficult to understand and edit. And making mistakes can have devestating consequences.
  6. Having the ability to easily and confidently convert proven G code into another format gives shop’s the choice to purchase the new machine that best fits their needs … not one that matches the G code format already in play. The ramp up time is much quicker because programmers don’t need to learn the new programming format as quickly … since they will be auto-converting proven G code to the new format and will be up and running while they ramp up.
  7. In order to re-post files from one format to another … the original CAD file must be accessable. Often times those files are not available or are outdated … with edits / changes made to the G code directly on the shop floor. Sinec Kipware® only requires the G code program … that problem is eliminated.
  8. Are you a machine tool sales professional? KipwareXC® and CNC XChange can eliminate the control incompatibility from your sales resulting in increased sales and happier clients.

The Genius of KipwareXC® as a Post Processor with Kipware® Conversational CAM

Kipware® conversational CAM has changed the landscape for thousands of shops around the world by freeing them from the “CAD/CAM only” model … by allowing more chipmakers to get involved with the evryday G code creation … and by speeding up the G code creation by eliminating the need for a CAD model or drawing as the starting point for G code creation. But here is the GENIUS of the combination of Kipware® conversational and KipwareXC® :

  1. Programmers use the same Kipware® conversational CAM interface to create G code. Kipware® creates Fanuc, “fanuc compatible”, Haas and Okuma G code out-of-the-box … no post or anything additional is required. For machines that are not “fanuc compatible” we offer KipwareXC® as an option at a reduced price.
  2. Users can continue to create G code using the same Kipware® conversational interface … regardless of what machine / control they are creating G code for … spend more time creating G code and less time learning software. Once the program is completed … they run that G code through KipwareXC® using the PROFILE desired … and the standard Kipware® output is auto-converted to the format desired.
  3. And KipwareXC® can be employed for ANY G code file … whether created in Kipware® conversational CAM or not … GENIUS !! That opens even more options to eliminate control incompatibility.

Using our years of G code conversion development means that many features have been employed in KipwareXC® and CNC XChange so the applications can handle any conversion scenario. Options have been developed to handle G code rigidly formatted created with a CAD/CAM system to unformatted G code created by hand programming.

It’s time to re-think the shop floor. Think about what it would mean for your productivity and profitability if all your shop floor machine’s ran seamlessly.

Interested? Check out all the Kipware® conversion titles through the links below … or give Kentech Inc. a call today and let’s re-imagine your shop floor.

More Info on KipwareXC® … Click Here

More Info on CNC XChange … Click Here

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® G Code Conversion Software, New Product Release Information

New CNC XChange Feature — Enhanced Search and Replace for G Code Conversion

Version 20.0.0 of our CNC XChange – Fanuc / Haas <–> Okuma G code conversion software has been released.

Enhancements to this version include the ability to define multiple replace condiitons for a single line whne performing G code conversion. For example :

Replace : G83Z-1.000Q.100E.012

with : G74Z-1.000K.100F.012

This conversion can be set up in the CNC XChange User Options by simply defining the original code and replacement code using the * character like so :

Original Code : G83*Q*E*

Replacement Code : G74*K*F*

With the above we have defined G83 as the TRIGGER CODE … meaning whenever the software detects a G83 line it will perform the defined replacements … G83 to G74 … Q address to K address … E address to F address.

Unlike cryptic post processor language, the CNC XChange User Options use a simple code macro language that is far easier to understand, learn and implement … as the aboive demonstrates.

The CNC XChange User Options contain many other proven-over-the-years features that allow the user to set up complex G code conversions with little effort and no complicated coding type language. You can check out some of the other features through the link below :

https://www.kentechinc.com/Kipware_Manual/index.htm?context=770

For more information on CNC XChange … please visit https://kentechinc.com/cncxchange/

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Kipware® Programming Software, New Product Release Information

KipwareM® Conversational CAM for Milling – New Feature Release – Next Tool Look Ahead & T Call

Kentech Inc. has released Version 22.1.0 of our KipwareM® – Conversational CNC Programming Software for Milling. This release contains a new feature to enable the output of the next T command … referred to some time as pre-loading the next tool … when outputting G code. Pre-loading allows the next tool to index and be ready for a tool change as the current tool is machining.

This feature is user configuravble through the SETTINGS as outlined in the screenshot below.

Pre-Loading T Command for CNC Milling Machine

KipwareM® has multiple user selectable options when it comes to tool change output … here is a brief explanation of each :

  • SINGLE LINE or DOUBLE LINE tool change commands can be configured.
  • NEXT TOOL LOOK AHEAD can be set to ON or OFF through the check box. If OFF … none of the options outlined below will be output.

NEXT TOOL LOOK AHEAD will cause the next T command to be auto-inserted into the program using Format A or Format B.

FORMAT A will cause the next tool T command to be inserted on the line following the current tool change command … an example :

T01M06 ( current tool change command )
T02 ( next T command )

FORMAT B will cause the next T command to be inserted after the first Z move line … an example :

T01M06 ( current tool change command )
G90S3000M03
G43Z1.00H01M08
T02 ( next T command )

These settings now allow the user to configure the next T command call to be most compatible with their CNC control & machine.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

General, Kipware® Programming Software

Benefits of KIPWARE® Conversational CNC CAM vs. CAD/CAM

As we update steadly in this BLOG, there has been constantly growing interest in KIPWARE conversational CNC programming software as an alternative to traditional CAD/CAM systems. So much so that KIPWARE® is now the fastest growing brand of PC based conversational CAM in machine shops around the world. Clients are discovering that KIPWARE Conversational CNC programming offers several advantages over CAD/CAM, particularly for certain applications and user scenarios. Here are some benefits of KIPWARE® conversational CNC programming software:

1. User-Friendly Interface: KIPWARE® Conversational CNC programming software employs a user-friendly, intuitive interface that allows users without extensive CNC programming knowledge to create CNC programs easily. The software presents questions and prompts in a conversational format, guiding users through the programming process step by step.

2. Reduced Learning Curve: CAD/CAM systems can be complex and require significant training to use effectively. KIPWARE® Conversational programming is simpler to learn and use, making it more accessible to operators and less experienced CNC programmers.

3. Faster Programming: For simple and standard machining operations, KIPWARE® conversational CNC programming can be much faster than traditional CAD/CAM systems. Users can quickly input the required parameters without the need to create detailed 3D models or use extensive toolpath strategies.

4. Ideal for Prototyping and One-Off Jobs: When working on prototypes or one-off parts, KIPWARE® conversational programming can be more efficient. It allows programmers to quickly create simple toolpaths without investing significant time in CAD model creation and complex CAM strategies.

6. Accessibility for Small Shops: Smaller machining shops or hobbyists find KIPWARE® conversational CNC programming software more affordable and suitable for their needs compared to full-fledged CAD/CAM solutions, which can be expensive.

7. Simplified Updates and Maintenance: KIPWARE® Conversational CNC programming software is less complex than CAD/CAM systems, making updates and maintenance potentially more straightforward and less time-consuming.

As technology evolves, and the skills shortage has become more pronounced, KIPWARE® conversational has become one of the fastest growing brands in machine shops around the world.

Check out the full KIPWARE® line of conversational CAM here : https://kentechinc.com/kipware-programming-software/

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

General

Why KIPWARE® Conversational CNC Programming Software is BETTER than CAD/CAM

Conversational CNC programming software is better than CAD/CAM for several reasons.

First, it is much easier to learn and use. Conversational CNC programming software uses a point-and-click interface, which makes it easy for even beginners to create CNC programs. CAD/CAM software, on the other hand, requires a much higher level of technical knowledge.

Second, conversational CNC programming software is much faster. With conversational CNC programming software, you can create CNC programs in minutes, while CAD/CAM software can take hours or even days. This is a major advantage for small businesses and shops that need to be able to quickly turn around orders.

Third, conversational CNC programming software is much more affordable. CAD/CAM software can be very expensive, while conversational CNC programming software is much more affordable. This makes it a great option for small businesses and shops that are on a budget.

Here are some of the benefits of using conversational CNC programming software:

  • Easy to learn and use
  • Fast and efficient
  • Affordable
  • Versatile
  • Powerful
  • Accurate
  • Reliable

If you are looking for a CNC programming software that is easy to learn, fast, and affordable, then KIPWARE®conversational CNC programming software, the gold standard in PC based conversational, is the best option for you.

Check it all out here : https://kentechinc.com/kipware-programming-software/

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.