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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Effects of Inaccurate Cycletime Estimating in Your Machine Shop

Machining time estimation is the process of predicting how long a machining operation will take to complete. It is important for profitability but also for the  planning, scheduling, costing and optimizing machining processes.

The most common focus on innaccurate cyceltime estimating is in the profit and loss of higher or lower times when machining the workpiece. But other factors also come into play and are just as important and can have very detrimental effects on your shop.

Inaccurate machining time estimation can have negative effects on the efficiency and profitability of machining operations. Some of those effects are :

  • Overestimating machining time can lead to underutilization of machine capacity, wasted resources, higher production costs and lower competitiveness.
  • Underestimating machining time can lead to overloading of machine capacity, delays in delivery, poor quality and customer dissatisfaction.
  • Inaccurate quoting: This can lead to lost sales or unhappy customers.
  • Inaccurate scheduling: This can lead to production bottlenecks and missed deadlines.
  • Inaccurate capacity planning: This can lead to over or under-investment in equipment and resources.

Therefore, it is important to use reliable methods and data to estimate machining time as accurately as possible.

KipwareCYC® … machining cyctime estimating software from Kentech Inc. is a proven in-the-trenches solution for accurate machining time estimation and is trusted by thousands of machine shop of all sizes around the world.

You can get more information on KipwareCYC® through this link : https://kentechinc.com/kipwarecyc/

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

There’s a NEW MEANING for the Acronym CAD/CAM …

The success of Kipware® conversational CNC programming software … conversational CAM … has meant a new meaning has been given to the acronym CAD/CAM.

  • NO LONGER is creating a DRAWING the start point for CNC programming .
  • In fact, NO LONGER is the entire CNC programming process driven by a drawing.

Kipware® conversational has taken the concept of creating G code to another level. A level that includes ease-of-use … a level that invites everyone ( not just CAD/CAM users ) to creater and explore G code creation … a level where speed and increased efficiency is a standard when creating G code programs. And as a result … the new meaning for the acronym CAD/CAM has been crowned :

  • C = CANCEL
  • A = ALL
  • D = DRAWING
  • /
  • C = CONCENTRATE
  • A = ABSOLUTELY on
  • M = MACHINING

Join us in the fight to END CAD/CAM OVERKILL … and spend more time MAKING CHIPS … NOT DRAWINGS … with Kipware® conversational CNC programming software.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

NEW RELEASE : Features for Swiss / Multi-Spindle / Multi-Turret for Machining Cycletime Estimating

Version 11.0.0 of KipwareCYC® – Machining Cycletime Estimating Software has been released.

This upgrade includes a new feature called GHOSTING  for estimating machining times on swiss machines as well as multi-spindle and multi-turret CNC turning centers.

How Does It Work?

To utlize this new features users create times in KipwareCYC® for all operations required to machine the workpiece completely as usual. Then, using the GHOSTING feature users can then “ghost” operations that would be performed in tandem with other operations … leaving only the operations actually taking up cycletime as the main focus of the estimate.

Ghosted operations will still remain part of the estimate for  all reporting features such as in ROUTING SHEETS and any operation in the estimate can be easily transferred to and back from a ghosted operation. In addition, should the user wish, ghosted operations can be deleted permanently from the estimate once the desired sequence and set-up is obtained.

This new feature greatly strengthens the power of KipwareCYC® when emplyed to estimate machining time for swiss type machines as well as multi-spindle and multi-turret CNC turning centers.

Version 11.0.0 is shipping standard as of December 16, 2022.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

@Kipware Twitter Account Deactivated

With the purchase of Twitter by #ElonMusk … Kentech Inc. has chosen to deactivate and remove our @KIPWARE Twitter account.

Eloan Musk was once, in our eyes, a visionary and a positive force for change in our world. Over the years … he has lost step and fallen to the low levels of other wealthy individuals who are corrupted by power and wealth and use them to force their views about EVERYTHING onto the world. The purchase of Twitter will only assist him in taking steps and exerting influence that will push the world closer to chaos.

We encourage all Twitter users to think long and hard about whether or not Elon Musk is an “influencer” and if Twitter is a platform they wish to encourage and assist.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

NEW RELEASE : Conversational 3D Programming for KipwareM® – 3D Conversational Hole Fillet Menu

Kentech Inc. and Kipware® conversational continue to show their innovative and pioneering  spirit with the latest release for our conversational 3D option for KipwareM® – Conversational CAM / CNC Programming Software for MILLING.

KipwareM® is the only application on the market that gives users the ability to create 3D G code for standard 3D shapes like CONES … TAPERED HOLES … TAPERED Square &  Rectangular BOSS … TAPERED Square & Rectangular POCKET … Horizontal & Vertical TROUGHS … Female BENDING DIES … CURVED SURFACES … BOWLS … RADIUS EDGES … TAPERED RADIUS EDGES … HOLE FILLETS … and we’re constantly adding new options based on user requests !!

Our latest version … 22.0.0 … now includes standard our conversational 3D HOLE FILLET menu in the 3D conversational option. Using a simple fill-in-the-blank form … using no drawing, no CAD  and no drawing experience required …. users can quickly and easily create G code to machine fillet radii on holes. Any size fillet … using any size tool … using a square end mill or ball end mill … can be programmed in seconds with this powerful and groundbreaking option. Below are some images and details.

Above is an example of what we refer to as a HOLE FILLET.

Conversational CNC programming for a 3D Hole Fillet is now available in KipwareM®The above image is a screenshot of the conversational 3D HOLE FILLET screen in KipwareM®. Simple plain english inputs … along with the ability to select a square or ball end mill … combined with the users ability to select climb or conventional milling make this menu so very powerful.

Conversational CNC programming for a 3D Hole Fillet is now available in KipwareM®Above is an image of a 3D plot of the resulting toolpath … all created using a fill-in-the-blank form … no CAD nor CAD / drawing experience required.

This new menu was created through a request from a client and we continue to pursue new conversational menu options based on user request and our own real world experiences. This new 3D HOLE FILLET menu is now included STANDARD with all KipwareM® w 3D option purchases.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Cutter Compensation – a CNC Programmers Best Friend – Best CNC Programming Practices

Many programmers shy away from cutter compensation … primarily because they have never taken the time to fully understand both it’s power nor how to use it properly. But the reality is that cutter comp is one of a programmers best friends. The most common reason goes something like this “It’s just as easy to have the CAD/CAM system compensate for the TNR ( tool nose radius ) and out put the hard numbers.” That is true … but life on the shop floor makes this a bad practice. A couple of reasons why :

  1. The “numbers” in the G code don’t match the “numbers” on the part … because they are taking into account the TNR. If manual edits need to be made … even simple edits … this makes it much harder because the part dimensions don’t match the G code numbers.
  2. Say after cutting … the conditions warrant either a bigger or smaller TNR for better cutting conditions. If cutter comp is used … it’s a simple offset change. If not … it’s a trudge back to the CAD/CAM guy or system to re-post and make a new G code program for the revised tool and it’s TNR.
  3. In milling … let’s say I broke my last perfect .250R end mill … but I have a re-ground one that is .245R.. Again, if cutter comp is used … it’s a simple offset change. If not … it’s another trudge back to the CAD/CAM guy or system to re-post and make a new G code program for the revised tool radius.

But here we are going to stick with turning here … and here are a couple of simple rules for when to use and when not to use cutter compensation.

  • Whenever angles or radii are involved … you must use TNR compensation or the angles and radii will be off. Because the programmed point of the cutting tool, an imaginary sharp point, does not coincide with the actual point of the cutting tool which always has some corner radius. For this reason, when machining close tolerance angle or radius cuts, inaccurate workpieces will be produced. The amount of error is proportional to the amount of the tool nose radius.
  • Only worry about using it for finishing … It’s really not worth the effort to use it roughing … the amount you leave for finish allowance will probably “hide” the mismatch due to the TNR.
  • You must start cutter comp with a “start up block”. This block is usually the move as you approach the part … the move distance must be greater than the radius in the TNR offset. So if your tool has a radius of .032 … make a move at least .035 … preferably more.
  • Make sure that your TNR is less than any radius on the part … don’t try to jam an .032 tool into a .020 radius … alarms will greet you somewhere along the way.
  • We’ll cover some additional thoughts at the end of the post.

The Details :
The CNC control has the capability to automatically compensate for the tool nose radius thru the CUTTER COMPENSATION codes of G41 and G42. G41 is called cutter compensation left. The left side is explained as the side of the workpiece the cutting tool is on when viewed in the direction of cutter movement or the cutter is moving on the left side of the programmed path. Once commanded, G41 or G42 are modal commands and remain active until the G40 or cancel condition is obtained.

In Fanuc controls, in addition to commanding G41 or G42 direction, the programmer must also tell the control two other aspects of the cutting tool which are : (a) the amount of the tool nose radius and (b) the imaginary tool tip location. Both these values are entered in the tools geometry or wear offset table. In the offset table, the R value is the amount of the tools nose radius. If the program called T0101 in the tool command, in offset table #1, under the R column, the nose radius of the tool would be entered. The T column in the offset tables holds the imaginary tool tip location.

Cutter compensation must be programmed using what is commonly referred to as a start up block. This block, which must be a G01 type block, is used to activate the cutter compensation before the cutting tool actual contacts the workpiece. The movement amount in the start up block must always be greater than the nose radius of the tool stored in the R column of the offset table. Circular commands using G02 or G03 are not allowed on start up blocks.

G40 is used to cancel the automatic compensation of the tool nose radius. G40 should always be commanded on a G00 block as the tool moves away from the workpiece with the tool in a clearance position.

More Rules and Thoughts :
Many rules apply in the use of cutter compensation as the control is always checking the tool position so it can calculate for the tool nose radius. Three rules of thumb apply and should keep you free of the controls cutter compensation alarms :

(1) Always command a start up block before contacting the workpiece and move in the G01 mode with a move greater than the nose radius of the tool.

(2) Use cutter compensation primarily in the finishing cut and try to eliminate it in the roughing passes. The more moves made with G41 or G42 modal, the more likely for a problem. To finish the part, use the start up block, finish cut the part and command G40 when done. If additional cuts are required, use another start up block and cancel the cutter comp each time as soon as the profile cut is finished.

(3) Always cancel G41 or G42 using the G40 command. The best place to command G40 is on a G00 block, at a clearance point or moving to a clearance point.

Because cutter compensation causes the control to perform some powerful calculations and is a complex command, you should also consult your controls instruction manual for further info on G41 or G42.

Kenny Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.