Tag Archives: cnc programming software

Kipware® Companion Programs – The Hidden Gems

A purchase of our Kipware® CONVERSATIONAL programming software is a purchase of SO MUCH more than just a G code generating system … although that in itself is a hell-of-a-buy !!

After living and working on the shop floor for 30+ years … we know that programming is more than just generating the cutting program. Having REAL WORLD tools available to assist in all the related jobs is essential as well. That’s why we include a ton of REAL WORLD companion applications with EVERY Kipware® conversational purchase.

Integration and Stand-Alone — That’s REAL WORLD Development

AND … one of the most underrated aspects of these applications is the way we both integrate them and separate them from the main programming application. Why do we do that? Well … as an example … let’s say you want to start a G code editor to either create some G code or modify some G code. You can launch KipwareTP® (one of our included companion app’s) and go. To boot … because it is a toolpath plotter … you can BOTH create the G code and watch the toolpath plot. On the other hand … you are creating a program with Kipware® conversational and you want to watch the plot … just click the plot button and KipwareTP® will launch automatically and show you the plot. Integrated … AND … stand alone. That’s REAL WORLD development for ya !!

Let’s Get UP CLOSE and PERSONNEL with our Companion Apps’s

Let’s take a closer look at the WHAT and WHY of our Kipware® conversational companion applications.

The Kipware® SketchPad

A simple drawing application with DXF IMPORT for non-standard shape programming.

While the conversational, fill-in-the-blank module is employed by Kipware® conversational for the G code programming of standard shapes … the included Kipware® SketchPad can be utilized for non-standard shapes.

SketchPad allows the user to either draw the toopath / shape directly or to import a DXF file created in any CAD program. Once the toolpath / shape is created or imported … the SketchPad uses conversational, fill-in-the-blank forms to gather inputs and then create the desired G code program.

SketchPad’s patent-pending and unique MACHINIST MODE allows users to create ANY toolpath desired by simple moving the mouse … represented by a user defined cutting tool configuration. SketchPad CYCLES can be employed to make toolpath generation even easier.

The Kipware® SketchPad can be used to create cycles for non-standard shapes in conjunction with KipwareM® (milling) or KipwareT® (turning) … or as a stand-alone programming application to create G code independent of Kipware® conversational. SketchPad® also contain a powerful EDITOR making it a complete, stand-alone G code generator.

We invite you to fully explore the Kipware® SketchPad through our YouTube videos series … just CLICK HERE.

KipwareCSF®

Speed & Feed Wizard for Kipware® Conversational

Consistency in the cutting parameters utilized in a G code program is a key factor to reaching full production quickly. Kipware® conversatinal makes creating G code fast … and the included KipwareCSF® Speed and Feed Wizard makes including consistent speeds and feeds in those programs fast and easy.

Rather than basing speeds and feeds on pie-in-the-sky, never-attainable “recommendations” , KipwareCSF®allows users to build a database of cutting parameters based on your shop equipment’s capabilities and your shop floor’s inventory. Then KIpwareCSF® uses that database to auto-calculate realistic speeds and feeds and auto-inserts them into your G code creations.

CLICK HERE to view the KipwareCSF® video.

KipwareTP®

G Code Editor and Toolpath Plotting Software

For 90 to 95% of CNC programming done everyday in the real world, programmers and operators are looking for a simple tool that will produce a simple plot to confirm their G code program. Developed by machinists for machinists KipwareTP® cuts to the chase to allow for simple plots and includes powerful, easy-to-use features if you want to go complex.

KipwareTP® is included standard and is an integral part of ALL Kipware® conversational titles, but can also be used as a stand-alone application. Plot any Kipware® conversational program or create your G code from scratch in KipwareTP® and view the plot to confirm.

Full G Code Specific Editor … create your code form scratch or import a program and use re-sequencing, inch / metric conversion, X and Z axis reversal, color highlight and more.

On Screen Measurement …. use your mouse to measure right on the screen.

Import DXF files as stock models … plot directly over a DXF file to see how the toolpath compares to the part.

Cutting Tool Library … users can build a cutting tool library of user defined tools and use them to plot.

Uses handy machine like functions for plotting like : Single Block, Optional Stop, Block Delete, Selectable Plotting Speed, Selectable Tool Display.

We invite you to fully explore KipwareTP® and all its features through our YouTube series … just CLICK HERE.

KipwareTB®

Machinist Toolbox Software

Wasting time on the shop floor searching for the “answer guy” or looking through charts and formulas reduces productivity. Smart shops now employ PC’s on the shop floor with applications that make finding the necessary information quick and easy. KipwareTB® is the PREMIER Shop Floor Assistant … and is included standard with ALL Kipware® conversational titles.

Developed by machinists for machinists KipwareTB® not only includes all the formulas and conversions you need every day … it also includes these unique and powerful “real world” features:

Conversational intersecting point and tangency point calculator … no need for CAD, give KipwareTB® a couple of inputs and it will auto-calculate intersecting points for line-to-line or tangency points for line-arc-line configurations

Circle mill helper …. quickly generate G code for circle milling with tangent ramping entry and exit.

Cutting TROUBLESHOOTERS for turning, milling and drilling … quickly get recommendations for common material cutting issues.

Cutter Comp Calculator … calculate shift amounts for chamfers and radius without having to use the machines cutter comp. functions.

We invite you to fully explore KipwareTB® and all it’s features through our YouTube series … just CLICK HERE.

ALL of the above and are INCLUDED STANDARD with every Kipware® conversational CNC programming title. AND THERE ARE MORE !! You can check them all out by CLICKING HERE.

Real World Software comes from Real World Developers … Kentech Inc. !!

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

New 3D Feature for KipwareM®

Today we are proud to be introducing a new conversational feature for our KipwareM® – Conversational CNC programming software for milling for our groundbreaking 3D conversational option. This option allows for the creation of G code programs to machine a radius along the edge of workpiece using only a conversational or fill-in-the-blank form. As we often do … this conversational menu was created because of a request from one of our clients …. and we are happy to help make their shop more efficient through our development.

edge_radius_screenshot

As the menu screenshot above illustrates … we have included many powerful options such as :

  1. The ability to select any of the (4) locations to correspond with the workpiece set-up and radius edge location. In addition … the user can use multiple operations which each different quadrant to machine a complete “box” configuration.
  2. Any angle of the sidewall which means the radius does not have to be inside a 90 degree edge but virtually any edge and sidewall combination.
  3. The ability to select ZIG-ZAG or ONE WAY machining where zig-zag cutting will take depths of cut via a user defined stepover in both directions for a faster operation or with one direction cutting only.

edge_radius_screenshot2

KipwareM® and our 3D conversational operations has become the PREMIER PC based conversational programming software on the market. The complete array of available conversational 3D options is illustrated in the menu screenshot below and includes Tapered Cone … Tapered Hole … Tapered Boss … Tapered Pocket … Horizontal and Vertical Troughs … Male and Female Bending Dies … Curved Surface … Bowl shape and now the Edge Radius option.

edge_radius_screenshot3

For additional information on KipwareM® and our family of Kipware® CNC and machine shop software family of products … please visit our website at www.KentechInc.com.

Kenney Skonieczny – President
Kentech Inc.

Conversational