{"id":170,"date":"2016-01-04T16:53:37","date_gmt":"2016-01-04T16:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kentechinc.com\/kipware_blog\/?p=170"},"modified":"2016-09-07T13:25:31","modified_gmt":"2016-09-07T13:25:31","slug":"the-kipware-conversational-shop-floor-programming-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kentechinc.com\/kipware_blog\/the-kipware-conversational-shop-floor-programming-system\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kipware\u00ae Conversational Shop Floor Programming System"},"content":{"rendered":"

We get asked a LOT<\/strong><\/span> about the differences between CAD\/CAM systems … such as Fusion360, Bobcad, Mastercam etc. … and Kipware\u00ae conversational software and our approach to “shop floor CNC programming”. We always love to take the opportunity to offer the explanation about our\u00a0design and concept that differentiates Kipware\u00ae from CAD\/CAM programming. We feel it is a major difference … and one that when understood can bring increased\u00a0efficiency and flow to any shop floor from the production shop to even a home shop.<\/p>\n

Let’s first start by stating that when we refer to “shop floor programming” we are not only talking about creating G code programs at the machine … on the shop floor … but are talking more about creating G code programs outside\u00a0the realm of a “programmer” inside a “programming department”. Having qualified chipmakers have access to a tool to assist them in creating G code programs that do not require the training and knowledge required to create CAD drawings or function inside a complex CAD\/CAM environment.\u00a0Basically … G code creation for the masses !!<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0This type of G code creation\u00a0can include not only production type machine shops but prototype shops as well as even home shops … anywhere you feel the phrase “this job DOES NOT require a CAD\/CAM system” rings true.<\/p>\n

The ORIGINS of CAD\/CAM<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is essential in ANY discussion about CAD\/CAM to fully understand the history of where it came from. Way back around the late 50’s or so … the first CAD system was created and served as mere replacements for drawing boards.<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0It is definitely an undisputed fact that the origins of CAD\/ CAM lie in it’s drawing and design features. From these simple origins of computer aided drafting to the modern 3D engineering, simulation and inter-connectivity features … CAD is probably one of the most important tools in the areas of design and \u00a0engineering. This is where it was born and is still where it’s main features lie. Look at any of the major CAD\/CAM websites and you’ll see it’s all about design and the design features.<\/p>\n

The CAM part of it came along later tagging on the design apron strings as a follow-up to CAD … but has always been an after-feature … never the main player.\u00a0The simple fact that you CANNOT create any cutting toolpaths in ANY CAD\/CAM application\u00a0…. even to simply drill a hole … without a CAD model illustrates this fully. No Drawing … No Toolpath … PERIOD.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

CAD and CAD\/CAM were primarily developed as design tools … use as a CNC programming tool has always been secondary. If you look deep at an application like Fusion360 … it is primarily about design and collaboration regarding design work … which is great for someone designing and building a product. For shop floors and job shops that have the task of delivering machined components … it really makes less sense.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And herein lies the main difference between CAD\/CAM and the Kipware\u00ae “shop floor programming” system.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Kipware\u00ae Shop Floor Programming
\nVS.<\/span>
\nCAD\/CAM<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"cadcam\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The truth of the matter is … despite what CAD\/CAM companies might have you believe … is that turning the above “pretty picture” 3D model … which CAD is essential in developing … into actual physical components is not as simple as clicking the mouse and watching the parts roll out of your CNC machine. It comes down to the more intense basics of fixturing and workholding, cutting tools, toolpath \/ G code generation, and actual CNC machining … for EACH of the components that comprise the model.<\/strong><\/em><\/span> There is no CAD\/CAM MAGIC involved …\u00a0it’s simple down and dirty, programming, chipmaking and machining. The picture may look fabulous … but making the actual physical components still requires\u00a0a skilled CNC programmer \/ machinist.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

AND this is the essence of why what we refer to as “shop floor programming”\u00a0makes soooo much sense.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s face the facts that not every skilled machinist is a skilled draftsman or CAD operator … but are still one of the most valuable assets on the shop floor. Should their lack of drafting or CAD skills eliminate them from the\u00a0CNC programming process? Should their lack of drafting or CAD skills eliminate them from applying their skills to program \/ G code generation. We think that following that path is leading your shop floor down the road of extreme inefficiency.<\/p>\n

Kipware\u00ae conversational allows skilled chipmakers but unskilled CNC programmers or CAD\/CAM personnel to get involved in the programming process.<\/strong><\/em><\/span> Bringing additional layers of options and efficiency to the shop floor. Kipware\u00ae conversational gives them a simple tool to assist them in creating G code programs for the day-to-day type\u00a0workpieces … leaving the more complex “stuff” to the “CAD\/CAM guy”. Have a quick peek at our animated video below that illustrates a scenario we see time and again on shop floors around the world.<\/p>\n