KipwareM® is a unique CNC software package designed for the everyday CNC programmer. KipwareM® combines a mixture of conversational programming, CAD and CAM to create efficient CNC programs that machine those everyday workpieces ... that comprise 85% of the machining done every day in the world. CNC programs created with KipwareM® not only contain no-prove-out needed toolpaths but also all the tips and tricks that are used everyday like canned cycles, cutter comp and much more.
The reasons outlined on this page clearly show the need for CAD/CAM when performing complex die/mold programming, but for 85% of all CNC programming ask yourself this question, "Do I really utilize or need a CAD/CAM system for my everyday, production programming?"
In these days where Lean Manufacturing is the buzz word ... KipwareM® will help turn your EVERYDAY WORKFORCE into an EFFICIENT WORKFORCE. In today's market, companies are needing and indeed asking even their machine operators to create CNC programs. The ease-of-use and auto-programming features of KipwareM® makes it the perfect tool to get the most out of your workforce ... and perhaps take the CNC programming of simpler parts away form the highly paid and experienced CAD/CAM programmer.
Think your CAD/CAM system is SAVING you money? There is a difference between programming for
production and 3D / mold type programming.
The basic premise behind the design of KipwareM® ... there is a difference between programming for production and programming for die, mold and other 3D machining. Making pretty pictures doesn't necessarily translate into making chips faster or better.
FACT : CAD/CAM is a requirement when performing die and mold type machining.
The problem is that die / mold type of 3D machining comprises only about 5% - 10% of all the machining done every day in the world.
FACT : 3D programming consist mostly of surfacing, utilizing point-to-point large programs with no manual programming or intervention.
85% to 90% of the machining done in most shops every day is simple, 2D machining consisting of drilling, contour milling using canned cycles and sub-programming ... but most CAD/CAM companies are chasing the 5%-10% market mentioned above ... leaving their "real world" features wanting.
FACT : Using CAD/CAM, even simple parts need to be drawn.
KipwareM® uses simple fill-in-the-blank forms to create most programs ... and that saves time.
FACT : CAD/CAM requires an experienced CAD/CAM engineer for even the simplest programs.
KipwareM® is a programmers programming package that can make a rookie programmer as well as an experienced programmer more efficient.
FACT : CAD/CAM does not allow for any hands-on flexibility to create more efficient toolpaths.
KipwareM® allows experienced programmers to work with and around the software to create any toolpath desired.
CAD/CAM vs. KipwareM® :
EASE-OF-USE : If CAD/CAM is so easy to use ... why do they offer 3-5 day seminars, web forums, tons of books? KipwareM® uses on-board intelligence and simple fill-in-the-blank forms to create efficient CNC programs. For the everyday tasks, no software is easier to use.
CAD/CAM SAVES TIME : With KipwareM® it is not necessary to draw the part ... how can a CAD/CAM system that requires you to define and draw the part, or import a drawing and re-arrange or re-define the elements be faster? It can't.
PRICE : With CAD/CAM prices falling, everyone should program using some, any CAD/CAM package. FACT : It doesn't matter if it's FREE, if you can't get a G code program out of it quickly and easily ... that FREE software is costing you $$$$$.
COMPATIBILITY : Post Processors for every machine ... Each costing $$$$ ... Repairing or Re-Programming the POST to fit your machine ... Manually editing programs because the POST isn't correct ... ya, they are compatible. KipwareM® creates Fanuc and OSP compatible programs right out of the box ... That cover about 95% of the machines on the market. If you require a different format ... our KipwareXC® is a one-time option purchase of $100 that allows you to make any number of profiles ... you define the conversions ... convert the standard programs into any format for any machine. That's compatibility.
Efficient CNC programming takes an arsenal of CNC software and tools. KipwareM® Combines the Best of Both Worlds
Conversational CNC Programming :
For the every day tasks of CNC programming ... pocketting - drilling - milling ... do you really need a CAD/CAM system? The answer is ... of course not! So ... why are you using one. KipwareM® allows anyone to create efficient CNC programs for the everyday tasks in your machine shop ... all by answering the on-screen, fill-in-the-blank forms. Users can create pocketting programs, drilling programs including bolt circles and grids, simple contour milling programs and more. CAD/CAM programming takes experience, training and more important .... time. KipwareM® will allow you to create faster and more efficient CNC programs for those everyday tasks.
Complex CNC Programming :
For those more complex programs that don't fit into the standard "simple" category ... KipwareM® comes with our scaled-down CAD drawing package we call our SketchPad. Users can define any contour shape using the simpler drawing tools of point, line and arc ... then still use the conversational menus to create the roughing or finishing CNC programs to machine that contour. In addition, KipwareM® gives the users the ability to utilize their favorite drawing package to create ANY TOOLPATH ... then import it into KipwareM® using the DXF file utility. Using the KipwareM® feature called AutoPath, users only need define the start point of the contour ... and AutoPath arranges and re-arranged the elements of the drawing to create a toolpath. The beauty part of this feature is that the user can create ANY toolpath desired ... usually only having to use the CAD features of OFFSET and TRIM. This feature allows the user to turn any CAD package into a toolpath creating CAM package.
Designed on the Shop Floor to be Simple but Powerful KipwareM® Features
Completely CONVERSATIONAL - create any CNC program by simply answering the plain English fill-in-the-blank forms.
Fanuc Compatible : Designed specifically for Okuma, Fanuc, Fadal, Haas and all Fanuc compatible controls ... but with the unique KipwareXC option you can create programs for any CNC control.
Complete Programming Tool : Use it in conjunction or instead of your CAD-CAM system ... it's a complete CNC software package.
KipwareM® creates no-prove-out needed programs - cuts your programming and set-up times.
CAD Features : For those non-traditional shapes, KipwareM® includes our scaled-down CAD SketchPad -- KipwareM® takes the best yet simplest features of a CAD program into it's part drawing SketchPad. In the SketchPad, users can draw the desired finish part shape / tool path using the scaled down CAD options of Point, Line or Arc. Then using the conversational ROUGHING or FINISHING options, create the CNC program to machine the toolpath including cutter compensation and plunge cutting.
AutoPath turns any CAD package into a CAM package. Users can utilize our simple SketchPad drawing tool or import a drawing through our DXF file transfer utility ... Choose the starting point or element from the element list ... click AutoPath. KipwareM® automatically links the elements of the sketch together to create the toolpath.
More powerful than FANUC, FADAL or HAAS Custom Macro programs - conversational makes it faster and easier - PC based makes it more flexible.
Custom Cycle Creation : Create custom Peck Drilling and other Cycles that neither your CAD-CAM nor machine's control even have. Combination hole operations such as spot, drill, chamfer and tap for up to 30 holes can all be done in one easy conversational menu.
CNC TEXT EDITOR : KipwareM® features a full Windows Text Editor to enable any program editing / altering within KipwareM®.
ROTATION : Includes a conversational ROTATION feature that can take any KipwareM® toolpath and rotate it any number of times around a center of rotation. Great for those everyday operations like circle milling c'bores and so much more.
Automatically Include Programming Tips and Tricks : KipwareM® uses all the powerful manual programmer tricks automatically - sub-programs, canned cycles, ramping in and out, helical cutting and more.
SHOP CALCULATOR : Includes our Shop Calculator add-in ... Quickly and easily get the information you need, all within KipwareM® including INCH - METRIC conversion; RPM - SFM conversions; Drill Point calculations; Feedrate conversions; Tap Drill sizes; Screw dimension information; and the Shop Calculator now includes a SPEED and FEED DATABASE for undreds of materials with speeds and feeds for turning, milling and drilling.
KipwareDNC® - Machine Shop Communications Software for uploading and downloading your CNC programs to and from your CNC is included standard.
KipwareTP® - toolpath plotting program for on-screen toolpath verification is included standard.
KipwareM® Trainer - illustrating many types of programming examples in a step-by-step slide show setting is included standard.
KipwareXC® - with the KipwareXC® software option, CNC programs can be created for any machine or CNC control.
KipwareM® Trainer - CD Slide Show Presentation demonstrating step-by-step programming examples.
KipwareTP® - Toolpath Plotting Software for toolpath verification.
Trig Kalculator - Point Plotting Assistant
SketchPad - CAD drawing of the toolpath desired.
Shop Calculator - IN - METRIC / RPM - SFM / FEEDRATE conversions; Drill Point calculations; Tap Drill chart; Screw dimension information; SPEED and FEED DATABASE for hundreds of materials for turning, milling and drilling.
INCH or METRIC is set by the user within KipwareM®.
PC Requirements :
Requires a PC operating in Win '95 as a minimum operating system.
Display monitor recommended (not required) with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
