Kipware® conversational CNC programming software from Kentech Inc. are unique CNC programming packages designed for the everyday CNC programmer. Kipware® combines a mixture of conversational programming, CAD and CAM to create efficient CNC programs that machine those everyday workpieces ... that comprise the 85%-90% of the machining done in shops every day around the world. No one can deny the need for CAD/CAM when performing complex die/mold programming, but for 85%-90% of all CNC programming ask yourself this question, "Do I really utilize or need a CAD/CAM system for my everyday, production programming?"
We invite you to spend a few moments and explore our Kipware® conversational software ... the software we created after spending 20+ years living on the shop floor ... realizing the need for a simple, everyday programming tool that can put a stop to CAD/CAM OVERKILL !!!
There is a difference between everyday programming
and 3D/mold type programming.
FACT : CAD/CAM is a requirement when performing die and mold type machining ... CAD/CAM was originally created for complex aircraft programming.
Why Kipware? : 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 ... for 100% of everyday type programming, CAD/CAM is overkill ... plain and simple ... and it can slow down the programming process actually causing inefficiencies.
FACT : CAD/CAM requires an experienced CAD/CAM engineer for even the simplest programs as every part needs to be drawn or have a drawing.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® uses simple fill-in-the-blank forms with plain English questions that allow anyone to create powerful G code programs that contain all the powerful programming tips and tricks like cutter compensation, canned cycles and more.
FACT : 3D programming consist mostly of surfacing, utilizing point-to-point large programs with no manual programming or intervention.
Why Kipware? : 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 software and user interface cluttered and complex when performing those everyday, simple programming tasks.
FACT : CAD/CAM does not allow for any hands-on flexibility to create more efficient toolpaths ... oftentimes programs are output with long code rather than utilizing canned cycles. Making a simple change like the depth of cut means going back to the CAD/CAM station and re-creating and re-posting the toolpath output.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® allows experienced programmers to work with and around the software to create any toolpath desired ... yet is simple enough to benefit the beginner programmer as well. Kipware® utilizes the power of the CNC control by outputting canned cycles ... making a simple change like the depth of cut is a matter of changing one variable in the program output ... not re-creating the toolpath on the PC.
FACT : With any CAD/CAM system, the operator must be trained and exprienced in CAD/CAM ... this means a limited and expensive programmer and/or programming department.
Why Kipware? : The simple user interface and conversational design of all Kipware® conversationals means that anyone can create powerful G code programs for those everyday toolpaths ... Kipware® will take your chipmaking machinists who might not be CAD/CAM proficient to the next level ... and that is a huge benefit for your bottom line and theirs.
FACT : With only one or two programmers or CAD/CAM operators ... you will find your shop has programming bottlenecks ... personality conflicts ... power brokering ... etc..
Why Kipware? : Allowing shop floor programming with Kipware® will make a lot of those headaches go away. If your shop floor is already doing hand-coding ... Kipware® is a huge advantage to create fast, efficient and error free toolpaths.
FACT : Having a CAD/CAM system ... even if you are proficient with it ... does not guarantee efficiency.
Why Kipware? : Good CNC programmers will utilize a variety of tools for the many different programming tasks they encounter. Whether it is a powerful editor ... a toolpath plotter ... etc.. Kipware® is one of the most efficient and powerful tools you can add to your programming arsenal and the "real world" companion applications that are included with each Kipware® purchase will add even more power.
FACT : CAD/CAM still requires posts ... post editing ... post creating ... post purchasing ... to get the output correct for your equipment.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® outputs "fanuc compatible" and Okuma OSP code out of the box ... that takes care of about 90% of the machines and controls on the market including MACH3 and many of the other hobby brand of CNC controls. If you need a different output ... our KipwareXC® option is a $100 add-on ... and that one purchase will cover any and all of the other outputs you might require.
FACT : Already have a favorite CAD or drawing package?
Why Kipware? : The Kipware®AutoPath feature 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. Kipware® automatically links the elements of the sketch together to create the toolpath.
FACT : Simple changes in a CAM generated program often results in re-creating the toolpath and re-posting.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® automatically includes "shop floor friendly" output that includes canned cycles, ramping in and out, helical cutting, sub-programs, and more.
FACT : CAD/CAM systems on the market are expensive and complex.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® is an inexpensive programming package that will have you creating powerful G code programs right out-of-the-box. Between learning the machine ... learning G code ... why spend time fighting to learn a complex and expensive CAD/CAM package for which you will probably only utilize 5%-10% of the power?
FACT : With CAD/CAM ... just learning the software is hard enough ... never mind trying to learn G code programming.
Why Kipware? : Our customers are constantly telling us how their Kipware® software has helped them learn G code programming. Filling in the forms then seeing the G code created assists in learning G code. Learning G code programming is an extremely necessary skill to possess ... sure programming software can create the code, but it is a tremendous asset to be able to look at the code and know what is happening.
FACT : CAD/CAM requires posts for different machines ... and that adds cost.
Why Kipware? : Kipware® outputs programs ... right out of the box ... that are compatible with Fanuc (all models), Okuma (all models), Fadal, Haas and all "fanuc compatible" controls. Should you require another output format ... our unique KipwareXC option allows you to convert the standard output to the output compatible with any CNC control.
FACT : How do you even get training and support for your CAD/CAM purchase?
Why Kipware? : A Kipware® purchase includes access to our online video training website. Videos are constantly added and upgraded and take the user from the simple software set-up to step-by-step programming examples for a variety of different workpieces ranging from the simple to the complex. All Kipware® purchases include (2) independent seats and unlimited tech support for life.
Designed on the Shop Floor to be Simple but Powerful KipwareM® Features
Completely conversational ... utilizes fill in the blank forms to create powerful G code programs.
Easily creates powerful, "real world" programs to tackle those everyday, real world machining challenges.
Includes a powerful CNC and G code based Text Editor.
For non-standard shape machining, use our SketchPad to create your toolpath or import a DXF file.
Easily rotate any KipwareM program ... or any G code program using our ROTATION feature.
KipwareM creates G code that uses the powerful features of your CNC control ... like cutter comp ... automatically.
Includes our KipwareDNC for serial / RS232 communications between your machine and a PC.
Includes our KipwareTP toolpath plotting software for easy and simple program verification
Includes our KipwareDXF to convert your DXF files into Kipware Sketch format for use in the KipwareM SketchPad.
Includes our Trig Kalculator to assist in calculating trig problems as well as intersecting point calculations using a fill-in-the-blank approach ... NO CAD EXPERIENCE NEEDED !!
(2) Seats ... users can install the software on (2) separate PC's and use them independently.
Unlimited Tech support by phone or email for life.
NO maintenance fees ... upgrades are usually priced in the $95 range.
KipwareM® Conversational Programming Software
KipwareDNC® Communications Software
KipwareDXF® Conversion Utility
KipwareM® Trainer - Access to our video training web page where users can view our constantly upgraded and enhanced video training series that teaches users how to use the software.
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.
KipwareM® Lite Version Includes :
(1) Seat ... users can install the software on (1) PC only ... additional seats are 50% of the List Price.
Unlimited Tech support by phone or email for life.
NO maintenance fees ... upgrades are usually priced in the $95 range.
KipwareM® Conversational Programming Software
KipwareDXF® Conversion Utility
KipwareM® Trainer - Access to our video training web page where users can view our constantly upgraded and enhanced video training series that teaches users how to use the software.
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.
KipwareM® Lite does not include :
KipwareDNC® Communications Software
KipwareTP® - Toolpath Plotting Software for toolpath verification.
Trig Kalculator - Point Plotting Assistant
Lite Version purchase only includes licensing for (1) seat.
PC Requirements :
Requires a PC operating in Win '95 as a minimum operating system ... operates on Win '95,'98, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Display monitor recommended (not required) with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768