KipwareT® is a unique CNC software package designed for the everyday CNC programmer. KipwareT® 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 KipwareT® 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 ... KipwareT® 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 KipwareT® 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 programming the way CAD/CAM developers
are telling you it should be done.
The basic premise behind the design of KipwareT® ... there is a difference between programming for production and programming the way CAD/CAM companies are marketing to manufacturing their way it should be done.Making pretty pictures doesn't necessarily translate into making chips faster or better.
FACT : Using CAD/CAM, even simple parts need to be drawn.
KipwareT® uses simple fill-in-the-blank forms to create most programs.
FACT : CAD/CAM requires an experienced CAD/CAM engineer for even the simplest programs.
KipwareT® is a programmers programming package that can make a rookie programmer as well as an experienced programmer more efficient.
FACT : 85% to 90% of the machining done in most shops every day is simple machining, consisting of simple turning, grooving, threading .... using canned cycles and sub-programming.
KipwareT® was designed to make programming those everyday operations quick, efficient and easy.
FACT : CAD/CAM created programs do not utilize the CNC controls most powerful features, sub-programming and canned cycles.
KipwareT® was designed specifically around and to utilize both sub-programming and the power of canned cycles.
FACT : CAD/CAM does not allow for any hands-on flexibility to create more efficient toolpaths.
KipwareT® allows experienced programmers to work with and around the software to create any toolpath desired.
FACT : After test cutting, if revisions need to be made, the user must repeat the tedious task of completing the CAM parameters.
Since KipwareT® uses canned cycles, any revisions such as depth of cut or finish allowance are usually changed by a simple edit of one variable.
CAD/CAM vs. KipwareT® :
EASE-OF-USE : If CAD/CAM is so easy to use ... why do they offer 3-5 day seminars, web forums, tons of books? KipwareT® 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 KipwareT® 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. KipwareT® 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. KipwareT® Combines the Best of Both Worlds
Conversational CNC Programming :
For the every day tasks of CNC programming ... turning - grooving - threading ... do you really need a CAD/CAM system? The answer is ... of course not! So ... why are you using one. KipwareT® 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 turning, grooving and threading programs including corner chamfers and corner radii, cutter comp and more. An example ... with the KipwareT® "Shaft Turning" module, the user simply labels the diameters, length, depth of cut and amount of corner chamfer or radii .... KipwareT® automatically creates the roughing or finishing toolpath. Fast, simple and accurate ... allowing anyone to create efficient CNC programs.
Complex CNC Programming :
For those more complex programs that don't fit into the standard "simple" category ... KipwareT® 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, KipwareT® gives the users the ability to utilize their favorite drawing package to create ANY TOOLPATH ... then import it into KipwareT® using the DXF file utility. Using the KipwareT® 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.
Live Tool CNC Programming :
You spent a lot of money for your turning center equipped with milling and drilling capabilities ... but do you really need a fancy, expensive CAD/CAM package to create your G codes? Usually these operations consist of bolt circles, slots, milling flats and the like. KipwareT® with the Live Tool option can create these G code programs efficiently and accurately all from within its' conversational, fill-in-the-blank format. Users can select fill-in-the-blank forms to create any of the following G code programs :
Bolt Circle - Face Pattern
Bolt Circle - O.D. Pattern
Random Hole Locations - Face
Random Hole Locations - O.D.
Radial Slot Milling - Face
Linear Slot Milling - Face
Slot Milling - O.D.
Pocket Milling - Face
Pocket Milling - O.D.
All drilling cycles can include straight drilling, peck drilling, boring, normal tapping and reverse tapping. Right out of the box, KipwareT® creates Fanuc and Okuma G code programs and KipwareXC® can be used for re-posting for all other machines and controls.
Designed on the Shop Floor to be Simple but Powerful KipwareT® Features
SIMPLE : No need to draw the part - but it is available for complex shapes. Simple fill-in-the-blank menus - this CNC software package is easy for anyone to create efficient cutting programs.
POWERFUL : AUTOMATIC creation of CHAMFERS and/or CORNER RADII in the shafting menus. Uses the power of canned-cycles and sub-programming ... a powerful tool in the real world ... and efficient CNC machining.
FLEXIBLE : Manual input is available if desired - makes for a flexible environment and efficient CNC machining.
SHOP FLOOR FRIENDLY : Edits and revisions are easy by simple altering the canned cycle data in the program. For example, to change a depth of cut, simply change one piece of data. With a CAM system, the user must re-run the toolpath to generate a whole new program.
FANUC and OKUMA OSP 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. Even the NEW Live Tool programs created by KipwareT® are automatically set-up to produce Fanuc or Okuma code right out of the box.
CONVERSATIONALLY AIDED PROGRAMMING -- KipwareT® retains the ease of program creation by utilizing conversational menus to create G code programs. For standard turning operations such as grooving, threading, drilling and similar, the user doesn't even have to draw the part - simply answer the on-screen fill-in-the-blank screen. KipwareT® automatically creates the G Code program.
MULTI AXIS FRIENDLY : The KipwareT® design allows for the creation of programs for multi-axis turning centers with double turrets.
NEW LIVE TOOL OPTION : Now, in addition to easily creating powerful turning programs, KipwareT® can produce a variety of milling and drilling programs all from within conversational, fill-in-the-blank menus. Programs can easily be created for :
Bolt Circle - Face Pattern
Bolt Circle - O.D. Pattern
Random Hole Locations - Face
Random Hole Locations - O.D.
Radial Slot Milling - Face
Linear Slot Milling - Face
Slot Milling - O.D.
Pocket Milling - Face
Pocket Milling - O.D.
CAD Features : For those non-traditional shapes, KipwareT® includes our scaled-down CAD SketchPad -- KipwareT® 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.
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. KipwareT® 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.
CNC TEXT EDITOR : KipwareT® features a full Windows Text Editor to enable any program editing / altering within KipwareT®. The Editor is specifically designed for CNC programming and includes such features as :
ADD or REMOVE spaces
ADD or RE-NUMBER sequence (N) numbers
SEARCH and REPLACE text
Automatically INVERT X COORDINATES so any program can be converted to operate in different quadrants.
Users can define a color pallet that can auto-highlight any user defined TEXT or ADDRESSES.
Automatically Include Programming Tips and Tricks : KipwareT® uses all the powerful manual programmer tricks automatically - sub-programs, canned cycles, chip-breaking, cutter comp 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.
KipwareT® 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.
KipwareT® Trainer - CD Slide Show Presentation demonstrating step-by-step programming examples.
Trig Kalculator - Point Plotting Assistant
KipwareTP® - Toolpath Plotting Software for program verification.
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 set by the user.
KipwareT® Options :
Live Tool Option - allows for the creation of milling and drilling programs from within a conversational setting.
KipwareXC® - CNC Program Conversion Software that allows users to convert the standard Fanuc and Okuma code created by KipwareT® into G code compatible with other machines and controls.
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
KipwareT® is user configurable for either INCH or METRIC
CNC Machine / Control Requirements
KipwareT® supports all models of FANUC and OKUMA CNC Controls standard.
For machines equipped with controls other than FANUC or OKUMA, KipwareXC® is a recommended option.
Roughing programs created through the SketchPad for "non traditional" shapes require a roughing canned cycle in the CNC control.
Roughing programs created through the Simple Roughing Menu and Finishing programs created through the SketchPad are universal compatible.
Diameter programming standard, KipwareXC® required for radius programming.
