Kentech teams up with Tree Machine Tool.
Kentech Inc. Sales Volume Continues to Climb
January 2006
Following the record 102% increase in sales from 2003 in 2004, Kentech Inc. sales numbers for 2005 show another strong 76% increase in sales volume from 2004. As we enter our 20th year of creating metalworking solutions, we would like to thank our loyal customers and VAR's for making 2005 another strong year for Kipware® sales. This makes the 7th straight year of increased sales for our software and since 1998, we have increased our volume by 586% !!!!!!
We know we are creating software products that have a positive impact in the real world of machining and metal cutting, and the popularity and success of the various Kipware® software titles is proving it. Thanks to all our many friends, customers and VAR's for your support and your efforts. We promise to continue to expand our software using our vision of creating software products that work and have a positive impact in the "real world".
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Kentech Inc. releases two new versions of Kipware®
January 2006
Kentech Inc. is pleased to annouce the release of two new versions of it's popular Kipware® conversational programming software ... KipwareEDM® for wire EDM and KipwareJT® for waterjet and plasma machines. Both packages are built using the succesfull models of KipwareM® for milling and KipwareT® for turning.
Both packages have passed their final testing phases and are available for immediate delivery. For complete product information, pricing and slide show demonstrations, please click the PRODUCTS link at the top of this page and follow the links to the desired software title.
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Kentech Inc. releases Dutch version of KipwareM®
December 2005
Kentech Inc. is pleased to annouce the release of the Dutch version of KipwareM® and wishes to thank Jan Lemmens of Gibas Numeriek BV for his efforts and assistance with this conversion. Plans are in the works for the translation of KipwareT® and all Kipware® companion programs in the near future ... Stay Tuned !!
If you wish to purchase your version of KipwareM® in Dutch, please contact Kentech Inc. or Gibas Numeriek BV for more details.
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Kentech Inc. Announces China Distribution
November 20004
Kentech Inc. is pleased to annouce distribution of it's software products in China through a VAR Agreement with Beijing Deluxe Science and Technology Development Ltd. in Beijing.
Beijing Deluxe was formed in early 2004 by seven senior staff that resigned from Cimatron China to begin a new venture. They have technical backgrounds in many areas of manufacturing including Mechanical Engineering, CAD/CAM, and Mould Design and Manufacturing. They combine this experience with many years experience in CADCAM sales and service. They have successfully introduced CAD/CAM into applications in the aerospace, automotive, railway, and defence industries. The new company’s aim is to provide quality solutions and first class technical services to its customers.
Kentech is pleased to form this partnership with Beijing Deluxe and looks forward to a long relationship to provide quality, affordable manufacturing solutions to the Chinese market.
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Kentech Secures the KIPWARE® Trademark.
September 2003
Taking steps to protect our intellectual property, Kentech Inc. has secured the trademark KIPWARE® and all the protection a trademark provides under U.S. and International trademark laws. After expanding sales to VAR's overseas, Kentech Inc. applied for and recently received the approval of the U.S. Patent and Trademnark office for the KIPWARE® trademark.
As a result, we are in the process of changing all our software titles to reflect the Kipware® trademark. Titles that will be changed and marketed under their new names will be :
- AlphaQuote --> KipwareQTE®
- AlphaPlan --> KipwarePLN®
- AlphaTrack --> KipwareTRK®
If you have been looking to purchase and of the titles listed above, we can assure you that the software operation has remained the same ... only the name has been changed. We strongly feel that the Kipware® label will become one of the best known labels in the machine shop software market and that the title changes made to reflect the Kipware® trademark will insure our presence in the market for many years to come.
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Kentech Announces the Release of the
KipwareDXF®
A DXF to Kipware® Conversion Software Package
July 2003
Kentech Inc. announces the release of KipwareDXF® - a conversion utility for use in both our KipwareM® or KipwareT® conversational CNC programming software. This utility will take standard DXF files and convert them into either a Kipware® SketchPad file or hole location sub program file for use in the KipwareM® Conversational Drill Cycle routine.
SketchPad Conversion : This feature will allow for the importing of CAD/CAM drawn toolpaths or part configurations - saved to DXF format - into the KipwareM® or KipwareT® SketchPad. Users can then create a machining toolpath through the Kipware® conversational machining menus. This feature will further expand on the ease-of-use of Kipware® by allowing complex CAD-created shapes to be machined using the power of Kipware's conversational menus.
Hole-Location-Sub Conversion : This feature will allow for CAD/CAM drawn hole patterns - saved to DXF format - to be imported into KipwareM®. Users can then use the powerful multi-operation / conversational drill cycle menu to machine the hole pattern using multiple operations such as spot-drill-chamfer-tap - all in one conversational menu screen.
As with all Kipware® programs, KipwareDXF® has a full featured user interface. KipwareDXF® will be included standard with all KipwareM® or KipwareT® purchases as of 07-25-02.
For further information on all Kipware® software, choose a link below :
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Software from Kentech Inc.
can make it POSSIBLE
for your shop to PROFIT
in the slow manufacturing economy
March 2003
Yes, this is an article that blows our own horn. But you know what, we're a little tired of our customers calling us "... the best kept secret in machine shop software!" That's not quite the way we planned it - but we're glad our customers are experiencing our "real world" software and it's positive impacts in their businesses. Many of our customers have told us how our philosophy of not being the most expensive .. just being the most effective, has helped them increase their profit line without killing their bottom line.
So, after some internal debates ( as to whether this type of article is "tacky" or not ) we decided to write this ... from the Trenches article to share with any interested parties ( and yes, to help promote sales ), some of the comments passed onto us by our customers in e-mails, phone conversations and letters as to why our wide array of software products has helped them profit ( both individually and as a business ) in a slow economy. We invite you to explore their "real world" reasons, and to reflect on what they can also mean for your business in the New Year.
Business Software :
- "... inexpensive software but powerful and to the point."
- "... easy to learn -- gets you up and running quickly."
- "... fast return on my investment. I started quoting jobs with AlphaQuote in about 3 hours ... and after some initial comparing, re-calculating and checking my work to see how the software compared, I was surprised at the accuracy of the package. I am completely confident that my quotes are bringing in profitable jobs and I know that my process is faster and more accurate."
- "... when I looked at some other packages, they had a user field that basically said "Input the machining cycletime for the workpiece." In my opinion, that is one of the most important aspect of quoting ... that the cycletime gets auto-calculated. Well, your cycletime estimating module is fast and easy to use, and using the database manager, I can insure that the times are accurate. I can even have other people in the shop do the cycletime estimating while I do the pricing."
- "... doesn't have all the features of the big names ... but has all the necessary features. I really think that most shops turn their estimating and quoting work into a much deeper science than it needs to be. We use both AlphaQuote and AlphaTrack, and we're completely satisfied that with them we have a good handle on our quoting and estimating process as we track the results. I have not found myself missing any of the other packages advertised features ... the software is very complete."
- " ... since you deal directly with the creators, the actual code writers, we have gotten great support. Most times we have even brought up some suggestions and saw their implementation in the next upgrade. It's also nice to talk to code writers who have actually "been there - done that" in the manufacturing world."
Programming Software :
- "... we have a full blown CAD/CAM system but just like they advertise, sometimes that's overkill. We use KipwareM® for tons of our small fixture and simple part programming. The other big aspect is that it's simplicity has allowed our "so-so" shop floor programmers to create better and faster CNC programs. We still use our CAD/CAM for the complex stuff but KipwareM® has really added a new dimension and more capabilities to our programming."
- "... I'm new to CNC. I have a small shop with only 3 guys and I just didn't get all the CAD/CAM hype and stuff ... not to mention the price tag put them out of my reach. I found Kipware® and loaded the Kipware® demo, I created my first program in about 5 minutes and I bought the full version right away. It has turned out that programming was a little more complicated than that but I made chips and good parts with my new mill the very first week thanks to that Kipware® purchase. I would buy it again without thinking twice ... eventually I will probably get into some CAD/CAM but I'm also sure that I will always use the Kipware® too."
- "... after a couple of minutes playing with the demo, I could tell this was written by machining people."
- "... I really like your KipwareTP® plotting software. I looked at all the "big" names and the full-blown simulation stuff too. Yours is quick and to the point. I couldn't understand the reasoning behind the simulation software ... by the time you set up your machine figures, your chucks, your tool holders and all the rest, I could just run the program at the machine faster and be more accurate. Your KipwareTP® shows me the toolpath in a simple plot ... with some real handy features as well."
- "... programming my gang lathe was not easy. Sometimes the tooling cuts on the X plus side, sometimes on the X minus side. Your KipwareT® was one of the only products I looked at that made that type of programing simple."
- "... I have Surfcam, but I use your KipwareM® for a lot of my simple jobs. I really enjoy using it and find it faster for some types of jobs. I also like the ease of customizing my tool and program start and end blocks."
Other Machine Shop Software / Utilities :
- "... every new operator spends 1 hour per day in the first week with our Protalk Mill Version. Even though they won't be creating any CNC programs, the general knowledge they acquire from it has really helped us create a better CNC operator. I know because they have asked questions, made comments and suggestions about areas that I have read about in Protalk."
- "... my investment in your Protalk Mill Package has enabled me to improve my position in the shop I work, period. Thank you for helping me get ahead. If you ever need a recommendation to close a sale, don't hesitate to give them my contact information."
- "... I'll never take your ProHelp of my shop PC. Everyone uses it for formulas, tap drills, and the circle cutting feature is great. I am sure this purchase has paid for itself hundreds of times over and saved many hours of wasted effort."
- "... I can say without hesitation that I have sold a few machines thanks to your CNC XChange software. It really gives me a sales boost when the customer brings up that incompatibility issue."
- "... (regarding CNC XChange) you should sell that product for more money ... it's well worth the money."
- "... (regarding CNC XChange) we haven't been able to find anything like this ... it is really needed ... it seems developers just don't want to spend any time in this much needed market."
We would like to thank all those who forwarded their inputs and allowed us to use their comments per our request. We hope that some of their comments hit home for you and that you'll seriously consider our software to help your shopPROFIT in the SLOW economy. Please feel free to forward any questions, comments or concerns to our sales department at Sales@KentechInc.com
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Kentech Announces the Release of the
German Version of KipwareM®
February 2002
With the assistance of Bernhard Braun of Braun GmbH, the milling version of Kentech's Kipware® - Intelligent Programming Software for CNC Milling has been completed and released for sale. For complete information on KipwareM®, click the link below :
For additional information or to purchase the German Version of KipwareM®, please use the contact information below :
- Contact : Bernhard Braun
- Company Information :
Braun GmbH
In der Strutt 11
Biebergemund Hessen Germany
E-Mail : protomill@t-online.de
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Programming for Production
CAD/CAM vs. PRODUCTION
Through the years, machinist and programmers looking for true mold and die programming systems have pushed the CAD/CAM industry to the far reaches of what was once only a dream. Even today, these system development speeds toward things not even imagined and at each stage, the sounds of all the OOHHS!! and AAHHS!! is deafening. But for the rest of us, living in the real world of making those mundane every day parts and components that keep the rest of the world operating, what has all the technology meant for us? In this white paper, we look at some of the CAD/CAM vs. PRODUCTION points in the hopes of stirring discussion and helping those shops who agree.
Programming for Production
Some of the more common points that need to be addressed when programming for everyday production :
- About 85-90% of CNC and job shops utilize and require this type of programming.
- Milling programs mostly consist of hole making, simple contouring and multiple part machining.
- Many small tool paths doing many small operations comprise the CNC program.
- Quantity of tools is many - typically in the 8 to 20 range.
- Many "programming tricks" are employed such as sub-programming, canned cycles, mirroring, multiple part zero locations and the like.
- Cutting cycletimes vs. part quantity production are always going head-to-head.
- In most job shops, new programs are being created almost daily - fast, accurate programming is required.
By comparison, when programming for die, mold and other 3D work - the design of CAD/CAM :
- About 10-20% of all machining shops require this type of programming.
- Milling programs are mostly surfaces and other complex shapes.
- Single cutting tool paths are large with huge CNC files, but machine perhaps only one surface.
- The number of tools may only be one or two - a rougher and a finisher.
- Canned cycles are hardly ever used nor is sub-programming or multiple part machining.
- Part quantity is not as critical and cycletime is sacrificed for best finishes and unattended operation due to the long cycletimes.
Surf the web, visit the CAD/CAM sites, their software includes more and more surfacing features and the related. Their goal is to be able to make the more and more complex shape easier and easier. But, as pointed out above, they are catering to only a 10-20% of the machining market. Granted that market is in the need of the most complex programming, but what about the 80-90% that drives the industry every day with all those mundane parts with the machining of such workpieces as gears, housings, castings, plates - not every item is a die or mold or aircraft component.
In addition, what happens when all those fancy features are included and added to a software package :
- Cost of the systems rise into the $5,000 minimum range.
- The software, menus and getting-to-the-meat, become more and more complex so that performing everyday simple operations like pocketing become a maze of menu after menu.
- Training, not only CNC programming but the CAD/CAM software training becomes critical.
- As a result of the above training issue, people become a premium demanding premium attention - salary and the related.
- CAD/CAM trained people not only become premium but what happens when they leave, quit or are just not around today.
- Are the programmer/machinist that can perform the everyday, on-the-floor, multiple-part, crazy-efficient fixturing miracles becoming an unappreciated, less vied-for commodity. For the sake of the US manufacturing, I hope not.
As the CAD/CAM companies become the more and more driving force in the programming market, what is the answer for the 80-90% of job / machine shops carrying the economy with their everyday programming for production? There are a handful of software developers out there who cut their teeth on the shop floor - programming for production. But only a handful. We like to think that our Kipware® - CNC conversational / intelligent programming software addresses these issues. After all, they were created by the REAL WORLD for the REAL WORLD. We invite you to click here and check them out.
Thank You,
Kenney Skonieczny
President
Kentech Inc.
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Kentech announces the release of it's
Kipware® line of machine shop software
2001
Kentech Inc. ushers in it's 15 year of business with the release of it's Kipware® line of machine shop software. Kipware® is an acronym for Kentech's Intelligent Programming Software and the products with the Kipware® label have been created to reflect that in their design and operation. The two products to hit the market are Milling Kipware® (KipwareM®) and Turning Kipware® (KipwareT®) and the combination of both in the Kipware® Studio. These two software packages are designed for creating milling and turning CNC programs through an intelligent software design that allows the software to create powerful G code programs from a simple conversational user input. Their design include the following features :
- Intelligent design means easy, fast and accurate CNC program creation.
- Intelligent code development means the software does the thinking to create powerful CNC code from simple user inputs from a conversational type menu.
- A simple drawing SketchPad which allows the user to visually create the toolpath desired without the long learning curve and complexity of most of today's CAD/CAM software.
- Sub-program format allows the user the freedom to create "blocks" of programming in any order then conversationally link them all together in the desired sequence.
- Multiple input form allows for the easy repeating of programmed shapes in up to 20 locations and all the user has to do is input the coordinates for the locations.
You can keep on top of all the Kipware® news here at our website.
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Raytheon teams with aerospace
and defense leaders to create trading exchange.
Raytheon has announced a joint venture with industry leaders, including The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE SYSTEMS and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions leader Commerce One, to create an independent Internet trading exchange for the global aerospace and defense industry. The new enterprise was recently announced at a press conference in New York City by the executives of the participating companies, including Raytheon Chairman and CEO Dan Burnham, Boeing Chairman and CEO Phil Condit, Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO Vance Coffman, BAE SYSTEMS Chairman Sir Richard Evans and Commerce One Chairman and CEO Mark Hoffman.
The concept for the Aerospace and Defense Exchange will be to serve both the "buy side and "sell side" of the aerospace and defense industry. The exchange will allow all aerospace and defense vendors to participate in a true global marketplace. The exchange is expected to handle all facets of transactions from order placements to billing to payments, reducing interaction costs by electronically completing these tasks. Designed to be a true "one-stop-shop" for the industry, the exchange is expected to begin operations during the 2nd quarter of 2000.
As a qualified supplier, Kentech Inc. is looking forward to the inclusion and the operation of the Aerospace and Defense Exchange. Kentech Inc. would like to offer our congratulations to the people at Raytheon Company and the other companies involved for this new and innovative undertaking.
For more information, go to
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_000328a.html
For more news and related information, visit the RAYTHEON newsroom at:
http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/
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The March Issue of
Modern Machine Shop
Contains An Article Compiled
by Kentech Inc.
In the March issue of Modern Machine Shop, you can find an article compiled by Kentech Inc. and submitted to MMS for publication in the magazine. This article, which deals with the automatic oiler and way lube systems found on most CNC machines, was complied by Kenney Skonieczny and is also published here at www.KentechInc.com in our CNC TIPS Section as Tip #1.
As you surf the web of machine and machining web sites, you can find a variety of our CNC TIPS published and re-printed at other sites. We're proud to be chosen by MMS and other members of the machining and CNC community as a contributing and knowledgeable source of information.
CLICK Here to read the article through the On-Line version of Modern Machine Shop Magazine.
CLICK Here to Jump to Our CNC TIPS Section.
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TREE Machine Tool Co.
&
Kentech Inc. "Team Up"
Kentech Inc. and TREE Machine Tool Co. have announced a joint sales venture for Kentech's CNC XChange - CNC Program Conversion Software. The version of CNC XChange to be handled through TREE directly as well as through it's dealer network is a version specifically created by Kentech Inc. to convert Dynapath System 10, 20 and similar "conversational" CNC programs to the new VICKERS Model 2100 Control now standard on the new generation of TREE VMC's.
CNC XChange is a basic auto-text conversion software package that takes the existing Dynapath control program and convert the old code into language compatible with the new VICKERS 2100 G-Code language. Conversion includes all of the Dynapath "event types" including :
- (0) Rapid Axis Movement
- (0) Drilling Canned Cycles
- (1) Linear Interpolation
- (2) Arc Mill
- (3) Frame Mill - Outside, Inside including Pocketting
- (4) Circle Mill - Outside, Inside including Pocketting
- (5) Bolt Circle
- (7) Subroutine Conversion
- (8) Dwell
- (9) M Function Conversion Including all necessary Tool Change code conversion
- (R) Rotate Conversion
CNC XChange is a powerful tool that will save customers hundreds of manual conversion hours as well as the cost of post-processor's to convert Dynapath programs. In addition, because CNC XChange is a text converter using the existing program and toolpath, the original CAD or CAM file is not required and less program prove out is required because the existing toolpath is used in the conversion.
Some Links for more Info on CNC XChange and TREE Machine Tool Co. :
Click here for more info on CNC XChange
Click here for more info on TREE Machine Tool and their Product Line
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Click the ICON below to return to the Kentech Inc. HomePage.
Kentech Inc.
265 Mower Street
Worcester MA 01602
Voice : 508.754.1198
Toll Free Voice : 1.888.754.1198
Fax : 508.752.9733
E-Mail :
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