Newsletter March 2024

Enhance Your CNC Daily Operations: Updates and Practical Tips for SYMplus™.

We are delighted to bring to you the latest edition of the KELLER newsletter, designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your CNC experience. Additionally, we have an exciting practical tip prepared just for you!

Software Update in Progress: For enhanced performance

The KELLER team is currently working on a new update for SYMplus™ to make your workflows even more efficient. As soon as the update is available for download, you will be notified through our social media channels, newsletter, or via the update notification within the software. Please note that updates are exclusively available to plusCARE customers.

What is plusCARE? >

Practical Tip: Creating a New CNC Tool

In this practical tip, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a new CNC tool in SYMplus™ and how to use it to load a turret.

From accessing the tool menu to configuring tool geometry and technology, we will walk you through the entire process. Learn how to select different tool types, input parameters, name tools, and load turrets for a more efficient CNC operation.

View full Practical Tip >

Preparation for Machining Technician Exams

We aim to support you in your exam preparation journey. Explore our diverse resources to help you prepare for your exam:

Old Exam Simulations on YouTube: Watch old machining technician exam simulations on our YouTube channel (@CNC KELLER GmbH). SYMplus™ simulates exam tasks, offering valuable insights into exam requirements.

To the Playlist >

SYMplus™ Workbooks: Deepen your knowledge and enhance your skills with our SYMplus™ workbooks. Practical exercises will help you meet the demands of your exams.

To the Workbooks >

Student licences: Utilise the “Student License DIN“ or “Student License PAL” add-ons for SYMplus™ to improve your skills from the comfort of your home.

Please note that these SYMplus™ add-ons must be purchased in advance by your school or training institution. A plusCARE contract is also required.

Request License >

Easily Rent SYMplus™ for One Month: Rent the full suite of SYMplus™ at affordable rates for one month and kick-start your exam preparation today!

Rent SYMplus™ >

PAL Exam Preparation Course at KELLER.Academy: From April 18th to 19th, an exam preparation course on PAL will take place at our KELLER.Academy. If interested, please reach out to us. Regular participants of this course include apprentices from the Hager Group.

More about KELLER.Academy >

 

Have a nice day and best regards.

  – Your KELLER.Software Team


Next Appointments in the KELLER.Academy:

Basics of graphical programming (CAD/CAM) with SYMplus™

  • 11.-12. April 2024
  • 13.-14. June 2024

Exam preparation PAL

  • 18.-19. April 2024

Basic DIN/PAL programming with SYMplus™

  • 16.-17. May 2024
  • 27.-28. June 2024

Driven tools, level swivel and reform PAL2020

  • 06.-07. June 2024

Further Information >


To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please use the form below. Thank you.


Do you have any questions?

Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

Klaus Reckermann

    Mr.Ms.

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    Newsletter December 2023

    G54 X 2024.

    In this festive season, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued loyalty and trust in KELLER.Software.

    There have been challenges, enriching encounters and inspiring cooperation!

    There was … a new Software Update

    The PAL2020 simulators have been improved and expanded, turning in the 2nd quadrant with a right-hand turning tool is now possible without any problems, and SYMplus™ offers more flexibility thanks to additional post-processors and individual work step macros with contours.

    Find out more about the software update >

    There was … delicious Instant (CNC) food

    Our new “series” on YouTube, “Instant CNC” is your little bite of CNC ready to enjoy in no time at all. The videos are less than a minute-long, making them the perfect snack. Immerse yourself in the world of CNC technology and discover new machining techniques using the 3D simulation from SYMplus™.

    Playlist “Instant CNC” >

    There was … a growing Community

    On YouTube, we are about to reach the magic mark of 1,000 followers, and we are truly grateful for every single follower! Subscribing to our channel is more than a gesture; it’s vital for our success, as followers are the heart of our community, supporting us and signalling to the YouTube algorithm for wider exposure. And best of all, subscribing to YouTube is completely free! We therefore cordially invite you to become part of our community:

    Subscribe to the KELLER YouTube channel now >

    There were … over 100,000 video views on TikTok

    We have also been active on TikTok since this year. One of our videos went viral there! Thank you for 100,000 views and 3,000 likes – we are grateful!

    To view the viral video >

    There was … an exciting webinar on the PAL 2020 commands

    The webinar “PAL2020 – Changes to the cutting machine operator exam”, which we held live two to three times a month between February and May 2023, can be now viewed free of charge on our YouTube channel. (Please note: Currently it is only available in German language!)

    Watch now >

    There was … a price update from 2023

    It’s still 2023, which means you can take the opportunity to save money! Our prices will be adjusted from 2024 (does not apply to existing plusCARE™ contracts) so that we can continue to offer you the best possible quality. Orders up to the end of the year will still be processed at the previous conditions.

    There are … Insights into the examination task for cutting machine operators

    The IHK examinations for cutting machine operators took place on December 6. We used SYMplus to simulate the examination task for CNC milling. You can watch the video on our YouTube channel. (Turning video will come in the following days. Keep yourself subscribed to get updates)

    To the Video >

    Merry Christmas and a successful start to the New Year

    Finally, we would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a good start to the New Year.

    Thank you for another great year in the world of CNC machining. We look forward to mastering the upcoming challenges and successes together with you.

      – Your KELLER.Software Team


    Next Appointments in the KELLER.Academy:

    Driven tools, level swivel and reform PAL2020

    • 08.-09. February 2024
    • 21.-22. March 2024

    Basics of graphical programming (CAD/CAM) with SYMplus™

    • 11.-12. January 2024
    • 22.-23. February 2024

    Basic DIN/PAL programming with SYMplus™

    • 25.-26. January 2024
    • 07.-08. March 2024

    Exam preparation PAL

    • 18.-19. April 2024

    Further Information >


    To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please use the form below. Thank you.


    Do you have any questions?

    Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

    Klaus Reckermann

      Mr.Ms.

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      Newsletter September 2023

      Vacation is over? Here are the latest updates from “KELLER”.

      With the end of summer break in most federal states (teachers from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg might already be checking their email inboxes), we warmly welcome you back from the summer hiatus. Our newsletter is here to bring you up to speed after the vacation period:

      We’re excited to announce that the latest version, SYMplus™ 65, is now available. This update brings a variety of improvements and enhanced features, including:

      • Simulators according to PAL2020: numerous enhancements and expansions.
      • Turning: No more worries in the 2nd quadrant with the right-hand cutting tool. We’ve fixed this issue, making roughing easy now.
      • More flexibility for your milling experience: Additional post-processors support tool preselection.
      • Customize SYMplus™ to your needs: Explore the new possibilities for creating individual operation step macros with contours.

      Learn more about the new features and optimizations:
      Click here >

      How to update the software:
      Click here >

      If you missed our webinar “PAL2020: Changes in the Machinist Examination” or want a refresher, we have great news for you. A recording of this webinar is now available on our YouTube channel (complimentary!). Gain insights into past IHK exams, upcoming changes, handling the current PAL coding, and discover how SYMplus™ can prepare your students for ‘fill in the blanks’ tasks. Please note that the Webinar is currently only available in GERMAN. If you would like to have it in English, let us know and we will find a solution.

      Here are the links to the webinar:

      Part 1 >

      Part 2 >

      Our new video series on YouTube delivers knowledge in less than 1 minute – hence the name “INSTANT CNC”. Quickly and concisely, you’ll get the essential information to quench your thirst for knowledge.

      Currently, the series comprises a selection of exercises from the “A collection of exercises on CNC technology Milling according to the PAL2020” by CHRISTIANI. Additional videos, including exercises from the turning booklet, will follow soon.

      The structure of these short clips is consistent: First, the drawing is displayed, followed by the 3D simulation using SYMplus™. During the simulation, you’ll receive information about each step of the exercise.

      To the playlist „INSTANT CNC“ >

      Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to not miss any new videos. It’s free for you and would greatly support us. Thank you in advance.

      Subscribe to KELLER on YouTube now >

      Have a nice day and best regards.

        – Your KELLER.Software Team


      Much more from KELLER.Software …

      SYMplus™ workbooks:

      Ideal for PAL exam preparation as well as for normal lessons: The SYMplus™ workbooks (Turning and Milling). The workbooks are organised according to topics and levels of difficulty and offer optimal learning material:

      • CNC entry
      • DIN basics
      • Control-specific technical training
      • CAD/CAM

      It also includes numerous exercises for successful training and further education.

      For more info >

       

      Next Appointments in the KELLER.Academy:

      Driven tools, level swivel and reform PAL2020

      • 12.-13. October 2023
      • 07.-08. December 2023

      Basics of graphical programming (CAD/CAM) with SYMplus™

      • 26.-27. October 2023

      Basic DIN/PAL programming with SYMplus™

      • 23.-24. November 2023

      Exam preparation PAL

      • 90.-10. November 2023

      Further Information >


      To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please use the form below. Thank you.


      Do you have any questions?

      Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

      Klaus Reckermann

        Mr.Ms.

        This might also be of interest to you

        The newsletter from KELLER

        Do you know about the KELLER Newsletter? Stay in the loop with regular updates (currently every three months) delivered straight to your email inbox – all completely free!

        To sign up, please drop us an email to info@cnc-keller.de. Don’t miss out!


        Do you have any questions?

        Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

        Klaus Reckermann

          Mr.Ms.

          This might also be of interest to you

          Training with KELLER.Software

          Prepare yourself thoroughly for your PAL exam! With our CNC learning software SYMplus™, preparing for the IHK final examination for cutting machine operators (turning/milling) is as easy as child's play.…

          SYMplus™ Update 65

          Dear SYMplus™ users! The wait is over: Software Update 65 is now available!

          • Simulators according to PAL2020: Numerous improvements and extensions.
          • Turning: No more worries in the 2nd quadrant with the right turning tool. We have fixed the bug, so you can now rough effortlessly.
          • More flexibility for your Milling experience: Additional post-processors support tool preselection.
          • Adapt SYMplus™ to fit your requirements: Discover new possibilities for creating individual work step macros with contours.

          The update is now live! Get the latest version of SYMplus™ and take your CNC production to a new level of efficiency and precision!

          More details about the update >


          Do you have any questions?

          Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

          Klaus Reckermann

            Mr.Ms.

            This might also be of interest to you

            Throwback 2014 - Foosball

            In the picture you can see an exciting game of foosball between Mr. Reckermann, our sales manager, and Mr. Nouwan, our valued and long-standing partner from Belgium. The foosball table is located at…

            A long Weekend Awaits

            It’s time to kick off the weekend a little earlier this time in Germany, starting on Wednesday! It’s the perfect time to unwind, soak up the sun, and replenish your energy.

            The KELLER.Software team is taking a break and will return to full swing on Monday (June 12th) next week.

            Enjoy the holidays and have a fantastic weekend!


            Do you have any questions?

            Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

            Klaus Reckermann

              Mr.Ms.

              This might also be of interest to you

              Your feedback matters: Have a say in the next webinar topics.

              We’re excited to announce that following the tremendous success of our “PAL2020” webinar, we’re now seeking your input to make our future webinars even better!

              If you can understand German and would like to contribute, we invite you to take part in our short survey. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the topics we cover. The survey is Anonymous.

              Thank you for your understanding and support in shaping the direction of our upcoming webinars!


              Do you have any questions?

              Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

              Klaus Reckermann

                Mr.Ms.

                This might also be of interest to you

                Newsletter June 2023

                Unlocking New Horizons: Explore the PAL2020 Webinar Recording and IHK Exam Innovations

                If you have missed our webinars on the topic of “PAL2020: What’s changing in the cutting machine operator exam” or would like to review the content again at your leisure, then we have great news for you. As of now, the webinar recording is available to everyone free of charge!

                Please note: Webinar Recording is currently available only in German language.

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                 

                The Webinar covered the following topics:

                • Changes in past IHK exams
                • Innovations that are coming in the future and how they will be incorporated into the exam
                • How to transfer old programs to the changed coding
                • How your students can prepare for the fill in the blank tasks
                • “Debriefing” of the final exams for cutting machine operators in May

                How can you get the webinar recording?

                Type https://pal.cnc-keller.de into your browser and register yourself on the page, and we will send you the link to the recording via email.

                Since the beginning of the year, we have hosted this webinar once or twice a month. With a total of 18 events, we received a great response. A participation rate of 80% is something we’re very pleased about.

                 

                 

                 

                 

                Your KELLER.Software team wishes you a relaxing vacation, sunny days and/or just a nice summer time!

                  – Your KELLER.Software Team


                Much more from KELLER.Software …

                Next Appointments in the KELLER.Academy:

                Driven tools, level swivel and reform PAL2020

                • 13.-14. July 2023
                • 24.-25. August 2023

                Basics of graphical programming (CAD/CAM) with SYMplus™

                • 27.-28. July 2023
                • 07.-08. September 2023

                Basic DIN/PAL programming with SYMplus™

                • 10.-11. August 2023
                • 21.-22. September 2023

                Further Information >


                To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please use the form below. Thank you.


                Do you have any questions?

                Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

                Klaus Reckermann

                  Mr.Ms.

                  This might also be of interest to you

                  Newsletter March 2023

                  PAL2020: How to rewrite old PAL programs.

                  With the reform of the PAL norms in 2020, quite a few changes came our way. G17 is now G15, G86 and G88 remain, but many new or modified cycle addresses have been added, and so on and so forth.

                  However, we found out through interesting exchanges with the participants in our new webinar series, “PAL2020: What’s Changing in Machinists’ Exams,” that the PAL2020 commands feel like deciphering hieroglyphics.

                  But since we’re not all likely to be Indiana Jones, we’d like to give you a little overview of the changes in this newsletter – To decipher the hieroglyphics, so to speak.

                  Here you can find a table with the comparison “PAL2008/PAL2012” and “PAL2020” (status spring 2023):

                  To the comparison: “PAL2008/2012 ↔ PAL2020” >

                   

                  Well, now you can understand the hieroglyphs a bit better, but you still have a lot of programs that run with the old PAL standard, or more precisely, don’t run anymore. What about that?

                  One trick that is so easy and old that you might not even think of it is the search-and-replace function in SYMplus™. You can use it to rewrite anything that can be replaced one-to-one, like G17 with G15. And this is how you proceed:

                   

                  1.

                  Open the program, which you have programmed in an older PAL coding, in the mode “PAL2020”. You will then get the message, “The NC program is faulty!” This is exactly what we want to change, so just click it away with “F10”. In your editor, the last block that does not correspond to the coding according to PAL2020 will now be marked. Here in our example, the exercise program “LAGER3” from the workbook “Plane Swing”, is the line “N65 G17 CR180 AR90”.

                  2.

                  Press the “F1” key to select “Search/Replace” and enter “G17” in the “Search for” field and “G15” in the “Replace with” field:

                  Then click “Replace All” to replace “G17” with “G15” throughout the document. Finally, apply this edit by pressing the “F10” key.

                  3.

                  Next, in our example, the line “N45 G48 G40 R10 Z0” is marked as incorrect, because after PAL2020 the commands for tangential approach and departure have also changed:

                  Replace them according to the same principle: “G48 G40 R” becomes “G40 G46 RR”. And then “G41 G45 D” = “G41 G45 DL”.

                   

                  And already you have done quite a lot of work without having to trudge through the lines piece by piece.

                  Everything else (like changing cycle addresses) is explained on our support page:

                  http://cnc-keller.yoursupport.de/cnc.en/entries/000605/rewrite-old-pal-programs-for-pal2020

                   

                  Have a nice day and best regards.

                    – Your KELLER.Software Team


                  Much more from KELLER.Software …

                  Reach your learning goal quickly and efficiently: it’s not easy to successfully pass the IHK final exam for machinist turning or machinist milling.

                  To support you in this endeavor, we have developed SYMplus™, a special PAL software. Here, the focus is on practical exercises to achieve the greatest possible learning success.
                  Learn more >

                   

                  Next Appointments in the KELLER.Academy:

                  Basics of graphical programming (CAD/CAM) with SYMplus™

                  • 13.-14. April 2023
                  • 25.-26. June 2023

                  Exam preparation PAL

                  • 20.-21. April 2023

                  Basic DIN/PAL programming with SYMplus™

                  • 11.-12. May 2023
                  • 29.-30. June 2023

                  Driven tools, level swivel and reform PAL2020

                  • 25.-26. May 2023

                  Further Information >


                  To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, please use the form below. Thank you.


                  Do you have any questions?

                  Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

                  Klaus Reckermann

                    Mr.Ms.

                    This might also be of interest to you

                    Carnival 2024

                    Helau und Alaaf! The KELLER.Software team wishes all jesters and revellers a fantastic carnival full of fun, merriment, and of course, plenty of candy! The KELLER.Software team is here for you as usual…

                    Comparison of old PAL programs and PAL2020

                    Complete table with a comparison of “PAL2008/PAL2012” and “PAL2020” (status spring 2023):
                    PAL2008/PAL2012 PAL2020 Meaning Where is it found?
                    G41 G45 D G41 G45 DL Linear tangential approach Milling and Turning with driven tools
                    G42 G45 D G42 G45 DL Linear tangential approach Milling and Turning with driven tools
                    G40 G46 D G40 G45 DL Linear tangential departure Milling and Turning with driven tools
                    G41 G47 R G41 G46 RR Tangential approach on a quarter circle Milling and Turning with driven tools
                    G42 G47 R G42 G46 RR Tangential approach on a quarter circle Milling and Turning with driven tools
                    G48 G40 R G40 G46 RR Tangential departure on a quarter circle Milling and Turning with driven toolsn
                    G17 G15 Svivelling and Resetting the machining level Milling Level selection
                    G17 G15 G17 IP3 Level selection face end with virtual Y axis Turning with driven tools
                    G17 C G15 G17 IP0 Level selection face end with polar coordinates Turning with driven tools
                    G17 Y C G15 G17 IP5 CM Level selection face end with real Y axis Turning with driven tools
                    G18 G15 G18 TURN Level selection for Turning Drehen mit angetr. Werkzeugen
                    G19 X G15 G19 IP1 DM Level selection surface area with virtual Y axis Turning with driven tools
                    G19 C G15 G19 IP0 Level selection surface area with polar coordinates Turning with driven tools
                    G19 Y X G15 G19 IP5 DM Level selection chord area with real Y Axis Turning with driven tools
                    G86 M1 ; G86 Radial recessing cycle Turning, not automatically “translatable”, therefore commented out here with M1 ;. The cycle must then be reprogrammed.
                    G88 M1 ; G88 Axial recessing cycle Turning, not automatically “translatable”, therefore commented out here with M1 ;. The cycle must then be reprogrammed.

                     

                    Other changes do not necessarily require the revision of existing programs, but may have an impact in the simulation:

                     
                    PAL2008/PAL2012 PAL2020 Meaning Where is it found?
                    G0 X Y Z G0 X Y
                    G0 Z
                    Positioning logic for G0 and G10 omitted Milling
                    T S F M13 T M6
                    S F M13
                    Tool change with M6
                    In SYMplus™, however, T still triggers
                    the change directly, M6 remains optional
                    Milling

                    Do you have any questions?

                    Our experts are at your disposal. We look forward to your inquiry!

                    Klaus Reckermann

                      Mr.Ms.

                      This might also be of interest to you