Next-Gen Metal Fab

Nov 26 2024 6 ep. 27 mins 2

Next-Gen Metal Fab Podcast artwork

The Fabricator's Tim Heston explores the evolution and future of metal fabrication and manufacturing with a rotation industry co-hosts: Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut, Cody Lee of Everyday Technologies, and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating. They examine the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies in sheet metal and tube fab shops, covering areas such as laser cutting, robotic welding, metal forming, engineering, lean manufacturing, and other processes. Next-Gen Metal Fab is a production of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and part of the FMA Podcast Network.

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Finding new ways to grow business in metal fabrication

Nov 26 2024 35 mins

In this episode, Tim Heston and Caleb Chamberlain dive into the future of custom metal fabrication, exploring what the next several years could hold for this ever-evolving industry. They discuss how technology, particularly software and AI, is reshaping the landscape, driving trends like horizontal and vertical integration and paving the way for industry consolidation in metal manu

Strategies for hiring the right metal fabrication shop employee

Sep 24 2024 27 mins

Tim and Caleb discuss the challenges of hiring and retaining employees in the metal fabrication industry, particularly at high-mix, high-volume fab shops. Caleb talks about how his company has found success by hiring people without prior fabrication experience and training them in-house and focusing on creating a collaborative, positive work environment with clear processes and sy

Measuring costs and the value of time in metal fabrication

Jul 24 2024 36 mins

Tim and Caleb discuss cost and time management in metal fabrication and job shop operations. They talk lean manufacturing, cash flow, margins, different approaches to cost accounting, and the importance of managing overhead costs. The conversation also touches on topics such as inventory, direct costs, remnant management, and the use of automation in the fabrication process. They

The evolution of software and potential of AI in metal fabrication

Jul 10 2024 34 mins

Tim and Caleb discuss the evolution of software in the metal fabrication industry and how AI tools have greatly improved the coding experience. Also in this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, they discuss the potential for AI to assist operators in identifying and fixing problems in real-time, as well as the possibility of non-software professionals learning coding with the help of AI

Simplifying sheet metal design and the role of DFM in fabrication

Jun 19 2024 32 mins

In this inaugural episode of The Next-Gen Metal Fab Podcast, Tim Heston and Caleb Chamberlain discuss the future of precision sheet metal and tube fabrication. They talk about the importance of designing for sheet metal in a simple and efficient way, as well as the role of design for manufacturability (DFM) in the engineering process. Caleb shares his experience in the precision sh

New podcast coming soon: Next-Gen Metal Fab

The Next-Gen Metal Fab podcast, hosted by Tim Heston and Caleb Chamberlain, will explore the future of precision sheet metal and tube fabrication. They discuss the rapid changes and advancements in technology that are being incorporated into the metal manufacturing industry. The podcast is produced by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and will be available soon on vario