Next-Gen Metal Fab

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Next-Gen Metal Fab explores where metal fabrication and manufacturing are headed. Hosted by The Fabricator’s Tim Heston alongside rotating industry co-hosts, the podcast examines the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies across today’s fab shops. Part of the FMA Podcast Network.

  1. Optimizing production scheduling in metal fabrication

    FEB 13

    Optimizing production scheduling in metal fabrication

    In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston is joined by Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating to talk production scheduling, software investments, and growth strategy. They break down what a recent Fabricators and Manufacturers Association survey says about automation trends, why scheduling and ERP tools are becoming critical, and how shops are tackling WIP, queue times, and real-world bottlenecks. The conversation also covers using Monte Carlo simulation to model scheduling outcomes, the growing role of AI-driven tools in programming and planning, and what’s ahead for 2026 in terms of capacity, technology, and expansion. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions.

    46 min
  2. Scaling a multigenerational fabrication business with Matthew Nix

    JAN 16

    Scaling a multigenerational fabrication business with Matthew Nix

    In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, host Tim Heston is joined by special guest Matthew Nix of Nix Companies, along with OSH Cut co-founder Caleb Chamberlain, for a wide-ranging discussion on how very different fabrication business models can succeed. Nix, an FMA member and fifth-generation leader of Nix Industrial, shares how a traditional family-owned manufacturer scaled through acquisitions, systems, and leadership development. Chamberlain explains how OSH Cut was built as a software-first fabrication company designed to handle high-mix, low-volume work at scale. Together, the group compares approaches to growth, customer onboarding, talent development, metrics, and culture, offering practical insights for fabricators navigating change and uncertainty. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions.

    53 min
  3. Evaluating 2025 and building smarter fab shop strategies for 2026

    12/11/2025

    Evaluating 2025 and building smarter fab shop strategies for 2026

    In this year-end episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston sits down with All Metals Fabricating’s Lance Thrailkill and OSH Cut CEO Caleb Chamberlain to unpack a wildly unpredictable 2025 in metal fabrication. Lance shares how a flat year suddenly surged in Q4 (driven by data centers, telecom, and a surprise spike in WIP) while investing in five-axis machining, automation, and AI-driven programming. Caleb explains OSH Cut’s record-breaking growth, the balancing act of running an on-demand model, and why capacity, lead times, and recession planning all collide in ways most shops underestimate. The conversation dives into scheduling pitfalls, tube-bending innovation, lights-out realities, ERP limitations, tooling shortages, and how both leaders think about resilience heading into 2026. It’s a candid look at strategy in a volatile market—and why breaking old models might be the smartest move for the year ahead. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions.

    48 min
  4. The emergence of private equity and vibe coding in fabrication

    10/21/2025

    The emergence of private equity and vibe coding in fabrication

    In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, we break down the biggest trends and takeaways from this year’s FABTECH. From the surge of cobots and advanced automation tools on display to the practical challenges of integrating and maintaining them, the show revealed just how fast the industry is evolving. We also dig into the wave of private equity interest sweeping through the fragmented fabrication sector and what it really takes to scale these businesses successfully. Plus, we explore how vibe coding, AI-powered software and large language models could disrupt traditional B2B platforms, and why laser welding is emerging as a key productivity driver for high-mix job shops. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

    41 min
  5. Integrating automation with the right people in manufacturing

    08/28/2025

    Integrating automation with the right people in manufacturing

    In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating joins Tim Heston to talk about becoming the most automated job shop in America. Tim and Lance explore how the the Texas-based job shop is investing in robotic welding, automated laser cutting, punching, and panel bending, while also empowering and training its workforce to embrace change. Hear how leadership builds buy-in, communicates a clear vision, and takes a strategic approach to adding new capabilities. Plus, a look at what’s next as All Metals expands its machine shop and leans into AI and ERP automation to drive the future of manufacturing. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

    44 min
  6. What the future holds for software development in metal fabrication

    07/25/2025

    What the future holds for software development in metal fabrication

    In this episode, we explore how software, automation, and AI are transforming the metal fabrication industry, from the front office to the shop floor. Guests Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut and Cody Lee of Everyday Technologies share how their companies have embraced digital tools to streamline quoting, scheduling, production, and quality control. Caleb explains how OSH Cut has developed custom software solutions that eliminate manual steps and boost efficiency. He also shares his excitement about the future of AI-powered and low-code tools in enabling even more flexible, scalable systems. Cody reflects on his shop’s journey from paper-based processes to an integrated ERP and quoting system, and how this shift has improved responsiveness and visibility into operations. Together, the guests discuss how AI, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping metal fabrication, and why the future will require a balance between rapid innovation and long-term operational stability. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. Learn more about Paperless Parts.

    43 min
  7. From purchase to progress: Transforming a legacy job shop

    07/02/2025

    From purchase to progress: Transforming a legacy job shop

    On this episode of the Next-Gen Metal Fab podcast, Tim Heston sits down with Cody Lee for a one-on-one conversation about Cody's path the metal fabrication industry. Cody talks about how he took over Everyday Technologies, a Sidney, Ohio-based sheet metal job shop founded in 1928. Faced with an outdated ERP and quoting process, Lee implemented a new ERP system and standardized quoting. The changes improved tracking of costs, labor, and margins, driving shop floor improvements like first article inspections. Lee shares how he’s balanced legacy work with new prototype jobs, and how these upgrades created new roles for employees, shifting them from manual tasks to more analytical, high-impact work. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions.

    39 min
  8. Practical approaches to using AI in manufacturing and fabrication

    05/28/2025

    Practical approaches to using AI in manufacturing and fabrication

    In this episode of the Next-Gen Metal Fab podcast, host Tim Heston is joined by Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the metal fabrication and manufacturing industries. As tariffs and reshoring continue to stir uncertainty and volatility, Tim, Caleb, and Lance talk about how fabricators are looking for ways to stay competitive and agile. AI and automation are emerging as powerful tools, with the potential to transform everything from quoting and scheduling to sales and customer service in manufacturing. But implementation isn’t simple—many companies struggle to integrate AI meaningfully due to legacy software and processes. Caleb and Lance share real-world insights into how fabricators can overcome these hurdles and tap into AI’s potential. They also discuss how tools like ChatGPT are democratizing software development, enabling even small shops to create custom applications and make smarter, faster decisions. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 32nd Advanced Laser Applications Workshop (ALAW).

    46 min
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Trailer

About

Next-Gen Metal Fab explores where metal fabrication and manufacturing are headed. Hosted by The Fabricator’s Tim Heston alongside rotating industry co-hosts, the podcast examines the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies across today’s fab shops. Part of the FMA Podcast Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024-2026 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Next-Gen Metal Fab

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