The All-Axis Podcast

Tebis

Technology is rapidly reshaping the manufacturing landscape. As factories embrace automation, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0, shop floors need a sharper focus on quality, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. The All-Axis Podcast, hosted by Tebis America's Michael Thiessen, explores the critical technologies, strategies, and industry shifts driving modern manufacturing forward. Each episode breaks down real-world applications across CAD/CAM software, CNC machining, digital twin technology, unattended "lights-out" machining, artificial intelligence on the shop floor, and workforce development across automotive, aerospace, and precision tooling sectors. Brought to you by the experts at Tebis, provider of advanced CAD/CAM and MES software solutions that help manufacturers optimize processes, drive precision, and build better products. To learn more, visit www.tebis.com.

  1. Aug 25

    Tebis at IMTS 2026 Preview: Automation, Aerospace and Technology

    Choosing which technology to prioritize at IMTS is difficult when every booth claims to solve automation, quality and throughput problems at once. Manufacturers need a clearer signal of what's actually shifting the industry forward. In this special episode, host Michael Thiessen sits down with John Kowalczyk, President of Tebis America, to preview what Tebis is bringing to IMTS 2026 in Chicago. A 30-plus-year veteran who has attended every IMTS since 1998, John walks through Tebis's refreshed brand direction, why aerospace has become such a strategic growth area for the company, and how virtual machining and digital twins are making true lights-out automation possible. The conversation also covers the Tebis ProLeiS MES foundation package, the new SmartOps automation technology, an interactive Automation Readiness Advisor tool debuting at the booth, and a live aerospace machining demo running in partnership with Hermle at the show. Whether you're a shop owner, CAM programmer, manufacturing engineer, or plant manager evaluating automation and MES investments, this episode offers a preview of what's worth prioritizing on the IMTS show floor. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction: A special episode ahead of IMTS 2026 06:21 – Why IMTS is a magnet for the manufacturing industry 11:35 – Why aerospace has become a strategic fit for Tebis 14:08 – Virtual machining, digital twins and the case for true lights-out automation 18:27 – Tebis ProLeiS MES: visibility, bottlenecks and the new foundation package 23:53 – SmartOps: Tebis's automation "brain" on the CAM side 32:28 – Live aerospace demo with machine tool partner Hermle To learn more about Tebis at IMTS 2026, visit https://www.tebis.com/en/lp/2026/imts To view the Tebis MES webinar mentioned in this episode, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5980731284637437782 Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    Tebis at IMTS 2026 Preview: Automation, Aerospace and Technology

  2. Aug 6

    IMTS 2026 Preview: Modern Manufacturing Trends with Tom Skubala

    Attending IMTS requires significant time away from the machine shop floor. For shop owners and engineers, separating must-see manufacturing technology from event noise is essential for real operational gains. In this episode, host Michael Thiessen sits down with MTDCNC technical specialist Tom Skubala to preview IMTS 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Dubbed the "World Cup" of manufacturing, IMTS showcases breakthrough CNC machining, software, and shop-floor automation. Together, Michael and Tom discuss how multi-tasking mill-turn centers, digital twin simulation, and advanced robotics are reshaping production, along with practical strategies for navigating the show floor to eliminate real-world bottlenecks. Whether you are a machine shop owner, manufacturing engineer, CNC programmer, or plant manager, this episode provides an actionable guide to getting the absolute most ROI out of your IMTS experience. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: Why IMTS is the "World Cup" of Manufacturing 04:15 - Advanced Automation, Robotics & Multi-Tasking Mill-Turn Centers 11:30 - Digital Twin Simulation, CAM Software & Unlocking Lights-Out Production 18:45 - Navigating the Chicago Show Floor: Strategies for Maximum ROI 25:10 - Closing the Manufacturing Skills Gap & Preserving Knowledge 33:20 - Leveraging Industry Networking to Solve Shop-Floor Bottlenecks Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    IMTS 2026 Preview: Modern Manufacturing Trends with Tom Skubala

  3. Jul 14

    The Reality of AI Adoption in Manufacturing

    Artificial intelligence is dominating headlines, but moving beyond browser-based sandboxes to achieve real-world productivity on the shop floor requires technical AI governance and deliberate strategy. In this episode, host Michael Thiessen sits down with Sebastian Chedal, founder and CEO of Fountain City, to separate AI hype from practical industrial application. Sebastian shares direct insights on the current state of manufacturing AI adoption, explaining how custom autonomous agents are compressing development cycles, eliminating ERP reporting bottlenecks, and preserving critical institutional knowledge amid an aging workforce. Together, they explore how manufacturers can transition their team "behind the glass" to orchestrate high-level operations rather than getting trapped in digital stagnation. Whether you are a manufacturing executive, plant manager, or industrial technology lead, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for safely and effectively integrating AI into modern production workflows. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: AI Hype vs. Real-World Manufacturing Impact  05:15 - Moving Beyond ChatGPT: Moving from Sandboxes to Autonomous Agents 12:40 - Technical AI Governance & Protecting Proprietary Operational Data  21:10 - Overcoming ERP Bottlenecks & Automating Industrial Reporting  30:05 - Preserving Institutional Knowledge in an Aging Workforce  38:50 - Moving "Behind the Glass": Empowering Operators as AI Orchestrators 44:20 - Key Action Steps for Manufacturing Leaders Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    The Reality of AI Adoption in Manufacturing

  4. Jun 9

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and the Future of Digital Manufacturing

    Bringing a pioneer technology into an established market requires breaking conventional norms, proving workshop reliability, and building deep relationships that evolve alongside industrial shifts. In this celebratory episode, host Michael Thiessen is joined by Gerardo Mueller, International Sales Director at Tebis AG (and founder of Tebis America), and John Kowalczyk, President of Tebis America. Together, they reflect on three decades of digital manufacturing innovation, from introducing German CAD/CAM software to Detroit's automotive tool and die market in the mid-1990s to expanding into high-precision aerospace components. Gerardo and John examine early technical breakthroughs like workshop-oriented programming and gap-free toolpath generation before turning toward the future: unattended "lights-out" machining, digital twin integration, and API-driven AI solutions on the shop floor. Whether you are a tool and die manufacturer, CNC programmer, or CAD/CAM manager, this episode offers an inspiring look at where digital manufacturing started and where automation is heading next. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: Celebrating 30 Years of Tebis America  04:15 - Pioneering CAD/CAM in Detroit: Bringing German Tech to US Tool & Die 10:30 - Workshop-Oriented Programming & Solving Early Toolpath Challenges 16:50 - Expanding Beyond Automotive into High-Precision Aerospace & Defense 23:10 - The Shift to Unattended "Lights-Out" Machining & Digital Twins  29:40 - APIs & AI Assistance: The Next Frontier in Digital Manufacturing  32:15 - Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead to the Next 30 Years To learn more about the special anniversary sales package, reach out to us at info@tebisusa.com Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and the Future of Digital Manufacturing

  5. Apr 13

    Demystifying AI on the Shop Floor

    While artificial intelligence is transforming modern industry, separating practical shop-floor applications from speculative buzzwords is essential for manufacturers seeking measurable productivity gains. In this episode, host Michael Thiessen sits down with global technology expert Chris Carter to demystify artificial intelligence (AI) in discrete manufacturing. With an extensive background spanning automotive and aerospace engineering, Chris breaks down how practical AI algorithms, machine learning, and predictive analytics are applied directly to machining operations. Together, they discuss overcoming data silo challenges, automating quality control, and deploying intelligent software tools to optimize toolpath efficiency and machine uptime. Whether you are a plant operations manager, CAD/CAM programmer, or manufacturing engineer, this episode provides a realistic, actionable guide to adopting AI on the factory floor. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: Cutting Through the AI Hype in Manufacturing  04:30 - Real-World Applications: Machine Learning in Automotive & Aerospace 11:15 - Overcoming Data Silos & Preparing Shop-Floor Infrastructure  18:40 - AI in Quality Control, Predictive Maintenance & Toolpath Optimization 26:10 - Upskilling the Workforce: Human-in-the-Loop Automation  34:25 - First Steps for Implementing AI in Precision Machining Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    Demystifying AI on the Shop Floor

  6. Feb 25

    The Automotive Industry Reset and Navigating the Shift to Hybridization

    The automotive sector is navigating a major strategic recalibration as global OEMs adjust production targets, balance EV adoption realities, and lean heavily into hybrid powertrain strategies. In this episode, host Michael Thiessen welcomes back Joe McCabe, President and CEO of Auto Forecast Solutions (AFS), for his annual automotive market forecast. Drawing on over 25 years of industry intelligence, Joe breaks down the "reset mode" transforming global automotive manufacturing. He provides deep analysis on shifting EV timelines, the surge in hybrid vehicle demand, supply chain adjustments, and what these strategic pivots mean for component suppliers, mold makers, and precision machining facilities. Whether you are an automotive supplier, tool and die manufacturer, or industry analyst, this episode offers vital market foresight to help align manufacturing operations with upcoming production shifts. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: The 2026 Automotive "Reset Mode"  04:45 - EV Reality Check: Shifting Timelines & Consumer Demand Factors  11:30 - The Hybrid Resurgence: How OEMs Are Adjusting Platform Investment 18:50 - Impact on Tier 1 & Tier 2 Suppliers, Tooling, and Tooling Timelines  27:15 - Global Supply Chain Dynamics & Regional Production Trends  35:40 - Strategic Recommendations for Manufacturing Leaders Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    The Automotive Industry Reset and Navigating the Shift to Hybridization

  7. Jan 20

    Empowering the Next Generation of Women Engineers

    While women currently represent only 15% of the manufacturing workforce, female technical leaders are breaking barriers and driving critical engineering advancements across modern CAD/CAM and production environments. In this episode, host Michael Thiessen is joined by two accomplished female engineers: Sarra Hmili, Application Engineer at Tebis America, and Samantha Thiessen. Together, they share their personal journeys into industrial engineering—from early childhood fascinations with building and electronics to mastering complex CAD/CAM software, managing major supplier launches, and optimizing precision shop-floor operations. They candidly discuss navigating male-dominated technical spaces, overcoming industry stereotypes, the power of mentorship, and actionable strategies for encouraging more young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and digital manufacturing. Whether you are a manufacturing leader, engineering manager, student, or advocate for workforce diversity, this episode offers an inspiring and insightful perspective on technical excellence. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction: Diversity & Representation in Modern Manufacturing  05:10 - Early Sparks: Finding a Passion for STEM, Electronics, and Building  12:45 - From Engineering School to Shop-Floor Reality: Lessons Learned  20:30 - Mastering CAD/CAM Technology & Managing Complex Automotive Launches  29:15 - Navigating Male-Dominated Environments & Overcoming Workplace Stereotypes  37:40 - Mentorship, Career Growth & Retaining Female Technical Talent  43:10 - Advice for the Next Generation of Female Engineers Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

    Empowering the Next Generation of Women Engineers

  8. 12/16/2025

    A Look Back at 2025 Episodes

    As digital manufacturing rapidly evolves, reflecting on key industry breakthroughs, technological shifts, and operational challenges helps precision manufacturers prepare for the year ahead. In this special end-of-year episode, host Michael Thiessen takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the critical topics covered throughout 2025. Michael reviews key insights from industry experts across workforce development, aerospace innovation, automotive supply chain recalibrations, practical artificial intelligence, and trade policy disruptions. Together, these highlights provide a valuable snapshot of how tool and die shops, CAD/CAM managers, and manufacturing executives navigated a transformative year while building resilient operations for 2026. Whether you missed an episode or want to recap the biggest manufacturing strategies of 2025, this episode brings together the most actionable takeaways from the year. In this episode:  00:00 - Introduction & Celebrating 2025 Highlights  03:15 - Workforce Development & Bridging the Manufacturing Skills Gap  07:40 - Aerospace Trends & High-Precision Component Opportunities  12:10 - Automotive Supply Chains: Navigating Tariffs & Trade Disruptions  16:30 - Practical AI & Automation on the Shop Floor  20:45 - Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Digital Manufacturing for 2026 Tell us what you think - send us a text message! Thanks for listening! Contact us at info@tebisusa.comFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: TebisInstagram: tebisamericaYouTube: tebisamerica

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Technology is rapidly reshaping the manufacturing landscape. As factories embrace automation, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0, shop floors need a sharper focus on quality, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. The All-Axis Podcast, hosted by Tebis America's Michael Thiessen, explores the critical technologies, strategies, and industry shifts driving modern manufacturing forward. Each episode breaks down real-world applications across CAD/CAM software, CNC machining, digital twin technology, unattended "lights-out" machining, artificial intelligence on the shop floor, and workforce development across automotive, aerospace, and precision tooling sectors. Brought to you by the experts at Tebis, provider of advanced CAD/CAM and MES software solutions that help manufacturers optimize processes, drive precision, and build better products. To learn more, visit www.tebis.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Tebis
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The All-Axis Podcast
  • Show Website
    The All-Axis Podcast

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