Advanced Manufacturing Now

Zoovu is an AI search and product discovery platform designed to put the right parts in the right hands. In the manufacturing industry, those parts could mean the difference between fulfilling a multimillion dollar order, or not. James Novak, CEO of Zoovu, joins Editor David Muller to discuss Zoovu with a lens on manufacturing companies.

In this episode, we talk with Gabe Kooyers, a machining instructor who's redefining what manufacturing education looks like. Blending hands-on experience with engineering design principles and a bold focus on CNC training from day one, Kooyers is preparing students to meet the demands of modern industry with confidence.

We explore how his innovative teaching methods, creative student portfolios (think: James Bond briefcase), and strategic use of LinkedIn are creating real-world opportunities for his students—and gaining serious attention from employers. If you're an educator, industry leader, or just someone who cares about the future of skilled trades, this conversation is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear how passion, adaptability, and innovation are shaping the machinists of tomorrow.

Jason Hehman, vertical leader of industry 4.0 at TXI, wants to empower manufacturing with the kind of insight only a digital twin can provide. He speaks with Editor Lawrence Moebs on developing pragmatic solutions with smart manufacturing technology.

Jerry Capo, vice president of technology at Product Evaluation Systems, and Dr. Alex Kinsey, technical lead of metallurgy, failure analysis at ATS, speak with Editor Lawrence Moebs about a crucially important aspect of any manufacturing: testing.

In the case of additive manufacturing, the variability and complexity of the processes involved means testing is all the more critical.

The Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) wants to solve the biggest challenges facing cybersecurity in the U.S manufacturing industry. Gabriela Ciocarlie, Chief Technology Officer of CyManII, speaks with Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson about cybersecurity considerations for manufacturers of all sizes.

Brigitte de Vet, CEO of Materialise, knows that additive manufacturing technology has the potential for a revolutionary impact on the manufacturing industry, even if it might be a slow revolution. Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb speaks with Brigitte about where the AM industry has been and where it's heading.

As additive manufacturing technology advances, so does the sophistication of 3D-printed materials. Whatever you choose to use in your process, your grinder needs to handle everything you throw at it. Editor Lawrence Moebs speaks with Erik Lawson of DCM Tech about getting the most out of your rotary surface grinder in additive manufacturing.

Dr. Deb Volzer wants to change the narrative around manufacturing career opportunities.

She spearheaded the development of SME's Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) with the express purpose of raising enrollment by 1,000 individuals per year, per college in STEM and manufacturing related programs.

As the program finishes its inaugural year, editor-in-chief Steve Plumb speaks with Deb about MI-WPC's key goals and milestones.

Read the MI-WPC National Impact Report here: National Impact Report

How can we ignite a passion for STEM in young minds and create a more diverse engineering workforce? Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Shonali Ditz, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SparkShop.

Shonali shares her personal journey, from navigating the challenges of engineering at Northwestern University to co-founding SparkShop, an organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of engineers. Discover how SparkShop is breaking down barriers by introducing hands-on engineering experiences to 4th and 5th graders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

This episode highlights the critical importance of early STEM exposure and the power of representation in shaping the future of engineering. Tune in to hear how SparkShop is making a tangible difference and learn how you can get involved in supporting their mission.

In this episode, host David Muller speaks with Ron Crabtree, CEO of MetaOps, about the current landscape of manufacturing, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturers. They discuss the challenges these manufacturers face, including digital transformation, workforce shortages, and the impact of automation and AI.