If you’ve ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how shops handle complex RFQs, drawings, and bills of materials.

Over the past decade, Paperless Parts has become synonymous with solving bottlenecks in estimating and quoting. Their mission has been clear: empower people—not replace them—with software designed to make quoting faster, smarter, and less risky. In this conversation, Jason shares how their latest release takes that vision even further by surfacing critical requirements buried inside complex drawings and bills of materials.

This episode is full of relatable stories and practical lessons. Jason explains how the new “Requirements Review” functionality captures tribal knowledge, accelerates mentoring, and helps shops avoid underpricing jobs while improving their RFQ triage process.

Nick and Jason also dig into the big picture: the hype cycle of AI in manufacturing, the importance of trust and customer retention, and the future of Paperless Parts—including “historical intelligence” and next-level shop insights. 

Whether you’re a shop owner, estimator, or manufacturing leader, you’ll leave this episode with actionable takeaways for quoting more accurately, prioritizing the right work, and scaling your business intelligently.

• (0:53) “I Love Big BOMs”: How Paperless Parts tackles large bills of materials=
• (2:27) Bottlenecks in quoting and estimating—and why Paperless Parts was built
• (6:05) AI hype vs. reality in manufacturing software
• (7:39) Quote faster, smarter, and more consistently with Paperless Parts
• (9:20) “AI makes recommendations, humans make decisions”
• (12:38) Introducing “Requirements Review” to surface critical details in drawings
• (14:41) Capturing tribal knowledge and accelerating mentoring before retirements
• (17:13) Why missing something on a print leads to underpricing and margin compression
• (18:45) Using AI to read complex drawing packages and trigger shop-specific rules
• (20:22) Solving simpler problems first: best practices for adopting AI in manufacturing
• (22:14) Why you should join us at MTForecast 2025
• (23:42) Quoting faster without over-engineering or missing key details
• (25:02) RFQs are getting larger—how to triage and prioritize the right work
• (26:47) Building an “ideal part profile” and learning to say no to non-fit work
• (29:54) Safety, flow state, and the hidden costs of taking on bad-fit jobs
• (30:53) Cash flow realities of contract manufacturing and avoiding high-risk mistakes
• (32:32) Aligning Paperless Parts’ incentives with customer success and retention
• (34:38) Value-based sales process and proving ROI before the sale
• (38:00) Emotional ROI for shop leaders and software founders alike
• (40:08) Why customer success is tied to clear ROI targets and ongoing support
• (42:27) Selling change management, not just a tool—how Paperless implements software
• (45:32) Looking ahead: Paperless Parts’ upcoming user conference and “historical intelligence”
• (49:32)

• Quote faster, smarter, and more consistently with Paperless Parts
• Join us at MTForecast 2025
• Achieve the 7 Habits of Successful Workholding with SMW Autobook
• Requirements Review Press Release

• www.MakingChips.com
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• On LinkedIn
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• On Twitter
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Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person powerhouse by prioritizing people and culture over everything else.

Matt’s story shows what happens when leadership takes workforce development seriously. From his early days as a 10-person shop owner watching competitors poach his talent, to becoming a two-time Top Shops winner recognized for HR and culture, Matt has built a system for attracting, training, and retaining the kind of people who make growth possible.

We dive deep into JD Machine’s unique approach to workforce development: Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs, high school counselor outreach, profit-sharing models, mentorship incentives, and cultural rituals like celebrating apprenticeship completions with a “Masters Jacket.” The result? A company that not only keeps top talent but grows its own leaders from within.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a resilient shop culture where employees feel invested, customers trust your team, and growth becomes sustainable, this conversation delivers the blueprint. Matt shows that “winning” in manufacturing isn’t just about throughput or margins—it’s about building people who build the business.

• (0:58) Introducing Matt Wardle of JD Machine: from 10 employees to a 210-person operation
• (4:30) Early lessons in retention and the shift from poaching talent to building a pipeline
• (7:44) Why you should register and see us at AMT’s MTForecast
• (11:41) Community outreach: hosting school counselors, sponsoring robotics, and changing perceptions
• (17:10) Open houses, virtual field trips, and branding your shop to future employees
• (15:00) Mentorship structure, incentives for trainers, and celebrating completions with the “Masters Jacket”
• (19:20) Tracking the right metrics: turnover, reviews, skill increases, and retention as KPIs
• (22:58) Apprenticeship program design: 8,000 hours, Department of Labor approval, and clear pay raises
• (27:57) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• (28:32) How small shops can scale their workforce systems over time
• (30:18) Building your own curriculum: Tooling U, NTMA U, Titans of CNC, and customizing courses
• (31:50) Encouraging on-the-job learning during machine cycle times
• (34:10) Mentorship structure and incentives for experienced machinists training apprentices
• (36:05) Recruiting under-18 students through legislative partnerships and state risk management
• (37:52) How NTMA chapters create collaboration and make SkillsUSA more impactful
• (39:35) Balancing competitive pay with margins and long-term stability
• (43:58) Profit-sharing and open-book management to drive engagement and retention
• (44:44) Lessons learned from losing good employees and being proactive about retention
• (49:55) Matt’s closing thoughts: people who align with your core values become your greatest asset 
• (51:40) The countdown is on: See us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC

• JD Machine
• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
• Why you should check out AMT’s MTForecast
• Matt’s episode on Machine Shop Mastery (all about culture)
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• The countdown is on: See us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC (code MAK20 for 20% off)

• www.MakingChips.com
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• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has quickly gained traction, giving machinists and shop owners a platform to showcase their work in an honest and unpolished—but deeply engaging—format.

In this episode of MakingChips, Chad shares his journey from tool rep to filmmaker and how a pandemic-era discovery of shop tour videos sparked his creative pursuit. He opens up about the challenges of convincing shop owners to go on camera, the humility he sees in the most successful leaders, and the business trends shaping machine shops across the country.

The conversation dives into everything from diversification and leadership mindsets to adopting new technology and empowering the next generation of machinists. Whether you’re a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, Chad’s perspective reveals why authenticity, culture, and a willingness to evolve are essential ingredients for long-term success in manufacturing.

By capturing raw, human-centered stories, Chad isn’t just documenting the industry—he’s helping elevate it. Tune in to hear his take on where shops are thriving, where they’re struggling, and what lessons every leader can take away from the tour videos that are inspiring thousands online.

• (0:20) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• (2:06) How Chad got started in machining sales and what led him to shop tour videos
• (4:23) Inspiration from John Saunders’ NYC CNC channel during the pandemic
• (6:17) Balancing a sales career with filming shop tours and support from his company
• (7:12) Campro’s machine offerings and focus on job shops
• (8:19) Shop owners’ mixed reactions to being filmed and overcoming hesitations
• (11:06) Challenges of being on camera and blooper stories from filming
• (12:44) Insights from visiting shops: leadership humility, culture, and mindset trends
• (14:39) Tariffs, diversification, and the impact of customer concentration
• (17:43) Correlation between humility, ambition, and business growth
• (20:18) Balancing business ambition with family and personal life
• (20:58) Get transparency in the heat-treating process with Phoenix Heat Treating
• (22:07) Lifestyle businesses vs. growth-oriented shops and the risks of coasting
• (24:31) Stories from younger shop owners and COVID-era startups
• (26:05) Funding and customer acquisition strategies for new shops
• (27:27) How to leverage Xometry as a launchpad (time will change from this on after edit)
• (28:42) Observations on technology adoption: probing, CAM, ERP, and monitoring tools
• (33:25) Empowering younger team members and building fulfilling shop cultures
• (38:49) Shop cleanliness, lighting, and layout as indicators of culture and success
• (40:51) Biggest takeaways: zero-point workholding and inspiring shop stories
• (41:54) COVID-era entrepreneurs starting shops from scratch
• (44:58) Hire your next manufacturing leader with Hire MFG Leaders

• Chad’s YouTube Channel
• Connect with Chad Schmidt
• Campro USA
• NYC CNC
• Get transparency in the heat-treating process with Phoenix Heat Treating
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• MW Machine
• Motive Machine Works
• Hire MFG Leaders

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips—it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy.

Many shop leaders rise through the ranks of the shop floor without formal financial training. The books often become “just compliance”—something you do because you have to file taxes. But as Jon makes clear, your financial systems can be far more than compliance—they can be a competitive advantage. From managing cash flow to planning for growth and capital expenditures, the way you handle money directly impacts your ability to survive downturns, seize opportunities, and build wealth.

In this episode, we dig into why cash flow is king, what “working capital” really means for a shop, and how to navigate customer payment terms that often feel stacked against smaller manufacturers. They also explore practical strategies for budgeting, forecasting, and job costing—ensuring that every hour and every order drives long-term profitability.

Packed with stories, humor, and battle-tested advice, this episode equips shop owners with the knowledge they need to turn finance into a weapon rather than a weakness. Whether you’re just trying to make payroll or planning your long-term exit, these insights will help you keep making chips—and making money.

• (0:46) Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC!
• (6:05) Finance as more than compliance: a competitive advantage
• (7:45) Cash flow vs. accrual accounting in day-to-day operations
• (10:40) The profitability vs. cash flow argument
• (14:10) Managing uncertainty and strengthening the balance sheet
• (15:09) Working capital defined: how much is enough and how to measure it
• (18:15) Current ratio explained and what “healthy” looks like
• (22:15) Owner compensation: salaries vs. distributions and tax implications
• (23:48) Achieve RASRAM by checking out the SME Autoblok catalogue 
• (25:28) Strategies for managing receivables, payables, and customer terms
• (31:08) Invoicing hygiene and avoiding clerical delays in payments
• (32:40) Following up on overdue invoices and staying proactive
• (36:32) Adjusting pricing to offset extended payment terms
• (38:45) Budgeting and forecasting as part of long-term financial strategy
• (44:56) Job costing and the 80/20 rule of profits and losses
• (48:10) Building financial review cadences and making finance a competitive advantage
• (50:20) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

• Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC! Use code MAK20 for 20% off
• Funding Your Dream Shop: Creative Ownership Strategies You Haven’t Heard Yet
• Profits Aren't Everything, They're the Only Thing
• Business Model Generation
• Achieve RASRAM by checking out the SMW Autoblok catalogue 
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn’t just the parts it produces—it’s the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing.

Andy shares his journey of stepping into leadership at a young age, navigating the challenges of declining sales, and transforming Ripley Machine into a recognized Top Shops award winner. His story proves that client experience doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally through systems, communication, and values that shape the culture of the entire shop.

From implementing ISO and ProShop ERP, to instilling a daily rhythm of accountability and continuous improvement, Andy reveals the practical steps his team has taken to turn Ripley into a trusted partner for its customers. Along the way, he highlights how something as simple as quick communication—or as complex as restructuring internal systems—can make all the difference in retaining clients and earning their loyalty.

Whether you’re a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, this conversation will challenge you to look at your business through the lens of your customers. Because at the end of the day, consistency, transparency, and responsiveness aren’t just “nice to have”—they are the foundation of growth and profitability.

• (0:32) How Phoenix Heat Treating provides next-level transparency
• (2:18) Why client experience is the capstone of the Machine Shop MBA series
• (3:39) Introducing guest Andy Reinwald of Ripley Machine
• (5:00) Family business history, early days in the shop, and finding a passion for manufacturing
• (8:47) Becoming shop foreman at 19, buying the business at 21, and facing business challenges
• (12:11) Lessons learned: Poor customer experiences and the wake-up call
• (17:26) The values of transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness
• (20:00) Practical changes: communication, customer-specific notes, quoting with Paperless Parts, and implementing ProShop ERP
• (27:04) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop
• (28:39) The power of quick, honest communication and technology that supports it
• (35:05) Building culture: consistency, details that matter, and systems that allow Andy to step away
• (37:23) How Andy roots his business values on his faith
• (39:10) Going above and beyond for customers (42:38) How Andy hires according to a fit for his culture
• (44:54) Implementing daily drumbeat meetings and lean principles
• (50:04) Ripley Machine’s Top Shops award journey and continuous improvement
• (55:42) Joins us at the Top Shops 2025 Conference in Charlotte, NC

• Could Phoenix Heat Treating solve your bottleneck?
• Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop
• Joins us at the Top Shops 2025 Conference in Charlotte, NC

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it’s the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance.

From raw materials and finished goods to WIP and cutting tools, we share the financial, operational, and workflow implications of what you keep on the shelf (and what you shouldn’t). You’ll hear real-world examples of vendor-managed material programs, strategies for keeping traceability without burying yourself in admin work, and ways we’ve turned “dead” stock into real cash.

We also dig into why inventory accuracy matters beyond just making parts—touching on tax implications, property valuations, and how inventory missteps can kill the value of your business in a sale. And if you’ve ever lost hours hunting for the right cutter or fixture, our storage and tracking advice might change the way you think about tooling forever.

This episode isn’t about counting nuts and bolts—it’s about building an inventory strategy that supports your cashflow, your team’s efficiency, and your long-term profitability.

• (0:24) Paperless Parts: Quoting made simple, profitable, and powerful
• (3:09) Why inventory is “sneaky important” for cashflow, workflow, and profitability
• (4:00) Common categories: raw materials, finished goods, consumables, and workholding
• (6:30) “Part stock” vs. catalogued vs hybrid strategies
• (7:58) Calculating the real cost of capital when buying material in bulk
• (10:45) Consolidating material sizes to reduce stock complexity
• (13:07) Physical storage, traceability, and avoiding costly scrap from lost certs
• (15:07) Labeling and marking best practices—from PO numbers to color codes
• (19:05) Storage layouts that save space and speed up retrieval
• (22:28) FIFO, LIFO, and how inventory accounting can impact your taxes
• (24:07) Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok Catalogue 
• (24:50) Why WIP can matter for accurate financials and business valuation
• (29:24) Cycle counting vs. painful year-end full inventory counts
• (33:26) Real-world wins from knowing exactly what’s on your shelves
• (36:10) Avoiding the trap of overbuilding and obsolete finished goods
• (39:09) Using contracts and order commitments to protect yourself from rev changes
• (42:02) Inventory strategies for cutting tools—your most critical shop consumable
• (45:11) The value of having the right tool at the right time vs. lowest cost
• (49:45) Why random storage beats “organized” by type for cutting tools
• (52:19) Fixture storage, location tracking, and purging rarely used setups
• (54:39) How reviewing inventory can generate sales and free up cash
• (57:35) Key takeaways for building a smart, profitable inventory strategy 
• (58:42) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA

• Tooling and the Demon of Chaos
• Unlocking Tax Savings: Essential Strategies You Can Implement Immediately
• Paperless Parts: Quoting made simple, profitable, and powerful
• Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok Catalogue 
• Grow your top and bottom line with CLA

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we’re getting tactical.

We’re not just talking about passing an audit—we’re talking about building a system that supports your team, reduces risk, and eliminates waste across your business. From risk registers and RPN scoring to digitizing your paperwork and planning with cross-functional teams, we cover the actual tools and habits that make quality real on the shop floor.

Along the way, we share stories from our own shops—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how integrated technology has changed the game. We’ve lived the paper-chasing, binder-filled chaos that too many shops call a QMS. And we’ve seen what happens when you replace it with a connected system that actually reflects how your shop runs day to day.

If you’re working toward certification—or just want to build a culture of quality that doesn’t require heroics to maintain—this episode is your blueprint.

• (0:26) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
• (2:53) Recap of Part 1 + why efficient QMS design matters in regulated industries
• (3:33) Defining and mapping core processes from RFQ to shipment
• (6:23) Risk-based thinking: risk registers, RPN scoring, and real-world examples
• (9:11) Tracking and improving risk scores over time with team input
• (11:33) Cross-functional planning: involving machinists, programmers, and QA early
• (12:57) Ballooned drawings, IPCs, and quality planning before the job hits the floor
• (14:01) Integrated quality checkpoints: from receiving to signoffs and inspection
• (16:20) Why going paperless saves time and improves accuracy
• (17:56) Join us at Top Shops 2025!
• (18:51) Quality as a company-wide responsibility—not a department
• (21:12) Digital documentation strategy and collaboration tips
• (23:26) How to implement QMS step by step
• (26:55) Linking vs. integrating: what real QMS tech should do
• (29:50) Before & after ProShop: how integrated QMS changed our audit process
• (33:46) Certification myths: ISO, AS9100, and audit readiness every day
• (35:53) Why QMS should be built into your tech stack and team culture
• (38:07) Use Hire MFG Leaders to recruit the next level of talent

• Machine Shop MBA: Planning for Precision
• Register for Top Shops 2025 now: Get 20% off with code: MAK20

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again.

In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing operation aiming for medical or aerospace work, we consider this your QMS MBA.

We dig into the purpose, process, and power of implementing a robust quality management system—from selecting the right registrar to defining your key processes and KPIs. Jess also shares why culture matters more than checklists, how leadership buy-in can make or break your success, and how tools like ProShop ERP can make audit day feel like just another Tuesday.

This isn’t just about earning a certificate. It’s about building a business where quality is baked into how you operate—every single day. If you're trying to compete in regulated industries—or simply want to stop cleaning up preventable mistakes—this episode is your blueprint.

• (0:00) “He’s a real quality guy”: Dad jokes and introductions
• (1:12) Every day is audit day: Building a quality culture vs. chasing audits
• (4:24) Jess’s background—from job shop QC to Raytheon to ProShop
• (9:27) What it takes to get certified as a lead auditor
• (11:03) Key differences between ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485
• (12:27) Why regulated industry certifications are “table stakes” for growth
• (14:05) How certification shapes customer perception—and shop success
• (16:21) What a QMS really is (and why it’s not just a binder)
• (17:42) The challenge of cultural adoption—from shop floor to CEO
• (22:30) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA 
• (23:05) The first steps: quality manual, key processes, and KPIs
• (26:18) Cross-functional teams vs. solo efforts—what works best
• (28:08) How grants and workforce programs can help fund your QMS journey
• (31:03) Lessons from a painful audit—and how ProShop changed everything
• (35:00) Choosing the right certification body (registrar)
• (39:35) Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 audits—what to expect
• (41:53) Nonconformances: OFIs, minors, majors, and 8Ds explained
• (45:47) Wrap-up and preview of Part 2: How to build a great QMS
• (48:20) Register for Top Shops 2025!

• https://www.highqa.com/
• Register for Top Shops 2025!

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Let’s be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That’s a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control.

From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shipping paperwork could delay your cash flow, this episode covers the full spectrum. We dive into real-world strategies for building quality into every step of the process—from the first RFQ to the final shipment. We talk about ownership, team structure, risk-based IPC strategies, final inspections, and how a simple $100 reward created a culture of accountability on the shop floor.

Whether you’re building your first quality system or tightening up an already dialed-in process, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond just tolerances and calipers. You’ll hear how quality isn’t just about measuring—it’s about quoting smarter, communicating across departments, and building a shop culture where excellence is everyone’s job.

This episode is packed with sharp insights and real-world stories from three shop leaders who know what it takes to deliver consistent, swit-level quality.

• (0:50) Get excited for Top Shops 2025!
• (1:14) Why listening to MakingChips is SWIT
• (2:40) Why quality starts in quoting—before a chip is ever made
• (4:36) Aligning your manufacturing plan with your quality plan
• (6:35) Why you should track which tool cuts which feature
• (7:23) Probing vs. offline inspection: finding the right balance
• (8:27) Should quality report to operations? (Organizational insights)
• (11:41) Why balloon drawings still matter—and the tools to make it easier
• (14:30) Incoming and outgoing inspections for outside processing
• (16:48) When (and why) to keep quality in-house
• (17:41) First articles, first parts, and final inspection clarity
• (20:18) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
• (20:57) Should machines sit idle during inspection? Risk vs. throughput
• (22:47) Calibration musts: Why you can’t trust dropped tools
• (24:08) Catching bad tolerances before they hit the floor
• (26:00) Deviation requests: When it’s worth asking
• (27:00) Rotating inspection plans and in-process strategies
• (29:53) Building inspection frequency around quantity and value
• (30:35) Peer checks and the $100 bill that changed everything
• (32:05) What “final inspection” really means at Hill Manufacturing
• (36:02) When paperwork mistakes delay payment—and damage quality ratings
• (37:37) Systematizing delivery to meet each customer’s expectations
• (39:16) The bottom line? Quality is everyone’s job
• (40:21) 3 reasons to check out Buy the Numbers

• Get excited for Top Shops 2025!
• Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
• High QA
• Lights Out Automation Trap Series

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier?

At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon’s Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops streamline programming, automate workflows, and scale smarter with every click.

If you’ve ever wished your CAM system could remember what worked, eliminate repetitive programming, and accelerate your path to the spindle, this is the episode for you. Ryan explains how Hexagon’s new Nexus Cloud ecosystem—including tools like Hexagon Copilot and ProPlan AI—is designed to empower programmers, reduce onboarding time, and unlock serious productivity gains. From intelligent feature recognition to machine-aware automation and real-time learning, ESPRIT EDGE is all about putting past experience to work for future success.

You’ll hear how shops are reclaiming 75% of their programming time, how Swiss machining is finally getting the Edge treatment, and why the platform is built not to replace your team—but to amplify their talent. Whether you're programming complex parts or scaling new workflows across your machines, Hexagon's vision is clear: give users control, reduce the mental load, and continuously learn from what’s already working.

ESPRIT EDGE doesn’t just help you make better parts—it helps you build a smarter shop. This is what automation looks like when it starts with the user.

• (0:00) Intro from Hexagon Live and some Vegas fun
• (2:06) Meet Ryan Pembroke and learn about his role at Hexagon
• (2:45) What Nexus Cloud is and how it works with CAM
• (3:38) Modular access to apps—scale your tools, not your cost
• (4:21) Ryan’s origin story in manufacturing
• (5:27) The evolution of ESPRIT EDGE for complex machining
• (9:53) Automated part copying across tombstones and setups
• (11:03) How user feedback drives product development
• (13:51) What excites Ryan today—The application of Hexagon Copilot & ProPlan AI
• (16:28) Listen to the Lights Out podcast to scale your shop the smart way
• (16:56) Continuous learning and real-time tool adaptation
• (19:45) How Espree Edge optimizes for tool changes
• (21:30) Vision for Nexus: cross-platform, connected manufacturing intelligence
• (23:13) Eliminate redundant work to unlock your team’s creativity
• (24:38) How ESPRIT EDGE helps new users get up to speed quickly
• (25:29) Customer training, updates, and user support forums
• (27:45) Leverage the Nexus community forum
• (28:45) Cutting programming time and increasing utilization

• ESPRIT EDGE
• Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn
• Nexus User Community
• CoPilot and Pro Plan AI

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube