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 manufacturing.

Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meeting.

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 systems to reduce stress. They also talk about the fact people need livable wages, and without that, workers are going to continue to move from shop to shop.

Tim and Caleb also talk about the benefits of cross-training shop floor employees in software development and equipment operation as well as the importance of building a strong, engaged team to support business growth and success.

Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the Pipe + Tube Conference.

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 reference two books on the topic: Rebirth of American Industry: A Study of Lean Management by William H. Waddell and Norman Bodek as well as The Monetary Value of Time: Why Traditional Accounting Systems Make Customers Wait by Joyce Warnacut.

Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about The Fabricator's Tech Summit.

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 tools. They also touch on the importance of data aggregation and the potential for AI to optimize processes and provide accurate cost estimates. Tim and Caleb also emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in the industry and the cost-saving benefits it can bring.

Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about The Fabricator's Tech Summit.

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 sheet metal fabrication business and how his company, OSH Cut, has grown over the years. He discusses the importance of automation and software in streamlining the quoting and manufacturing processes. They also touch on the potential for expansion beyond cut-bend fabrication, such as incorporating powder coating services. The episode concludes with a discussion on the recent move of OSH Cut to a larger facility and the impact of layout on efficiency and productivity.

Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about The Fabricator's Tech Summit.

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 various podcast platforms.