Next-Gen Metal Fab

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 [email protected] with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

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 [email protected] with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

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 [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about Paperless Parts.

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 [email protected] with any comments or questions.

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 [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 32nd Advanced Laser Applications Workshop (ALAW).

Tim Heston, Lance Thrailkill, Caleb Chamberlain, and Cody Lee discuss how the everchanging tariffs on imported metals have led to significant volatility and price increases, challenges for manufacturers, and domestic mills raising prices to match the tariffs rather than passing along the benefits.

They explore strategies for diversifying customer bases, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging technology to streamline sales and quality processes. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, value-added services, and forging strong partnerships with customers in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

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

Cody Lee from Everyday Technologies and Lance Thrailkill from All Metals Fabricating join the Next-Gen Metal Fab and Tim Heston as new co-hosts with Caleb Chamberlain from OSH Cut. The discussion touches on the history and evolution of their businesses, the role of automation and software in improving efficiency and productivity, and the various models and trends emerging in the metal manufacturing industry.

Tim, Caleb, Cody, and Lance also talk about the evolving landscape of the industry, including the potential for symbiotic relationships between different types of sheet metal fabrication businesses, and the shift in mindset from focusing on machine productivity to optimizing the entire production flow.

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

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.