The All-Axis Podcast

Trade show season delivers a flood of announcements, but manufacturers need to know which signals actually point to where the industry is heading. Two back-to-back events this fall offered an unusually clear read on aerospace demand and technology priorities.

In this special episode, host Michael Thiessen recaps AeroOne 2026, hosted by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM), and IMTS 2026. Michael shares what aerospace leaders from Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Aerodynamic Advisory said about record backlogs, cybersecurity, critical minerals and workforce development, and why mold and die shops are finding success in aerospace and defense work. He then walks through what IMTS visitors were asking about most, including AI, CAD/CAM, MES, automation, simulation, digital twins and reverse engineering, plus highlights from the Tebis booth and machine hall partners.

Whether you're a shop owner, CAM programmer, manufacturing engineer or plant manager weighing a move into aerospace or evaluating automation and software investments, this episode offers a firsthand look at where the industry is heading. It also follows up on the IMTS preview conversation with John Kowalczyk, President of Tebis America.

In this episode:
00:00 – Introduction: A solo recap after two busy months
02:46 – AeroOne 2026: Aerospace leaders take the pulse of the industry
05:45 – How mold and die shops are diversifying into aerospace and defense
06:48 – Keynote takeaways: Cybersecurity, critical minerals, workforce and supplier resilience
11:29 – What aerospace manufacturers need: Simulation, tight tolerances and surface finish
15:02 – IMTS 2026 by the numbers
16:37 – What visitors asked about: AI, CAD/CAM, MES and automation
19:33 – Inside the Tebis booth: Porsche scale model, Next 40, Tebis OS and SmartOps
22:17 – Automation readiness tool and live aerospace machining with machine tool partners

Click here to hear the IMTS preview conversation with John Kowalczyk. 

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Work orders get lost, materials disappear, and shop floors still run on manual scans and scattered spreadsheets, yet most manufacturers can't say exactly where their people, parts, and equipment are at any given moment.

In this episode, host Michael Thiessen sits down with Samuel Van de Velde, Founder and CTO of Pozyx, to explore how real-time location technology is closing that gap. Samuel breaks down how ultra-wideband tracking delivers indoor accuracy far beyond GPS or Bluetooth, why geofencing lets manufacturers capture work-in-process timing without a single barcode scan, and how the same technology his team uses to track dairy cows is now helping manufacturers calculate bill of labor, optimize workstation flow, and feed real-time data into their ERP and MES systems.

Whether you're chasing lost inventory, trying to quantify idle time, or curious how AI and location data might soon work together, this conversation offers a practical look at what real-time visibility can do for your operation.

In this episode:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why Shop Floor Data Can't Be Ignored
• 04:25 – Indoor Location Technology Explained
• 09:45 – An Unexpected Use Case: Tracking Dairy Cows
• 15:27 – Applying Geofencing on the Manufacturing Floor
• 19:17 – Feeding Location Data Into MES and ERP Systems
• 24:38 – Privacy, Anonymization, and Employee Buy-In
• 30:00 – Comparing Ultra-Wideband, Bluetooth, and GPS
• 36:12 – Where AI Fits Into Location Data

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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

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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

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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

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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 [email protected]

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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

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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

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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

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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

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