Next-Gen Metal Fab

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association•www.thefabricator.com

The Fabricator's Tim Heston explores the evolution and future of metal fabrication and manufacturing with a rotation industry co-hosts: Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut, Cody Lee of Everyday Technologies, and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating. They examine the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies in sheet metal and tube fab shops, covering areas such as laser cutting, robotic welding, metal forming, engineering, lean manufacturing, and other processes. Next-Gen Metal Fab is a production of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and part of the FMA Podcast Network.

Last refreshed: July 6th, 2025 at 12:00 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

From purchase to progress: Transforming a legacy job shop

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 Faced with an outdated ERP and quoting process, Lee implemented a new ERP system and standardized quoting.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...

Jul 02, 2025•39 min

Practical approaches to using AI in manufacturing and fabrication

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 ...

May 28, 2025•46 min

Understanding the impact of tariffs on metal fabrication businesses

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 importanc...

Mar 28, 2025•44 min

The wide spectrum of business models in sheet metal fabrication

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, incl...

Feb 18, 2025•1 hr

Finding new ways to grow business in metal fabrication

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 podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meet...

Nov 26, 2024•36 min

Strategies for hiring the right metal fabrication shop employee

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 ...

Sep 24, 2024•27 min

Measuring costs and the value of time in metal fabrication

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 ...

Jul 24, 2024•37 min

The evolution of software and potential of AI in metal fabrication

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 prov...

Jul 10, 2024•34 min

Simplifying sheet metal design and the role of DFM in fabrication

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 o...

Jun 19, 2024•33 min

New podcast coming soon: Next-Gen Metal Fab

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....

Jun 03, 2024•44 sec

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android