Next-Gen Metal Fab

• Evaluating 2025 and building smarter fab shop strategies for 2026

  In this year-end episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston sits down with All Metals Fabricating’s Lance Thrailkill and OSH Cut CEO Caleb Chamberlain to unpack a wildly unpredictable 2025 in metal fabrication. Lance shares how a flat year suddenly surged in Q4 (driven by data centers, telecom, and a surprise spike in WIP) while investing in five-axis machining, automation, and AI-driven programming. Caleb explains OSH Cut’s record-breaking growth, the balancing act of running an on-demand model, and why capacity, lead times, and recession planning all collide in ways most shops underestimate. The conversation dives into scheduling pitfalls, tube-bending innovation, lights-out realities, ERP limitations, tooling shortages, and how both leaders think about resilience heading into 2026. It’s a candid look at strategy in a volatile market—and why breaking old models might be the smartest move for the year ahead. Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions.

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• The emergence of private equity and vibe coding in fabrication

  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.

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• Integrating automation with the right people in manufacturing

  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.

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• What the future holds for software development in metal fabrication

  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.

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• 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 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.

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