Next-Gen Metal Fab

Next-Gen Metal Fab explores where metal fabrication and manufacturing are headed. Hosted by The Fabricator’s Tim Heston alongside rotating industry co-hosts, the podcast examines the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies across today’s fab shops. Part of the FMA Podcast Network.

Next-Gen Metal Fab is a technology podcast hosted by Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association hosts Next-Gen Metal Fab, a technology show with 21 episodes published.

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  Next-Gen Metal Fab

  The new economics of online sheet metal fabrication

  Jun 16, 202649 min

  Jonathan Sessa of Fabworks joins Tim Heston and co-host Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut to discuss how online manufacturing platforms are reshaping sheet metal fabrication. Fabworks grew out of Ventura, Calif.-based Sessa Manufacturing, a third-generation family fab business founded in 1980. Inspired in part by the success of OSH Cut and SendCutSend, Sessa shares how his family business transformed into a highly automated, software-driven operation focused on instant quoting, rapid turnaround times, and exceptional customer service. The conversation explores AI, automation, software development, and the changing economics of modern manufacturing. Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts . Learn more about Fabworks and Sessa Manufacturing .

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  Next-Gen Metal Fab

  Bridging tribal knowledge and tech in fabrication with Jay Phillips

  May 7, 20261h 9mS0

  <p>In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, host Tim Heston talks with Jay Phillips of Fresno, Calif.-based Valley Iron Inc. about the future of workforce development, shop culture, and technology in metal fabrication.</p> <p>Phillips explains why modern fab shops can no longer rely solely on tribal knowledge as experienced workers retire and manufacturing becomes more software-driven. The conversation covers hiring and onboarding, leadership development, cross-training, lean manufacturing, shop-floor communication, safety culture, and the growing need to connect programmers and machine operators.</p> <p>They also discuss how fabrication companies can better engage younger workers through digital...

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  Next-Gen Metal Fab

  Quoting, estimating, and costing in sheet metal fabrication

  Apr 15, 202658 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston talks with Cody Lee and Lance Thrailkill about quoting, estimating, and costing in modern sheet metal fabrication. They break down how shops are using software, data, and work center–based costing to improve accuracy and consistency, while navigating challenges like material volatility, PPAP requirements, and scheduling constraints. The conversation also touches on AI, automation, and how estimating connects everything from pricing to production strategy.</p> <p>Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.</p>

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  Next-Gen Metal Fab

  Digitizing information and AI in the changing job shop with Sunny Han

  Mar 18, 202646 minS0

  <p>In this episode of the Next-Gen Metal Fab Podcast, host Tim Heston speaks with Sunny Han, FMA member and founder of Fulcrum, about the role digitized information plays in preparing fabrication shops for adopting AI.</p> <p>Tim and Sunny discuss how many job shops still rely on spreadsheets, paperwork, and institutional knowledge that lives in people’s heads, and why before AI can deliver meaningful insight, that information must be digitized and accessible.</p> <p>Sunny also talks about how faster information flow and real-time analysis could reshape how shops quote work, schedule production, analyze profitability, and respond to...

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  Next-Gen Metal Fab

  Optimizing production scheduling in metal fabrication

  Feb 13, 202646 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston is joined by Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating to talk production scheduling, software investments, and growth strategy. They break down what a recent Fabricators and Manufacturers Association survey says about automation trends, why scheduling and ERP tools are becoming critical, and how shops are tackling WIP, queue times, and real-world bottlenecks. The conversation also covers using Monte Carlo simulation to model scheduling outcomes, the growing role of AI-driven tools in programming and planning, and what’s ahead for 2026 in terms of capacity, technology, an...

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