Lights Out – MakingChips Podcast

A podcast all about automation.

Meet the Host

Nick Goellner

The Throughput Mindset: How Automation and Culture ...

Business Moves at the Speed of Trust with Wade Ande ...

In this episode of Lights Out, Wade Anderson, VP of Engineering and Automation at Okuma delivers a compelling look at how automation is transforming the manufacturing landscape.

Chip and Coolant Management for Machining Automatio ...

In this episode of Lights Out, we explore how cutting-edge coolant technology is transforming manufacturing by enabling efficiency, stability, and sustainability. Tiffany Bryson and Christopher Porsch of Blaser emphasize the need for a repeatable, reliable process, noting that automation hinges on stable coolant systems.

Lights Out: Are You Even Prepared to Run a Lights O ...

What do you need to know before you launch automation in your shop? What would be signs that you’re not ready to automate? If you’re launching the process, how can you use your ERP/MRP to the fullest?

Lights out: Connecting Advanced Machining Strategie ...

Here’s our controversial take: We believe that “automated” is more important than “operated”. It’s a stance that scares a lot of operators—but it shouldn’t. In this episode of MakingChips, Mike Payne and Kaleb Mertz return to dive into part loading and pallet loading, a mixed vs fixed mindset, and why predictive is better than reactive.

Lights Out: Connecting Advanced Machining Strategie ...

Machine monitoring can give us insights into our machines that can and should change how we’re operating. The end goal is to drive better business results. But how should monitoring be paired with advanced business strategies to help you achieve those results? Mike Payne, Kaleb Mertz and I connect the dots in this episode of MakingChips.

Lights Out: A Samurai’s Journey to Automation ...

Can small shops begin to automate their processes? Where do they start with automation? In this episode of MakingChips, the CNC Samurai, Steve Courchane, returns to share his passion for automation. He lays out his 3M process and how it changes the way you view automation.

Lights Out: How to Prioritize Flexibility when You ...

POV: You’ve decided to start the process of implementing automation in your machine shop—but it isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. It’s a process that consists of failing forward and learning from every mistake. Tom Schroeder—the Executive Vice President at PBC Linear—joins us in this episode of Lights Out to share how to prioritize flexibility when you invest in and begin to implement automation in your shop.

LIGHTS OUT: How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering th ...

Are you embracing automation in your shop? Or are you hesitating because you’re unsure how to implement it so that you’re making the best use of your time and money? Brian Kippen—the owner and CEO of KAD Models & Prototypes—reframes how you can use automation.

Lights Out: Automation 101 with Chris Luecke Manufa ...

Automation continues to be a popular and divisive topic in the manufacturing world. Automation is important for attracting and retaining young talent and growing your business. So we’ve been working hard to highlight the importance of automation—and where you can dive in—with our Lights Out series.