Shows
Lights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsHybrid Manufacturing: Why Additive vs. Subtractive Is the Wrong DebateIs hybrid manufacturing just a buzzword, or is it the next logical evolution of modern machining? In this episode of Lights Out, David Vuyk, Nick Goellner, and Eric Nekich sit down with Dr. Jason Jones, CEO and founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, to unpack what hybrid manufacturing actually means and why it's gaining real traction inside production environments. Rather than framing additive and subtractive manufacturing as competing technologies, Dr. Jones explains how the real opportunity lies in integrating them. By combining metal 3D printing, CNC machining, and in-process inspection into a single digitally controlled workflow...
2026-02-131h 03Lights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsFrom ROI to Reality — Measuring Success After You AutomateAutomation doesn't end when the system is powered on. In fact, that's often where the real work begins. In the third and final episode of this Lights Out series, the conversation shifts from planning and justification to execution, measurement, and long-term performance. After covering market forces driving automation adoption and breaking down ROI math in the first two episodes, this installment tackles the question many shop owners wrestle with once automation is live: Is this actually working? Dave Vuyk and Eric Nekich dig into how to validate performance, track meaningful metrics, and avoid leaving ROI on the...
2026-01-1638 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsThe Automation Adoption Boom: Why ROI is the 2026 Metric That MattersBefore a shop can automate confidently, it has to understand one thing clearly: ROI drives every great automation decision. In this episode of Lights Out, David Vuyk and Eric Nekich kick off a multi-part series on Automation ROI—focusing not on hype or shiny tech, but on the real metrics and methods that determine whether automation will pay off or become an expensive paperweight. With "Jolly St. Nick Goellner" out preparing for the holiday season, David and Eric take the mic to break down a critical truth: you cannot automate an unreliable process, and far too many sh...
2025-12-1239 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsFrom SWAT to Spindles: How Johnny Goode Led MSP Manufacturing's Lights-Out TransformationWhat do law enforcement, SWAT operations, and CNC machining have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and Dave Vuyk welcome Johnny Goode, President and Co-owner of MSP Manufacturing in Bloomington, Indiana—a precision aerospace manufacturer that's rapidly transforming its operations with automation and digital processes. Johnny's journey is anything but typical. From police officer and SWAT team member to Army National Guard sergeant, his story is packed with grit, discipline, and leadership under pressure. When he traded in his badge for a badge of a different ki...
2025-11-1456 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsAdaptive Over Aggressive: Redefining Lights-Out Manufacturing with Camoren SchleyLights-out manufacturing isn't just about adding robots or running machines overnight — it's about creating a culture and a system where your shop can perform at its peak without constant human intervention. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and David Vuyk sit down with innovator and entrepreneur Camoren Schley of Slytek to explore the technologies and mindsets making true lights-out operations possible. Camoren's story begins in his grandfather's Denver manufacturing shop and evolves into a journey of building and selling high-pressure coolant systems, developing machine monitoring technology, and launching Slytek's advanced adaptive control so...
2025-09-2654 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsFrom Fixed to Mixed: Mindset Shifts That Power Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #24In this episode of Lights Out, Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and Dave Vuyk take listeners inside the mindset shifts powering the next wave of lights-out manufacturing. Forget just "working harder" — this conversation is about working smarter, breaking out of fixed thinking, and unlocking massive gains without adding headcount or square footage. The trio opens by sharing the personal routines and disciplines that keep them at peak performance, then pivots to the real topic: transforming machine shops from fixed to mixed mindsets. By rethinking workholding, machine real estate, and cycle times, they reveal how shops can multiply throughput, fr...
2025-09-1242 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsThe Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won't Save You, Ep #18What happens when a desperate shop owner tries to copy someone else's success—without understanding the system behind it? In this episode of Lights Out, Nick and Kaleb are joined by their friend and workholding expert Eric Nekich to break down the first chapter of a fictional story that might hit a little too close to home. "The Automation Trap" follows Gary, the stressed-out owner of IronClunk Machining, who's drowning in inefficiency and envy—especially after touring Klaus's pristine, automated, award-winning shop. Gary's heart is in the right place. But what happens when he throws his...
2025-06-2047 min
Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing LeadersKeys to Maintaining a Manufacturing Leadership MindsetHow do you create and cultivate a manufacturing leadership mindset? What can you do to recharge? How do you take care of yourself so you can take care of your team? How do you unify your team toward a shared goal? Special guests Eric Nekich 5th Axis® Workholding, Michael Gaunce with SCHUNK USA, and Kaleb Mertz with AME help me tackle these questions in this special round-table episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren't leading your team well, they won't be productively making chips, and they won't be making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:36] Introducing our...
2023-06-2645 min
Flex & Friends 💪Flex & Friends - Eric Nekich @ 5th AxisFlex & Friends LIVE 🎥
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2022-04-2933 minMaking Chips Podcast for Manufacturing LeadersWorkholding Evolves with Great Partnerships Featuring Eric Nekich of 5th AxisIn this week's episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jim Carr are joined by Eric Nekich, a Sales Manager at 5th Axis, to talk about workholding, and the changes in sales tactics through the years. Segments: 3:30 | Jim and Nick play a manufacturing quiz game 10:30 | Nick introduces the episode guest Eric Nekich of 5th Axis 14:15 | Eric shares how he got involved in the manufacturing industry 16:00 | Eric talks about how 5th Axis grew from a contract manufacturer to a workholding brand 18:10 | Eric discusses how automation is growing in...
2021-03-1047 min