Shows
PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing PodcastYaskawa will bring robot manufacturing to U.S.: Machinery MinutesThese are the stories covered in today’s Machinery Minutes podcast:
Yaskawa America plans to build a state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing facility at its Franklin, Wis., campus. This marks the first time Yaskawa’s high-volume industrial robots will be manufactured on U.S. soil.
R&B Plastics Machinery specializes in building blow molding machines and extruders that are more customized for the customers’ needs than many bigger machinery makers and willing to tackle. It has proved to be a successful niche for the Saline, Mich., manufacturer.
Static electricity can be a big problem in some manufacturing operations, so Exair has introduced a h...2025-07-2804 min
VFD VibesTrain to Gain - A Technical Training OverviewTechnical training doesn’t just support our products—it empowers the people who use them. Host Greg Weichman sits down with John Autero, Manager of Technical Training Services at Yaskawa, for an inside look at how the company delivers hands-on education across drives, motion, and solar technologies.
John shares how Yaskawa built a training program from the ground up—offering everything from e-learning and virtual classes to in-person workshops and a full-fledged technical roadshow. With decades of experience and a passion for teaching, he explains why great training isn’t just about what’s taught, but how it’s deliv...2025-07-1540 minPMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing PodcastManaging mergers and acquisitions in plastics: Machinery MinutesWhat you'll learn on this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:
Managing mergers and acquisitions: Whether you're buying, selling or keeping your business in the family, we spoke with experts who have tips to ensure the best outcome for all stakeholders.
Yaskawa America announces expansion: With a $180 million investment, the company will consolidate Illinois and Wisconsin operations in Franklin, Wis., and move its Drives & Motion division headquarters there.
Kistler system for injection molding: AkvisIO IME 7.0 manages and analyzes data to help processors become more efficient and improve part quality.
2025-06-2304 min
IEN RadioYaskawa Moves Headquarters from Illinois to WisconsinWisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Friday announced Yaskawa [Yusk-AH-wah] America Inc. will invest some $180 million to expand its footprint in the Badger State, including a new location for its North American headquarters that will create more than 700 new jobs. The company plans to expand its current facility in Franklin, Wisconsin, about 15 miles southwest of Milwaukee, and a little more than 40 miles north of the company's current operations in Waukegan, Illinois. The project is expected to be completed in the next eight to 10 years.2025-06-1701 minVFD VibesDon't Short MeWhat happens when fault current exceeds what your system can handle? It’s not just theory—short circuit events can lead to arc flash, equipment destruction, or worse. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Steve Perreault, Yaskawa’s chief product line manager for low voltage drives, to unpack the real implications of SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating), AIC (Amps Interrupting Capacity), and UL standards in VFD applications. From understanding how protection devices work with your drive to why following manufacturer instructions matters more than ever, Steve draws from 35 years of industry experience to walk you through the details that safegu...2025-06-1033 minVFD VibesHarmonic HeadacheSmall waves, big problems. Harmonics are often misunderstood, but ignoring them can lead to costly design flaws, equipment issues, and power quality headaches. Host Greg Weichman and guest Jordan Engel, Product Manager for Yaskawa’s Matrix Drives, demystify what harmonics are, how they form, and why they matter. Using vivid analogies and real-world stories, they explore how variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other modern electronics contribute to harmonic distortion—and what to do about it.
With decades of combined experience, Greg and Jordan walk through common mitigation strategies like line reactors, passive filters, active filters, and low harm...2025-05-1338 minVFD VibesBack in My Day: How Yaskawa Made Its MarkThe story of Yaskawa’s rise to VFD leadership is one of innovation, resilience, and a relentless focus on quality. Host Greg Weichman and guest Mark Bernicky, Senior Vice President of Yaskawa’s Drives Group, take you behind the scenes of Yaskawa’s journey—from its early days building mining motors in Japan to becoming a powerhouse of VFD technology in North America.
With over 30 years at Yaskawa, Mark shares firsthand insights into key milestones: early U.S. expansion, the shift from brand labeling to direct sales, the game-changing launch of the G3 drive, and the deep-rooted principl...2025-04-2831 minVFD VibesTechnical Support SupremeExceptional technical support doesn’t just solve problems—it builds trust, and lasting relationships. Host Greg Weichman and guest Cris Franco, Yaskawa’s Director of Customer Experience, break down the keys to creating world-class support that keeps customers coming back. With 34 years at Yaskawa and experience spanning service, tech support, and systems, Cris shares what it takes to consistently deliver top-tier support—day or night, 365 days a year.
They explore the processes that set Yaskawa apart: fast response times, real-time feedback, fully in-house support teams, and a culture built around constant improvement. Chris also gives a first look at...2025-04-1428 minVFD VibesCalling All AgentsStruggling with VFD fault codes? Greg Weichman and Tony Gabriel break down real-world troubleshooting tips to keep your drives running strong. In Episode 6 of VFD Vibes, Greg teams up with Tony to tackle common variable frequency drive (VFD) faults like overvoltage, overloads, and input phase loss. They share hands-on strategies using drive monitors, fault histories, and fault traces to pinpoint issues fast.
Plus, hear insider stories from the tech support frontlines and discover how Yaskawa’s training resources can help you build confidence. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to level up your troubleshooting skills, this ep...2025-03-3123 minVFD VibesSturdy StartupVFD startup mistakes are costly! Host Greg Weichman and guest Tony Gabriel break down how proper programming, enclosure selection, and wiring checks can help you avoid common pitfalls. Drawing on 25 years of experience, Tony shares practical tips on voltage matching, enclosure types, auto-tuning, and setting essential parameters like accel/decel times.
They also cover troubleshooting techniques to diagnose run command and speed reference issues quickly. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to reinforce the fundamentals, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you program confidently and optimize your setup.
01:20 Selecting the R...2025-03-1726 minVFD VibesAHR Expo ExperienceIn this special episode, host Greg Weichman takes you inside the HVAC industry's most anticipated event of the year—AHR Expo 2025. Greg sits down with four industry experts, fresh from the event in Orlando, Fl, to discuss their key takeaways, including observations from the show floor, industry outlooks, and technological advancements shaping the future of HVAC.
This episode highlights the growing importance of variable frequency drives (VFDs), efficiency improvements, and the impact of newly introduced standards. Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion, packed with expert perspectives and valuable insights to keep you at the forefront of th...2025-03-0329 minVFD VibesSoftware Suite Part 1Host Greg Weichman sits down with Yaskawa Product Manager Michael Hall to explore game-changing software tools that simplify the front end of a VFD project. From the Energy Savings Predictor to the Harmonics Estimator and VFD Schedule Builder, learn how Yaskawa’s innovative tools help users choose the right VFD, justify their investment through ROI analysis, and streamline project planning.
We’ll discuss how these tools are continuously enhanced through user feedback to ensure they are easy to use, are equipped with the features you need, and enable you to implement the most cost-effective solutions. Whether you're an e...2025-02-1732 minVFD VibesVFD BasicsIn this episode, we explore the fundamentals of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with Tony Gabriel, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in technical support and building automation at Yaskawa. Tony unpacks key VFD concepts, terminology, and their historical significance as a revolutionary innovation in motor control.
We break down the core components—rectifier, DC bus, and inverter—showing how they work together to deliver precise speed control for three-phase motors. Tony highlights the evolution of VFDs, their energy-saving potential, and their advanced capabilities in managing motor regeneration. Tune in for a clear and engaging expl...2025-02-0329 minVFD VibesConnecting UpWelcome to the debut episode of VFD Vibes! In this episode, we’ll dive into a topic that has been revolutionizing manufacturing: connecting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to a network. We'll be joined by Ed Tom, Yaskawa’s product manager for Communication Protocols, to break down the benefits, requirements, and insider tips for making it happen.
Think network connectivity sounds complicated? Think again. We’ll show you how it can simplify wiring, cut costs, and unlock powerful real-time data monitoring capabilities. Plus, we’ll explore pre-engineered tools that make connecting to a control system easier than ever. Ready to...2025-01-2034 minVFD VibesVFD Vibes IntroductionIn this short episode, host Greg Weichman covers what you can expect from the VFD Vibes podcast brought to you by Up To Speed with Yaskawa. Check it out and subscribe to stay informed of new episodes!
MEET YOUR HOST
With 20 years of experience in industrial automation, Yaskawa Segment Marketing Manager Greg Weichman leverages his natural curiosity to bring you insights and answers, and sometimes just a good old story about using variable frequency drives in modern applications. Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-world case studies, VFD Vibes provides valuable knowledge for engineers, technicians, and...2024-12-1201 min
My life, my musicJapanese Ambassador to Slovenia – H.E. Akiko YoshidaHaving met the Japanese delegation at the laying of the foundation for the Yaskawa factory extension and realising that Japan had a specila day event in Ljubljana coming I it was obviously a good time to invite Her Excellency to be a guest on the show.
Her experiences in America as well as in the UK and now serving as Ambassador to Slovenia combine with some insights into Japanese cultures and music make an interesting programme.2024-06-1027 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Art and Science of Customer Surveys - With Martha Brooke, Founder and Program Director, Interaction MetricsWe’ve all taken surveys. Clearly some are better than others. Well designed and implemented surveys can provide business leaders with actionable insights that improve retention, reduce cost to serve, and drive customers loyalty - if acted upon. They can help companies serve their customers better and provide them with more value. Poorly designed surveys do just the opposite. Martha Brooke is an expert when it comes to customer research. Martha shares some of the secrets of best in class survey design with power and passion. In this...2023-06-1556 min
Clean Power HourSpaceX Super Heavy Booster Rolls | Do Engineers Dream of Panel Efficiency? | Clean Power Hour Ep.51Superheavy booster, the giant Spacex rocket rolls out at Starbase Texas in Boca ChicaWorld’s Largest floating wind farm takes shapeJapan signs deal for thirty 10 MW powers plants including battery storage and hydrogen plantsAnd...Do engineers dream of solar panel efficiency? John’s not an engineer but he should have been one...this and much much more clean energy news for today July 9, 2021 (Ep.51)Japan is developing 30 projects that match each other - 10 MW solar+10 MWh lithium ion+ 30 MWh hydrogen - hydrogen/lithium will smooth the grid and possibly be exported as w...2021-07-1250 min
Advanced Manufacturing NowSiemens and partners remove barriers, scramble to help protect AmericansThe ARM Institute umbrella created “the perfect ecosystem to collaborate and remove barriers,” says Juan Aparicio of Siemens Technology. His company recently acted with unusual speed – and in concert with Maxim BioMedical, Siemens Healthineers, Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Yaskawa America, HomTex and FedEx – to help protect Americans dealing with COVID-19 using robotic and flexible automation technology. Several projects, with Siemens Technology as lead, are currently ongoing and will contribute to fight the pandemic at different fronts: having faster tests, higher levels of mask automation and more autonomous disinfecting capabilities. They also greatly shrank the time it takes to write proposal...2020-12-0221 min
The Efficiency PointEpisode 11: Yaskawa's GA500 Industrial MicrodriveOn this episode of the Efficiency Point, we speak with Edward Tom from Yaskawa America about his company’s recently released GA500 Industrial Microdrive. We also take a look ahead into the May issue of MPT magazine, and a look back at an important day in industrial pump history.LINKS:MPT magazine: http://mptmag.comMPT on Twitter: https://twitter.com/modpumpmagMPT's Covid-19 updates: https://modernpumpingtoday.com/covid-19-news/Xylem Watermark relief efforts: https://www.xylem.com/en-us/covid-19-response/global-coronavirus-actions/Learn more about the GA500: ht...2020-05-2023 min
Manufacturing TomorrowBob Graff, Yaskawa AmericaBob Graff, Senior Sales Manager of STEM Education & Workforce Development at Yaskawa America. Yaskawa Motoman, located in Miamisburg, Ohio, produces robotic automation for industry and robotic applications, including arc welding, clean room, coating, material cutting, materials handling, and spot welding. Recently, they have become well-known for their collaborative robot, or co-bot, line.
Before Yaskawa, Bob served over 18 years in the education technology industry as an account manager at HMH, a global K-12 learning company, Gateway, Primex Education Solutions, and Apple Computer, among others. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Cincinnati.
Key terms: robotics and au...2018-11-0517 min
Manufacturing TomorrowBob Graff, Yaskawa AmericaBob Graff, Senior Sales Manager of STEM Education & Workforce Development at Yaskawa America. Yaskawa Motoman, located in Miamisburg, Ohio, produces robotic automation for industry and robotic applications, including arc welding, clean room, coating, material cutting, materials handling, and spot welding. Recently, they have become well-known for their collaborative robot, or co-bot, line. Before Yaskawa,… Continue reading Bob Graff, Yaskawa America2018-11-0500 min
Advanced Manufacturing NowUsing Robotics to Cope with the Shortage of WeldersZane Michael, director of thermal business development for Yaskawa America/Motoman Robotics Division, explains why the biggest challenge for welding manufacturers today is the shortage of welders. He notes that fabricators can apply robotic welding technology with a high degree of success by first using simple systems, and explains why human welders still play a major role in robotic welding by analyzing and managing the performance of robotic welding units.2017-03-1511 min