# How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering the Status Quo with Automation, Ep #3

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2024-11-20
- Length: 45m
- Episode: 3
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3

## Summary

Brian Kippen, owner of KAD Models & Prototypes, explains how he automates a high-mix, low-volume prototyping shop by standardizing tooling and workholding rather than forcing rigid processes. He contrasts this goal-oriented approach with traditional process-oriented machining, arguing that automation amplifies chaos if the underlying process is flawed. Kippen also details his unique hiring philosophy, which prioritizes mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills over prior experience, and his initiative to teach high school manufacturing to address the industry's talent shortage.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [5:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=346) Brian Kippen's Origin Story
- [17:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=1050) Goal-Oriented vs. Process-Oriented Machining
- [24:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=1460) Running the Shop Like a Barbershop
- [30:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=1813) Hiring for Mechanical Aptitude
- [36:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=2196) Automated Pallet Delivery Strategy
- [41:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3#t=2466) Teaching High School Manufacturing

## Topics

- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- KAD Models & Prototypes (company)
- East Tech (company)
- ProShop (tool)
- Trinity (product)
- Sandvic (product)
- Randolph Technical Career Center (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [287: The Art of Precision Manufacturing: Why Humans Still Matter on the Factory Floor | Live from The Manufacturing Exchange in Rochester, NY (Powered by Fathom)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-12-287-the-art-of-precision-manufacturing-why-humans-still-matter-on-the-factory-fl) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Dylan Lundberg | Protolabs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-08-05-dylan-lundberg-protolabs) (Being an Engineer)
- [160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-11-07-160-buying-a-manufacturing-company-and-reimagining-upskilling-with-bill-berrien) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [The New ROI of Automation w/ Scot Lindemann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Lights Out.