Hardware Podcasts

Automation: The Key to Time Freedom in Machining, Ep #14

Lights Out · 28 Mar 2025 · 41m · Episode 14

What this episode covers

Ryan Bankel, founder of Imago Precision Machining, explains how he built his company from a single machine in his garage into a sustainable, small-scale operation focused on automation and employee engagement. He details his journey from a self-taught machinist to running a shop that prioritizes 'time freedom' over aggressive scaling, deliberately keeping revenue under the $2 million ceiling to maintain a close-knit culture. Bankel discusses the specific challenges of transitioning from 80-100 hour work weeks to a model where employees run machines unattended, allowing him to step back while keeping staff engaged with new technologies like 5-axis rotary attachments and MasterCam.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Imago Precision Machining
Also
Modern Machine Shop, MakingChips, MakingSparks, IMAC, Global Shop Solutions, MasterCam, Fusion

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