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

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2025-03-28
- Length: 41m
- Episode: 14
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-part-1-ep-14

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=0) Introduction: Ryan Bankel and Imago Precision Machining
- [3:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=226) Shop Culture and Design: The Microbrewery Vibe
- [7:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=422) Networking and LinkedIn Strategy
- [12:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=737) Ryan's Journey into Metalworking and Education
- [22:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=1325) Starting Imago: From Garage to First Customers
- [24:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=1494) The Philosophy of Keeping the Shop Small
- [29:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=1743) Employee Engagement and New Technology
- [33:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=1987) Defining Time Freedom and Sacrifices
- [37:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14#t=2243) Vision for the Future and Part 2 Tease

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Imago Precision Machining (company)
- Modern Machine Shop (other)
- MakingChips (other)
- MakingSparks (other)
- IMAC (other)
- Global Shop Solutions (other)
- MasterCam (other)
- Fusion (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Manufacturing's Past, Present, and Future w/ Jim Carr](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-15-manufacturings-past-present-and-future-w-jim-carr) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Episode 136: I can’t. I’m busy.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-09-22-episode-136-i-cant-im-busy) (Making It)
- [Ed Mehr on Transforming Manufacturing at Machina Labs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-03-13-ed-mehr-on-transforming-manufacturing-at-machina-labs) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [235: How to Find Automation Talent Anywhere with Kyle Mahan, VP & GM of Wauseon Machine](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-05-09-235-how-to-find-automation-talent-anywhere-with-kyle-mahan-vp-gm-of-wauseon-mach) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Phil Linscheid (Machining Operations Director, SendCutSend)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-09-17-phil-linscheid-machining-operations-director-sendcutsend) (Just Gonna Send It)

## 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/2025-03-28-automation-the-key-to-time-freedom-in-machining-ep-14. 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.