# Lights Out Jeopardy: Additive, Automation, and Absolute Chaos, Ep #36

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2026-03-13
- Length: 53m
- Episode: 36
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36

## Summary

Host Eric Nekich challenges regulars Dave Vuyk and Nick Goellner, along with special guest Mike Payne of Payne Industrial, to a Jeopardy-style trivia game covering automation, additive manufacturing, and machine monitoring. The group debates concepts like hybrid manufacturing, adaptive controls, and the true purpose of machine monitoring, with David Buick ultimately winning the game. The episode serves as a recap of recent Lights Out themes, emphasizing that modern machinists are highly skilled problem solvers rather than simple button pushers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=0) Introduction: Lights Out Jeopardy format and guests
- [3:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=203) Round 1: CNC myths, machine monitoring, and predictive maintenance
- [6:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=410) Additive manufacturing: Hybrid manufacturing and prototyping myths
- [11:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=695) Daily Double: The biggest barrier to automation is fear
- [13:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=819) Adaptive controls: Tool breakage prevention and smart machining
- [19:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=1144) Digital factory tech: ERP, Industry 4.0, and decision making
- [24:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=1482) Lights-out manufacturing: Robots and higher value tasks
- [33:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=1982) Machine monitoring myths: Helping machinists vs replacing them
- [39:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=2343) Modern shops: Tech labs and workholding with SMW Autoblok
- [43:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=2627) Final round: Adaptive machining, alerts, and aerospace additive
- [50:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36#t=3036) Conclusion: Winner revealed and charity donation

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Payne Industrial (company)
- SMW Autoblok (product)
- IMTS 2026 (other)
- MakingChips (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: IMTS 2024 Preview with MakingChips, Peter Eelman, and More](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-08-30-bonus-imts-2024-preview-with-makingchips-peter-eelman-and-more) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [233: Manufacturing 101, On-The-Job Training, and Finding Fulfillment in Engineering Featuring Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-04-29-233-manufacturing-101-on-the-job-training-and-finding-fulfillment-in-engineering) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [200: Manufacturing Happy Hour: Then & Now, An Interview with Chris Luecke Hosted by Meaghan Ziemba, LIVE from Broken Bat Brewery in Milwaukee, WI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-08-27-200-manufacturing-happy-hour-then-now-an-interview-with-chris-luecke-hosted-by-m) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Gaps in the Manufacturing Industry (and what to do about them), LIVE from Fathom's Manufacturing Exchange in Hartland, WI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-11-07-bonus-gaps-in-the-manufacturing-industry-and-what-to-do-about-them-live-from-fat) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Introducing: Additive Snack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2020-11-30-introducing-additive-snack) (Additive Snack)

## 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/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36. 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.