Hardware Podcasts

Lights Out Lenses: Inside an Automation Journey from the Operations & Production Frontlines, Ep #40

Lights Out · 8 May 2026 · 46m · Episode 40

What this episode covers

Randel Hamilton, Director of Operations, and PK, Director of Production, from Advanced Machining & Fabricating (Advanced PMC) in Oklahoma, discuss their automation journey using FASTEMS cells and Okuma machines. They explain that automation expands rather than simplifies operations, requiring significant upstream and downstream adjustments in material flow, purchasing, and quality control. PK highlights the challenge of capturing 52 unused hours per week in their FASTEMS cell by focusing on part selection, stability, and repeatability in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The episode emphasizes that successful automation is a stability and process project, not just a technology one, requiring careful part selection and robust workholding to handle tight tolerances and exotic materials.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Advanced Machining & Fabricating, FASTEMS, Okuma, SMW Autoblok, Kuka
Tools
CMM

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