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CNC Underground: Afterhours

CNC Underground: Afterhours

Van: Jessica Bird
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CNC Underground: Afterhours is a candid manufacturing podcast for the people behind CNC machining, CAM, and modern machine shops. Hosted by Jessica Bird, each episode brings real conversations with industry voices about shop culture, technology, tooling, leadership, business, and the future of manufacturing. It is thoughtful, practical, occasionally funny, and always rooted in the real world of making parts and keeping shops moving.Jessica Bird
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  • 31. From NC to CNC to AI-NC: The Next Evolution of Manufacturing with Tanmay Aggarwal

    31. From NC to CNC to AI-NC: The Next Evolution of Manufacturing with Tanmay Aggarwal
    Oct 14 2026

    CNC Underground Afterhours pushes past the marketing buzz to take a hard look at AI’s real impact on the machine shop floor. Industry veteran Tanmay, founder and CEO of Lambda Function, joins to discuss AI, automation vs. autonomy, and the relationship between technology and the artistry of CNC machining.

    Learn why trust is harder to build with AI in manufacturing, what matters most to shop owners, and which tasks AI can and can’t handle today. Understand the future potential for AI-driven CNC, what’s holding back wider adoption, and how knowledge capture is changing the industry. Plus, the conversation takes a thoughtful look at psychology, learning from children, and finding inspiration outside manufacturing.

    ———

    Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

    Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

    Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

    Connect with Tanmay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanmayaggarwal/

    Connect with Lambda Function on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lambda-function/

    ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

    Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

    ————

    About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

    Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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    Chapters:00:00 Brand new part: Would you let AI run it?00:33 AI in manufacturing: Buzzwords vs. reality02:10 Path to Lambda Function and CNC programming04:48 The problem Lambda Function is solving05:55 Does Lambda’s AI actually learn from customer data?07:24 Why static G-code doesn’t work for a dynamic world09:54 Opinionated programmers and the art of CNC11:00 How little the general public understands CNC12:49 The difference between automation and autonomy13:33 Why true autonomy is so hard in CNC15:32 Will CNC become AINC? (AI numerical control)16:41 Change on the shop floor: What actually matters18:03 Knowledge capture, institutional memory, and scaling expertise19:41 Why trust matters more than the tech itself22:11 AI trust at work vs. in consumer life23:17 Risks, tolerance, and the role of human oversight24:05 Machinists as technologists and technology adoption in manufacturing25:49 Technology adoption speed and production risk26:46 AI or Absolutely Not? Game: What will you actually let AI do?29:39 Where AI can (and can’t) replace tribal knowledge32:48 AI isn’t here to replace people33:14 The skills gap and getting kids interested in manufacturing35:17 How technology can make CNC more accessible for the next generation37:47 The impact of 3D printing’s accessibility39:47 Why CNC isn’t as plug-and-play as people expect42:22 The value of problem-solving and engineering with kids45:14 The future: Iterating quickly, pragmatic solutions, and shop owner impact46:21 Market curiosity to active discovery for AI in CNC48:34 Predicting the machine shop of 203553:52 What will feel normal in 5 years?55:08 Examples of near-term AI applications on the shop floor57:12 Psychology, running, golf, and learning outside CNC58:05 How psychology affects business and leadership01:02:21 Lessons kids teach that business school can’t01:03:56 The biggest surprises about bringing AI to manufacturing01:07:22 Stay connected and closing thoughts
    Toon meer Minder weergeven
    1 u en 8 min
  • 30. The Most Valuable Thing at IMTS Wasn't for Sale with The Sisterhood of Trades

    30. The Most Valuable Thing at IMTS Wasn't for Sale with The Sisterhood of Trades
    Sep 30 2026
    From unexpected acts of support at IMTS to the power of community in the trades, this episode dives into firsthand stories of women forging connections, gaining confidence, and challenging stereotypes in manufacturing.Listeners will hear about standout moments on the showroom floor, the impact of supportive networks like the Sisterhood of Trades, and how leadership and process can make or break a shop’s culture. Key themes include fostering inclusion, overcoming old technology with sheer determination, and championing second chances for those reentering the workforce. Whether it’s stories from the shop floor or insights on building meaningful relationships in the industry, the conversation promises both inspiration and practical perspectives for anyone curious about what truly matters in modern manufacturing.———Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/Connect with Nush on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/ Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-m-368802328/ Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bomyea-04b906351/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncundergroundJoin CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.————About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com —————————————————————————————————00:00 Can Great People Overcome Bad Technology?00:31 The CNC Underground After Hours Crew at IMTS02:18 Stories and Connections: Badass Workbench & Racing03:47 Friendship, Support, and Workbench Quality04:23 Historic Machines: The Original Bridgeport at IMTS05:12 First-Time IMTS Reactions and the Power of Community06:25 How the Group Experience Came Together07:03 Gratitude for Supportive Companies and Donors08:09 Confidence and Growth After IMTS09:07 How Community Empowers Individuals10:11 Learning Leadership at IMTS11:09 Networking with Industry Leaders and Allies12:15 Outreach in Manufacturing: Drew Crowe’s Story13:53 Second Chances, Skills Training, and Returning Citizens15:21 Community, Trades, and Finding Purpose16:02 Changing Perceptions of Manufacturing Work17:20 Shop Floor Insights from a Working Machinist18:29 Perspectives on Precision Grinding20:22 Grinding: Skills, Details, and Misconceptions21:31 New Tech, Smarter Work, and Shop Solutions22:57 What’s Real vs. The IMTS “Show”23:49 Walking the Show Floor with Content Creators and Allies24:42 Attitude, Self-Teaching, and Industry Influencers26:13 Shutdown Millwright: Seeing the Industry from the Field27:36 Understanding How Parts Are Made28:50 IMTS as an Industry Showcase and Stigma Breaker29:21 Shop Floor Debate: What Drives Change—Leadership, Process, People, or Tech?30:25 Real Talk: Leadership and Process on the Shop Floor32:14 Can Great People Beat Bad Technology?33:22 The Power of Crew Support, Team Loyalty, and Culture34:44 Workplace Cultures That Make the Difference36:22 Why Attending as a Group Matters37:20 Connecting with Students and the Next Generation38:06 Women Who Paved the Way in Trades39:57 Teachers and Mentors: The Impact on Career Paths40:19 Sisterhood of Trades: Mission and How to Join44:05 Finding the Sisterhood: Personal Stories45:44 The Power of Support and Friendship in Trades47:27 IMTS: Never Thought I’d Go—Now Life-Changing48:03 Feeling Seen, Supported, and Celebrated48:03 Slightly Dangerous IMTS Questions: Overrated or Underrated?49:53 Expectations vs. Reality at IMTS50:17 Lightning Round: IMTS Impressions & What Matters Most52:33 Where to Connect with the Sisterhood of Trades and Guests
    Toon meer Minder weergeven
    54 min
  • 29. Around the World with Machinist Tony Gunn: Dirty Shops, $20 Wages, and Million-Dollar Anchors

    29. Around the World with Machinist Tony Gunn: Dirty Shops, $20 Wages, and Million-Dollar Anchors
    Sep 16 2026

    Tony Gunn shares a unique perspective shaped by decades on the shop floor and years spent visiting hundreds of manufacturing facilities worldwide. This episode covers the real difference between successful and struggling shops, what cleanliness and organization reveal about operations, and how global trends in automation and technology are impacting manufacturing everywhere.

    The conversation addresses the myths and realities of American manufacturing, including what the U.S. does well, where other countries lead, and how lessons from international shops can inform better practices closer to home. Topics include workforce challenges, how compensation compares to other industries, the critical role of trust in vendor relationships, and practical ways automation can help bridge skills gaps.

    With stories from visits to shops in Brazil, Germany, Japan, India, Switzerland, and beyond, the episode highlights what each manufacturing culture excels at—from education and automation to precision, respect for the trade, and the willingness to invest in new tech. Listeners also get advice for making the most of trade shows like IMTS and insight into what manufacturing professionals really complain about (and how some of those issues could actually be easier to address than expected).

    Whether you're a machinist, shop owner, or industry newcomer, this conversation brings honest perspective on where manufacturing stands today and where it's headed.

    ———

    Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

    Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

    Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

    Connect with CNC Underground on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midwestcamsolutions

    Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theworldwidemachinist/

    Connect with Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealworldwidemachinist

    Connect with Tony on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWideMachinist

    The Machinists Club: https://www.themachinistsclub.com/

    ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

    Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

    ————

    About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

    Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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    Toon meer Minder weergeven
    1 u en 6 min
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