Next-Gen Metal Fab

Estimating and quoting are no longer just about pricing parts. They're strategic tools that help metal fabricators and other manufacturers win the right work, improve profitability, and build more efficient operations.


In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston talks with Jason Ray, co-founder of Paperless Parts, about defining an ideal part profile, improving costing accuracy, activity-based costing, prototype versus production pricing, process mapping, and where AI fits into the future of estimating and quoting.


Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

Jonathan Sessa of Fabworks joins Tim Heston and co-host Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut to discuss how online manufacturing platforms are reshaping sheet metal fabrication.

Fabworks grew out of Ventura, Calif.-based Sessa Manufacturing, a third-generation family fab business founded in 1980. Inspired in part by the success of OSH Cut and SendCutSend, Sessa shares how his family business transformed into a highly automated, software-driven operation focused on instant quoting, rapid turnaround times, and exceptional customer service. The conversation explores AI, automation, software development, and the changing economics of modern manufacturing.

Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

Learn more about Fabworks and Sessa Manufacturing.

In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, host Tim Heston talks with Jay Phillips of Fresno, Calif.-based Valley Iron Inc. about the future of workforce development, shop culture, and technology in metal fabrication.


Phillips explains why modern fab shops can no longer rely solely on tribal knowledge as experienced workers retire and manufacturing becomes more software-driven. The conversation covers hiring and onboarding, leadership development, cross-training, lean manufacturing, shop-floor communication, safety culture, and the growing need to connect programmers and machine operators.


They also discuss how fabrication companies can better engage younger workers through digital tools, simulation, mentorship, and hands-on problem-solving, while still preserving the practical knowledge that keeps shops running.


As chairman of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), Phillips also shares how initiatives like SparkForce are helping attract and develop the next generation of manufacturing talent.


Comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities: podcast@fmamfg.org.


Learn more about FMA and SparkForce.

In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston talks with Cody Lee and Lance Thrailkill about quoting, estimating, and costing in modern sheet metal fabrication. They break down how shops are using software, data, and work center–based costing to improve accuracy and consistency, while navigating challenges like material volatility, PPAP requirements, and scheduling constraints. The conversation also touches on AI, automation, and how estimating connects everything from pricing to production strategy.


Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.

In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, Tim Heston talks with Cody Lee and Lance Thrailkill about quoting, estimating, and costing in modern sheet metal fabrication. They break down how shops are using software, data, and work center–based costing to improve accuracy and consistency, while navigating challenges like material volatility, PPAP requirements, and scheduling constraints. The conversation also touches on AI, automation, and how estimating connects everything from pricing to production strategy.


Email Tim at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments or questions. And learn more about Paperless Parts.