Advanced Manufacturing Now

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb dives into how small and mid-sized manufacturers can build cybersecurity into their digital transformation efforts. Gabriela Ciocarlie and Curtis Taylor from CyManII are joined by Vinh Nguyen from Michigan Tech to explore a groundbreaking cybersecurity project. 

You could have the best tools in the world, but if your tool path isn't dialed in, the whole process will break down. Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb, Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson and Contributing Editor Kip Hanson discuss the latest issue of Smart Shop Essentials, exploring the nuanced world of milling strategies, examining how tool selection, machine behavior, and programming techniques impac...

Manufacturing Engineering and Technology (MET) magazine is on its way! Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb and SME's Vice President of Integrated Media Jake Volcsko discuss the launch of the new publication, and the coalescence of traditional and smart manufacturing technologies which made it a natural progression for SME Media. 

In this episode, Dave Evans, CEO of Fictiv , discusses the journey of his company from its inception to becoming a global player in the manufacturing industry. He shares insights from his experience in the automotive sector, the challenges of scaling supply chains, and the importance of innovation in hardware development.

Editor David Muller sits down with Associate Editor Cary Gitter to debrief from the 2025 North American Manufacturing Research Conference and its Blue Sky Competition. He discusses this years winners, a team from the University of Georgia with its entry on "Manufacturing Empathy," and other standouts from the competition. 

In this inspiring episode, Toni Neary sits down with industry champion Clint Smith of Mastercam. From his start as a mold maintenance technician to CNC programmer and now a leader in education and workforce development, Clint shares his incredible journey and passion for shaping the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Fresh from SkillsUSA Nationals, Clint and Toni dive into the impact...

Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb sits down with Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath Labs, to explore the  potential of AI in manufacturing. Drawing from his experiences as a machinist, high school teacher and former Autodesk executive, Whatmough shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between design and production, creating a more connected, efficient manufacturing ecosystem through intelligent automation.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plum is joined by Meaghan Ziemba, creator and host of Mavens of Manufacturing. Their conversation covers Meaghan's background, storytelling in manufacturing, mentorship, and her passion for inspiring the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

In this episode, Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson sits down with Rob MacMillan, founder of PINpoint Information Systems, to unpack the complexities of transformational technology and reach the substance beyond the hype. 

The SME Media editorial team discuss their recent travels covering industry events. Topics include Siemens' digital twin technology and industrial AI at Realize LIVE, and North Carolina's transformation into a bio-manufacturing hub.

Join Amy Bryson, Steve Plumb and Chris Mahar as they reflect on the 10-year journey of Smart Manufacturing magazine, discussing its evolution covering key innovations in manufacturing technology and the exciting transition to Manufacturing Engineering & Technology magazine in August. 

In this episode of Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow, host Toni Neary talks with Dr. Timothy Wilson, SME's AI strategist, about what artificial intelligence really is—and what it means for your workforce. They break down the basics of AI (Narrow, General, Agentic), how tools like ChatGPT work, and how AI is already shaping everything from hiring to upskilling. Learn how organizations can use...

In this episode of Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow, host Toni Neary talks with Dr. Timothy Wilson, SME's AI strategist, about what artificial intelligence really is—and what it means for your workforce. They break down the basics of AI (Narrow, General, Agentic), how tools like ChatGPT work, and how AI is already shaping everything from hiring to upskilling. Learn how organizations can use...

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor David Muller interviews John McCullough of Kubotek Kosmos about the evolution of CAD technology, the challenges of digital communication in manufacturing, and the emerging trend of model-based definition. John shares insights on how A&D industries are driving innovation in data sharing, interoperability, and the potential impact of digital tran...

Join Jason Gorey of Stifel Financial Corp. as he sits down with manufacturing experts Patrick Gaughan and Tim Osterhaus to explore critical strategies for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Hear insights on talent acquisition, innovation, continuous improvement, and the evolving landscape of American manufacturing through the experiences of these seasoned industry professionals.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become a critical asset for modern manufacturers. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor Lawrence Moves sits down with Dusty Alexander, President and CEO of Global Shop Solutions. Dusty shares insights into the evolution of ERP technology, discussing real-time data visibility, shop floor automation, overcoming data silos, and helping m...

The June edition of Smart Shop Essentials is all about being better (but not necessarily best). In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb speaks with Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson and Contributing Editor Kip Hanson about the latest issue, how the word "premium" is synonymous with better—and why being frugal could end up costing big bucks during machining operations. 

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing Now podcast, Senior Editor David Mueller speaks with Jonathan Christopher and Brian Falk from Scientific Cutting Tools to discuss the company's garage beginnings and commitment to the future.  Scientific Cutting Tools was founded in 1963 by Stanley Christopher, and three generations later, serve customers in aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and...

After 75 years in business, MasterGraphics has rebranded to M5D with a focus on supporting its customers in every dimension. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Editor Lawrence Moebs interviews CEO Kevin Carr about the rebrand, the trough of disillusionment, and the opportunities presented by additive manufacturing today. 

Siemens Virtual Technical Application Center is an online educational initiative launched to help companies and their employees keep their skills up-to-date to meet the rapid changes in technology as the industrial sector digitalizes. Mr. CNC Chris Pollack, manager of the center, speaks with Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson about the macro challenges facing manufacturers today. 

Nick Haase, co-founder of MaintainX, has spent thousands of hours on the shop floor helping manufacturing leaders transform their operations with frontline-friendly software and AI.  He joins Senior Editor David Muller to discuss the origins of MaintainX and the current state of computerized maintenance management system software. 

RAPID + TCT 2025, North America's largest and most influential additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, once again brought together the brightest minds in AM. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, the SME Media editorial team get together to share the most noteworthy insights they discovered on the show floor this year. 

Zoovu is an AI search and product discovery platform designed to put the right parts in the right hands. In the manufacturing industry, those parts could mean the difference between fulfilling a multimillion dollar order, or not. James Novak, CEO of Zoovu, joins Editor David Muller to discuss Zoovu with a lens on manufacturing companies. 

In this episode, we talk with Gabe Kooyers, a machining instructor who's redefining what manufacturing education looks like. Blending hands-on experience with engineering design principles and a bold focus on CNC training from day one, Kooyers is preparing students to meet the demands of modern industry with confidence. We explore how his innovative teaching methods, creative student portfolios (t...

Jason Hehman, vertical leader of industry 4.0 at TXI, wants to empower manufacturing with the kind of insight only a digital twin can provide. He speaks with Editor Lawrence Moebs on developing pragmatic solutions with smart manufacturing technology.