Get More Optimized, Be Less Flexible? | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E163

Andrew and Jay are getting ready for IMTS and talking through what they actually want to find when they get there. The conversation starts with high-density workholding and the tradeoffs between flexibility, access, and optimization, then moves into 3D printing, shop organization, prototyping, and the difference between looking organized and actually improving flow.

They also talk automation and AI in manufacturing. Where should automation make decisions for you, and where should it simply give a skilled operator better information? Andrew and Jay consider what aviation safety can teach manufacturers about systems, human judgment, and failing safely, then look ahead to how AI might help machines recognize problems nobody explicitly programmed them to expect.

Plus, Andrew introduces his kids to Fusion, Jay automates more of his shop shutdown process, and the guys make time for the important questions, including hot sauce, fresh salsa, and whether sushi gets progressively more dangerous the farther you travel from the Pacific Ocean.