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WEST Session: Moderated by: Graham Hargreaves, CAD/CAM Consulting Services “You just have to finesse it...” “...finagle it” “...jockey it around a little.” These are highly technical terms to describe how engineers, programmers, and machinists make the software and machines at hand do something a little avant-garde to make a workpiece as spec’ed. For machine shop owners, pressure is growing to deliver increasingly complex, never-before-seen parts—and so are the challenges. From tight timelines to tighter tolerances, the path from design to finished part is rarely straightforward. But there is a path, and it involves creating a collaborative environment where engineers, programmers and machinists engage in open communication to problem solve on the fly. This panel will address the key challenges manufacturers face today, including: · Handling first-time parts with no proven toolpaths or machining history · Working around software limitations when standard CAM strategies fall short · Bridging the gap between engineering, programming, and machining to avoid costly miscommunication · Maximizing existing machine capabilities without compromising part quality · Collaborating under pressure to solve problems in real time on the shop floor Panelists will share real-world examples and proven strategies for overcoming these obstacles through smarter programming, tighter collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Whether you're running a small job shop or managing a larger operation, this session will offer practical insights to help your team work more efficiently, reduce rework, and stay competitive in a fast-changing manufacturing landscape. This conversation will bring this reality to light and attempt to lift up the entire industry, and encourage everyone to never stop learning, tinkering, and tweaking.

WEST Session: In this presentation, we’ll explore how GibbsCAM empowers modern machine shops to overcome complex manufacturing challenges through advanced, yet intuitive, CAM technology. We’ll walk through real-world part examples that demonstrate how GibbsCAM streamlines programming for Milling, Turning, and Multi-Task Machines. Attendees will learn how to reduce cycle times, improve toolpath quality, and eliminate redundant operations using intelligent automation, toolpath optimization, and post processor customization. We’ll highlight strategies like adaptive roughing, simultaneous machining, and sync management for multi-channel machines—all designed to help manufacturers maximize spindle uptime and shorten setup times. We'll also showcase how GibbsCAM’s associative modeling, geometry creation tools, and integrated simulation reduce scrap and improve confidence before the part hits the machine. This session will provide actionable insights to improve programming workflow. By combining powerful functionality with a user-friendly interface, GibbsCAM gives you the control and flexibility needed to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced manufacturing world. Join us to see how GibbsCAM can help you do more with your machines.

WEST Session: Scaling Hardware Without the Headaches: The Critical Need for Automated Procurement Technology Hardware manufacturing teams face unprecedented challenges in scaling procurement operations while maintaining speed, compliance, and cost efficiency. Electronic components represent 70% of the bill of materials in mission-critical industries, yet traditional procurement systems rely on manual processes that create bottlenecks and force engineering teams to spend valuable time on logistics rather than core product development. The hardware industry urgently needs technological solutions that transform procurement from a laborious, error-prone process into automated workflows that scale efficiently without proportional increases in headcount. Modern procurement platforms must integrate advanced technologies to address the unique complexities of electronic component sourcing. Critical Technology Requirements: AI-Powered Process Automation - Advanced systems that can automatically parse unstructured data from supplier communications, emails, and attachments, converting them into structured data for ERP integration. Machine learning algorithms should track complete bills of materials across hundreds of suppliers, providing predictive insights and automated exception reporting to prevent supply disruptions. Intelligent Supplier Network Management - Technology platforms that leverage large databases of pre-vetted suppliers, using automated matching algorithms to connect procurement teams with suppliers based on technical specifications extracted from 2D/3D drawings and process documentation. This eliminates the time-consuming manual vetting process that often takes weeks. Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility - Integrated systems that provide instant access to inventory levels, bill of materials analysis, and global supply intelligence, with predictive algorithms that alert teams to compliance issues, supply disruptions, and component lifecycle changes weeks before they impact production. Research indicates that organizations implementing automated procurement technologies achieve 20% efficiency improvements while maintaining compliance with strict industry regulations. The future of hardware manufacturing depends on developing and adopting these technological solutions to eliminate traditional procurement bottlenecks and enable innovation in aerospace, defense, robotics, and other critical industries.

Speaker at WEST: Michael Kaminski, Chief Executive Officer & Advisor, Multiaxis & Methods Machine Tools

WEST Session: Manufacturers from fabricators to assembly shops are all challenged with workforce woes, the need to boost productivity and the endless quest for quality. Knowing automation is the answer is one thing, but actually finding real success with technology investments can feel challenging and risky. How do you know what will truly bring value to the organization? How do you determine the return? And now with the hype of Artificial Intelligence (AI) seemingly on every product, how do manufacturing leaders determine the right places to invest limited time and capital budgets? In this session, we will delve into the ever-evolving landscape of automation & AI in the factory and take a look at technologies that are having a real impact today across the shop floor. Then we will stare into the crystal ball to look forward at technologies that are on the near horizon that manufacturing leaders should be keeping an eye on. Covering important topics like human-robot collaboration, automated equipment tending, data-driven insights, cobot welding, predictive maintenance, robot guided vision, bin picking, collaborative automation, quality inspections, and much more, attendees should leave this session ready to make value-creating technology investments in their business. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping the factory floor — one algorithm at a time.

Speaker at WEST: Billy Bogue, President, Matsuura Machinery USA

WEST Session: Moderated by: Jamie Goettler, BTX Precision Rather than start with a discussion of all the technologies available in the industrial marketplace, this panel session will start by outlining the primary concerns of manufacturing businesses. By first appealing to what the audience (machining businesses) cares about most at the start, the panel will logically ease into a discussion of how available technologies can help achieve greater outcomes for these businesses…in other words, solutions to the preeminent problems. Among the concerns highlighted at the outset will be improving competitiveness (domestically and globally), throughput (business growth), and yes productivity in the face of the manufacturing skills gap. The panel will be represented by industry leaders who either are dealing with these concerns directly, or those that have a “front row seat” to a variety of companies that seek to survive and thrive. Technologies that will be addressed will likely include automation, robotics, workforce training, machining technology, machine monitoring, software and AI to name a few.

WEST Session: We don’t lose deals because we’re not working hard enough. We lose them because we’re working on the wrong things. In manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution, sales teams are moving faster than ever—yet growth feels stuck. Why? Noise. Endless updates. Unreliable forecasts. Chasing the wrong deals. We’ve accepted it as the cost of doing business. But what if it’s actually killing your momentum?This 20-minute talk is a call to rethink how sales teams operate—with more clarity. You’ll learn: Why noise—disguised as intuition—is wrecking your forecast How bad data and busywork eats into your selling time What top sales teams are doing to cut through the noise and stay laser-focused And you’ll see real-world proof: 44% growth at Creative Foam.This isn’t a product pitch. It’s a shift in perspective. If your team’s putting in the effort but still falling short, this is the rethink you’ve been waiting for.

WEST Session: Smart manufacturing is redefining the relationship between people and technology. As automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to evolve, they are not replacing human intelligence - they are enhancing it. These technologies reduce the burden of repetitive, manual tasks and empower employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work such as problem-solving, innovation and continuous improvement. To unlock the full benefits of Industry 4.0, manufacturers must do more than adopt new tools - they must cultivate a resilient, future-ready workforce. This session will explore strategies for upskilling, nurturing adaptability and creating collaborative, digitally fluent work environments that help employees and organizations thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

WEST Session: In this session, Randy Eickhoff, CPA, Founder and Head Coach at Acena Consulting, will walk attendees through how innovative manufacturers and product developers can leverage the R&D tax credit to uncover hidden value. Whether you’re developing new processes, improving products, or experimenting with automation, this credit could be a powerful cash generator. Randy will demystify the IRS criteria, share real-world examples, and show you how to avoid common pitfalls in documentation and qualification. You’ll leave with practical insights to help you assess eligibility and maximize savings.