EPIC Philly Manufacturing start up : Inside American Precision Works' Urban CNC Revolution

Step into American Precision Works (https://www.americanprecisionworks.com/), a bold CNC machining service provider carving its path in Southwest Philadelphia's urban landscape! Join co-founders Matt Bruner and John Celley as they share their challenging yet inspiring journey, from starting "an experiment" in late 2024 to proving that high-precision manufacturing can thrive in unexpected places.

This video highlights:

The Vision: Matt and John discuss their mission to establish a modern machine shop in an area historically rich with manufacturing but currently underserved, aiming to tap into a new, diverse workforce and challenge industry norms about shop location and talent.

Advanced Equipment: Get an up-close look at their core machinery, including:

Two Brother M300 5-axis mill-turn machines: These high-productivity, 30-taper machines are central to their strategy for faster cycle times and cost savings on complex components, primarily focusing on 6-inch cube work envelopes.

A Brother R650 dual pallet vertical machining center: Learn how this addition further boosts their capacity and efficiency with its automated pallet changing.

Lang vices and standardized pull stud fixturing: Discover how their adoption of zero-point quick-change systems dramatically reduces setup times and paves the way for future automation.

Modern Systems: Learn how they leverage Fusion 360 for programming (noting its full machine simulation capabilities) and ProShop ERP for digital data management, streamlining workflows and reducing manual data entry. They even discuss using AI like ChatGPT for automating routine tasks!

Workforce Innovation: Hear about their commitment to developing local talent, bridging the gap between community needs and the industry's demand for skilled labor. Witness their enthusiasm for bringing in fresh energy, even considering a night shift to maximize machine uptime.

The Entrepreneurial Grind: Matt and John share raw insights into the early days – from battling freezing temperatures to navigating intense cash burn rates – and the unwavering confidence that fuels their "build an airplane while falling off a cliff" approach.

If you're interested in CNC machining, manufacturing innovation, urban revitalization, skilled trades, small business entrepreneurship, or the future of the American workforce, this is a must-watch!

0:00 - Intro
1:03 - Business Overview
2:10 - Vision: Urban Manufacturing
5:16 - Campro Plug
5:50 - Location and access to workforce
8:00 - John and Matt's respective roles
9:21 - John's Career Path
12:17 - Challenges and Playbook for success
16:13 - Vision for local workforce
20:17 - Fusion 360, Saas
26:17 - Brother M300 Mill Turn Machines
27:57 - Lang Zero Point modular workholding
33:04 - Machine Cutting Footage
33:53 - Twin Pallet Vertical Machining Center: Brother R650Xd1
39:57 - Future Automation Plans
42:14 - ProShop ERP Software
50:33 - Crazy Spindle up-time - MachineMetrics
53:17 - support equipment, tool storage, fixturing
56:01 - Chip Management, Shop Processes
1:00:23 - American Flag Story, Philly Manufacturing
1:02:20 - "Wrong Side of the Tracks"
1:03:20 - From Retail to Machining - Tom's Experience

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