Manufacturing Talks
There are millions of cool stories in manufacturing. Your host, Jim Vinoski, helps share them by talking to the people who are making them happen. Manufacturing is where the rubber meets the road. There's no hiding. You're either making good products people will buy for enough to keep you in business, or you're not. Meet the amazing folks who thrive in that survival-of-the-fittest world.
Manufacturing Talks
Merrin Muxlow on investment casting, metal, and American manufacturing
It's always a good show when we talk about metal. So it was pure awesome having Merrin Muxlow, who leads partnerships for the Investment Casting Institute, join us to tell us about the world of metal casting.
Merrin discusses the importance of investment casting in various industries, including aerospace and heavy machinery, and highlights the need for localized production due to supply chain disruptions. She emphasizes the role of education and collaboration in addressing the manufacturing skills gap. Merrin also touches on the integration of 3D printing and automation in casting processes, aiming to make production faster and more efficient. The conversation concludes with a call for sustained efforts to revitalize manufacturing and promote hands-on learning.
Highlights:
- The Importance of Investment Casting
- Educational Programs and Public Perception
- Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing
- The Role of Academia and Personal Experiences
- Advancements in Manufacturing Technology
- Regulations and Public Policy
It's a brilliant discussion thanks to Merrin's expertise - tune in for the whole thing!
The Chris Power article: https://www.thefp.com/p/america-wont-exist-if-we-cant-build-things-china-industrial-power
Our host's Forbes article about the METAL program: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2025/06/30/new-mtu-iacmi-partnership-expands-metallurgy-education-and-outreach/
The Investment Casting Institute: https://www.investmentcasting.org/