Here we are again with the annual Software and Controls issue. For something different I thought it would be a nice change to ask our featured shops about a different kind of software, AI. Then to be fair ask AI about how it thinks it can work for CNC manufacturers in 2025. We put the questions to Brian Davis at Syncro Design, Marzel Neckien & Randy Neckien of W Machine Works and to ChatGPT.
What we asked the shop owners:
How if at all are you currently using AI in the business?
Brian – Our experience with AI comes from the integration of design applications in Fusion 360. Fusion has an AI driven design tool that will optimize a design for given parameters (loads, constraints, mfg process, etc). We don’t really use it much because our customers provide complete designs for manufacturing. We also do our own design work in-house or for customers and haven’t had the need for the AI design too much at all.
Randy – We have had eight people take an AI boot camp. Basically, all the management team was in attendance. We learned a lot about prompt engineering.
Marzel – We use it help our communications and understand requirements. Our customers might give us 30 different specifications to make a part, and we will use AI as part of the organization process.
Do you plan on some sort of implication or escalation of how you use it, or plan to use it soon?
Brian – I’m seeing a lot of work being done on applying AI to CNC manufacturing. AI generated tool path is in its infancy and shows a lot of promise. That said, I see AI as a powerful tool to assist an experienced human. I think of it like this; the best 3D CAD software is only as good as the user. The software can automate some tasks and enhance the users’ abilities, but you must know how to best apply the tool you’re working with. In the future AI should be able to enhance a user’s ability to produce tool path for CNC manufacturing but there’s a lot more that goes into the producing results.
Marzel – I think in the future we want to expand our communications usage and implement it in contract review. We are not there yet, but I want to upload a contract and ask AI what do you think about this customer’s contract? Have it point out places that maybe we are being robbed or some unfavorable line item that we might want to rethink the wording on. The next evolution for us will be having AI help me with business analytics. As an aerospace supplier I don’t see us using it for coding anytime in the near future.
What we asked ChatGTP:
How effective do you think ChatGPT is for owners and managers of CNC machining business in 2025
ChatGPT can be highly effective for CNC machining business owners and managers in 2025, especially in areas like process optimization, automation, customer communication, and business strategy. Here’s how it adds value:
- Faster Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting
- Helps diagnose machining issues by analyzing tool wear, chatter, feeds & speeds.
- Assists with G-code, M-code, and CAM software questions (Fusion 360, Mastercam, etc.).
- Provides quick reference for material cutting parameters and best practices.
- Streamlining Operations & Documentation
- Generates SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and checklists for setup and quality control.
- Helps document best machining practices for onboarding new machinists.
- Assists in writing machine maintenance schedules to reduce downtime.
- Programming & Automation Assistance
- Can suggest optimized toolpaths and machining strategies.
- Helps debug post-processor issues and tool offset calculations.
- Can assist in macro programming for probing cycles or automated workflows.
- Business & Customer Management
- Drafts professional emails and quotes for customers.
- Helps create marketing content (social media, website blogs, case studies).
- Can analyze pricing models and profitability for CNC jobs.
- Hiring & Training Support
- Helps create job descriptions and interview questions for machinists & programmers.
- Provides training resources for new employees on Haas controls, CAM, GD&T, etc.
- Assists in onboarding new hires with structured learning paths.
Final ChatGTP Verdict?
For a CNC shop owner or manager, ChatGPT is like having a 24/7 assistant that helps with technical machining knowledge, business management, and operational efficiency. While it won’t replace hands-on experience, it saves time, improves productivity, and reduces errors—a valuable tool in an industry where precision and efficiency are key.
Do you agree with Brian, Randy, Marzel, or ChatGTP?