Experience Matters - Grand Valley State University

First Co-op Rotation with Innotec

Ryan
Major: Mechanical Engineering The majority of my projects were geared toward machine improvement. This involved designing and assembling/installing components that solved an existing problem, or improved upon an original design. Some noteworthy projects include redesigning a part crowder assembly and designing an attachment that trims off excess material from parts. In addition, I was also involved in a group intern project that helped to organize the material flow and layout of a new line.

First Rotation, Engineering Co-Op

Nathan
Major: Mechanical Engineering Over the course of this co-op rotation, I helped to facilitate the required maintenance and repair of a wide variety of industrial automotive manufacturing equipment.

EGR 290 - Co-Op I

Brianna
Major: Mechanical Engineering During my first Co-Op rotation, I was involved in designing prototypes, 3D printing prototypes, drafting and executing design verification and validation protocols, updating existing drawings, discussing action items for projects with customers, and drafting incoming inspection documents. For the first half of the rotation, I spent most of my time designing a connector that will be used in a new catheter design. For the second half of the rotation, I spent a lot of my time 3D printing the prototypes for this connector as well as executing the testing protocols for it.

Engineering Co-op at Flexco

Trevor
Major: Mechanical Engineering I did engineering work involving testing, designing, building, and analyzing data. A lot of the projects took grit and determination, because they were massive and had different obstacles to tackle the whole way through. I like a challenge since it does my heart good to see it all finished and to feel accomplished at what I had achieved.

Great learning experience

Malcolm
Major: Mechanical Engineering One of my main tasks was managing the 3D printing schedule and the prints themselves. I spent a good amount of time in the machine shop, doing development work in the lab, and creating/updating documentation.

1st Co-op Rotation

Bryce
Major: Mechanical Engineering Pressroom: -Worked production on press -Helped change out dies -Cleaned up presses Die Shop: -Worked production on press -Learned about press simulating software -Assisted in setting up parts for CNC -Assisted in setting up parts for EDM -Machined some punches -Assisted in assembling die Maintenance: -Observed maintenance work on multiple machines -Observed how weld adjustments are done -Performed preventative maintenance -Did maintenance on a pin press Materials: -Cycled Inventory -Scrapped Obsolete inventory Quality: -Assisted with PPAP's -Worked on pin hole diameter study -Worked on torque testing study -Worked on CAD tutorial in free time -Designed gauge fixtures using Creo 4.0 -Worked on visual aids Manufacturing Engineering: -Worked on rework data analyzing tool -Began rework data study -Assisted with weld adjustments and fixture inspections -Designed sensor bracket -Assisted with headrest start up line Estimating: - Continued rework data study - Worked on time study for assembling tasks - Shadowed people to learn more about the estimating world Continuous Improvement: N/A Assembly: N/A

Engineering Co op First Rotation

Daniel
Major: Mechanical Engineering My main focus was to look for ways to improve efficiency in the Eames Lounge Chair cell. This involved creating new work stations for cushion upholstery and carts to transport foam in and out of the cell. This resulted in creating more space within the cell and better material flow.

Engineering Co-op Rotation I

Jenna
Major: Mechanical Engineering Some of the projects I completed involved helping to control our processes. I used applications like MiniTab to take a statistical approach to each of our processes to better target nominal on dimensions called out in the blueprint. Other projects included designing a small visual gauge and designing a template to improve our welding process. Other tasks included assisting the quality and manufacturing engineer in trouble shooting daily shop floor issues.

Engineering Co-Op I

David
Major: Mechanical Engineering Here at SAF-Holland, I have mostly been working on improvements to lab supplies and cost reducing tooling with regards to coupler products (Fifth Wheels). As the semester progressed, I got into more complex projects such as: redesign proposal for fifth wheel components, design of new crimping tool, FEA analysis on fifth wheel components, and much more.

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Eric
Major: Mechanical Engineering Day to day activities includes quoting, part setup, tooling design, material deficiency report review and change order processing. On top of that, I also managed and co-designed three projects. The projects included a lathe, a automatic stripper and a sleeve machine.

M.E. Co-Op Experience with Team HS Die and Engineering Inc.

Steven
Major: Mechanical Engineering During this second Co-Op rotation, similar to previous rotations, I spent the majority of my time working as a mechanical engineering designer. I was responsible for designing automated machines and their respective components. The first half of the rotation I spent most of my hours designing components to solve the current problems we were experiencing while designing, building, and/or testing our automated machines. A problem would arise during the machine's designing, building, and/or testing phases so I would be assigned to fix the problem. While performing these tasks I was able to gain trust and responsibility from my supervisor and co-workers. Later in the semester, I was given my very own machine to design. I was able to go through the whole machine design process. I collaborated directly with the customer while designing the machine. I also continued to perform problem solving side projects while designing my own machine. In summary, I performed and learned a lot within the mechanical engineering design field. I spent 500+ hours using SolidWorks 2018 as well as 20+ hours of hands on building.

Koops Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Jacob
Major: Mechanical Engineering During my co-op rotation as a member of the Koops mechanical engineering team my primary responsibility was to work on the mechanical design of custom automation equipment. The main tasks associated with this were the creation of accurate and detailed CAD models, part drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs). During the winter semester I had the opportunity to work on numerous projects in both assisting and primary designer roles.

Co-op Rotation 2

Kyle
Major: Mechanical Engineering One of the main tasks I completed during this co-op rotation was creating and managing graphics for completed projects. Graphics include floor plans, water systems, and air handlers. It was my job to ensure graphics were ready for technicians when it was time for them to program the graphic and get it ready for the customer to use. Another task I performed was creating record drawings. This entailed going into the drawings created by one of the project engineers and making changes. The changes made were a result of a technician realizing that something isn't portrayed accurately in the drawings while in the field. They would then mark up the drawings and give them to me to update.

Production Support Engineer

Aidan
Major: Mechanical Engineering This rotation focused on manufacturing and was more closely tied to production. A lot of time was spent on the floor, building confidence in working with the team, scrapping out bad parts, and responding to alarms. After that knowledge base was built, Some Continuous Improvement projects began, such as dashboard setup, and line rework/modifications.

EGR 390 Co-op 2

Jacob
Major: Mechanical Engineering Throughout the co-op semester, I worked on several K-12 education projects that involved designing new mechanical systems (HVAC, mechanical equipment, and domestic plumbing). I was presented with a higher sense of responsibility from my previous co-op by being given the task of fully designing a new HVAC system for an elementary school with the guidance of a full-time engineer.

Hutchinson Co-op 3

Alex
Major: Mechanical Engineering At Hutchinson I was able to be involved in a variety of different tasks and projects in different labs and project groups. With the product development group I worked with I was able to test a variety of transmission and engine mounts for different performance and damping characteristics. I helped manufacture and modify prototype parts to tune performance. I also helped design test fixtures for parts for static and torsional testing. I experimented with design modifications to a part component using FEA analysis to look to decrease component mass. I assisted in developing bracket designs to meet stress targets and tooling clearance requirements. I helped conduct production process rate studies as well. Along with this I helped assemble and build a prototype heating unit for rubber to metal bonding and conducted heat studies. I also developed procedures for testing metal insert material compression yield strength.

EBWE First Rotation

Jacob
Major: Mechanical Engineering I was able to design components being used on the floor today, quote them, and have them built to spec. I was also able to perform finite element analysis and strain gage testing as well. I created many CAD drawings for my fellow workers and wrote many engineering reports to follow up on my engineering experiments involving torque and load tests.

Second Rotation Mechanical Engineering Co-op

James
Major: Mechanical Engineering During my second co-op rotation as a mechanical engineering student I was assigned as an intern to the Ford product development team working to meet production launch schedules. Studies where modifications to parts were made to account for variances in production parts and determine design solutions were frequently performed as tasks under a team project manager and project lead's guidance. I frequently visited suppliers of manufacturing equipment and assisted the industrialization team with troubleshooting early development level stations while running parts for shipment schedules. In my down time between tasks there was plenty to keep busy by helping with on-going projects and testing in the Validation lab. Troubleshooting of hydraulic pumps under the lab supervisor's guidance provided an interesting and unique opportunity.

Out there in the real world of engineer

Abdulelah
Major: Mechanical Engineering I did a lot of different design tasks over the winter 19. creating an A-Frame for shipping purposes, creating a Solidworks lineup for couple cases next to each other. evolving the butcher block toppers to have the right dimension. creating the end bumper to secured the cases. adding a tube of black silicone to a couple of cases. re-engineered couple of the drawing to have the machines making them.

Co-op Third Rotation

Grant
Major: Mechanical Engineering This semester at Baker Engineering I spent my time working on larger, independent projects that I was responsible for from design through to testing. The primary project I worked on was the modification of a hot water tank for the use in an advanced energy recovery system for an engine that we have developed and built in house. This system required extensive structural and layout design, with many design reviews to ensure the final design was as easy as possible to assemble and work on. Another significant project this semester was the design and assembly of a small engine electronic motoring dynamometer. This design presented challenges in both the layout of the system as well as creating a design that was easy to adjust and align the shafts, with minimal run-out on those shafts.

Gentex Co-op III

Dalton
Major: Mechanical Engineering As a production technician, it is always my job to be available in order to maintain the function of the production floor. There are around 12 production lines in our department that produce parts on all three shifts. Each line is consisted of multiple machines that assemble a specific component of the mirror assembly. Each machine usually consists of multiple subsystems. Each system works together with the use of PCs and PLCs to function properly. The machine uses mechanical assembly's and fixtures that are operated by a user with the assistance of sensors and actuators. With this amount of automatic control, the need for constant trouble shouting arises. These systems go down for a multitude of reasons. Problems can arise with vision systems, actuators, motors, cameras, sensors, pneumatics, or mechanical designs. It is the technician's job to make sure these problems are immediately addressed. It is a great experience to be able to apply my engineering knowledge to troubleshoot issues in a fast-passed environment. Doing it yourself with little guidance is the fastest way to learn new skills in this job.

Test Engineering Coop

Thomas
Major: Mechanical Engineering My work at L3 was focused on Test Engineering and the rigorous testing process which aviation products have to go through. Software work was emphasized as much of the mechanical/ electrical aspect of the design is taken care of by the initial engineering team as the products are designed. Some work was done in aspects of project management as well.

Co-Op Rotation 3

Robert
Major: Mechanical Engineering The tasks and projects that I completed ranged from troubleshooting machines, to recording data, and managing processes. I spent a majority of my time working with prototype parts, helping the process and ultimately ensuring that the parts are of the highest quality.

3rd Co-op Rotation Experience Summary

Erich
Major: Mechanical Engineering In my third rotation the tasks I completed include the following: prototype design, that includes CAD, FEA, and hands on fabrication; FEA for various products; visits to suppliers; and physical testing of new ideas and product designs.

Header and Hanger

Tyler
Major: Mechanical Engineering This semester I was assigned with a senior engineer on a specific project. He put me in charge of designing a header and hanger system. This system supports conveyor by suspending them from the ceiling. This allows for additional conveyor to run underneath. The goal was to design components that will safely hold the conveyor with the maximum conveyed load. Part drawings were made and sent to fabricators to make the necessary components. Installation drawings were made with labels for the correct parts and dimensions to tell mechanical installers where to put the components in the building. Finally, assembly drawings were made to show the installers how to put the components together.