First Co-op at Autodie
Tyler
Experience Information
Employer: Autodie LLC
Job Title: Simulation Engineer
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Autodie LLC is the second largest tool and die making company in the world and are owned by the Fiat Chrysler Group. Autodie makes the dies for the presses that stamp out the fenders, hoods, roofs, body sides, and other parts of a vehicle.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was part of the simulation department where I would take the developed parts from Catia CAD software and then placed it in Dynaform. In Dynaform I would mesh up the surfaced blank, post, cavity, and binders then checked for any issues like holes and other defects to the surface. I would setup the specific job and would run the simulation. After the simulation was done, I would open it in ETA Post where I would analyze and put together a report for Chrysler. I completed a project where all the active parts from the program would be simulated by dropping them on the nets described in the GD&T and using a new software we had just gotten. I had to create the net surfaces for each part then mesh them, set it up, simulate it, analysis it, and finally create a report for Chrysler and a PowerPoint for my coworkers on how to use the new software.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot of skills and knowledge during my co-op experience at Autodie. I learned how to better deal with adversity and with difficult people. I learned how to deal with criticism and good communication skills. I also learn how to build and strengthen relationships in business. Being in industry helps you realize how important communication and relationships are. My co-op experience helped with not only my engineering related skills, but my people skills as well.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I loved seeing all the parts I ran through simulation and analysis come to life. It was a good feeling when I was finally able to go down to the factory floor and see them stamping out these huge body side pieces that once fit perfectly on my small computer screen.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Doing my co-op with Autodie really helped me learn and strengthen my belief in my future and what I want to do in the future. I love the idea of sitting behind the computer and being a part of something much bigger than what is on that screen. Watching that idea become a reality and an actual physical piece is truly an amazing feeling to experience.