Quality and Machine work at Helix Steel
Andrew
Experience Information
Employer: Helix Steel
Job Title: Quality Engineer Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
This company creates TSMR (twisted steel micro rebar) and has a plant in Grand Rapids and offices in Ann Arbor. There are also smaller plants in other countries as well. They ship finished products all over North and South America.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Wrote quality reports which took different tests regarding overall product strength and dimensions for both new and finished product. Also worked and performed maintenance on machines that ran our 8 mm wire. Helped start a new chute design project designed to reduce floor scrap, saving time and money.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Learned about the operation of the machines I worked on and their function. Learned how to operate a forklift to move things around the plant. Learned about the rebar industry and about the function of a plant this size. Learned how important quality is and how different aspects of quality will affect the overall strength of our product once it is poured into concrete.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Working on the machines was a cool learning experience and really added to the "hands-on" learning experience.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This has helped me think about continuing to work in a smaller manufacturing environment. Things are very hands-on here and in the future I'd like to be able to have a balance between design and quality work (mostly sitting down) and hands-on machine work (standing up).