IPM Mechanical Engineering Rotation 3
Gavin
Experience Information
Employer: Integrated Packaging Machinery
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Co-Op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Integrated Packaging Machinery (IPM) is a Packaging systems integration company located in Rockford, MI. The company is currently a little over 100 employees located in a single facility. IPM is an employee-owned company, which also includes another packaging systems company. IPM provides turnkey packaging lines primarily to the food and beverage industry. IPM is a systems integrator for leading names in the packaging industry, as well as a custom solution provider. Most projects are a mix of integrated equipment and custom solutions, all managed and installed by IPM.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a Co-Op at IPM, you have the same job responsibilities as your engineering mentors. Because IPM is a systems integrator, we get to work with both other individualsý equipment, as well as develop our own custom machine centers. The major, high-level task for a given project, include developing a plant layout, designing custom equipment in 3D cad, releasing equipment, guiding the build and providing installation support. As a Co-Op student, you will likely get to touch each of these steps on large projects, as needed, or you may get to complete all of them on a smaller sided project, depending on the work that is needed to be done.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I work in the mechanical engineering group at IPM, and my primary role is custom equipment design. As such, I apply a lot of mechanical design principles (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials). Thermodynamics is also important, as well as good design principles. I have gotten to practice all of these skills at IPM. Every day I learn something new as an engineer.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of any Co-Op or internship experience at IPM is the people. IPM has a great team, both in the mechanical department and across the company. Everyone is very willing to lend a hand, and everyone is excited to take time out of their day to help you learn something new. While Iým a mechanical engineer by trade (PDME by degree), I spend a great deal of time with the electrical group learning about control strategies and sensors. Because the more knowledgeable people on the team, the better we perform.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience influenced my future career goals in that I have accepted a full-time position with IPM. I liked it so much I decided to stay!