Co-op Student
Troy
Experience Information
Employer: Progressive Surface
Job Title: Controls Engineer Co-op
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Progressive Surface is a company in Grand Rapids that designs and builds Surfacing machines. The types of surfacing machines are Shot Peen, Grit Blast, Waterjet, and Thermal Spray machines. The first three all surface a part by removing materials from the surface of a part, whether its removing a coating, removing burs from machining, or smoothing out micro-fractures. The Thermal Spray machines actually coat the part to produce a new surface. Each of these machines run using robots with varying numbers of Axis fitted with a nozzle or gun at the end which shoots the necessary media to surface parts.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My first couple of weeks were learning how to read and use AutoCad Electrical schematics as well as a few internal programs to navigate the projects and drawings at Progressive Surface. After I learned the basics I did extensive AutoCad work setting up the core drawing sets for several machines, one of which I was able to follow from conception to construction. After the first month and a half I began setting up CNC's for controlling the robots in the machines. I also was in charge of setting up the PC's for each of the machines and producing the manuals. During my last month I was given a project to find out how to wire a new motor, drive, and power supply together to meet the specs given to me. This included learning to use the supplied software to meet the RPM requirements given certain analog inputs, and the physical wiring itself.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained extensive knowledge in autoCad electrical, project management and design, as well as controls interface design. I also learned the function of several electrical components as well as their physical design.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was researching and developing the plan for wiring and programming the stepper motor and drive I was given for use in a project. Wiring the CNCs in the lab and powering them up is a close second.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I've always been interested in robotics, and I've always wanted to design robotics. It never really crossed my mind before this Co-op to design the controls systems and software for the robots rather than the robots themselves. It definitely opened a new area of interest to me.