Co-op 2
James
Experience Information
Employer: Trans-Matic Mfg. Co
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Trans-Matic Manufacturing Company specializes in producing world class deep drawn metal stampings, progressive die stampings, and value added assembly solutions. Our engineers focus on providing Value Added and Value Engineering (VA/VE) solutions for our metal stampings customers. We are often able to convert more expensive screw machine, die cast, and powdered metal processes to a more cost effective deep draw metal stamping, progressive die stamping, or a combination. In many projects we can combine parts into a single deep drawn part, increasing part strength and reducing cost and labor. At Trans-Matic, we utilize our deep draw capabilities to serve the automotive industry in braking, oxygen sensor, fuel delivery, air bag, bayonet socket, and sensor markets. Our non-automotive deep draw metal stamping capabilities serve the lock hardware, compressor, appliance, fire prevention, medical, pharmaceutical, and plumbing markets.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my time at Trans-Matic I completed many engineering related tasks. One of these projects involves improving the current process of drying and demagnetizing the media that is used to deburr one of our parts. The media consists of tiny stainless steel pins that are ~0.019" in diameter and ~0.125" long. In the current process the media is dried using an electric skillet. A previous intern developed a concept using a pneumatic vibrator attached to a sort of runway below a heat lamp that would dry the media as it was vibrated slowly down the track and into a bowl at the end. Through many tests I found more flaws and fixed them until we found that it was becoming too expensive and complicated to finish. I then came up with a completely new design which I will complete in my final week. I also researched and contacted outside suppliers of high speed cameras with hopes to purchase one for use with our presses. There is a meeting scheduled for 04/25 to determine which one we will purchase. Additionally I came up with energy consumption values using Ohm's law and measurements taken directly from the presses and a couple other assembly machines. With these values we were able to figure out how much money it was costing the company to run them.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience I gained a deeper knowledge of how the company is run, as well as getting to know more of the employees. I developed skills involving outside companies like how to receive quotes and demos.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the co-op experience was working with the toolmakers and carrying out design request changes that they needed.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The experience has influenced my future goals by affirming my choice in engineering as a career.