Trans-Matic Engineering Co-op
Sam
Experience Information
Employer: Trans-Matic
Job Title: Tool Design Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Trans-Matic is an industry leader in deep draw metal stamping. Founded in 1968 by owner Pat Thompson, it was the first deep draw metal stamping company in West Michigan. Trans-Matic provides to a large variety of industries from automotive, to plumbing, lock hardware, lawn equipment, builders' hardware, and defense. Currently, Trans-Matic boosts a variety of transfer and progressive die presses ranging from five to six-hundred tons capacity, providing the ability to manufacture metal parts up to 4.5 mm thick and 200 mm deep. The company consists of headquarters in Holland, Michigan, and branches in Mesa, Arizona; Monterrey, Mexico; and Suzhou China.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Working as an intern for the engineering department I completed a wide range of tasks. Like my last semester, I handled a lot of updating and redesigning existing tooling in the presses. Each production job has tooling originally designed that fits into the presses to produce specific features on the part. These designs go through constant changes as the tools wear down or industry standards change. This was all done using the latest version of Creo (3D CAD software). Besides just redesigning existing tooling I got to work with other designers on twelve new tooling jobs, and was able to take a lead role on two other new tooling designs. I also handled the design work for all gauges and managed engineering drawings for the product launches.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Trans-matic has been a great place to work. Working here definitely helped me become better at working with other individuals as part of a team. I learned a lot about the process of precision deep metal drawing, how transfer presses work, and the advantages of different styles of presses. I gained a lot of knowledge about industrial standards in drafting and had the great opportunity to practice using a lot of CAD software. I also gained a lot of valuable experience learning about different properties of materials. I got to practice and expand my knowledge of GD&T in a real world environment. I also got to practice basic problem-solving techniques and how to communicate with customers.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My co-op experience provided me with the chance to take on more responsibility without overwhelming me too much. Working in tool design is really interesting for me, and the best part of the semester was getting the opportunity to work on my own. I had the great chance to take a more leadership role on two new tool design projects, and it was a really valuable learning experience.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My time at Trans-Matic has helped me understand more of what it takes to be a professional engineer. It really helped open my eyes to how to the many different industries engineers work in, helped me get a sense of the kind of people I want to work with, and the field I want to be in. Without this job I'm not sure I'd really have any direction in what I want my future job to look like. It's been a really valuable experience.