Engineering Co-op
Patrick
Experience Information
Employer: Rapid-line
Job Title: Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Rapid-line is a contract manufacturer with numerous customers. They have a wide range of equipment and capabilities including lasers, press brakes, CNC mills and saws, welding, assembly, powder coating and more.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I spent a fair portion of my time examining new customer CAD and prints or customer changes to existing products. I then took the necessary steps to prepare this information for production. This included creating routings/bills of materials, additional prints, flat blank development, inspection sheets, work instructions and many of the programs for the lasers, press brakes and CNC mills. I also designed fixtures for the CNC mills and the welders when standard clamps and vices were insufficient. In cases where a part required fixtures or an unusual sequence of processes, I communicated with the sales department and the customers to determine a course of action that was acceptable. My responsibilities this semester were further expanded when I received training in quoting. This required me to communicate with our vendors and customers. Finally, I was tasked with various company improvement projects. These ranged from investigating variance reports to determine why a product cost more than what was on record, to increasing the efficiency of the engineering department.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about manufacturing, especially sheet metal components and welded assemblies. This knowledge extends to the manufacturing costs and challenges involved in quoting an acceptable price: both for Rapid-line and their customers. As I continued working at Rapid-line, I also gained an increasing understanding of how the company operates. I learned how to interact with vendors, customers and all of the departments at Rapid-line.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I enjoyed fixture design and developing flat blanks for complex components the most. This provided a significant challenge to my abilities.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Rapid-line provided me a diverse range of projects, and broad spectrum of valuable experience. I am far more confident in my ability to obtain a position in the field of engineering when I graduate. I am also more confident in my ability to do excellent work.