Ravenna Ductile Iron Co-op III
Spencer
Experience Information
Employer: Metal Technologies (Ravenna Ductile Iron)
Job Title: Engineering Co-op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Metal Technologies Ravenna Ductile Iron (RDI) is a ductile iron foundry specializing in high volume, high requirement castings. Industries served by RDI include but are not limited to automotive, railroad and small engines. RDI is one of the smaller foundries that are part of Metal Technologies Inc., headquartered in Auburn, Indiana. Metal Technologies employs roughly 1,300 individuals across 8 locations throughout the US and Mexico, with RDI employing between 200 and 300 individuals.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester, I worked with RDI's engineering team completing a large variety of tasks. These tasks included: cleaning and inspecting casting tooling, designing casting tooling, evaluating performance of said tooling, and determining appropriate solutions to any problems found. A major project completed was a redesign of several high volume tools to improve yield and decrease costs.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
This semester I learned a more in depth view of the tooling modification cost justifications. Through this process, I learned to evaluate if a specific change to a tool would be financially viable, assuming several conditions, such as change in casting yield but no change in scrap rate. As well as evaluating the profitability of the tooling change based on the criteria given in the Co-op class modules.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was designing custom tooling for both casting and gauging purposes. This CAD modeling peaked my interest as it encompassed both my love of design work and interest in machining.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Through this work I have realized that I enjoyed designing tools, and thinking about how these tools would be created. So my future goal is to obtain a career as a design engineer highly connected with the manufacturing process and tools.