PLC's
Corey
Experience Information
Employer: Innotec
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Innotec is a small / medium sized global company with its headquarters in Zeeland Michigan. Manufacture of multiple automotive products including overhead lighting, headlights, headrest, and its patented BoardFree lighting, along with other products. They also employ a "four men in a garage" concept for their individual production lines. This allows each employee to take ownership and improve how the products are manufactured.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was assigned to the headrest launch division where we assemble machines that bend and put notches in the metal headrest tubes. My major task for the Fall semester included: Leading the controls portion of a 3 machine builds. Learning how to configure Ethernet I/O modules and a different PLC programming language. Redesign our control panel for the machines we build, so that the technician has better access to important components during installation and troubleshooting. Work with the design engineer to ensure the controls part of a new machine has all components necessary and places to professionally route wires.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
During the semester I gained further skills on programming and wiring PLC's using flow chart style computer software. Troubleshooting techniques for PLC's, sensors and some industrial communication protocol / computer networking. New type of function block programming language. Time management.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Waking up every morning and wanting to go to work because I enjoy the work I do and I have responsibilities that effect how the machines will operate; whether safely and efficiently or slow and problematic.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I have found the job / career that I enjoy. I have also discovered other areas of interest during my co-op that I want to pursue either on my own time or at GVSU