Intern Mechanical Engineer
Mark
Experience Information
Employer: Swoboda
Job Title: Intern Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Swoboda is a automotive supplier that specializes in electrical components. They supply a variety of high precision plastic molded components with metal terminals. The components communicate with the central computer in the car and help act the car run more smoothly.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My tasks and projects got more difficult as the semester went on. On my first day I was involved in disassembling of some robotic stations, but after that I learned at an accelerated rate. My first project was to create a pneumatic system the would decide if the part went into a bucket of continued down the assembly line. This task seemed overwhelming at first, but after asking some questions and making some mistakes I learned how to complete the task. My projects then got harder. My next project I was assigned was "make the robotic test table work". I had not idea, but after watching the station run and figuring what was causing the issues I was able to correct the problem.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned how to use pneumatics, sensors, plastic injection molders, coil winders, resistance welding, CMM, Metal Lathe's, CNC's, how plastic reacts with different conditions and quality control. But the most important thing I learned was how the automated assembly line runs.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the co-op experience was the construction of the assembly line. I learned how a robotic assembly line works from the ground up. This interested me because I like to build something and see how the final product will look. In the process of building the line I gained the most valuable experience from m co-op. I learned how to use sensors, air manifolds, air cylinders, and a multiple amount of new tools that were needed to help build the assembly line.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Yes, when I first accepted the co-op position I thought that fully automated assembly line were interesting and that the future of manufacturing will be the automated assembly line. So I think that the experience I gathered from this co-op will propel me for the future of manufacturing.