PDM co-op at Knape & Vogt
Alexander
Experience Information
Employer: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing
Job Title: Product Engineering Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Knape & Vogt Mfg. Co. has been around more than 100 years and specializes in the design, manufacturing and distribution of storage-related solutions including drawer slides, sliding door hardware and shelving solutions for both consumer homes and business applications.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I worked in the Product Engineering department on new product development and the improvement of current products. Daily tasks included 3D modeling of design ideas that turned into either making or ordering prototype components and any all new designs needed research and calculations to prove they could be effective or not. Those products would then have to be presented in a clear manner that explained their workings for other employee's to understand. Also completed testing of the prototypes as well as current production products to compare to competitor products with data analysis of testing done to present to other employee's and give recommendations on the best option to proceed.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Became very proficient at 3D modeling in both a technical and time efficient manner just by learning from doing. This allowed me to convey my ideas in a clear manner and validate any design changes through various analyses within the program.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Actually being able to see something that I designed and improved become implemented in what is to be future production of a high volume product. The process from design through manufacture was followed and gives great insight on what it takes to make a product.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It gives me reinforcement that I am capable of designing real products that solve real problems and makes me want to explore more and more challenging problems to continue to push myself to make the best products possible.