Program Launch / Ergonomic Upgrading
Alex
Experience Information
Employer: Plasan Carbon Composites
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Plasan Carbon Composites is an expanding company that provides light weight composite solutions to both the automotive and transportation industries.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Improvements were made to the rivet fixture station to check for proper adhesive and rivet application before bonding. Fixture functionality, sensing ability, operator interaction, and ergonomics was improved. I helped create detailed work instructions, fixture part presence sensing, tool carts, and helped ensure deadlines were being met for a new product line.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I improved my technical writing, time allocation, programming, and electrical cabinet wiring skills. I also gained more insight into project management and the issues that arise working in a larger team.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was redesigning the rivet station. The station was brought into the technological age with cameras, screens, sensors, sirens and more. This allowed me to gain experience wiring electrical cabinets, programming, drilling and tapping holes, design work and finishing a project to a professional degree of aesthetic and functionality.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The experience from this co-op opened my eyes to the management side of engineering. I think that I would like to pursue a management position in the future. I still enjoy the hands-on aspect of this job and the challenge of creating a repeatable process. I would also like to branch out into other areas of engineering once I start to get the hang of manufacturing control.