SAF-HOLLAND Co-Op III
Joseph
Experience Information
Employer: SAF-HOLLAND
Job Title: Engineering Co-Op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
SAF-HOLLAND is a global company that leads the way in the design, manufacture, and distribution of quality engineering components, systems, and services to the commercial vehicle industry. They specialize in coupling, lifting, and suspension systems for trucks, buses, tractors, and trailers.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My time at SAF-HOLLAND this semester was devoted to the development of a steer lock for our passive steering auxiliary lift axle suspension, the LSZ13. I was given responsibility for this project from the initial stage of concept development through to the final phase, start of production. The tasks I completed while working on this project include: concept design, FEA, sourcing prototype parts, prototype builds, test fixture design, prototype degradation and lifecycle testing, test data acquisition and analysis, DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and project management tasks. Other tasks I completed during this semester included analysis of a fifth wheel mounting bracket with ANSYS, GD&T training, and the creation of a database for quick part identification.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through my experience at SAF-HOLLAND, I gained a lot of knowledge about how a product is taken from an initial idea all the way to the start of production. I learned not only about the engineering work that goes into making a product such as design, virtual analysis, prototype builds, lifecycle testing, etc. but also about the project management skills that are required to accomplish this task such as communication and organization.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my co-op experience with SAF-HOLLAND was working on the steer lock project. I feel as though the project helped me transition from a student to an engineer. It forced me to learned a lot not only about the engineering principles involved in the design of a product but also the project management skills that are required to successfully see a project through to the end.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Through my co-op experience with SAF-HOLLAND, I have found a passion in the design of suspensions and suspension components. I have learned that I enjoy the challenge of overcoming the challenges of suspension design and I can very likely see myself doing this or something similar for my career.