IPM Co-Op Third Rotation
Kyle
Experience Information
Employer: Integrated Packaging Machinery (IPM)
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Co-Op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
IPM is a medium sized company with about 150 employees. The company specializes in integrating new conveyor and robotic palletizing lines into food and beverage plants around the US. IPM is located and Rockford, but has installation teams around the country to install our equipment.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a mechanical engineering co-op, I worked with the mechanical engineering department to design conveyor for multiple customers. I have worked with tabletop, mattop, MDR, and pallet conveyor during my time at IPM. Typical project procedure involves receiving the conveyor layout, calculating values to test for any difficulties, create 3D models of the conveyor, compile BOM's for purchasing, and sometimes find vendors to supply parts. Modifying parts and trouble-shooting conveyor once it is built to correct for errors is also part of the experience.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
This experience is largely theoretical and office-based. Utilizing SolidWorks to design the conveyor is a major skill (including the welding, sheet metal, and PDM functions of SolidWorks). Understanding AutoCAD is required to create installation drawings in order to provide the installation team with instructions to set up the conveyor as intended. Communication skills with other engineers and other departments, BOM creation, pneumatic drawings, troubleshooting, and more are also required for this job.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The most exciting and rewarding part of this experience is seeing conveyor and equipment that you designed being built and working. The equipment is assembled as much as possible in our shop as much as possible, tested (if required), and then installed on site. Going out to the shop and seeing all of the equipment being tested or seeing videos posted by the installation teams on-site for equipment that you directly contributed to is extremely rewarding.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This opportunity has greatly improved my SolidWorks skills, communication skills, decision-making ability, and has made me more familiar with mechanical systems for production lines around the US. These skills and experiences will help my future career opportunities.
Internship Format
In Person