Welding Robot
Corey
Experience Information
Employer: Innotec
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Innotec is a medium sized global company with its headquarters in Zeeland Michigan. Manufacture of multiple automotive products including overhead lighting, headlights, headrest, and its patented BoardFree lighting, along with other products. They also employ a "four men in a garage" concept for their individual products that they produce. This allows each employee to take ownership and improve how the products are manufactured.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was assigned to the headrest launch division where we assemble machines that bend and put notches in the metal headrest tubes. My major task for the summer was to help assemble, program the PLC and program the HMI for a Weld Cell that used a robot arm to weld up to six different stations around a 7 sided structure.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
During the summer I learned how to program and wire PLC's using flow chart style computer software. Also troubleshooting techniques for PLC's, sensors and some industrial communication protocol / computer networking. Training programs to include; program management, Hi-Lo driving, craftsmanship and safe work practices.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Assembling the Weld Cell from the ground up through the final bolt and playing an intricate part of ensuring that the Weld Cell was complete and ready for production when it was shipped 13 weeks later to the customer.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I was able to get a firsthand look at what it takes to be an engineer; the knowledge, skills, commitment and ability to work with other types engineer's to get the project complete on time. Getting hands-on experience in the work place was crucial in ensuring that this path I'm on will be a rewarding career for me.