Interning at Trans-Matic
Nicholas
Experience Information
Employer: Trans-Matic
Job Title: Engineering co-op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Trans-Matic is a privately owned company located in Holland, MI, also having locations in Mesa Arizona and Suzhou China. They produce a large variety of metal parts using deep draw metal stamping. The parts range from automobile components to HVAC to plumbing. The parts are stamped using presses from five ton all the way up to 600 ton presses.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My first rotation at Trans-Matic began with updating 3D cad prints using the Pro-E software. This job was a constant throughout the rotation due to the large amount of requested changes. Intertwined with the 3D updates, I was placed on several projects such as designing a conveyor system to sit in the back of one of the presses to remove scrap or redesigning a spindle head to better fit parts placed on them.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Before Trans-Matic I worked in plastic injection and blow molding so moving to metal stamping was a moderate change. Coming in to my first rotation, I could not have told anyone the difference between a punch, a die, a stripper or even what was included in a station. Now after doing many print updates and projects involving the press stations, I know what each component does in the station and how the part progresses throughout the station. I have also gained a vast knowledge of the Pro-E software, allowing me to do more things with it and completing tasks much more quickly.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience was working in and with a financially secure company. Trans-Matic truly listens to their employees and wants the best for them. The people I worked with were extremely helpful and always willing to lend me a hand when I was stuck or struggling. Along with the company I enjoyed using Pro-E to modify and create different components that would be placed in stations and used to make various parts.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has solidified the fact that I want to continue with my career in engineering. I love working with 3D modeling software and also want to continue to peruse a management position.