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Externship Summary - 2009

RCNGM Leader:  Wendy Ku, Project Lead the Way, Simsbury High School

Externship:  Trumpf, Inc.

Curriculum Project

Lessons Learned

During my externship at Trumpf, Inc., I mainly worked in the engineering department working with the mechanical engineers. The engineers were working on design and re-designing a laser manufacturing machines. As part of my responsibilities, I helped design and modify the aspects of the machines and parts that would be used to help assemble the machines in the production department.

Through my externship, I observed common practices that take place in the engineering and manufacturing environment. I utilized a 3D CAD computer program (Solid Works) to design and redesign parts of the laser machine. I engaged in various presentations and workshops presented by other engineers and management from the different departments, which provided me with a wide perspective of how the company and the engineering/manufacturing processes run in this company. This company is also focused on Lean manufacturing and production; therefore I was able to learn about methods of improving production, along with the communication between all the departments (i.e. engineering, assembly, production, etc.)

For my first project I had to redesign and design the pallet in which the metal sheet lays on to be manufactured by the laser machines.  There were modifications and adjustments that had to be made for this part in order to work effectively on the machine.

Initially I was presented with the current design which had specific issues that had to be addressed. I worked with the other engineers in the department to make these modifications. This was quite challenging to me because there were specific constraints and limitations that I had to adhere to, which I was initially unfamiliar with since I was new to the project. I had to be patient and work closely with the other engineers to learn these. 

We engaged in various practices, such as brainstorming, using drawings to communicate our ideas, teamwork, and using the CAD program to accomplish this task. This process emphasizes the ability to communicate with other members of the team using proper technical communication methods. I was very fortunate to have worked with great people at Trumpf, Inc who were very accommodating in guiding me through this project. Although at times this appeared to be very challenging to me, the end result was very rewarding.

Impact on Student Learning

The implementation of my curriculum plan met my expectations. I was able to further explain to the students how what they were doing in their teamwork and during their brainstorming for the design project was a skill they would be utilizing when they enter the work force. I was able to provide them with specific scenarios that I came across when I was working with the other engineers.

My work-based curriculum allowed the students to see that the skills they are developing in my course will be useful and beneficial to them when they work in teams and on design projects in the future.  They were motivated to work in teams to redesign a product and to use their creativity to design something.

Externship Sustainability

I have shared many of my experiences with my peers and have discussed methods of making our labs more efficient using some of the lean manufacturing techniques I learned from Trumpf, Inc. I have also worked with my colleagues to implement more activities (such as the one created for this curriculum) to help the students further develop their brainstorming and teamwork skills.

I plan to continue implementing projects and activities in the curriculum that will emphasize and help develop problem-solving skills, brainstorming skills, and the design process skills that I experienced during my externship. These are critical skills to obtain when working in the manufacturing/engineering workforce. I will be sure to include an aspect into all my hands-on projects throughout the course to reinforce and further develop these skills for my students.

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.