Internship Eportfolio

I began by learning about the company and the machines it employs. I worked on drawing parts in Solidworks. I checked items with a different tool and learned how to smooth metal surfaces. I also created a template with the company's logo in Solidworks. In the production department, I assisted in the testing of new products produced. I observed how items were made in the factory and learned how to use instruments to precisely measure things. I learned the symbols used in engineering drawings. This will aid my understanding of those drawings in the future.

This week was focused on acquiring hands-on skills and procedures in the manufacturing field. I learned how to use instruments like the flat deburring tool to ensure that our goods are smooth and safe. I also watched how they process raw materials before manufacturing items. I also got to help verify the sizes of the products to ensure they met our quality requirements. I learned using the Solidworks CAM computer program for manufacturing. I also learned how to use devices like the band saw machine to cut metal properly. I observed how to set up and program CNC machines, which are critical in precision manufacturing. I helped plan and organize our work so as to satisfy customer orders on time. Overall, it was a week of learning and hands-on exposure to the manufacturing industry.

I assisted with the cutting of aluminum pieces for our products with a band saw machine and even assisted with rush orders. I had to figure out what and how much materials we needed for new orders and make sure we had enough of them. I observed how to compare pricing from various suppliers and make the most economic decisions. I participated in meetings to organize our work and used Solidworks to assist with drawings and Microsoft Excel for progress tracking. We even subcontracted some of our work to another company to aid in production. In our production environment, it was a busy but fruitful week of learning and doing.

I observed how they programmed the machinery that created the parts by using MasterCAM. It was intriguing to observe how these programs generate specific codes that regulate the movements of the machines. I also immersed myself in MasterCAM lessons. My daily responsibilities included inspecting new products produced. I helped to organize the subcontracting goods. It was great to observe the operation of the end mill resharpening machine. I learned how to tap materials to form threads. I kept track of our production progress and observed the daily productivity. It was a week of learning and contributing to the success of our manufacturing team.

This week, I learned more about CNC machining codes that control the machines. Codes like M03 and M04 for controlling spindle direction, M05 for stopping the spindle, and M06 for changing tools were introduced to me. I also learned how to utilize precise vise parallel blocks to securely hold small workpieces in position while cutting. My responsibilities also included product inspections and tracking the status of each machine's work. I also learned to make chamfer models in MasterCAM.