Co-op Program

Past Co-op Projects

PLANT FLOOR SUPERVISING - Luke Wuthrich

Project Scope

• Supervise tube fabrication department

Final Solution

• Train for one week with supervisor
• Take over full supervising responsibilities for a second week
• Gain insight into how manufacturing really runs in the plant
• Improve communication and management skills

< back to top

EQUIPMENT SAFETY PROJECT - Ben Gambrel

Project Scope

• Large presses needed safety measures to prevent injuries due to reaching into the machine

Solution

• Large budget proposal and implementation of light curtains
• The light curtain senses if the operator is within a dangerous distance
• If so, light curtain stops machine operation until caution area is cleared

< back to top

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION - Laura Misiuk

Project Scope

• Reorganize maintenance supplies area to improve work efficiency and facility's aesthetics

Solution

• Work with budget to purchase new cabinets and drawers
• Manage reorganization of all supplies
• Purchase and implement new maintenance software program
• This was a great experience for managing, budgeting, and planning

< back to top

SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS IMPROVEMENT- David Carson

Project Scope

• Design and implement a safe and ergonomic method for handling large packaged units on the assembly line.

Solution

• Employ vacuum lift system.
• The system can be operated by one person.
• The result was a safer and more ergonomic way to lift packaged units.

< back to top

IT AT POINT OF USE - Karina Wong

Project Scope

• Use information technology to improve efficiency of manufacturing processes and improve accuracy of material movements data.

Solution

• Design program to integrate shop order confirmation with direct downloading of G-code from the main server
• Utilize bar code scanners and touchscreens to simplify process
• Eliminate unnecessary and repetitive work

< back to top

SETUP REDUCTION PROJECT - Daniel Welch

Project Scope

• Reduce setup times and indirect labor cost in tube fabrication department

Solution

• Design and build quick-change tooling system
• Utilize part similarities to eliminate redundant setups
• Replace multiple piece tooling with versatile fixtures

< back to top

WELDING SETUP IMPROVEMENT - Faye Hellman

Project Scope

• Improve welding setups by reducing setup time and improving safety and ease of setup

Solution

• Design new welding fixture for production parts
• Address and eliminate ergonomic and safety issues
• Result was a quicker and more versatile setup process

< back to top

Workstation Design - Bobby Atkinson

Project Scope

• Optimize workstation area for ergonomics and improved workflow

Solution

• Design new storage areas for point-of-use fastener
• Design new work surface to improve work flow
• Adjust placement of parts and tools for optimal ergonomic reach and distances

< back to top

Sound Calculator - David Icenogle

Project Scope

• Create a computer program to calculate equipment sound levels for any unit

Solution

• Determine proper formulas and integrate into program
• Generate a user interface that can be used for standard or custom units
• Create a database of model information linked to user interface

< back to top

Junction Box Improvement - Dean Landers

Project Scope

• Revise unit junction box to improve customer access and usability

Solution

• Worked with customer to understand requirements
• Worked with manufacturing to determine limits of manufacturing equipment
• Designed a junction box to satisfy customer needs that was easy to implement in manufacturing

< back to top

Custom Control Implementation - Justin Dunnahoo

Project Scope

• Implement a custom control system into unit cooler product line

Solution

• Determined all necessary controls, valves, boards, and sensors
• Determined mounting locations for all parts
• Created required assembly and wiring drawings for production use

< back to top

Compressor Testing - Anthony Gray

Project Scope

• Measure compressor performance at alternate system conditions

Solution

• Setup 4 test systems in lab with controls and data acquisition equipment
• Compile lab test results for analysis
• The result was a better understanding of compressor's performance

< back to top

Total Preventative Maintenance - Nathan Arnwine

Project Scope

• Restore equipment with high amounts of downtime and implement operator maintenance.

Solution

• Establish baseline downtime data analysis for component breakdown
• Create operator 5S maintenance board
• Restore equipment and replace parts with TPM team
• Track downtime and audit the process

< back to top

Specialty Line Operations Excellence (OE) - Zack Tarter, Nathan Siler

Project Scope

• Redesign production value stream to increase capacity, efficiency, ergonomics and safety.

Solution

• Conduct time studies to establish baseline metrics
• Conduct balancing & manning analysis, and redesign floor layout
• Write CAP and purchase equipment
• Implement kitting system for sheet metal
• Act as supervisor of line during implementation of new process

< back to top

Ergonomic Workstation Redesign - Thomas Reese

Project Scope

• Redesign fan assembly station to improve ergonomics of assembly operation.

Solution

• Define initial ergonomic state with Washington Ergonomics & NIOSH lifting assessments
• Develop prototype for potential new design
• Design new workstation using Solid Edge
• Order workstation and implement into the production line

< back to top

CO2 Coil Project Management - Andrew Benton

Project Scope

• Design CO2 coils, create schedule for completion, and manage team

Solution

• Train with mentor designing coils
• Design, assign, and sign off coils based on production order schedule
• Improve leadership and communication skills through managing CAD team

< back to top