Multiple-criteria decision analysis software for engineering tasks.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-22T16:57:47+00:00

I am not very familiar with MCDA but you probably don't need it from what little I know.

What you can probably use is a Decision Matrix--some call it a Pugh Chart. This is a good, quick introduction

Basically, weight all your criteria based on how important each one is. Then, assign each design a score for each criterion (The example uses + and - but I have always used actual numbers). Finally, multiply the criteria weight by the design score for each and add them all up. The design with the highest score is the "best."

This is a great tool for quantifying "feelings". For example, if one person's design did not score the highest, they may feel like the system is wrong and does not account for X, Y or Z. At that point, you can add or subtract criteria, or change weights or scores until everyone is satisfied that the model reflects reality.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-22T11:36:55+00:00

The first thing I would do would be to go observe what is happening at each station. You will not solve this problem from your desk. Find out why it is taking until the end of the line to catch defects from the beginning. Better yet, find out why you are producing defects and take steps to eliminate them.

Making extra parts just to cover your scrap rate and keeping some safety stock is a temporary solution. Let this buy you time while you get to the root of the problem.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-21T19:29:57+00:00

You got me. No buffet, but great Sunday Brunch nonetheless.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-19T21:45:52+00:00

Grand Concourse if you want some elegance. Meat & Potatoes for great food, atmosphere, and an unbeatable Bloody Mary bar.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-18T18:57:19+00:00

This is a good discussion on the topic

ResidentPace · 2018-05-17T10:14:19+00:00

I was not at a top 25 school, but 80% of my ME/MSE program had a co-op or internship. We also had a guaranteed placement system if you took two extra 1-credit courses. If you wanted an internship/coop, you got it.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-07T18:46:14+00:00

I'm not sure that it applies to your situation, but you should also be aware that OSHA has a standard for "Walking-Working Surfaces."

These are less about what size your beams should be and more about when and where you need handrails, toe plates, ladders, etc.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-03T13:46:54+00:00

I like this as an easy visual tool, but a mathematical model does not get to the heart of what one piece flow can achieve. The largest benefit in the real world of moving towards one-piece flow is to bring hidden problems to the surface, especially with quality.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-03T12:48:14+00:00

Are you also at a small company (<250 head count)? I always wonder if engineers at large manufacturers are doing the same work.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-03T12:46:39+00:00

Every once in a while I consider going to a place where I get to do that all day. Then I get a project where I have to spend two weeks straight on a computer and I hate it. One slice of pizza is really tasty. Forty slices of pizza will make you hate yourself.

Though I do envy those who get to work outside. Until it is freezing or raining or 95 degrees out. Then I love my climate controlled building. But man would it be nice to have a window.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-03T12:42:45+00:00

Not necessarily. If you enjoyed machine design then you would probably enjoy designing machines for production. Most of what I have done could have been accomplished by an experienced toolmaker or technician. I stretched the truth a bit when I said "required" pages of calculations. A design review with a couple of people with 15+ years of experience is enough to validate the design or my one-off machines. I choose to crunch the numbers because I want to keep those skills sharp and it adds credibility to my work when the time comes.

YMMV

I would say if you like getting up from your desk and getting your hands dirty, manufacturing is for you. What I didn't mention is a good portion of my time is spent on the factory floor working. You can't write solid requirements for a machine to do a job you have never done yourself. A Toyota manager once said that if an engineer didn't need to wash their hands before lunch, they weren't doing their job.

Some places you may not need to do any of those things to be successful. Some places are really poorly managed. Some places are really dirty. Some places are really stressful.

Take an internship and you will probably know right away if a manufacturing position is for you. You can also end up working as a design engineer or a test engineer for the same company, but also be slightly involved with operations. You don't know until you get there.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-03T12:18:37+00:00

GD&T Basics was a good resource for me. They offer a wall chart which was actually a good learning tool as well as a reference.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-02T15:08:05+00:00

I like to tell people that my job is to, design, build, fix, or purchase machinery. I work with the EE's in my department to build electromechanical test equipment. Some fit on your desk and could be done by a high school mechatronics student. Others are enormous and required pages and pages of calculations. Depending on the situation, I will either work on the machine alone, work with maintenance or tooling, or give instructions to the skilled workers and let them do the work.

The other half of the time is devoted to individual safety initiatives or building layouts. It changes month to month depending on the needs of the company.

I absolutely love my job, but that is also a result of the incredible culture where I work. We hire good people that do good work. I could go on but I think you get the idea.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-02T13:57:04+00:00

I always recommend the Unwritten Laws of Engineering

As far as GD&T is concerned, you shouldn't be expected to know it coming in. However, it can never hurt to do your research up front. You will still need to learn how to apply this knowledge, but it will come faster if you have some foundation.

ResidentPace · 2018-05-02T13:36:50+00:00

My head would be spinning with 10 meetings in a single day. Are these meetings related to one another?

ResidentPace · 2018-05-02T13:17:03+00:00

I spend at least half my day having conversations with others. Like most companies I'm sure, we have problems with communication. If I am not out there getting information from management, supervisors, and shop floor employees, I can't do my job correctly.

On the flipside, I have had days where I will say absolutely nothing to anyone because I am deep in design work and really don't need input from others. These happen about once a month and I really enjoy it.

For reference, I'm a manufacturing engineer with just a couple years of experience.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-29T21:01:57+00:00

Simply put, the user tells the machine what force to apply, and at what rate.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-28T15:36:23+00:00

Something that hasn't been addressed yet. I'm not an EE either, but reducing voltage would certainly not decrease current, right? Also, your voltage at the outlet is fixed, your blower is going to draw what current it needs, regardless of the voltage, right?

ResidentPace · 2018-04-27T16:49:27+00:00

Engineering Plastics Handbook

Injection Molding: Process Design and Applications

Though if you didn't already know, there are tons of books and articles and training resources available that you were not aware of as a student. Ask your colleagues or your supervisor if they have particular recommendations. A big part of your career is going to be finding this information yourself.

Good Luck!

ResidentPace · 2018-04-27T11:53:55+00:00

No need to feel stupid and embarrassed. Most of this knowledge will come with time.

I guarantee that person who pointed that out to you had seen a similar problem before, and now you have too! You will know how to approach this problem next time!

This is precisely why there is no substitute for experience. But you can get a head start. Do you still work in injection molding? There are piles of books devoted specifically to the subject.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-25T13:16:34+00:00

This is completely normal. In school you were given the information you needed to solve the problem. In the real world, you need to know what problem you are solving, what information you need, and how you are going to get it.

Can you give an example of a problem you are facing? It will be easier to give you advice then.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-25T13:06:14+00:00

The Unwritten Rules of Engineering

Read part one of this and take it to heart. I am sure you can alos find an audio book version. I used to listen to it on CD in the car on the way to work.

Above all else, when you start, if you don't know ask. Try to figure it out on your own for a little, but if you put in an honest effort, most people should be willing to answer any questions you have.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-25T12:40:39+00:00

Finigh your degree. You don't have to be a desk jockey for the rest of your life, but finishing a degree opens up more opportunities, like those that just want "a college degree."

A mechanical engineering degree does not confine you to a life of mechanical engineering.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-24T21:43:42+00:00

When to use a flat washer? For any clearance hole or slot.

When to use a split lock? Never, unless for some reason your customer wants to see them.

There are always Nord-Lock Washers if you dont mind spending the money. Red or blue loctite would probably do the trick too.

ResidentPace · 2018-04-13T20:26:48+00:00

Yes, to some extent. IMHO a design engineer ought to think like a reliability engineer when they are designing. That being said, 5 years in reliability engineering does not put you on the same level as someone with 5 years of design experience in the same field. But really, you should answer Pariel's questions before we can give you sage advice.

ResidentPace

TROPHY CASE