All in Engineer

STEM Outreach - How I Built a Device for STEM Education

STEM Outreach - How I Built a Device for STEM Education

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
Additive Manufacturing, Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Solidworks

During my time operating the Machining Blog business, I have visited a few schools. I noticed one thing that was the same about their programs, and that was their 3D printers were just used to produce trinkets and not mechanical parts. I decided to create a project that could create many learning opportunities from it, and that project was to design and build a mechanical clock. The clock that I designed was based on a mechanical watch design, but I scaled the part size up by six times their actual size. I started the project by reading books on watch design and by taking apart watch movements. I learned along the way and then started designing watch movement parts in Solidworks CAD software. I then purchased a small 3D printer and started printing the parts. Once the gears started to mesh properly, I built a few prototypes along the way. With all my time that I invested in the project, it probably amounted to a couple thousand hours. The result was a clock that is pretty accurate for being printed, not machined.

17 Reasons to Upgrade Your Shop Floor to Paperless Manufacturing

17 Reasons to Upgrade Your Shop Floor to Paperless Manufacturing

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Professional Engineer

When people hear the term "paperless," they typically associate the elimination of this office resource as an act that helps the environment. And while this is true, adopting a paperless manufacturing solution can do so much more. In addition to promoting a more sustainable business, going paperless can decrease operating costs, enhance productivity and help a shop floor work smarter (and not necessarily harder).

Print at the Point of Need: How 3D Printing Reduces Reliance on Outsourced Manufacturing Aid Components

Print at the Point of Need: How 3D Printing Reduces Reliance on Outsourced Manufacturing Aid Components

GSC
Additive Manufacturing, Engineer, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Professional Engineer

In the realm of manufacturing, the production process often relies on various aids such as jigs, fixtures, and specialized tools to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and quality. Traditionally, manufacturers would outsource the production of these components, which could be costly, time-consuming, and limit flexibility. However, with the emergence of 3D printing technology, manufacturers now have the ability to reduce their reliance on outsourced manufacturing aid components.  

Eight Considerations That Will Assist in Fixing the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

Eight Considerations That Will Assist in Fixing the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Worker Shortage

With my study into the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers that spanned five years, I discovered a few things along the way. The observations started in 2015 by investigating ways to spark interest in manufacturing careers. I published a 4-page article on my career, and it was promoted by three manufacturing magazines. I also assisted my local youth apprentice program by creating a testimonial video for them. I participated in a career fair and only 1% of the students were engaged in manufacturing. I then decided to observe the industry.

A Classroom Making Parts for a Miniature Steam Engine

A Classroom Making Parts for a Miniature Steam Engine

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Technical Education

A ¼ scale locomotive named the Beef River Flyer operated in Strum Wisconsin from the mid 1960’s to the mid 1970’s. The eight-horsepower locomotive could pull up to 22 tons on a level track. It had four cars, with a maximum of 30 people riding in the cars. It was an attraction that drew in hundreds of riders per year.

Explore and Learn About a Manufacturing Engineering Career Path

Explore and Learn About a Manufacturing Engineering Career Path

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Manufacturing

Do You Have the Important Qualities for a Career as a Manufacturing Engineer?

  • Do you have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills?

  • Do you excel at math?

  • Do you have excellent communication skills?

If so, consider a career as a Manufacturing Engineer

What Skills Should a Manufacturing Engineer Have?

  • Mathematical Skills -Use trigonometry functions and calculus for troubleshooting and analysis

  • Communication Skills - Write documents and explain issues clearly. Must fully understand ideas while listening and working in a team

  • Mechanical / Technical Skills - Must be able understand how manufacturing devices operate and understand the optimization of computer networks for manufacturing processes

The manufacturing engineers job is to focus on the automated aspects involved in the manufacturing process. They design and optimize manufacturing systems and are also involved with process flow and other aspects of production.