Methods Machine Tools Inc., a Sudbury, Mass.-based supplier of machine tools, automation and accessories, sponsored a senior year "capstone" project for several fifth-year electromechanical engineering students from Boston's Wentworth Institute of Technology.
The project involved researching and designing a new type of infeed system for potential use in future Methods automated cell projects. The students presented different designs to Methods and a winner was chosen at Wentworth Dec. 15. The students are currently working on building the capstone project this semester and plan to have the prototype completed by April.
Methods Mechanical Engineer Brittany Speroni and Electrical Engineer Guy Parenteau visited Wentworth to present students with the specifications for a new infeed system. Three groups of students each chose Methods for their projects. The students then visited Methods for a facility tour and an overview of Methods' technology capabilities. They also received details on the type of infeed solution Methods was seeking.
The groups spent one semester working on their designs and then presented their ideas to Jim VanBuskirk, national applications manager for Methods, and other automation and electrical engineers from the company. After the presentations, Methods had the students write up evaluations of each group, deciding who they felt did the best job. Methods management then reviewed the projects and selected a winner. Both Methods and the students chose the same group.
"We are so pleased that our students at Wentworth have had the opportunity to work with Methods," said Wentworth Professor of Electronics Douglas Dow. "Through this capstone sponsorship, the students were able to work on real-world problems and solutions, and gain valuable experience by having the opportunity to apply what they've been learning the past 5 years."
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