Joe Drew – Summer Internship 2024:
As my internship at Subco Engineering draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on an incredibly enriching experience that has profoundly shaped my skills and understanding of the engineering field. Over the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside two great engineers on live projects. This has allowed me to apply and expand my knowledge in key areas such as mechanical design, structural analysis, standardised calculations, and technical drawings. These hands-on experiences, coupled with targeted learning sessions delivered by the company’s co-founders Martin and Richard, have provided me with a well-rounded exposure to both the technical and practical aspects of engineering.
Hands-On Learning in Mechanical Design
One of the core areas I’ve delved into during my internship is mechanical design. One of the UKs largest ports required a self-powered piece of handling equipment, to reduce vessel standby time and improve operational efficiency. I was able to participate in the entire design process, from initial concept sketches to the final detailed designs where the famously named ‘world’s biggest single unit self-powered fully portable beam bundle flipper’ came to fruition… subtle brag I know. From this, I gained a deep appreciation for the intricacies involved in creating robust, efficient, and most importantly, manufacturable designs. Notably, this rolling experience meant that as I developed more and more components for the project, I naturally took these intricacies into account. The opportunity to engage with this side of engineering has not only honed my technical skills but also taught me the importance of precision and thoroughness in design work.
Exploring Hydraulic Cylinder Design
Hydraulic cylinders were a critical aspect of the beam flipper’s success where I had the chance to plan a design in depth. I was involved in leading the design requirements, which included positioning hydraulic cylinders and defining system specifications based on standardised calculations. This was particularly valuable as it provided me with the experience in overcoming challenges involved in creating systems that perform flawlessly in demanding environments. In fact, this was my first task at Subco and being “thrown in the deep end” with it was a great way to start (despite in reality not being able to swim), giving me the confidence to tackle complex engineering problems.
Mastering Standardised Calculations
In equal standing to mechanical design, standard calculations were another core aspect. What started as a single task quickly grew into a series of calculations, thanks to my enjoyable experience with MathCAD. I became more proficient in using it for mathematical modelling and analysis, applying my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. The one I’m most proud of is involving of rotating coordinates which was utilised numerous times. These templates were instrumental in developing the live project and will undoubtedly benefit future projects at Subco.
Targeted Learning Sessions: Software and Beyond
Targeted learning sessions by Martin and Richard were also a highlight. These sessions were instrumental in advancing my engineering skills, particularly in the use of key software tools:
Session 1: Autodesk Inventor:
The sessions on Inventor were particularly transformative. I learned advanced techniques in master sketching, iLogic, and parametric designing, which have significantly enhanced my ability to create complex and adaptable designs and my confidence in doing so. The focus on mastering Inventor has provided me with a powerful toolset that I’m excited to apply in future projects
Session 2: ANSYS Workbench:
The deeper dive into ANSYS FEA opened my eyes to the immense potential of simulation in engineering. I gained a more profound understanding of how to leverage this software for structural analysis, allowing me to predict and optimise the performance of designs before they are physically built, illustrating any design flaws
Session 3: MathCAD
Familiarising myself with MathCAD was another key aspect of my learning journey. Although my experience with MathCAD is still in its early stages, the foundational skills I’ve acquired have set me on the path to becoming proficient in this versatile tool for mathematical modelling and analysis. It’s something I will happily take into university with me and in my life going forwards.
Session 4: Design for Manufacture:
Understanding design considerations for fabrication, machining, and tolerancing was crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical application. These sessions emphasised the importance of designing with manufacturing constraints in mind, ensuring that the final product is not only functional but also cost-effective and easy to produce.
Session 5: Project Management:
Learning about project management, particularly the use of Gantt Charts to clearly layout a project timeline, provided me with valuable insights into the planning and execution of engineering projects. This knowledge has equipped me with the skills to better manage time, resources, and tasks in a structured and efficient manner.
LOOKING AHEAD…
My time at Subco Engineering has been nothing short of transformative. The practical experience, combined with the targeted learning sessions, has significantly expanded my knowledge and skills, preparing me for the next steps in my engineering career. I’m incredibly grateful to Martin and Richard for their guidance, support, and the invaluable opportunity to learn and grow in such a unique and flexible environment for an engineering company. Everything I’ve learnt and achieved wouldn’t have been possible without their guidance and deep industrial knowledge. As I move forward, I’m excited to apply the lessons and skills I’ve gained to future challenges, namely my fourth and last year at university, and I’m confident that the experience I’ve had here will serve as a solid foundation for my professional journey. Equally so, I look forward to watching the growth of the company and hopefully a lot of success for it.
Thank you Subco Engineering, for an unforgettable internship experience!
Joe
Newcastle University,
