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INTERN Spotlight


“Slade’s strong work ethic, enthusiasm, quest for knowledge and understanding served him well throughout his Internship. He has already developed a solid foundation within the ‘soft skills’ area and used them effectively during interactions at all levels within our organization.” – Lloyd K Barss, Pine Tree Castings


SLADE NORDIC Pine Tree Castings


T


his past summer I had the privilege of working for Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. in the investment casting


division at Pine Tree Castings. I had an incredible experience and learned some great lessons that will definitely benefit me throughout my career. My main project was to better


define the process control variables that effect mold drying and their dryness throughout the final dry processes at Ruger. At Ruger, they use two different final dry methods including the tried and true 48 hour final dry, as well as a newer desiccant drying process. The desiccant drying process submerges the molds into desiccant within a tank that is able to pull a vacuum. The desiccant soaks up water vapor like a sponge and water moisture turns to vapor when subjected to a vacuum. Thus, when the molds are subjected to vacuum pressure, the desiccant essentially sucks out the moisture left in the mold and dries it completely in an hour. During my internship I conducted


several experiments and collected data related to both of the final dry processes. Throughout the experiments, I tested several different variables including: temperature, humidity, airflow, desiccant moisture, vacuum time, size/shape of


28 ❘ December 2019 ®


part features and final mold geometry. Once the data was collected through experimentation, I was able to analyze the data and better understand how each variable effected mold dryness. Through the first couple experiments, keeping the drying temperature consistent will help avoid expansion and contraction of the wax which can lead to tensile, compressive and hoop stresses on the shell. Low humidity is desired to not only to help the molds dry faster but also to avoid any absorption of moisture by the mold as it nears drying completion. Airflow is very important to help molds dry faster as you force the cold/ wet air (due to evaporative cooling) away from the mold and replace it with warm dry air so the moisture has an exit route from the mold. Vacuum time based experiments yielded slight unfavorable outcomes as an increase in vacuum time from 60 minutes to 90 minutes only increased moisture loss by about 0.2% with respect to mold weight. Another unfavorable outcome resulted from testing part features such as deep holes and slots. These features presented a challenge when subjected to desiccant drying as casting defects such as excess metal started to appear. Further testing is underway to try and understand possible variables that could have caused these issues. On top of my main project, I was also given the opportunity to shadow/assist the other engineers on some of their own projects. As previously mentioned, I learned


many lessons that will no doubt help me during my career in Investment Casting. I learned about the importance of implementing core values of the company into everyday work. Having the integrity to do what is right;


continuously improve the company and yourself while remaining unbiased during several experiments by working towards the main objectives. I learned about respect and the importance of communicating with others to further Engineer and Associate collaboration while treating everyone involved as an equal and valuable team member. I


learned about innovation; asking


questions to fully understand a problem and thinking forward to better explore possible innovative solutions such as meeting with team leaders to brainstorm solutions to improve airflow around the molds. I learned about teamwork and working with other Engineers as well as the manufacturing team to coordinate Just in Time manufacturing. Lastly, I learned a lot about Leadership. For example, I learned how to lead the manufacturing team in coordinating experiments to fit into production so there was no loss in production/inventory while collecting data. As Engineers, we are expected to be problem solvers and take the necessary steps to lead a project and a team to the best possible solution. I enjoyed my experience with Sturm,


Ruger & Co., Inc. and I am very grateful for the lessons I learned, as well as the work experience I accumulated. I look forward to continuing my studies and exploring the Metal Casting Industry as I get closer to choosing a career. Upon graduating with my degree, I plan to seek full time employment with metal casting companies located in or near Texas to be closer to my family. Lastly, I appreciate you all for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and I thank you for supporting students as they prepare themselves to start their careers in the metal casting industry.


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