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Students from South Eastern Regional College's Lisburn campus have devised a solution which has helped local SME improve its manufacturing processes and they expect to see great results.
The duo of enthusiastic Manufacturing Engineering students from Lisburn, Ruairi Dillon and Rhys Highan, worked on the project as part of their Extended Diploma course, supported by SERC Industrial Development Engineer Brendan Merrigan and have been receiving specialist one-to-one coaching from Clarehill Plastics Design Engineer Jonathan Campbell.
Clarehill Plastics presented their challenge to the students and, following a number of meetings with senior management, together developed a suitable solution. The challenge was for the students to design and manufacture a bespoke oil tank overfill prevention device and an innovative infrared sensor.
The innovative system, designed as part of an efficiency initiative, allows operators to efficiently detect when an oil tank has reached capacity; dramatically reducing the risk of overflow and oil spillage.
Engineering student Ruairi Dillon who worked on the project explains,
"It was great to get the opportunity to work with a local company and get hands on experience. I got the opportunity to work on a live industry project from concept through to completion. The whole project was a fantastic experience and will look great on my CV."
Initial feedback from the clients have been very positive and with modifications may make it to market. Jonathan Campbell, Clarehill Plastics Design Engineer explains:
"The need for efficient manufacturing techniques is vital to our company’s reputation and is a strong source of competitive advantage. We are delighted to have an educational partnership with SERC. We recognise that these students are the industry’s future workforce and so we are committed to supporting their educational development. The skills and knowledge they have gained from participating on the projects will stand them in good stead for a career in the highly demanding manufacturing industry. I would encourage other local companies to talk to their local college when they’re looking to build their team and develop its products."
