Methods Machine Tools sponsors Wentworth Institute capstone project

Methods Machine Tools Inc., Sudbury, Mass., a supplier of precision machine tools, automation, and accessories, has sponsored a senior year capstone project for several fifth-year electromechanical engineering students from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston. The project involved researching and designing a new type of infeed system for potential use in future Methods’ automated cell projects.

The students presented the design to the company, and a winner was chosen at Wentworth on Dec. 15, 2014. The students are currently working on building their project this semester and plan to have the prototype completed by April 2015.

“Methods National Applications Manager Jim VanBuskirk and I sit on an Industrial Professional Advisory Committee (IPAC) for Wentworth’s interdisciplinary engineering program. It was at one of these IPAC meetings that we learned about the students’ need to work on a ‘real’ industry application for their capstone project,” said Methods Mechanical Engineer Brittany Speroni. “We thought the infeed system would be an excellent project for the engineering students and were glad to sponsor the project.”

Speroni and Methods Electrical Engineer Guy Parenteau visited Wentworth to present students with the specifications for a new infeed system. Three groups of three to four students each decided to choose the company for their senior capstone project. The students then visited the firm for a facility tour and an overview of its technology capabilities. They also received details on the type of infeed solution the company was seeking.

The groups spent one semester working on their designs and then presented their ideas to Methods Automation Manager John Lucier, VanBuskirk, and other automation and electrical engineers. After the presentations, the company had the students write up evaluations of each group, deciding who they felt did the best job. Company management then reviewed the projects and selected a winner. Both the company and the students chose the same group.