Next-Generation Mechatronic Technicians at GEDORE
20 May 2008
Over a period of six weeks, instead of attending the Essen-West Technical College, Christian Barbieri, Sebastian Herr and Tobias Pallmann made a daily journey to the GEDORE tool works in Remscheid-Lüttringhausen. The reason for their change of destination was the six weeks final industrial placement they were required to complete before taking their final theory examination for mechatronics technician.
The three trainees had submitted their application to GEDORE in 2007. “An important reason for our choosing the company was that it enabled us to gain a wider insight into the internal technical and commercial procedures,” Sebastian Herr said. “Here at GEDORE, there was always someone for us to discuss our problems with, whenever we needed support, yet we were left with sufficient scope to develop our own ideas.”
The project theme was drawn up by the three trainees, together with Stefan de Groote, manager of the GEDORE tool works. “The theme focused on the automation of manufacture of cross dividers for drawers in GEDORE mobile tool cabinets and workbenches,” de Groote explained. Previously, the metal sheets for these had to be placed manually in the eccentric presses, where they were stamped out. The challenge of the project was to design a machine that would carry out this in a fully automated process.
The three trainees have known each other since the start of their training as mechatronic technicians in 2001. They make up a well-drilled team. To master the project, they each had clearly defined task areas, with Barbieri responsible for producing circuit diagrams and the entire electrical installation, Herr handling the technical drawings and design, while Pallmann took on the task of calculations and documentation of the work – essentially making him the linchpin of the team.
The project concluded with the presentation in the vocational college. Despite some apprehension, Pallmann and Herr were in command of the situation and gave a brilliant presentation of their project. “The presentation of the project was another difficult task, but once it’s been given, you are pleased that you have finally completed it!”
GEDORE wishes the team every success!
