The Detroit-Windsor Chapter of the American Foundry Society (AFS) took a Western Michigan University field trip last week to explore the Parkview Campus, to present a scholarship, and to meet college administrators, faculty, alumni, and students.
Dr. Sam Ramrattan hosted “Opportunities in Metal Casting at WMU” for 27 AFS members from Eastern Michigan University, Saline High School, Ford Motor Co., Daimler Chrysler, AC Tech, Nemak Corporation, TRW, Ashland Foundry Solutions, and Hayes-Lemmerz Corporation.
Coordinating the trip was James McPherson, director AFS, Detroit-Windsor Chapter and supervisor of technical specialists - casting and forging at FORD Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering.
Ramrattan explained the objectives and courses, the work of the casting advisory board, the role of organizations in the program, and the skill and knowledge expectations of the students. “Metal casting remains strong as an engineering technology curriculum at Western,” he said.
CEAS Dean Tim Greene reviewed facts and statistics about WMU with emphasis on the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
James McPherson
and the new Parkview Campus. He also identified WMU’s standing in a number of national studies. “We’re one of top universities in the US,” he said.
CEAS dean Dr. Tim Greene and IME’s Dr. Sam Ramrattan (l-r, front row) with guests from AFS, Detroit-Windsor Chapter
IME Chair Paul Engelmann examined technological change and the increased cooperation between industry and education to improve curricula and to enhance it with internships, co-ops, and project assistance. “Our university has a long history of shaping metal and of working with industry,” he said.
Reviewing recent IME research projects related to metal casting were Dr. Mitchel Keil, “Optical Metrology,” Dr. Pavel Ikonomov, “Large-Scale Prototypes,” and Dr. Tycho Fredericks, “Foundry Ergonomics.”
Charles Grech (left) presents Past Chair Scholarship to Scott Seckel. On the right is Dr. Sam Ramrattan
Scott Seckel, a senior in the manufacturing engineering technology program, was presented with the AFS, Detroit-Windsor Chapter’s “Past Chair Scholarship.” Charles Grech, Chief Engineer, Nemak Corporation, presented Seckel with a $1,500 check.
IME graduates Ryan Schwark, Kevin King, and Phil Skrzypek presented their senior design project, “Distortion, Degradation Losses, and Collapsibility of Sand Binder Systems.”
Recent IME graduates Ryan Schwark, Kevin King, and Phil Skrzypek (l to r) present their senior design project, “Distortion, Degradation Losses, and Collapsibility of Sand Binder Systems.”
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