Internship assignment – R&D – Optimization of energy efficiency

The R&D Apexing and Compound testing (ACT) department consists of 4 Mechanical Engineers, 1 Electrical Engineer, 5 Control Engineers, 1 Release Engineer, a Technical Project Leader and the Manager R&D Apexing and Compound testing.

The ACT product group is responsible for the management and further development of Bead Apex machines for the tire manufacturing industry. Additionally, a number of Compound test machines are also part of the portfolio. They also support other departments such as Sales and Production, and collaborate with other R&D departments on projects.

VMI is looking for a Mechanical Engineering student who, during his/her graduation period, will investigate improving energy efficiency of heating-cooling system of the machine. In several VMI machines, the rubber is treated with heating and cooling cycles.

During operation, the apex strip is supplied from a pin type extruder, transported over a shrinkage conveyor, a cooling unit and a festoon towards the apex handling and assembly system.

The heating and cooling of the apex (rubber) occurs in an area of approximately 2 meters within the machine. This is an energy-intensive process step.

You will improve the energy efficiency of heating and cooling process steps by 30%. You will work on the following tasks:

•  Making a theoretical model of the energy consumption of the heating and cooling process steps;
• The modeling will be the basis of an brainstorm and/or investigation to determine possible energy saving measures;
• Designing a measurement system with temperature sensors and recording software for the heating and cooling process steps;
• Measurements of base line (=current) energy consumption to confirm the theoretical model and affirm the theoretical energy saving measures;
• Proposal for further investigation and/or energy saving measures.

• You are a last year bachelor student or a master student in Mechanical Engineering or similar;
• You are good at stakeholder management; You are proactive, solution-oriented and analytical.
• You are looking for an internship of 32 to 40 hours per week. For this internship, it is possible to work partly from home.
• Understanding of rubber processing.

We give you the opportunity to join an open and friendly team for six months. You will have the opportunity to carry out challenging research in which you can add real value to the organization. For this internship you will receive an internship allowance that you can expect from a leading company and a travel allowance.

In addition to our own internship program, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Master Class at Perron038.

These Masterclasses are organized each time by different companies and relate to soft skills, but can for example also be about LinkedIn, project management and job application tips.

VMI is one of the partners at innovation center Perron038 in Zwolle. Various technical companies work together here in the field of Technology and they share knowledge and experiences with each other in an inspiring environment. At the training sessions & Tuesday afternoon drinks at Perron038 you will also meet students from the other companies in the region. Want to know more about Perron038? Read more

With your internship at our company, you make a valuable contribution to our organization. Your input and ideas help us achieve our goals and improve our services.

As an intern, you will bring:

• A fresh perspective and new ideas that help us improve our processes;
• An opportunity to inspire and motivate our employees with your enthusiasm and energy;
• A change to enrich our culture and values with your unique perspective.

Interested?

Have you become interested and do you think you are the student we are looking for?

Then apply immediately!

A screening test may be part of the application procedure.