Interview with Joris, intern at our engineering department

“I always explain my assignment by comparing the 3D models with a LEGO construction” Joris says. “These structures include a lot of different building blocks, but anyone can put it together. The key to setting up our 3D building blocks was to simplify our existing 3D models so our sales and engineering team could quickly create a model that is technically correct and looks realistic. The new 3D models work with so-called ‘shells’, 3D models that look like the real deal, but are stripped from all unnecessary or invisible items. Therefore they do not include all screws and bolts to keep the drawings smooth and fast.

Our systems exist from different sections, for example a split tray sorter always has a head, middle sections, curves and a tail. These sections include different subassemblies like a frame, chutes, trays, etc. These vary per layout and have an impact on the final design. By adding ‘connectors’ to the different sections of our machines, colleagues can assemble the system by clicking and dragging. The connectors make sure the sections interlock in the right place.”

Even though the end of his internship is in sight, he can’t put his feet up just yet. “I started out with converting one sorter model to a workable 3D model, but it soon became clear that I could work out a second model as well. In addition, I found that our sales team requires 2D drawings as well. They often receive .dwg files from customers with the building layout in which the sorter can be placed to show it fits in the given space. This is something I’m still trying to finish in time, so Equinox has something they can really put to use at the end of my internship.”

A well considered choice

Joris is quite pleased with his experiences during his internship: “I selected Equinox MHE for my internship based on a few criteria. At our university we have a database with companies that offer internships. I started out with a long list of companies that were not too large, because I wanted some freedom and flexibility in my assignment and believe that I could make a bigger impact for a small or medium sized company. The second important indicator was the product portfolio. The company had to create products I thought were interesting! I then filtered out the companies that were far from home or hard to reach with public transport. After this harsh selection process I visited a few companies for an interview and immediately liked the atmosphere at Equinox. It is a very open and flexible company and my colleagues are helpful and always take the time to answer any questions.

"You get a lot of freedom to carry out your tasks, which also includes a lot of responsibilities."

Independent internship

You do need to be independent when working here. You get a lot of freedom to carry out your tasks, which also includes a lot of responsibilities. I thought this was a great advantage, but I can imagine if this is your first internship, this might feel like a large responsibility. It was comforting to know that whenever I needed help, I just needed to ask for it.

After some weeks of working on the drawings I got the chance to see one of the systems in action at a customer in the United Kingdom. I was invited to join a colleague and visit a customer while they were carrying out the acceptance test. Even though I knew the drawings by heart by that time, it was very impressive to see the machine in real life!”

Joris is busy with the final stages of his internship. We hope he enjoyed his time with us and wish him the best of luck with his studies.