I worked at the General Electric Healthcare Cardiff site for my work placement. It consisted of a manufacturing site producing a range of products, including rapid DNA test kits for global police forces, lab filtration products and high purity PTFE membrane filters called PM2.5 for air monitoring. I was exposed to a wide range of technical tasks including:

• Improving quality control on the PM2.5 filter line using a COGNEX vision system; where I spent time understanding the implications of varying backlight and materials on the output of the camera. I made changes or improved aspects of the line and wrote documents to improve operation which all aided overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
• 3D printing prototypes using CAD software; utilising various resins and metals depending on the application.
• Coding universal Robots; which play a big role in automated/semi-automated processes which require high levels of accuracy and repetitive motion. These robots can increase productivity and help solve challenges, such as labour shortages.
• Designing a new manufacturing line segment as part of a cost-out project; bringing a carbon capsule filling process for a type of Whatman™ filter, which was previously outsourced, in house to save cost. This involved organising and running on-site supplier visits, liaising with engineering sales teams, utilising assembly line design principles from Six Sigma and developing in depth knowledge of the product and process.

In most of these areas I had minimal experience, however, I took interest and applied myself enabling me to obtain transferable skills. Having worked in the manufacturing and the research and development department, I gained valuable experience in labs and ‘cleanroom’ environments, teaching me the importance of safe-working and risk management. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on challenging projects while at university and on placement.