Kent Stainless Co-Op: Month 1

When I first got my Interview for Kent Stainless I was excited. I did my research into the company in preparation and my interest grew, a worldwide designer, fabricator and supplier of a multitude of stainless steel products. One of which I used to drive past every day on my way to work in Carlow.

The castle is a 6-meter high, 3D grid made from Grade 316L Stainless Steel box Section.

It is finished to a Shot Peened finish as the Architect required a non-reflective finish. The castle was designed to proportionally suggest the robust form of a square Norman tower and was inspired by Carlow Castle which is located nearby.

I also put together a mock brochure of one of my previous projects and made it in the same style as brochures found on Kent website (this was outlined as one of the tasks an intern would undertake if they were accepted). This just helped me show my capabilities and having some work to offer an interviewer is always a plus.

After a successful interview and acceptance it wasn't long before I found myself on my way to Wexford. I was looking forward to a new working environment. I was given a detailed tour of the Fabrication warehouse that the offices are adjacent to. The warehouse reminded me of my time making furniture except instead of a spinning OSB table there is a large crane system on the ceiling to help maneuver steel sheets for welding, but it was the same dynamic (marking cutting assembling). albeit on a much larger scale.

After the tour and an outlining of ground rules and the daily running's of the place. I was set up at my own desk in the engineers section. a large office space with over 25 people working on various projects.

After this settling in stage I started to work.

A better view of the two posters/brochures I put together in my own style.

For The above slide of rendering process using drain as an example, I outlined it in the Kent brochure style again.

Concept page in style of Kent brochure.

My work with the concept development of the public realm project in cork has to be my favorite thing to of done so far, the day flew even quicker than usual. Don't get me wrong I find the solid works modelling and photo editing interesting as well its constant thinking and problem solving. However, The bespoke aspect of designing something unique and contributing towards a larger project that will come into fruition, be manufactured and installed in Ireland is more appealing.

I hope to do an individual blog or project following this product to its final phase. .

The following slides are some tools or options in Solidoworks that I either hadn't used frequently or were completely new to me and I thought was useful.

The main thing that caught my attention with Kent Stainless was its bespoke design aspect.

Kent stainless works closely with clients for unique, specific and in some cases one of a kind products and designs. This is what first drew me to the world of product design. To create something for people that's specific to the individual and there needs and wants. Adds a sense of identity and character to a project.

The work environment here is something completely new to me, one thing that surprised me was at 5;00 o'clock the designated end to the day of work in the engineering department, you wouldn't think it was the end to the day. no one rushes out the door, the majority takes a moment to finish up what they're working on. My previous experience with minimum wage jobs most people I worked with acted on a strict there for the set amount of time and not a minute more mindset. and I don't blame them at all I was the same in some situations.

some people live by a "minimum wage, Minimum effort" outlook and in some scenarios id have to agree but you cant hope to succeed in an industry doing the bare minimum.

This new environment of work however individuals are in a stable career path one might say. they have projects there names are attached too and deadlines to meet. just something I noticed quickly after starting here.

There is also a healthy relationship between floor and office staff, the Mick Odriscoll Memorial Cup a soccer match between the floor and office is held annually in memory of a previous Kent stainless worker. Not only that but its common for engineers to be down on the floor with fabricators making sure there's no issues, and vice versa its common to see welders up in the office with the engineers of there project, working out problems. The canteen which also has also has darts and ring boards is shared by office and floor staff alike.

Anecdotal interaction between Engineer and Fabricator (2.2.22)

A senior welder arrived upstairs at the office with a sliding spring bolt mechanism in hand used for the closing of heavy duty doors, however there was an issue, it was galvanized steel and not the standard 316 stainless steel used in most Kent products. The product this bolt would be apart of was all 316 stainless steal, and this galvanized would rust when exposed to harsh elements and compromise the 316 stainless steel as well. In this products case it would be in a seaside area and be exposed outside. The engineers and welder talked together and assessed various options and solutions.

Interesting to see two individuals experienced in two different fields of life yet working together to get a solution to an issue.

Overall great experience so far. learning new things every day. everyone in work is friendly and happy to help if I have a question to ask. I'm looking forward to using the experience I gain here in fourth year. I also recognize and appreciate the opportunity I have here. Some fellow coursemates are unhappy with aspects of there co-op not being design related. and I can understand there frustration, Placement is a good opportunity to develop skills for fourth year and set a foundation of good habits for your future. I for one welcome the change from college living to that of fulltime employment at least for the time being. I know this situation isn't permanent so ill try and make the most of it.

Hope to continue documenting my co-op work/experience on a monthly basis and then put together a final recap in the form of a project on my main website.