Based in Peosta, Mi-T-M Corporation specializes in industrial equipment, including pressure washers, air compressors, and generators. Many parts go through a deburring process, which can cause production bottlenecks.
Mi-T-M was considering purchasing an automatic deburring machine but needed assurance that it was the right financial move. They also wanted to know if it would help the company achieve a goal of increasing throughput on the laser bed by 70 percent.
A feasibility study like this takes time that busy manufacturing operations don’t always have. Mi-T-M opted to conduct a capstone project with Iowa State University College of Engineering students majoring in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering (IMSE). CIRAS often recommends this approach to clients seeking solutions for problems that need attention but aren’t the limiting factor in day-to-day production.
“These are not typically what we would call mission-critical projects. What’s important is that the project addresses a company’s need and benefits the company. In addition, projects like this enable student groups to apply their skills and experience the satisfaction that comes from a successful project,” said Mayra Ramirez, CIRAS project manager. “You’re looking for a good fit, and in the case of Mi-T-M, it was perfect for a capstone project.”
The students made site visits and used video recordings to observe laser-bed workflow. Mi-T-M also provided the students with performance metrics, including the time it takes to unload and cut parts. The student team analyzed several aspects of the laser-bed process and developed a process flow diagram to better visualize the movement and handling of materials within the facility.
They also met with vendors of automated deburring devices, including one that produced a model that Mi-T-M was already considering.
Based on their analysis, the students concluded that adding an automated deburring machine would boost throughput by 79 percent, exceeding the 70 percent target. The students also determined that a positive return on investment would result because the device would increase production without requiring additional staffing. Mi-T-M acted on the students’ recommendation and is now awaiting delivery of a custom-made automated deburring machine.
“Our collaboration with Iowa State students provided valuable insights that confirmed the benefits of investing in an automatic deburring machine,” said Dennis Hoffman, director of fabrication at Mi-T-M. “Their work will help improve efficiency in our laser-bed area, and we’re excited to implement their recommendations.”
For more information, contact Mayra Ramirez at ramirezm@iastate.edu or 515-520-3101.
College of Engineering students are required to complete a capstone project during their senior year. The goal of these projects is for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world project. The projects typically last one or two semesters and culminate in a full presentation to the client company by the capstone student group. The IMSE team completed the Mi-T-M project in early 2024.
Capstone Request Form: Complete this form to match your project with the most suitable academic department by sharing its goals, focus, and needs.