UPRM Model Factory

SMT Line

Formerly, the Manufacturing Lab, integrates modern equipment, materials, and people into a manufacturing system.  Its mode of operation is through interdisciplinary working teams from several engineering and business disciplines.  This is a coordinated effort between several Engineering Departments.  The goals of these laboratory facilities are to provide the following:

• Practice based experiences dealing with all aspects of an actual manufacturing system.
• A space where local manufacturing industry issues can be studied
• A place where modern production technology and techniques can be studied as they are applied in an integrated manufacturing system
• The opportunity to assist local manufacturers in the development of their production system
• Incubator facilities where products and process can be developed or improved
• Serve as a meeting place where people from several disciplines can meet and learn to work in teams, and get an appreciation of the technical aspects of the other’s area of knowledge

Currently, this laboratory houses a for-profit manufacturing activity and provides students from various engineering disciplines with an exemplary manufacturing experience inside the university, the factory houses a printed circuit assembly line for surface mount components in which production and prototype runs are performed for customers in the electronic sector.  Prior to working in the manufacturing line, students are required to attend a course on Printed Circuit Assembly. While working, students receive pay and credit for their involvement, similar to a COOP experience.  These students are then the ideal candidates to participate in course projects and summer and COOP internship in sector companies.  The sector will nourish from these young but experienced graduates. Part of the charter of the Model Factory is to share process breakthroughs with partners of the electronic sector.  Close to ten companies have contributed to this initiative with special mention of Hewlett Packard and Solectron Corporation.