Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Photolithography
THE CHALLENGE:
Planned and executed an 18-combination factorial experiment to evaluate non-contact cleaning parameters and develop updated process guidelines for four material types.
Non-contact cleaning requires process settings that are appropriate for the material being handled. The project needed a structured way to evaluate multiple operating variables and translate the findings into practical manufacturing guidance.Â
THE SOLUTION:
I planned and executed a factorial design of experiments varying gas pressure, nozzle angle, and nozzle-to-surface distance across 18 parameter combinations. The structured experiment provided a consistent basis for comparing the selected conditions rather than relying on isolated process adjustments.
I evaluated the experimental findings and used them to update cleaning guidelines for four material types. The work combined experiment planning, hands-on execution, interpretation of results, and technical documentation to connect the study with manufacturing use.
The project required balancing the scope of the experiment with the need for actionable guidance. Organizing the work around defined factors and parameter combinations helped maintain a clear connection between the experimental questions and the resulting recommendations.
RESULTS + NEXT STEPS:
The project produced updated cleaning guidelines with projected savings of $127,000 over five years. This figure represents an anticipated financial benefit, rather than realized savings at the time of the project.
The experience strengthened my ability to structure an engineering experiment, evaluate process variables, and translate experimental findings into manufacturing recommendations.