Reflection:

In PKSC 4010, also known as Packaging Machinery, this course discussed the systematic study of the various types of machinery used to form, fill, seal, and handle various packaging products and packaging materials. Specifically, this packaging class emphasized the basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components of packaging machinery. A major part of this course was discussing the differing methods for machine line optimization and layout. Not only was machine line optimization a major discussion in the class, it was also a project in the class where each student was assigned a random product and had to create a full packaging machinery line around it and have it meet a certain containers per minute (CPM). As you can see on the right, for my project I was assigned ketchup that was filled in plastic bottles. This course was another one that required some extra effort and studying. It was in this course where I learned about the vast array of packaging machinery out there and how certain products required very specific machinery just for that one product. This class required the extra effort when it came to completing the packaging line project. For this project, it required us to scour the web and look for the appropriate machinery for our assigned product. It was through this project where I really learned how much prep and planning is required when going into creating a packaging line. Right after I completed this course, I started working at my Co-Op where I got to see some the very same practices and machines we had previously discussed. To me, this was a very exciting experience as once again I was able to see and understand in person what I had learned in the classroom.