Simon and Selim have developed a universal soldering station by analysing various commercially available soldering stations and carrying out measurements. They developed and programmed their own circuit to control soldering tips and a desoldering bar. After testing and improving several prototypes, they built the final version in a plastic housing with buttons, potentiometer and display. The soldering station is now being used in vocational training. In an additional vocational training project, Michael has designed desoldering tweezers that can be operated together with the soldering station.
Michael has developed desoldering tweezers to complement the soldering station, which can be used independently or in combination. The housing was designed by Jonas and a 3D printer was used to create a compact, comfortable and stable handle. The desoldering tweezers are operated with just two buttons and their status can be read off using five LEDs. There is a motion sensor in the handle that automatically switches to standby mode if the tweezers lie still on the table for an extended period of time. The biggest challenge of the project was to integrate all the electronics into the handle of the tweezers, but the end result is very handy and easy to use.
In the first step, Felix developed a temperature measurement card for a measurement system for his IPW (individual practical work) so that one can collect data from endurance tests of different devices. The project is part of an expandable measuring system. More cards can be developed to additionally measure e.g. voltages or currents. The basis of this system is the control element called Raspberry Pi (single board computer). Felix has written software for this with the Python programming language, which runs on the Raspberry Pi.
The compressor system at STEINEL Solutions AG has a timer that is adapted to the production operating hours. Previously, the room was accessible so that the compressor could be switched on outside production hours if necessary. Since the room is now locked, our apprentice Simon has developed an electronic system that allows the compressor to be switched on for four hours by means of an SMS.
What our apprentices say about their training at STEINEL Solutions:
This is what our vocational trainers have to say about training at STEINEL Solutions:
Andreas Zehnder, Vocational Instructor Electronics Engineers
«It is a lot of fun to accompany young people for four years and to follow their development and progress. The feeling of being able to realise something with them is incredible. Be it the trainees' own ideas or internal company projects. I enjoy passing on my knowledge and it makes my job as a developer even more varied. I also really appreciate the fact that we train people for the job market and prepare them for their future everyday life. Because as a company of our size, you can't just always look for and hire qualified people, but you should also make a contribution yourself so that these young people come onto the market in the first place.»
André Bisig, Vocational Instructor Design Engineers
«On one hand, I find it great to pass on my own experience to young motivated people. I really enjoy working with apprentices on various projects and it's always an exciting challenge.
On the other hand, it benefits the image and name recognition of STEINEL Solutions. Training the next generation is not only sustainable, it also secures the future of the company.»