New Age manufacturing processes underscore a commitment to energy-efficient designs and waste management, thus aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.
Sakthivel Balaji, our next pathbreaker, works as Development Engineer at Suzuki Garphyttan (Sweden), which is one of the largest manufacturers of steel spring wire and sustainable steel wire products.
Sakthivel talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his experiences as a Monocoque Engineer in Lund Formula Student, where he worked on the structural equivalency and simulations in the monocoque sub-team, overseeing the design and manufacturing of critical components for the Formula Student Vehicle LFS-22.
For students, if your aspirations revolve around the manufacturing sector, you should learn to get your hands dirty with core industry experience!
Sakthivel, tell us what were your initial years like?
Growing up in Chennai, India, I immersed myself in problem-solving through puzzles and riddles. While progressing in cricket and representing my school team, I observed my father’s entrepreneurial endeavors in a medium-scale business in Chennai, which influenced my pragmatic outlook. Although initially drawn to the medical field, my curiosity for Physics and Math shifted my focus towards engineering.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
Choosing Mechanical Engineering at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering exposed me to a multifaceted curriculum covering Design, Material Science, and Manufacturing. This comprehensive understanding led me to pursue a Master’s in Production and Materials Engineering at Lund University, Sweden, attracted by the program’s global reputation.
What were some of the drivers that influenced you to pursue such an offbeat, unconventional and unique career?
Active involvement in clubs during my undergraduate years, particularly leading a 30-member team in constructing a go-kart, fueled my passion for product development and process design. Internships during semester breaks in manufacturing sectors provided hands-on experience and solidified my decision to pursue a master’s program in Sweden, where the integration of material science and production engineering resonated with my career aspirations.
Tell us about your career path
Recognizing my preference for practical lessons during my second year of BTech, I strategically sought internships in manufacturing plants in Chennai, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. These experiences, including roles in Khivraj Motors and Integral Coach Factory, further deepened my interest in research and development.
Securing a position in the Lund Formula Student as a monocoque designer during my master’s program marked a pivotal moment. Beyond offering exposure to structural equivalency simulations, this role provided valuable insights into international collaboration and project management, shaping my professional trajectory. As the Monocoque Designer, I took responsibility for the structural equivalency and simulations of the monocoque sub-team. Utilizing SolidWorks and PTC Creo, I contributed to the design and manufacturing of various components.
During my Master’s thesis, titled “A Comparative Study on Hole Quality Criteria in CFRP Drilling”, I worked closely with composites. The study involved detailed analysis of delamination effects of the drilling process in CFRP, utilizing CNC milling machines and various measurement tools in correlating tool wear with hole quality aspects during CFRP drilling.
How did you get your first break?
My 1st breakthrough in my career was when I led a Karting team in the Go-karting championship. We, a team of 25 members, established a strong foundation in our college by opening the Go-kart club. We designed and fabricated a Go-kart vehicle and participated in two seasons held by Bharat Formula Karting Championship in Coimbatore. During our first season, due to technical difficulties in engine and steering , we couldn’t enter the endurance round. As it’s a part of our career, we took that as a first step toward success, came back with a better vehicle in all aspects, cleared the endurance round, and bagged a good place in the top 25 national level championship.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenges Faced: Financial constraints during my master’s program, the necessity to learn Swedish, and the quest for substantial work experience posed formidable challenges. To overcome these hurdles, I meticulously researched potential obstacles and formulated proactive strategies.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
After graduation, my entry into the global trainee program at Suzuki Garphyttan, Sweden, presented unparalleled opportunities. As a development engineer in the Global R&D team, my responsibilities span extensive collaboration, feasibility studies, and trials within the steel wire industry. Suzuki Garphyttan AB is one of the largest steel spring wire manufacturers. My background in material science and production engineering aligns very well with the development projects we undertake in Suzuki Garphyttan AB.
How does your work benefit society?
Working in R&D at Suzuki Garphyttan, my contributions extend to the development of sustainable steel wire products. My involvement in process development underscores a commitment to energy-efficient designs and waste management, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.
Any memorable projects you worked on?
One project that stands out involved spearheading the development of a cutting-edge steel wire product tailored for a new-age application. This experience not only showcased the impact of innovation on industry advancements but also highlighted the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Advice to Students?
Beyond academic coursework, I encourage students to explore a myriad of opportunities within their university. Identifying genuine interests and strategically building a resume that aligns with career goals is pivotal. Each intentional step taken contributes significantly to the realization of one’s career aspirations.
Future Plans:
Looking ahead, my aspirations revolve around gaining more hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector and deepening my involvement in research and development. The ultimate goal is to evolve into an industry expert, contributing meaningfully to advancements in the field.