Industrial Visit 2006
25th February 2006 - 26th February 2006

The most awaited event of the semester - The Industrial Visit received an enormous response from all the members. Professors from our college,Ms. Suma Bhatt, Ms. Arundhiti Shastri, Mr.Rakesh Solanki  escorted us as we set out on a trip to silvassa the industrial hub. Our journey commenced late afternoon as our eager engineers readied themselves for a long trip to the capital of Dadra Nagar, a union territory adjacent to the border of Gujarat. Two busses comfortably accommodated all the student members. We scrolled through the vast expanses of the region slowly being converted into an industrial zone.

After a few refreshments and diversion from the fast city life we found ourselves slipping into the serenity the place had to offer. Without much delay we arrived at our first destination. United Comfort Private Limited abbreviated a UCPL received us with a warm welcome and directly guided us to the production plant. UCPL is a merger of Voltas and Fedder International, two major air conditioning brands.With summer heats around the corner, it was evident that this outlet was busy   placing these prerequisites in the market. The entire process was briefly elucidated from transforming a sheet of aluminum to placing the components piece by piece completing the entire machine. The authorities iterated us on the strict quality checks that each machine is subjected to ranging from the paint that helps retain the texture under various climatic conditions to the hazardous gas that may leak from the compressors. It was fascinating to see the metal parts amalgamate to a single entity slowly developing into an air conditioner. After an enlightening seminar by their manager, we were offered refreshments and set of once more.

Cobain a major computer dealer was next in store for us.Mercury the company’s subordinate specializes in manufacturing motherboards and complete computer assembly.It was enthralling to learn about the level of precaution taken as we entered the dust free and static free environment.We were explained that our body holds a lot of static charge and any contact with the components would impair the them. The assembly unit was divided into two sections where the components were positioned on the motherboard manually and automatically. We were amazed to see the level of automation used to assemble the boards with precise arrangement. After a series of inspections and quality checks these boards are transferred to be fitted onto the desired place. Next was the manual zone, where components were loaded on manually .Bearing in mind the risk of static electricity the workmen displayed a band around their wrist which were earthed. A conveyer belt slowly passes the band as it gets loaded with components and then passes into on oven where it the components are soldered and cleaned. Fresh batteries are added to breathe new life into the boards and are then subjected to tests ranging from booting to audio video tests and the like.It was prominent that automation had surpassed manual labor to give precise, high end and contemporary products.

At 10.00 pm we were greeted at our lodging. In groups of four our weary bodies could ask no more but the warm welcoming rooms that greeted us. After a sumptuous dinner, fatigued and exhausted our weary travelers retired to sleep. The following morning, with a quick breakfast that strengthened us for the day, we set out on our next site.

Mutual Plastics as the name spells all consults and manufactures plastic parts for cars, tractors and several house hold appliances. Strict safety measures dictated that we could enter in groups of ten as they were dealing with searing material. The production line was a huge structure in which there were separate contraptions for molding different parts. A huge crane like structure scaled the entire building as it transferred molds the size of a dustbin the as big as a car to their designated machinery. Each machine was defined with entrance of raw material from one side which was then heated at various temperatures to give the requisite pattern and space to a particular part .The molten mass was then  injected into the moulds which are then cured and removed to be packed. Our curiosity knew no bounds when we took turns and removed the finished products from the hot mold which spelt danger. After a quick snack we entered their premium showroom which highlighted their customized products. Front bumbers, grills, dashboards and artifacts adorned the walls. It was evident that Mutual Plastics catered to companies that govern the market Tata, Ford, Mahendra and Mahendra to mention a few.

After the heat of melting plastic, we were all in a mood to get some fresh air into our lungs. That’s what our next pit stop had to offer.Dadra gardens situated at an island overlooking the serene lake was more that we could ask for .A relaxing boat ride made us unwind our day’s pressure as we laid back and took in the calm atmosphere .The entrance was graced with a round roofed stacked with hay shed which further led us to a huge park. The students engaged in some recreation while the others snapped a few pictures as remembrance. After munching on snacks we arrived to our respective buses that brought us safely back home sound and safe.

We all returned enlightened and tired, but with a gleam of enthusiasm and satisfaction in our eyes which cannot be dispelled .It was apparent that IEEE-VESIT did its members proud and fueled the urge to make such ventures in future.