"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."- Kofi AnnanEric Kozikowski is a Sr. Manufacturing Systems Integration Engineer at MxD. Before joining MxD, Eric worked as a Graduate Researcher for Purdue University’s Digital Enterprise Center, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Product Lifecycle Management. Eric has seven years of experience in the manufacturing industry, ranging from product design to manufacturing and automation development and hands-on assembly line work. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 2018, focusing on manufacturing engineering and automation systems.
Career, Current PositionSr. Systems Integration Engineer, MxD USA
EducationIllinois State University 2014-2018
Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Technology Minor: Computer Systems Purdue University 2018-2021 Master of Science in Product Lifecycle Management |
Eric Kozikowski - Purdue Digital Enterprise Center
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Purdue University Projects
COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with a highly motivated group to stand up production of required PPE for Indiana Hospitals and First Responders.
My contributions included:
My contributions included:
- Developing a database to log orders, materials, inventory, and shipping.
- This database allowed product traceability incase a material supplier contracted COVID or incase of material defects.
- Repurposed current manufacturing capabilities to manufacture filter housing and ventilator fittings to supplement Indiana's medical equipment supply chain.
- Distribute raw materials and finished goods throughout Purdue’s campus to various labs and research centers participating in the effort.
COVID Response Database Development
Developed and maintained a Purdue wide database to track PPE orders, materials inventory, and shipping. The database was responsible for keeping track of statewide orders from hospitals and clinics, as well as internal orders from within the university. Within the database unique material ID trackers were generated and product serial numbers saved to enable complete product traceability in case a particular raw material supplier contracted COVID. Each product package was marked with a unique barcoded ID number that enabled us to trace back each individual components supplier and batch numbers.
Assembly and Torque Tracking Vision System
Designing and developing a system that will aid in monitoring the assembly process of bolt patterns to ensure proper assembly technique is used and all fasteners are torqued within specifications. The system will guide a user through the proper torque pattern identifying incorrect tools, assembly procedures, and hardware using a vision camera. The camera is used to detect the mechanical fasteners in an assembly and identify the type of fasters used. If an error is detected the assembly process is halted and product is flagged. This project is a collaboration project between the Digital Enterprise Center and its industry partners; Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Cummins, and Textron Aviation.
System will record:
•Tool Used
•Torqueing Pattern Followed
•Torque Values For Each Specific Fastener
•Style of Fastener Used (Button Head, Socket Head, Hex)
System will record:
•Tool Used
•Torqueing Pattern Followed
•Torque Values For Each Specific Fastener
•Style of Fastener Used (Button Head, Socket Head, Hex)
Model Based Work Instructions
Augmented Reality Assembly Work Instructions
Developed framework for augmented reality model based work instructions and assembly guidance. Using a Microsoft Hololens, users are able to follow the animations and assemble mechanical, medical, or electronic components. This project was a collaboration project between the Digital Enterprise Center and its industry partners; Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Cummins, and Textron Aviation.
User Point of View AR MBWI Demo
Computer Graphics Technology Newsletter Article About MBWI
CAD 2019 Conference Paper for CAD 19 Conference in Singapore
Digital Manufacturing Enterprise Testbed
Worked with a team of highly motivated members to plan, buildout, and stand up a digital testbed that will allow researchers to conduct research with industry partners to integrate digital enterprise systems into their manufacturing processes.
Boeing/Purdue P-51 Project
Worked on a collaboration project between Purdue University and Boeing to gather data and create 3D CAD models and digital twin of a WWII P-51 Mustang. Using a Hexagon Romer Arm Laser Scanner, we were able to extract as manufactured geometry and recreate the plant components in CATIA.
Conferences
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Certificates
Apart from taking metrology and quality courses, I am also certified by Hexagon to operate and program a Coordinate Measuring Machine and Portable Coordinate Measuring Arm.
Aras PLM Classroom Implementation
Worked as a team to create a learning management system, that is used to manage class assignments and course materials, in ARAS Innovater. Aras Innovator is a cloud based, open source, Product Lifecycle Management System that allows remote access to manage product data at no cost.
Guest On Digital Enterprise Society Podcast
Date: 1/1/2020
"On this episode, Thom Singer and Craig Brown interview Eric Kozikowski, Kevin Del Re, and Soho Yun, three Purdue University students and soon to be working professionals in PLM. They each share some of their education and work experiences, questions they have about the industry, and advice to help even younger students successfully enter the world of PLM. The conversation wraps up with exceptional advice about the value of securing and fostering mentor relationships. This panel discussion offers valuable career advice for professionals at every experience level and proves that the future of PLM is in very capable hands."
"On this episode, Thom Singer and Craig Brown interview Eric Kozikowski, Kevin Del Re, and Soho Yun, three Purdue University students and soon to be working professionals in PLM. They each share some of their education and work experiences, questions they have about the industry, and advice to help even younger students successfully enter the world of PLM. The conversation wraps up with exceptional advice about the value of securing and fostering mentor relationships. This panel discussion offers valuable career advice for professionals at every experience level and proves that the future of PLM is in very capable hands."
Date: 10/19/2020
"Way back in January 2020 the guests on the Digital Enterprise Society Podcast, like the rest of the world, had no idea what this year had in store. In today’s episode, Craig and Thom welcome back guests Eric Kozikowski, Kevin Del Re, and Soho Yun; three graduate students from Purdue University who are each earning a Masters Degree in PLM. Together they reflect on the changes and opportunities that all of the uncertainties of the pandemic have presented in both the university and the industry settings."
"Way back in January 2020 the guests on the Digital Enterprise Society Podcast, like the rest of the world, had no idea what this year had in store. In today’s episode, Craig and Thom welcome back guests Eric Kozikowski, Kevin Del Re, and Soho Yun; three graduate students from Purdue University who are each earning a Masters Degree in PLM. Together they reflect on the changes and opportunities that all of the uncertainties of the pandemic have presented in both the university and the industry settings."
Testbed Facility 5S Effort
Capstone Project
During my fall 2017 semester, I was required to complete my Senior Year Capstone Project. With a group of 4 other students, we were tasked to design, create, and execute an efficient and lean manufacturing process to create a product. The product our group was assigned was a LED desk lamp. To organize our team and ensure we are meeting cycle time and efficiency goals, I developed a Google Sheets based database that monitored machine cycle times, amount of material used, down time, CNC program versions, and tracked the product by creating serial numbers that were logged at every CNC machine. My database design will be used in the curriculum for future classes.
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In our team we were assigned different roles, my roll being CNC/Robot Programmer. I was responsible for all the machining that need to be done to complete the lamp. There were three stages of the project, stage 1 being design, stage 2 prototype, and stage 3 full production mode. In full production, I had to "hire" fellow students as machinist, and train them to run the machines/programs I programmed.
Research
I am actively researching new additive manufacturing methods to ultimately build a concrete 3D printer that will be capable of 3D printing concrete houses and help print homes in underdeveloped areas around the world.
3D Assembly of my concrete 3D printer design.
Preliminary design
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Concrete mixture research and strength testing
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Engineering Technology Club Projects
I joined the Engineering Technology Club in 2014 as a regular club member. After countless long nights working on projects, I moved up to be project manager, then treasurer, and now president of the club. It's been an honor and pleasure to work with my fellow students and take our learning and interests outside of the classroom. Below are some of the cool projects I've helped build with the Engineering Technology club.
ATMAE Robotics Competition in Saint Louis (Eric Kozikowski)
I was involved in chassis and drive design/build during this build.
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Robotics projects I have had an active roll in designing, manufacturing, and programming.
Build projects during my time as project manager or club president.
KozikPlastics
In the spring of 2016, I built my first 3D printer. After spending countless hours perfecting the printer, I began thinking of ways to best utilize the printer. I decided to start up a small 3D printing prototyping company called KozikPlastics. Since then I've worked internationally with firms to provide rapid prototyping services and solutions. You can find more information on the KozikPlastics website at https://kozikplastics.weebly.com/
Prototype of robot housing for a start up company from Normal, IL
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3D Printed Bracket Prototype for use in rail cars transporting fluids, designed to help ease loading and unloading of the liquid being transported.
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This buck was 3D printed using a wood composite material that can be sanded and stained. This design was used to showcase different material filaments and technology advancements in the field of additive manufacturing.
Bridgestone Database Development
From February 2017 to May 2018 I worked for Bridgestone Tires as an Industrial Engineer Intern. At Bridgestone I worked on developing a plant wide database that allows machine operators to enter in data and process it autonomously allowing them to begin working quicker at the start of their shift. The database monitors different tire components being used and crosschecks for errors, if an error is found in the serial numbers of components (Example- Tire size "ABC" uses "Rubber 123", the database will flag the operator and email the supervisor if the operator attempts to use "Rubber 146").
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Midland OPW
At Midland OPW in Skokie, IL, I was part of the engineering design teem as design engineer intern. I focused heavily on product failures and future prevention. I designed and built high pressure testing fixtures, to test valves and safety equipment for rail cars.
During my time at Midland OPW, I traveled to Europe to inspect and redesign a product that was already being used on rail cars in Poland and Saudi Arabia, but had a manufacturing defect. This is one of the fixtures I helped design.
This is a picture of me standing beside a prototype fixture for testing valves at high pressure.
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Manufacturing facility in Poland where we conducted our inspections and redesigns.
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Master's Thesis Defense Presentation
Thesis Project Demo
Development of an Industrial Sensor Hub
After graduating from Purdue in 2021, Eric Kozikowski was taken on by MxD (the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute) as a systems integration engineer:
“Taking the class has helped to solidify my understanding of GD&T and apply my theoretical knowledge of metrology and quality inspections to my career. Hexagon’s certifications have added additional credibility to my resume and enabled me to work as a metrology SME in my organization.”
