May 23, 2019

SVSU students apply engineering expertise in capstone project for Storch's SuperMag

(LIVONIA) - Storch Magnetics is working closely with a group of hard-working senior mechanical engineering students finishing their engineering capstone class at Saginaw Valley State University to aid Storch in the manufacturing process of the SuperMag, one of its signature products.

This first half of this two-semester project was completed this spring with an emphasis on research and development and engineering. In the fall, the students will build out a design of their choosing at Storch's office in Livonia to complete the manufacturing of the product.

Five students are dedicated to the project: Jacob Bowden of Flushing, Haley Delestowicz of Bay City, Zachary Maszatics of Garden City, Anthony Sainz of Mason, and Adam Tebbe of Lebanon, Ohio. The team selected Storch over other, larger companies. They collectively believed that working on a project of this caliber for a smaller Michigan company creates more engagement and excitement throughout the entire business, which has a greater overall impact on the company as a whole.

Simplicity and safety are two of the intended outcomes of this joint project. Currently the magnets that comprise the SuperMag are hand assembled, which is costly and time consuming to build. The students have successfully increased the production rate of the SuperMag, while ensuring an even higher level of safety and efficiency for employees at Storch.

“It's been a great honor for us to work with these really smart young men and women,” said Storch CEO Matt Carr. “They are so creative and have really opened our eyes to some improved processes that will have a positive, long-term impact on our company.”

“Storch is so great to work with, I love the entire company's enthusiasm behind the whole project,” said Delestowicz.

Sainz said the type of experience he and his classmates has received while working with Storch can't be easily replicated in just a classroom setting.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be working with a great company to solve this challenging problem,” he said.

Brooks Byam, SVSU professor of mechanical engineering,  is the project advisor, working with both the students and the team from Storch.

The device that was designed by the students this spring will help expedite the time that it takes to build a magnet for the SuperMag to less than half, at an approximate factor of 4 to 1.

About the SuperMag:

Developed by Storch Magnetics, the SuperMag is the first magnet if its kind that can be towed or front mounted. The permanent magnet is hydraulically actuated, hinging upward and away from your working surface. This separates the magnetic field from the debris you've collected and allows the material to drop away from the unit into your desired location.

Unlike traditional electromagnets, the solid state SuperMag magnetic systems requires no maintenance, has no wires or coils, ad does not require a generator or an electrical source to activate.

Photo Caption: Haley Delestowicz, Jacob Bowden, Storch CEO Matt Carr, Anthony Sainz, Zachary Maszatics, and Adam Tebbe are pictured behind the SuperMag at Saginaw Valley State University.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 90 programs of study for its nearly 9,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students.

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. In 2015, SVSU received the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math and science at the middle school, high school and university levels.