Bsc: Internship Mechanical Engineering - (micro)Slip and break of rivets during shock

Internship assignment

We are looking for two interns for two similar assignments. One assignment focuses on rivets, while the other concentrates on metric threads. Because of the strong overlap between the projects, this setup enables close collaboration between the two interns.

Are you a Mechanical Engineering student looking for a challenging internship or graduation project? Do you want to turn a real engineering question into a verified solution used by all engineers at R&D? We are looking for you!

Your assignment

For the extremely precise parts of our machines, we want to be able to better predict at which shock loads structures will begin to shift. We are interested in both displacements at the micrometre scale and shifts in the range of 100–500 µm. Furthermore, it is important to determine the specific force thresholds at which the rivet connections break. There is some information available in the literature and suppliers’ specification sheets, but it is not always sufficient for our accurate applications.

The research will focus on various size rivets and different sheet metal thicknesses. At Canon, we apply advanced design principles in our constructions, and it is essential that these design practices are incorporated into the research.

Possible approach

• Literature study on joint types, friction, and contact mechanics
• Development of theoretical calculation models
• Determine how to measure micro-slip
• Design and preparation of test specimens
• Performing tensile/shear tests with multiple repetitions
• Microscope inspection of rivets before and after testing
• Statistical processing of measurement data
• Comparing theory vs. experiment and explaining deviations
• Writing a technical report and giving a final presentation

Your profile

• You are currently studying HBO/Bachelor Mechanical Engineering.
• You are looking for a graduation assignment of 5 months, full-time, starting September 2026.
• You enjoy turning a fundamental engineering question into a test plan, developing a method to test and compare theory vs. experiment and explaining deviations.
• You like creating and testing prototypes and are motivated by technical challenges.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment and coaching by experienced mechanical designers
• Multi-disciplinary work environment in which all designers and engineers are working together in large rooms to develop digital inkjet presses for professional users
• Travel cost compensation if you don’t have an OV-weekcard
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to our diversity of disciplines which you will work with

About the company

We develop and manufacture high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. Our culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust and stability. We empower our people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.