BE Mechanical Field Visit to Okapi Composites, Bethora

An industrial visit to Okapi Composites was organized by Mechanical Engineering Department, Don Bosco college of Engineering (DBCE) on May 30, 2022 for the students opting for FRC (Fiber Reinforced Composite) as their elective subject in Final Year. A total of 20 students were accompanied by Prof. Harshad Pingulkar and Mr. Dattaguru Sawardekar for the visit. Mr. Shwetang Nadkarni, CEO – Okapi Composites and an alumni of Civil Engg. Dept. of DBCE guided and explained to the students its various manufacturing facilities and its products. The visit was aimed at gaining industrial exposure and to let the students have an overview on the activities related to various processes, materials, material handling and safety in manufacturing of fiber reinforced composite carried out by Okapi Composites, Bethora, Goa. Students were given an exposure on the manufacture of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite structures for various applications. Preparation of moulds specific to the composite product and its manufacturing using Hand layup technique was explained and demonstrated.. Reinforcements of woven and chopped strand mat glass fiber types were used in different stacking sequences to get the desired strength and stiffness to the composite structure. The company currently manufactures a variety of products such as composite doors, industrial gratings, toilet blocks, security cabins, benches etc. catering to industries as well as direct consumer markets. The students were also informed about the impact and applications of fiber reinforced composite in aerospace, automobile & construction industry. The field Visit were organised under the guidance of Prof Ajit Salunke HOD Mechanical Engineering, Don Bosco College of Engineering Fatorda.