Institution news
The IMechE Lords Institute of Engineering and Technology (LIET) Student Chapter in Hyderabad, India, gave mechanical engineering students two contrasting perspectives on that question through an industrial visit and expert seminar in July.
Students explored the systems keeping a major dairy plant running before examining how additive manufacturing is changing the way products are designed, developed and produced.
Engineering behind everyday production
During a visit to Masqati Dairy Products Limited in Telangana on 23 July, 32 students followed the complete dairy production cycle, from milk reception and pasteurisation to packaging, cold storage and distribution.
They saw how processing equipment, refrigeration systems, boilers, compressors and automated controls work together to maintain product quality and uninterrupted production.
The visit also demonstrated the importance of preventive maintenance, energy conservation, waste management and process control. This helped students connect mechanical engineering principles with the practical demands of safety, efficiency and sustainable manufacturing.
Exploring additive manufacturing
Six days later, 26 students attended a seminar led by Ravi Patil, General Manager for Operations, Business and Manufacturing Strategies at Design Tech Pvt. Ltd.
The session explored how additive manufacturing is supporting rapid prototyping, product development and customised production across modern industry.
Students considered how these technologies can help manufacturers test ideas faster, create complex components and respond more efficiently to changing customer and production requirements.
Patil also encouraged students to develop the technical and industry-focused skills needed as manufacturing methods continue to evolve.
Connecting education and industry
Together, the activities exposed students to both established production systems and emerging manufacturing technologies.
By combining first-hand observation with access to industry expertise, the IMechE LIET Student Chapter is helping future engineers understand how technical decisions affect reliability, efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
The programme also introduced students to potential careers across manufacturing, automation, maintenance, product development and quality engineering, while encouraging a practical approach to solving industrial challenges.