Intership | 3D Food Pharma Printing Levitating Stages

Within TNO research is being carried out into the 3D printing of food and pharma for a wide range of companies and other stakeholders. In addition, TNO carries out internal research in order to be able to address the printing challenges of the future. In order to 3D print an object the material must be deposited in specific spatial positions, typically described by X,Y, and Z coordinates. Hence the printer must have the possibility to move in those 3 directions. This can be done by moving the printer head (from which the material is deposited), the printing platform (onto which the material is deposited), or a combination of both. Typically, the printed head and platform are physically connected in some way, such as shown in the adjacent image. However, for future printer concepts it is of interest to investigate the use of so-called levitating print platforms.

Levitating print platforms (see image below) are platforms that move with six degrees of freedom based on magnetic levitation technology, allowing for contactless transport and positioning.
These type of printing platforms potentially offer many advantages for 3D food and pharma printing, in that printers can be built that require fewer mechanical movement parts, making it more easy to hygienically design the printers, and allowing for easier cleaning of the printing platform as it can simply be removed from the printer. In addition, the six degrees of freedom offers more printing design options as compared to the regularly used XYZ (i.e. 3 degrees of freedom) printer movement.

We are looking for someone with:

• A background in software/mechanical engineering or other relevant education;
• Affinity with 3D printing is a plus;
• Programming skills (including G-code creation);
• A hands-on mentality and drive for experimentation.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:

1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.