Manufacturing students to benefit from new machine

Pennsylvania College of Technology manufacturing students will benefit from a new machine provided at a discounted rate by a worldwide leader in tool measuring, inspection and management technology.

Approximately 100 students per year seeking two- and four-year manufacturing-related degrees will use the ZOLLER smile Pilot 4.0 presetter, provided by ZOLLER Inc. Valued at $44,482.50, the company sold the equipment – including a software upgrade and full options package – to the college for $15,850.

“This machine is easy to operate. It is equipped with standard and advanced measuring functions for efficient presetting and measuring of cutting tools to the thousandth of an inch. It offers full CNC axis capabilities but also can be used manually. The major advantage is direct transmission of tool data to CNC machines,” explained Luke J. Davies, instructor of CNC machining and automation.

Davies recognized the value of introducing this type of equipment to the students and contacted ZOLLER about a potential partnership. The company was excited to support the college.

“ZOLLER is pleased to partner with Penn College on this equipment. The college delivers curriculum that supports the ZOLLER workforce and our customers, and the value of giving students experience on our equipment and technology is a win-win for the college, the students and the industry,” said Rita Conroy-Martin, director of marketing and customer experience.

ZOLLER is the global leader in tool presetting, measuring, inspection, balancing, shrinking, automation and tool management technology. Started in 1945 in Germany, the third-generation, family-owned company has grown to include 85 sites around the world, including its U.S. corporate offices and Industry 4.0 Tech Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“ZOLLER’s presetting and measuring equipment is vital in the validation of tool manufacturing specifications. Students will be able to qualify their work to ensure that customer and industry requirements are met,” Davies said. “This type of exact measurement is utilized in the medical, aerospace and automotive industries, as well as many other industry verticals.”

“The support of ZOLLER for our manufacturing programs is greatly appreciated,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, senior corporate relations director. “The company’s recognition of Penn College students’ development with this presetting and measuring equipment will position our graduates for future success and advancement, as their skills will offer a higher level of quality and control standards to industry.”

The ZOLLER smile Pilot 4.0 presetter is in Penn College’s recently renovated 12,200-square-foot automated manufacturing lab. The lab’s upgrades – including new lighting, flooring and the addition of a CNC programming and simulation classroom – were funded as part of a $1 million grant awarded by the Gene Haas Foundation. The facility will be christened The Gene Haas Center for Innovative Manufacturing during a dedication ceremony scheduled for Nov. 6.
                                                
For information on manufacturing degrees and other programs offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.