A Lycoming County firm has donated a plastics processing machine for use in Pennsylvania College of Technology's plastics and polymer engineering technology labs and the college's Plastics Manufacturing Center.
Koroseal Wall Protection Systems of Muncy recently donated an up-acting, 75-ton hydraulic/pneumatic compression machine.
"This machine will see good use by both faculty and students in preparing test specimens of various thermoplastic and composite materials for measurement of material properties such as strength, impact resistance and rigidity," said John R. Bartolomucci, a member of Penn College's plastics faculty.
Bartolomucci, an instructor of plastics technology, said the machine also will be available for use by the PMC in support of its nationally recognized Rotational Molding Center of Excellence.
"We are pleased we could contribute to the program," said Gary Hollis, Koroseal's operations manager. "Anyone who has toured the plastics and polymer technology department can see what a great asset it is to local business, and we are confident that, as we work to develop our relationship with the college, it will be a great benefit to Koroseal." Koroseal Wall Protection is a Division of RJF International Corp., a nationally recognized manufacturer and distributor of commercial wall coverings, dry-erase wall coverings and wall protection.
Lawrence J. Fryda, dean of industrial and engineering technologies, said this type of corporate support is a key component in keeping the program at the leading edge.
"It is the excellent support given by companies such as Koroseal, in providing development and plastics-manufacturing equipment, that has been instrumental in making our two- and four-year plastics programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology among the very best in the country," Fryda said.
Penn College is one of just four institutions in the United States to offer a bachelor of science degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Penn College also offers an ABET-accredited associate of applied science degree in plastics and polymer technology.
For more information about Penn College degrees in plastics and polymer engineering technology, or any of the college's more than 100 fields of study, contact the Admissions Office at (570) 327-4761, or toll-free (800) 367-9222, or send e-mail .
For more information about making a donation to Penn College or the Penn College Foundation, contact the Institutional Advancement Office at (570) 320-8000, or toll-free (866) GIVE-2-PC, or send e-mail .