Penn College thermoforming workshop teaches professionals from 3 countries, 13 companies

Williamsport, Pa. — A recent training workshop hosted by the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC) at Penn College has enhanced 20 participants' understanding of a major industrial plastics processes. The participants represented 13 companies, seven states, Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The three-day hands-on workshop addressed a range of relevant topics including choosing the best forming technique, proper cooling methods, trimming options, troubleshooting, and quality control. Mark Strachan, vice president of innovation and product development and co-owner of Italian-based OMV Technologies, led the workshop with Christopher J. Gagliano, director of the PIRC.

The instructors used a mix of lecture, multimedia presentations, and practical exercises on industry-standard equipment to deliver the training.

“The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application was perfect,” said Ozlem Akdogan, who works for the Kraft Heinz Co. “Real-life examples made the long commute worth it!”

“I understood I was coming in at a beginning/introductory level, and the teaching of the fundamentals and principles helped a lot,” added Vanessa Escobar Acosta of ExxonMobil Product Solutions Co.

Brandon Zechman, David Peterson, and Markus Zlotosch from Kiefel Technologies served as guest speakers for the workshop along with Julie Griswold of W.R. Sharples Co. Inc., and Darrell Stafford, of Catalysis Additive Tooling.

Assisting the event were Penn College polymer engineering technology faculty Kirk M. Cantor and Vii J. Rice, assistant professor of physics Joseph E. LeBlanc, as well as PIRC staff: Nathan A. Rader-Edkin, program manager; Chris S. Macdonald, training specialist; and Beth J. Zielewicz, program specialist.

The PIRC is one of the top plastics technology centers in the nation for research, development, and education related to injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding, and thermoforming. To learn more, call 570-321-5533 or visit www.pct.edu/pirc .

Penn College is one of seven institutions nationwide offering plastics engineering technology programs that are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology. Students may seek a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology or an associate degree in polymer technology.