A longtime partner of Pennsylvania College of Technology is providing a new self-contained automated welding system to the institution.

Miller Welding Automation, a business unit of Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, has entrusted a PerformArc 350S and related software to the welding program for three years. The fully automated system is considered an entry-level cell for welders new to robotic welding.

The value of the system is $176,745.

“This robotic welding system has the latest technology, including Active Wire, which can weld both aluminum and steel in short-arc transfer mode with extremely low spatter levels. Also included in the package is the DTPS offline programming software suite. This will allow the students to learn how to program the robot system remotely from a PC or laptop computer,” explained David Schaefer, product specialist for Miller Welding Automation.

“The cell is a great addition to our program,” said James N. Colton II, assistant professor and co-department head of welding. “All welding students, especially those seeking our bachelor’s degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology, will be using the robotic cell. Exposure to this technology will enhance their education.”

Penn College has about 400 welding students, who receive considerable hands-on experience in the college’s 55,000-plus-square-foot welding lab. The American Welding Society projects that 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed in the U.S. by 2029.

“We are very grateful for our long-standing relationship with Miller Electric and Miller Automation,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer. “Miller’s support allows Penn College students to learn on state-of-the-art equipment, positioning them to be future leaders in the industry.”

Miller is a leading brand in advanced, solution-focused welding products. Miller Electric is a Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Maker and a member of the Millionaires Society ($1,000,000+) on the college’s Donor Wall. Miller Welding Automation is a member of the Visionary Society ($100,000-$499,999) on the Donor Wall.

For information about Penn College’s ABET-accredited welding degrees and other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/et.