WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Laserline Inc. is continuing its commitment with Pennsylvania College of Technology to shape tomorrow’s workforce with a two-year extension of its laser welding equipment entrustment.
The manufacturer of high-power industrial diode lasers for metal processing and other applications has entrusted a 2-kilowatt laser power source to the college since 2019. The entrustment – extended through May 2023 – enables an operational laser cell in the college’s 55,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art welding lab.
“We are grateful for Laserline’s continued support of our welding program through this entrustment,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations. “As a valued corporate tomorrow maker, the company is investing in the next generation of welding professionals. Access to this technology enhances the outstanding skill set of our welding students.”
The college employs Laserline’s technology in upper-level welding courses to cover several competencies, such as the fundamentals of laser generation and safety, robotic programming of motion for laser welding and cutting of ferrous and nonferrous materials in various configurations, and troubleshooting laser systems that are integrated with automation.
“We are one of a few institutions that couples laser welding technology with 6-axis robots. This provides flexibility that can’t be replicated on traditional laser cutting beds,” said Ryan P. Good, assistant professor of welding. “Laserline’s technology helps take the curriculum experience to the next level.”
“Laserline is proud to partner with Penn College through this extended entrustment. The company believes in supporting education and helping to develop the next generation of laser welding experts, and the hands-on nature of Penn College’s curriculum is an ideal fit,” said Wolfgang Todt, vice president of operations for Laserline.
The company is the U.S. subsidiary of Laserline GmbH, founded in 1997 and based in Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany.
Laserline’s technology will be available to about 60 Penn College students per year.
“Our goal at Penn College is to produce highly skilled welding professionals that employers don’t even know they need yet,” Good said. “That is only achievable through partnerships with companies like Laserline.”
Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology, associate degrees in welding technology and metal fabrication technology, and a certificate in welding. For information about those programs and other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/et.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.