WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – A partnership with Sodick, a global EDM manufacturing leader, is supporting Pennsylvania College of Technology’s acquisition of innovative electrical discharge machines for instructional purposes.

Through the collaboration, Sodick, a Japanese company with North American headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, is providing four VL400Q High Performance Linear Motor Drive Wire Cut EDM units for use in the college’s Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center.

Penn College students and faculty in the machine tool technology, automated manufacturing technology and manufacturing engineering technology majors will benefit from the new high-tech equipment.

Sodick’s products are highly regarded in a wide range of fields including the automotive and electronics industries. The Machine Tools Division provides an extensive lineup that includes electrical discharge machines that are used for applications in which conventional metal removal is either difficult or impossible.

“These new machines are equipped with touch screens, thumb drives and ethernet connectivity that increases productivity and enhances learning opportunities for our students,” said Howard W. Troup, instructor of automated manufacturing and machine tool technology. “Programming and troubleshooting were cumbersome processes, previously influencing students to shy away from EDM operation, but now they are learning in a more effective way, which makes the process fun and more dynamic.”

“Our students are thrilled to design, create and innovate, using this state-of-the-art equipment and technology,” said Loni N. Kline, vice president for college relations. “We are thankful for Sodick’s investment in the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow.”

“Sodick is proud to partner with Pennsylvania College of Technology in providing cutting-edge technology to further the growth of the students and augment their industry knowledge,” said Yuji Akutsu, president of Sodick Inc. “We will continue to support community endeavors and promote academic excellence as it coincides with our companywide philosophy of ‘Create Your Future.’”

For information about automated manufacturing and machining programs at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/automated.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call 800-367-9222.