The major additions to the Center at Penn College in the first year included a 42" offset arm rotational molding machine manufactured by MedKeff Nye. A test mold and drop box was received with the machine. The mold was manufactured by Wheeler Boyce. Plastics Consulting coordinated the purchase of these two major pieces of process equipment. A drop impact tester was donated by Akro Plastics/New Berlin Plastics. A low temperature freezer (-40°F) was also added.
 

Year Two

In the RMCE's second year, the primary focus was to assist regional companies, but it was also recognized nationally as a research Center for rotational molding in the United States with production scale equipment. The Center provided workforce development for companies to upgrade their skills and efficiency, making Pennsylvania's rotomolders more competitive. The Center ordered an underwater pelletizing system (Gala Industries) capable of producing micro-pellets. This equipment will allow the Center to have greater flexibility and enhance the Center's ability to be self-sufficient. The PMC has also served manufacturing companies, as well as material suppliers. A trip was also taken to Ireland to learn more about, and to improve the skills in, rotational molding.

In the second year, the PMC purchased additional equipment for measuring properties of resins and molded parts. The Center established a partnership with Washington Penn Plastics to investigate viability and development of a filled resin system for rotational molding with significant interaction and trial work in the facilities of Akro Plastics/New Berlin Plastics, a large commercial molder.
 

Year Three

The third year was a pivotal year for the Center. Three major research projects were completed to demonstrate the unique capabilities and industrial relevance of the Center. Association of Rotomolders (ARM) members and others continue to support the Center with guidance materials and equipment. In addition to all of this, the academic program at Penn College continues to incorporate rotational molding education into its curriculum. Additional material development initiatives, including the development of a nylon material for the rotational molding industry, have continued.
 

Present

The Rotational Molding Center of Excellence has become one of the finest technology centers of it’s kind in North America. The Center is an active participant in national organizations like the (ARM) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). The Center's personnel continued to participate in industry activities like the ANTEC (Annual Technician Conference). The Center serves as an independent source of research, development, and training for industry. The Center is currently engaged in technology programs with industry members, as well as significant patentable technology developments from research initiatives, including special projects for the rotational molding industry.