Plastics Innovation & Resource Center

Tap into world-class training plus research and development designed to help plastics companies close skills gaps, increase efficiencies, and overcome process and compounding challenges.

Contact

  • Plastics Innovation & Resource Center
  • Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. E128

Staff

Explore our training

Equipping employees with essential skills and knowledge to become safe and productive contributors in a plastics manufacturing environment is critical. Explore our customized training programs designed to develop proficient plastics professionals.

Hands-on Workshops

Each year, the PIRC hosts a series on hands-on training workshops with leading industry experts, including Penn College faculty, on campus in Williamsport, PA. Participants have access to industrial-scale process equipment and extensive material testing laboratories. In addition to key learning opportunities, participants are able to network with peers and industry leaders.

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Apprenticeships

Our plastics process technical program develops machine operators into valued technicians. We offer registered apprenticeships in extrusion and injection molding led by industry experts. Courses are delivered virtually to allow for multi-site delivery and maximum flexibility. 

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Polymer Sustainability Series

Join us for a special online three-part Sustainability Series as industry leaders share their insight and strategies on sustainability, financial incentives, and recycling.

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Online Plastics Process Modules

These self-paced learning systems utilize video content to deliver theoretical, conceptual, and virtual instruction through digital twinning in extrusion and injection molding. 

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Custom Training

Draw upon the expertise of our panel of renowned instructors and industry experts to develop custom training to meet your needs. Training can be offered on-site at your facility or in our labs in beautiful Williamsport, PA. Contact us to learn more. 

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The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC) provides technological resources to facilitate the growth and success of the plastics industry. The Center serves the educational, training, and research and development needs of plastic processors, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers. We deliver extensive material testing laboratories, industrial-scale process equipment, and world-class training facilities, all with the support of highly skilled training and consulting staff.

Explore our program areas

Applied Research & Development

The PIRC is the complete solution for process improvement, applied R&D, product development, and prototyping.

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Plastics Mobile Lab

The Plastics Mobile Lab provides a user-friendly hands-on STEM educational opportunity for students.

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Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence

The center supports applied research and development in the rotomolding industry.

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Thermoforming Center of Excellence

This facility is dedicated to serving the education, training, and research and development needs of thermoformers, sheet extruders, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers.

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Benefits

Increase profitability

  • Improve manufacturing productivity
  • Better utilize and manage materials
  • Use new technology and materials
  • Benefit from energy reduction programs
  • Decrease operation costs

Decrease development costs

  • Reduce production down time for trials on new materials or products
  • Handle analysis, testing, mold trials, product development, and research needs
  • Reduce capital costs – no need to invest in your own R&D facilities

Develop and train your workforce

  • Participate in national hands-on workshops
  • Employee Certification of skills and knowledge
  • Provide customized workshops at your site or at Penn College
Penn College News
group posed with extruder

Friday, January 24, 2025

Polymer technology major celebrates new extruder

Representatives from Graham Engineering Co. LLC visited campus to celebrate the operational status of an American Kuhne 1.5-inch extruder that Penn College purchased from the company last fall. The purchase was funded by a portion of a $594,574 National Science Foundation grant.

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PIRC lab scene

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Penn College polymer training attracts diverse professionals

The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology conducted a flurry of workshops in October, delivering training to 25 professionals, representing 14 companies, four states and Canada. The three workshops – Color Science & Weathering, Plastic Materials & Processing Fundamentals, and Rotational Molding & Advanced Materials – featured lectures and extensive hands-on experience in Penn College’s industry-standard labs.

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tour group in welding lab

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

'Inside Jobs Tour' attracts Central PA Chamber

Members of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce visited Pennsylvania College of Technology on Wednesday for an “Inside Jobs Tour,” one of the chamber’s monthly outings to educate members on area businesses and organizations. In addition to informative campus presentations and tours, the 22 guests enjoyed a lunch catered by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.

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