Polymer software company renews commitment to Penn College

A leading polymer engineering software provider has renewed its longtime support of Pennsylvania College of Technology and its students.

Plastic Flow LLC recently provided its updated software package to the college at a substantial discount, valued at $332,150. The design software allows for 3D simulation of the flow in extrusion dies. Common products derived from extrusion dies include tubing, bars, automotive components and medical devices.

The software package features main programs polyXtrue and OptiXtrue, as well as two support programs: eXtruemat and PELDOM.

“The programs polyXtrue and OptiXtrue are used for the simulation of dies, and eXtruemat and PELDOM are used to build material profiles,” explained Adam C. Barilla, assistant professor of polymer engineering and co-department head.

“Using the simulation capabilities of polyXtrue, students can evaluate extrusion die designs quickly and accurately,” Barilla continued. “The software provides students insight into the behavior of the material in the die, bridging the gap of design principles and practical application. We are fortunate for the continued support from Plastic Flow to provide students access to these powerful simulation tools.”

Plastic Flow is a member of the Golden Society ($500,000-$999,999) on Penn College’s Donor Wall.

“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with Penn College, which plays an essential role in preparing tomorrow’s process engineers,” said Mahesh Gupta, who founded Plastic Flow and serves as its president and CEO. “Penn College graduates are coveted by industry, and Plastic Flow is proud to contribute to their education with our advanced extrusion simulation technology software.”

Kirk M. Cantor, professor of polymer engineering, introduced Gupta to Penn College several years ago. An industry expert, Cantor has written a textbook on extrusion and authored chapters devoted to extrusion in other books.

“There are only a handful of undergraduate polymer engineering programs in the country. Among them, Penn College has, perhaps, the strongest emphasis on polymer extrusion,” Cantor said. “This requires us to include in our curriculum leading-edge design and analysis software for developing extrusion dies. We believe that polyXtrue does an excellent job in accomplishing this and benefits our students in their learning process and their future employers.”

Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology and an associate degree in polymer technology. Both programs boast 100% overall job placement.

For information on majors offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.