Pennsylvania College of Technology expands welding lab

Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pa., has dedicated an expanded and enhanced welding lab. At more than 55,000 sq. ft., it is believed to be the largest such facility in higher education nationwide.

The project, funded in part by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, added 35,000 sq. ft. of instructional space to the lab in the college’s Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center, allowing for enrollment of up to 60 more welding students annually—more than 300 total.

The facility houses what is believed to be the only electron beam welder being used for instruction in U.S. higher education. It also includes laser welding and cutting equipment, CNC plasma cutters, an automation and robotics lab, a specialized welding room, an NDT classroom and lab, pipeline simulation, and 124 individual lab booths for welders to weld.

The college offers a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology, an associate degree in metal fabrication technology, an associate degree in welding technology, and a certificate in welding.