Penn College Welcomes New Automated Welding Cell from Longtime Partner Miller Welding Automation

Pennsylvania College of Technology is strengthening its robotics and advanced manufacturing curriculum with the arrival of a new self-contained automated welding system from Miller Welding Automation. Miller has entrusted the college with a PerformArc 350S cell—valued at $176,745—along with software and support for a three-year term.

The PerformArc 350S is designed as an entry-level robotic welding cell, giving students hands-on access to modern automation tools used across today’s manufacturing floors. David Schaefer, product specialist for Miller Welding Automation, noted that the system is equipped with the latest Active Wire technology, enabling aluminum and steel welding in short-arc transfer mode while keeping spatter to a minimum. The package also includes the DTPS offline programming suite, allowing students to learn robotic programming directly from their laptops or PCs—mirroring how many factories operate their welding cells today.

For Penn College, the addition is a meaningful upgrade. James N. Colton II, assistant professor and co-department head of welding, emphasized that the cell will be incorporated into the full curriculum, especially for students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology. With nearly 400 welding students training in a 55,000-square-foot lab, the college remains one of the largest and most technically advanced welding programs in the country.

The investment comes at a critical moment for the industry. The American Welding Society projects a need for 320,500 new welding professionals in the U.S. by 2029. Ensuring students have access to cutting-edge automation tools positions them to meet that demand and lead in a rapidly evolving field.

Penn College’s long-standing relationship with Miller Electric continues to play a key role in that mission. “Miller’s support allows Penn College students to learn on state-of-the-art equipment, positioning them to be future leaders in the industry,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer. Miller Electric is recognized on the college’s Donor Wall as a Millionaires Society member, and Miller Welding Automation is honored within the Visionary Society.

For more information about Penn College’s ABET-accredited welding programs and engineering technology majors, visit pct.edu/et or call 570-327-4520.