The student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers recenty travelled to Chicago to attend the IMTS. IMTS is the International Machine Technology Show. This is a multi-day event is a showcase of the latest and most technical machining processes available. The show is held every two years at McCormick Place, occupying over 1.2 million square feet of exhibiting space. Select the link below to learn more about SME and their experiences in the Windy City...

 The Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) recently approved a grant to assist Millersville University’s industry and technology department. The matching funds grant was for $178,000 with 28% coming from the University, 22% from the FFTA and 50% raised from industry sponsors. The money was used to purchase a Mark Andy printing/converting system to launch a hands-on flexographic printing and packaging curriculum.

“Flexography is a method of printing most commonly used in the creation of packaging solutions,” explained Dr. Mark Snyder, industry and technology. “ ‘Flexo’ has an advantage over other printing methods in that it can use a wider range of inks and is good at printing on a variety of different materials.

Typical products printed using flexography include corrugated boxes, flexible packaging, retail bags, shopping sacks, flexible plastics, self-adhesive labels and wallpaper. A number of newspapers now also favor flexo printing methods.”

The graphic communication program in industry and technology at Millersville includes students from across Pennsylvania and nearby states. “This new equipment will give the students a broader perspective of the printing industry – hands-on techniques and an understanding of a completely different process,” says Snyder. “There are a lot of opportunities in printing and packaging for young people from this region.”

In order to be eligible for this grant, schools must have an existing printing program and a desire to expand their curriculum to include flexography. The main industry champion for Millersville University was the Northeast Label Manufacturers Association (NELMA) who made a $10,000 donation. Snyder reported on the installation of the new press and the development of the flexo curriculum at NELMA’s annual Expo and Networking conference on May 8 in Bridgewater, N.J.

Industrial internship combines the student's academic, technical and management preparation with actual on-the-job experiences in industrial enterprises. Industrial internships have a significant management component in that students are required to engage in management-related activities such as planning, organizing, directing, and controlling at the workplace. The student, the employer, and the Department of Industry and Technology faculty work cooperatively to assure the internship experience achieves the best possible learning value.

For more information, please see the internship FAQ page. Any questions should be addressed to
Dr. John Wright, Industrial Technology Program Coordinator.