Cranberry Township-based MECCO announced Thursday that it has received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to be part of a laser research project.
A leader in laser technology, MECCO said the project will help advance scientific knowledge of laser plastic welding to improve methods for the local and national plastics manufacturing industry, as well as provide opportunities for engineering students. With the grant funding, MECCO will partner with local universities to research and develop laser plastic welding technology – an emerging manufacturing method for the plastics industry.
“We are proud to partner with Robert Morris University as we lead the domestic effort in laser plastic welding,” said Dave Sweet, president of MECCO. “As more of our customers look toward developing plastic products, this research is opening the door to the next frontier for manufacturing. Previously, laser plastic welding was an under-researched technology. Now, we are excited to be a part of this project that will benefit multiple manufacturing sectors, from automotive and aerospace to biomed.”
The laser plastic welding research project started in 2017 with MECCO and Robert Morris University.
“As a result of this ongoing research, MECCO has gained tools for demonstrating the welding processes and a deeper understanding of the applications to help customers apply this technology to solve new problems or improve upon existing solutions,” said Dr. Ben Campbell, Associate Professor of Engineering at Robert Morris University who is leading the program research efforts. “The students have expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to develop many new skills, participate in industry research, and learn to provide solutions for customer-driven problems.”
Students taking part in the project will gain internship experience, have access to MECCO’s applications lab and increase their employment opportunities, the company said. So far, 29 students have participated in the program, which gave them not only learning credits but allowed them the opportunity to present their research at various conferences and events and support their master’s theses and Ph.D. dissertations. The company said that former interns have already entered the workforce, including MECCO.
“This partnership is an inspiring example of the public sector, small businesses, and universities coming together to make a positive impact,” said Sweet. “This project will benefit U.S. manufacturing and the plastics industry, as well as the students who take an active role in this research opportunity.”
Using high-powered lasers, the plastic welding process joins two pieces of plastic, forming a solid piece in a matter of seconds after exposure. The grant funding the research is part of $2.3 million awarded by Gov. Wolf through the Manufacturing PA initiative, which is funding a total of 36 innovative manufacturing research projects from students. MECCO said it plans to partner with additional universities this summer.