ERIE, PA. (Aug. 8, 2:10 p.m. ET) — Sigma Plastic Services Inc. has donated Sigmasoft polymer process simulation software to Penn State Erie's new Medical Center of Excellence at the university in Erie, Pa., a gift valued at $3.7 million.
The medical plastics program will use the Sigmasoft software for molding elastomer, silicone and thermoplastic materials.
“Thanks to Sigma Plastics Services, our students and faculty members will be able to develop the next generation of medical devices,” said Ralph Ford, director of Penn State Erie's School of Engineering. “This is a great partnership between academia and industry that ultimately benefits our students.”
Sigma Plastics Services is in Schaumburg, Ill.
James Chiamardas, a Penn State Erie plastics alumnus and Erie native, played a key role in securing the gift. He is president of TPStek, LLC, a Sigmasoft seller.
TPStek will provide technical support for the software, which is included in the value of the gift.