Amidst the rapid digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, Third Wave Systems and CCAT are forming a strategic partnership to enhance manufacturing performance and bolster the U.S. defense supply chain through advanced training initiatives.
Third Wave Systems (TWS) and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of Digital Thread and Model-Based Definition (MBD) practices while addressing critical skills gaps across the modern manufacturing workforce. Supported by the U.S. Air Force Digital Transformation Office (DTO), this partnership aims to equip manufacturing professionals with practical knowledge and hands-on capabilities that improve product development speed, reduce on-machine trial iterations, and optimize operational performance.
As part of the partnership, a three-day machining modeling course — The Machining Modeling Intensive — will be held in CCAT’s Digital Labs. This immersive program blends industry-aligned curriculum with real-world application to help participants build advanced machining competencies and deliver complex, high-value components faster while maintaining stringent quality standards within a Model-Based Engineering (MBE) workflow.
CCAT and TWS will also collaborate on an annual one-day workshop at CCAT’s Talent & Training Accelerator. The program will introduce best practices, lessons learned, and key value propositions associated with MBD implementation. In addition, TWS and CCAT will partner to deliver a one-day modeling course during CCAT’s monthly Digital Manufacturing Pathway.
“Our partnership with CCAT represents an important step in aligning workforce development with the future of digital manufacturing.”
Kerry Marusich, CEO of Third Wave Systems
This collaboration brings together CCAT’s cutting-edge technical capabilities with Third Wave Systems’ deep domain expertise in machining modeling. TWS’s technology and thought leadership in machining simulation highlight the practical benefits of investing in workforce readiness and accelerating applied technical capabilities.
“Our joint initiative with TWS underscores our commitment to advancing digital manufacturing capabilities and supporting the readiness of both Air Force personnel and the broader supplier community,”
Dr. Amy Thompson, CCAT's Chief Technology Officer
The Machining Modeling Intensive focuses on practical approaches to machining modeling and analysis, enabling participants to:
Machining modeling technology featured during CCAT’s Digital Manufacturing Week, advancing Digital Thread integration and workforce readiness.
- Accelerate on-time delivery by streamlining the transition from design to machining with fewer physical trials
- Enhance new product introduction (NPI) through proactive evaluation of machining strategies
- Improve quality and efficiency by applying best practices in modeling techniques that reduce rework and variability
“This partnership to advance machining technology emphasizes the need for small manufacturers and machine shops to work smarter, not harder. By adopting TWS technology, businesses can compete globally by producing precision components at lower cost and higher quality. Join us at CCAT’s Digital Thread Lab for Digital Manufacturing Training and let CCAT and TWS demonstrate how,” said Dr. Thompson.
CCAT is an applied technology and training organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., partnering with manufacturers and the industrial supply chain to accelerate technology adoption, strengthen technical capabilities, and improve operational performance. Through applied engineering expertise, industry-aligned training, and regional and national partnerships, the organization helps companies modernize operations, enhance competitiveness, and drive innovation. CCAT is a nonprofit organization. Learn more at ccat.us.
Third Wave Systems (TWS) helps enable people to transform manufacturing by providing material-specific simulation products and services to companies that machine. Progressive automotive, aerospace, and cutting tool companies use TWS’ products to accelerate development cycles to get to market faster, while reducing machining costs and improving quality much faster than the old way of trial-and-error testing. TWS is privately held, based in Minneapolis, MN, USA, with offices in Germany, England, Japan, and global distribution.
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