Third Wave Systems Explores Composite and Multilayer Drilling



As part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Third Wave Systems (www.thirdwavesys.com) (TWS) is expanding its material modeling and machining simulation developed for metals to a fiber-epoxy composite material. Once the composite is characterized, TWS will focus on drilling through multiple layers of composites and metals.

"A significant bottleneck to delivery is the amount of time associated with drilling dissimilar materials," said TWS president and CEO, Kerry Marusich. "We, along with our aerospace suppliers, are very excited about this program."

The goal of the project is to use the technology to increase drill life, improve the quality of the drilled holes, reduce the need for deburring, and reduce cycle time. Ultimately, the DLA is concerned with delivering goods to the warfighter more quickly. TWS will work with Vought Aircraft Industries to validate the research and put the advancements into practice.

About Third Wave Systems:

Third Waves Systems (www.thirdwavesys.com) provides material-based, process modeling software to dramatically reduce lifecycle costs and time to market, for machined components in aerospace, automotive, cutting tool, semiconductor, optics, and medical device markets. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Third Wave Systems also has offices in Detroit, Michigan, and Rotherham, UK. The company has major distributors in Europe, Japan, and Korea.

About Defense Logistics Agency:

The Defense Logistics Agency supplies the nation's military services and several civilian agencies with the critical resources they need to accomplish their worldwide missions. DLA provides wide-ranging logistical support for peacetime and wartime operations, as well as emergency preparedness and humanitarian missions.

About Vought Aircraft Industries:

Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. is an independent aerostructures company, under the ownership of The Carlyle Group since July 24, 2000. And we're meeting the demands of an increasingly complex global aerospace marketplace with innovative design approaches, advanced materials and process technology.





Third Wave Systems Explores Composite and Multilayer Drilling