East Hartford, February 26, 2026 — Third Wave Systems (TWS) and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) today 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
“By bringing machining modeling and analysis directly into the Digital Thread and Model-Based Engineering workflow, we are equipping manufacturers with the tools and insight they need to make better decisions earlier in the process. This collaboration accelerates capability development while strengthening the military, defense, and aerospace supply chain.”
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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,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, CCAT's Chief Technology Officer.
“Creating a scalable training model for Digital Thread and MBD is essential to ensuring the long-term strength and competitiveness of the defense supply chain.” — Dr. Amy Thompson
The Machining Modeling Intensive focuses on practical approaches to machining modeling and analysis, enabling participants to:
- 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.
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Learn More
Machining Modeling Intensive | March 25–27, 2026
Delivered in partnership with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), this three-day immersive workshop provides practical machining modeling and analysis training to help manufacturers deliver complex, high-value components faster within a Model-Based Engineering (MBE) workflow.
CCAT, East Hartford, CT
Learn more and register here
Digital Manufacturing Pathway (with Awareness)
CCAT’s Digital Manufacturing Pathway prepares engineers, machinists, and technicians to leverage Model-Based Definition (MBD) as a single source of truth, automate CAM processes, and connect design to production through hands-on training.
