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Third Wave Systems, Inc. Awarded Phase I U.S. Navy SBIR Project

Minneapolis, MN
July 21, 2004

Third Wave Systems is pleased to announce the receipt of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I award from the Naval Air Systems division of the United States Navy. The project, High-Speed Machining of Thin-Web, Large-Pocket Ti-6Al-4V Firewalls/Bulkheads, is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of applying Third Wave’s innovative machining technologies needed by the Navy to enable the
application of High Speed Machining practices to Thin-Web, Titanium, Firewalls/Bulkheads. The success of this project will result from a coupling of Third Wave modeling technology and experience with aerospace industry leaders.

“Efficient machining of thin wall structures with our Thermal TuningTM technology will enable Navy prime
contractors and the supply chain to dramatically impact affordability and weight reduction initiatives. We are looking forward to extending our relationship with the Navy, and commercializing this exciting technology across the various aircraft programs,” commented Kerry Marusich, President and CEO of Third Wave Systems.

Third Wave efforts will focus on the application of high speed machining (HSM) technologies to titanium bulkheads and firewalls, allowing the unitization of built-up assemblies, providing thin-web, deep pocket, monolithic constructions meeting current weight requirements. In addition, Third Wave technologies will be applied to reduce cycle times and reduce or eliminate expensive chemical milling operations, with the ultimate goal of providing affordable fabrication of bulkheads and firewalls that meet or exceed qualification criteria.

Founded in 1993, Third Wave Systems provides machining modeling software and services used by Fortune 500 aerospace and automotive companies to dramatically reduce the costs in product design and manufacturing. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Third Wave also has offices in Detroit, MI, and major distribution in Japan and Europe.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUPPORT AND DISCLAIMER >> This material is based upon work supported by the United States Navy under contract No. N00421-04-P-0545. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Navy.