partnership

The Innovation Engine of Aerospace Manufacturing in Connecticut: CMSC’s Technological Empowerment and Future Prospects

Your career-minded editor here, ready to break down some cutting-edge advancements happening right here in Connecticut. Ever wonder how aerospace companies ensure the parts they’re making are not just good, but flawlessly perfect? That’s where the Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center (CMSC) at UConn Tech Park comes into play.

From a professional standpoint, the CMSC is a game-changer for small- to medium-sized Connecticut companies. They provide something these businesses often lack: in-house original equipment manufacturing (OEM) capabilities. Think of it as having a team of expert engineers and mathematicians on call, ready to tackle complex manufacturing challenges. The CMSC’s mission is to offer technical assistance and manufacturing simulation services, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and flawless execution.

Now, you might be wondering, how can they afford to give away these services? The answer lies in a combination of federal grants and matching funds from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. This financial backing allows the CMSC to offer its expertise free of charge to eligible Connecticut companies, a boon for businesses looking to innovate without breaking the bank.

One prime example of the CMSC’s impact is its collaboration with Aero Gear, a Windsor-based aerospace company specializing in gears and gearboxes. Aero Gear’s director of engineering, Pat Brueckner, is a UConn engineering program graduate, class of 2013. His connection with Jeongho Kim, the head of the CMSC, sparked a partnership that has proven invaluable to Aero Gear. Office folks will relate to this kind of networking, right?

Read More @ Forward Pathway

Getting a Foot Up on Production Simulation and Streamlining

A creative collaboration between UConn’s Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center (CMSC) and ZANEEZ® Health in Glastonbury, Conn., is focusing on virtual prototyping of an innovative foot and ankle platform made from advanced thermoplastic polymers. This process reduces the time and cost associated with multiple rounds of physical testing, optimizing structural integrity and product performance before physical production begins.

“AnkleSTONE®, developed by ZANEEZ® Health, represents a significant advancement in orthopedic rehabilitation devices,” says Jeongho Kim, principal investigator and CMSC director, and also a professor for the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering. “This partnership with CMSC allows our team to provide advanced technical expertise and simulation capabilities to enhance product development.

“At CMSC,” Kim explains, “we have the tools and computational resources to assist companies like ZANEEZ® in overcoming limitations in physical prototyping. Our partnership enables them to analyze critical load capacities and structural performance, for example, helping refine the AnkleSTONE® design for maximum effectiveness and resilience.”

Read More @ UConn Today