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TRAINING & SERVICESBELL HELICOPTER

Challenge: Improve productivity using current capital equipment

Approach: Analyze machining of transmission components in order to reduce cycle time and increase capacity

Software: Production Module 3D

Bell engineers reduced cycle time for a transmission component through a series of Third Wave Production Module simulations.

When Bell Helicopter Drive Systems Center maxed out their machining capacity, manufacturing engineers decided to investiage whether Third Wave Systems’ NC program optimization software could help them deliver on mounting V-22 delivery pressures. The V-22 carrier component was selected as a representative test part due to its high percentage of material removal (nearly 30 percent) and challenging workpiece material, titanium forging.

“The decision to invest in Third Wave Systems software was an easy one.”— Gerald Henderson, Bell Helicopter Director of Manufacturing

Results: » 37% cycle time reduction » Tool life and wear resistance improved

» Highest return on investment of any V-22 cost reduction initiative