Misumi gears up to answer European challenge

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 15, 2005

Misumi is currently expanding its European operations in the UK and Germany to meet its customers' needs.

Europe's medical device and machine building industry is operating in a rapidly changing environment rife with challenges as well as opportunities.

Companies are experiencing European growth in their home and neighbouring countries creating the industrial links and commercial growth between the ever-growing infrastructures of Europe.

Design engineers and managers find themselves working with colleagues Europe-wide on projects, rather than simply working on the nearer, smaller picture.

Misumi has found that with these growing operations, sourcing, designing and the shipping logistics of components is one of the key areas where engineers find problems due to time delay, logistics and considering the negatives of using a multitude of component suppliers.

It is for these reasons Misumi is currently expanding its European operations in the UK and Germany to meet its customers' needs.

Misumi Corp has subsidiaries worldwide and can ship to any country.

Its components are standard for all subsidiaries and the company uses the same logistics expertise that has changed the production lines of many manufacturing companies by using similar expertise as the infamous JIT and Kaizan theories.

Misumi components come in either standard or customised form.

Using the company's extensive factory automation catalogue, engineers will find over 70,000 components to fulfil their total component solutions.

Made to Misumi's renowned precision quality, the components can be specified by material, dimensional specifications, surface treatments and special machined requirements.

Available in stainless steel, Misumi components are suitable for the strict guidelines set when designing or using machinery used in a medical or clean room environment.

It is here that the engineer can specify a particular material, enhanced seals or perhaps oil free or low greased type component to suit their application.

If however it is a cost effective standard item that's required, Misumi can meet these needs also.

The catalogue comes in hard back or online form.

Misumi components are based around the following mechanical categories: linear and rotary motion, locating components and general machine accessories.

Within these categories the company aims to satisfy every need; but if an engineer cannot find the suitable component or is unsure of how to specify the company's codes, he or she can send over a drawing or contact any of the company's experienced sales staff to help.

Another area that is a foundation to any design of industrial products is CAD.

A multitude of CAD packages are available each with their individual benefits.

As any designer will know when considering the time that's involved in the creation of 3D models, a component will have hidden costs that are not displayed on any invoice.

Misumi has now improved its collaboration with Web2cad and Power parts and is currently redesigning its online design portal for all Misumi components.

Compatible with industry wide CAD packages, Misumi components can be specified and inserted directly into the chosen system.

Available online or via CAD CD, the Misumi portal is becoming the preferred design hub for all mechanical components.

Soon the company will be offering a design service where the engineer can select all mechanical requirements of components and send the particular request direct to the subsidiary creating a speedy competitive quotation.