INDUSTRY

MISUMI USA, Inc. is using SolidWorks 3D PartStream.NET service to create a virtual tool shop that helps companies such as General Motors and Boston Scientific more quickly make the machines that manufacture their products. MISUMI's 3D PartStream.NET-powered online catalog allows customers to save time and money by quickly configuring and downloading 3D models of customized bushings, locating pins, linear shafts, bearing housings, and any of MISUMI's 500,000 other components into their machine designs. "3D PartStream.NET lets us create a virtual storefront where customers can quickly get the components they need," said Kazushi Ishida, president of MISUMI USA. "As with a real tool shop, customers can ensure a component has the exact specifications required. They can also get upfront pricing without having to pay for extra parts they don't need, and receive precise, finished parts in a matter of days, not weeks, anywhere in the country. This kind of self-configuration strengthens customer loyalty while cutting our product marketing costs." MISUMI USA is a subsidiary of Japan-based MISUMI Corporation, the world's largest supplier of components for assembly automation with more than $630 million in annual revenues. The company solved the industry problem in Japan, where manufacturers needed a huge variety of customized components in very small quantities. Suppliers were forcing manufacturers to pay set-up charges or imposing penalties such as minimum order quantities or values, when these special parts were needed. MISUMI developed a unique coding system that lets buyers specify materials, tolerances, and critical finishing dimensions without having to create and refine part drawings they must ship to MISUMI. Now, customers can affordably buy only the parts they need. Using 3D PartStream.NET, MISUMI created an online catalog that lets companies plug in the codes for specific part features and custom configure the component model they need. They can then download the model to see how it fits into their design, as well as have instant access to the most current pricing and delivery time information - a feature unique to MISUMI's catalog. This new model reduces costs and removes the minimum order barrier. MISUMI USA chose 3D PartStream.NET because of its higher-quality models (based on SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software), intuitive user interface, and the flexibility to handle more than 500,000 precision components. It also chose 3D PartStream.NET because of SolidWorks' widespread, global adoption. With 3D PartStream.NET, manufacturers using SolidWorks can configure parts with just a couple of mouse clicks. MISUMI is also listed on SolidWorks' 3D ContentCentralSM (www.3dcontentcentral.com), an online directory of suppliers offering downloadable 3D part models to hundreds of thousands of product designers and engineers around the world. "MISUMI Corporation transformed the engineering component delivery model in Japan, and it is beginning to do the same here in the United States," said Bob Noftle, general manager of 3D content solutions at SolidWorks Corporation. "3D PartStream.NET accelerates custom component configuration while giving MISUMI USA's customers the feeling of personal attention and design precision they'd get in an actual tool shop."