As designs get more complex, the harder it is to find the right components to complete the design process. Add tight timelines and budget constraints to the mix, and it only adds to the complexity.
We asked MISUMI engineers and experts in the field what they believe are the biggest challenges that mechanical engineers are facing today and how some of MISUMI’s tools and technology can help make the design process faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
Design Complexity & Time Constraints
Equipment and machinery across industries are becoming more intricate, and mechanical engineers are expected to develop highly sophisticated designs while ensuring functionality, durability, and manufacturability.
In a recent article published by McKinsey & Company, many mechanical engineers are being challenged with creating low-volume, high-complexity (LV/HC) products. In other words, builds that are highly customized and manufactured in smaller quantities.
To help support design complexity, it’s up to manufacturers to find solutions to help unique productions like LV/HC builds. MISUMI’s configurable model is one way to support complex, low-volume builds by making it easy and cost-effective to modify standard parts and get them delivered on time.
Part procurement technology is also helping to bridge a gap. Fictiv, a member of MISUMI, is an on-demand part procurement software that allows engineers to import designs and receive instant quotes on mechanical parts with no minimum quantity, streamlining the design-to-manufacture process.
Other mechanical engineering tools like FRAMES, an aluminum extrusion design software, and MISUMI’s inCAD Library, are other examples of free tools to help reduce design time for more complex builds.
Cost Management & Quality Control
Budget constraints can be a concern when sourcing quality parts. And when it comes to quality, it’s crucial to know where your products are coming from and how they’re manufactured, especially for repeat builds.
MISUMI is a global manufacturing network that enables consistent manufacturing of a wide range of components with quality in mind. This includes standard, configurable, and custom components.
Sourcing parts from manufacturers and distributors with a global presence is a surefire way to cover your bill of materials and cut down on purchasing complexity. Additionally, and most importantly, it ensures consistent, high-quality parts.
For example, if you configure a part from MISUMI, you’ll receive a part number that can be used for reordering across different MISUMI locations, such as the US, Japan, Mexico, and India.
Need for Faster Prototyping
When mechanical engineers are working on a new design, the last thing they should have to worry about is sourcing parts. It’s easy to spend too much time in the early design process only to realize that some parts are wrong for the build. That’s why cost-effective and fast prototyping is essential and has the potential to have a positive impact on the entire design cycle.
Tools like FRAMES and Fictiv make it easy for engineering teams to prototype faster, reduce cost, and save time during this design phase. Fictiv, for example, doesn’t have a minimum volume requirement, which means you can cost-effectively procure a custom part by uploading a 3D model and testing out the part in your build.
Partner with MISUMI. Simplify the Design Process
MISUMI works with engineers and machine builders to help reduce cost and save time. Explore MISUMI’s catalog of components and check out these engineering tools:
