Time to market reduced using MISUMI's CAD Configurators

ATS Automation Tooling Systems provides innovative, custom designed manufacturing solutions to many of the world's most successful companies. Founded in 1978, ATS uses its industry-leading knowledge and global capabilities to serve the sophisticated automation system needs of multinational customers in healthcare, computer/electronics, automotive, pharmaceutical and consumer products. ATS employs approximately 3,600 people at 26 manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia and China.

ATS recently introduced a reconfigurable, modular solution for packaging called FlexsysPAK. This machine is based on the already successful Supertrak pallet conveyor system which is also a highly flexible and configurable packaging solution. ATS was able to bring this machine to market quickly by using 3D Modeling configurators. Mike Baljak, CAD Support Specialist for the ATS mechanical design group in Cambridge, Ontario, is a user. "Using the configurators has reduced design effort by minimizing the time used to make 3D models of purchased parts," explains Baljak. "Previously, modeling a part would require finding a catalogue, then modeling the part from the dimensions provided, increasing the possibility of modeling errors and rework as a consequence. Now, it's as simple as inputting the parameters and downloading the 3D model. It makes designing more efficient which saves time and money, and allows time to be focused on more important aspects of the design."

Many of the MISUMI components specified and purchased for the build of FlexsysPAK were accessed through the MISUMI web site. By accessing the MISUMI Configurator a designer is able to input the part number; reconfigure the part; and download the native 3D file.

MISUMI provides standard components for assembly automation that can be parametrically configured to the precise specifications required for the unique assembly being designed.

The MISUMI CAD Configurator provides the designer with the available options for each component. Component material and surface finish can be selected through the part number, while specifications can be selected in 1mm increments. Options are numerous including wrench flats, set screw flats, key groove and V groove.

These savings are twofold: first, because part drawings are not required for the purchased components, and second, the in-house machine shop at ATS can concentrate time and effort on the custom components and assemblies that must be machined in-house.

These two economies allow ATS to bring machines to market quickly while reducing cost for their customers.

MISUMI USA, INC.
1105 Remington Road, Suite B
Schaumburg, IL 60173
www.misumiusa.com