Misumi USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Misumi Corporation and a supplier of configurable and fixed components for the factory automation, press die and plastic mold Industries, has announced it will once again offer its University Engineering Program to mechanical engineering department heads and professors at top colleges and universities across North America.
Launched in 2011 and renewed for the 2012-2013 school year, the University Program is designed to partner with higher education in order to assist engineering student teams as they plan, design and build successful senior projects, many of which will ultimately be entered into nationwide competitions. Jacob Oji, head of Misumi USA’s Factory Automation (FA) Business Development, states: “We aim to empower the next generation of engineers by educating them about the latest design techniques using configurable components. Our program provides individual guidance and mentoring from an experienced resource that students can consult to solve design / build challenges. Last year, we worked with teams from Stanford, M.I.T., Rochester Institute of Technology, University of California Davis, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, to name a few. This year, we are building on that success to make the program more valuable and exciting than ever.”
University Program Benefits Include Product Discounts, Technical Support and Much More
For schools enrolled in the University Program, Misumi offers engineering faculty and students a 30 percent discount on the company’s more than one million factory automation components. Additional benefits include:
- A class presentation of Modern Design Techniques with Configurable Components, a seminar covering the history of automation and innovative approaches to design
- Sponsorship for senior design projects and project competitions.
- Access to a full array of Web-based tools, including an Online Configurator, CAD models, tech webinars, and technical support from experienced mechanical engineers
- A full set of print catalogs containing over 3,600 pages of products, design tools and technical information
David Basken, Product Manager for Misumi’s Machined Products, notes: “We want to bring our configurable components message right into college classrooms so young engineers starting out will be ready to deliver real bottom-line value to their future employers.” Marc Fisher, Machined Products engineer, adds: “Misumi has a long tradition of partnering with engineers, providing leading-edge products, technical resources and helpful design tools. We are committed to extending that tradition of service to the next generation of mechanical engineers.”
Commenting on the program, Professor Mohammad Mahinfalah at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, says: “Last year my student teams worked on ASME Student design, Milwaukee Composite Group and NASA projects using MISUMI parts. The program introduced them to a new method of component purchasing. They were impressed by the speed at which they could download CAD files and get delivery of quality parts so quickly and at low cost.”
To apply for Misumi's University Program, engineering department heads or faculty simply need to complete a short registration form that provides information about their engineering discipline and a brief description of their planned engineering project. Applications will be reviewed by MISUMI USA’s engineering team. More information and an application form can be found at http://www.misumiusa.com/MisumiU.aspx
