Milled parts as freely configurable components through make-to-order - flexibility in contract manufacturing

Basic knowledge

Make-to-Order (MTO) is the classic production process for customised production. Make-to-order means contract manufacturing. Unlike Make-to-Stock (MTS), where production and stock levels are pre-determined, MTO components are only manufactured after receipt of a customer order.

What is Make-to-Order (MTO)?

In this manufacturing process, products are manufactured at the request of the customer. Manufacturers therefore make products according to the concrete stipulations of the customer, thus tailoring them entirely to the specifications and requirements of the customer. This type of production is particularly advantageous for companies that produce highly customised products with a high degree of variability. Whether in special machine construction, shipping or the packaging industry - Milled parts are used in many fields and must meet the highest quality standards.

MISUMI aims to fulfil these quality standards by means of make-to-order (MTO)

The benefit of MTO lies in the high degree of flexibility and variability, as production can be tailored to the wishes of the customer, is also possible in small quantities and expensive storage is not required. MTO is optimal for the manufacture of highly customised products.

What are the benefits of Make To Order?

In the make-to-order process, production and demand are directly related; it is only the customer's order that triggers production. The advantage for companies is to keep inventory levels and associated capital commitment low, while avoiding overproduction and underproduction. For MISUMI, the delivery time of MTO components is 4 to 12 days, compared to other companies that usually require 1 to 3 months for delivery.

Make-to-order is particularly suitable for milled parts.

Maximum precision and quality are guaranteed by customising and adapting each item to the customer’s requirements.
Efficient processes enable the waiting time between ordering and delivery of the goods to be reduced to a minimum for the customer.

Due to the numerous advantages of this type of production, it is also possible to react flexibly to changes in the market: If demand for a specific product decreases or new developments are observed in the market - no problem. You can reposition yourself and reorganise your resources accordingly.

What are milled parts?

Milled parts are products that result from the milling process in which material is removed from a workpiece to achieve a desired shape. Milling is particularly efficient for complex moulds and profiles that are difficult to implement using other techniques such as casting. These can include bags, grooves, gearwheel teeth and complex three-dimensional shapes.

Compared to turning, that requires rotationally symmetrical parts, milling can also be used for non-rotationally symmetrical parts. This means that milling is often used when the parts to be manufactured have complex shapes or cannot be produced by turning.

In addition, milling can be more efficient in the production of prototypes or individual items. Unlike turning, the time required for setting up the milling process is usually shorter, making it an attractive option for component or prototype manufacturing.

Finally, milling can be more advantageous for larger workpieces.

How are milled parts manufactured?

Milled parts are made by milling, a metal-cutting manufacturing technique in which material is removed from a workpiece to achieve a desired shape. Milling is a commonly used method for producing complex parts with high precision and repeatability.

The process begins with selecting the appropriate workpiece and a suitable milling machine. The workpiece is fixed in a clamping device to ensure stability during the milling process. Corresponding milling tools are then selected, depending on the material and desired processing.

Cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth are defined to meet specific requirements. Then the actual milling process takes place, during which the tool cuts and removes the material to create the desired shape. DThe milling machine guides the tool along different axes (X, Y and Z) to shape the desired contour.

Once milling is complete, the parts produced are checked for dimensional accuracy and quality to ensure they meet the required specifications.

MISUMI enables the production of a variety of milled parts, from simple geometric shapes to complex three-dimensional structures.

Automotive industry and NAAMS milled parts

NAAMS stands for "North American Automotive Metric Standards". It is a set of standards used in the automotive industry in North America. These standards were developed by a group of car manufacturers to ensure a uniform procedure and quality assurance in the production of vehicles.

The main feature is that parts are not specified in imperial units (inches"), but in the metric system. This creates many points of contact with other standards and norms that are common worldwide (e.g. DIN, JIS) - and ensures smooth collaboration.

NAAMS covers a wide range of topics and applications in automotive manufacturing, including but not limited to toolmaking, pressing tool components, punching tools, testing and measuring equipment, and manufacturing techniques. These standards help to increase process efficiency, improve product quality and facilitate communication and collaboration between different companies in the supply chain.

It is important to note that NAAMS standards are primarily related to automotive manufacturing and are not necessarily applicable to other industries or regions outside North America. Other regions and industrial sectors may have their own similar standards.

MISUMI offers a wide range of NAAMS components and parts that strictly adhere to this specification.

Freely configuring milled parts at MISUMI

Are you looking for high-quality, individually adjustable milled parts? Then MISUMI is the perfect partner for you. With a wide selection of different designs and configuration options, MISUMI offers you a customised solution tailored entirely to your specific needs.

Whether you only need a few components or larger quantities - with MISUMI you will always find the right product. Our experienced specialists are always there to help you configure the optimal milled part.

Quality and precision are top priorities at MISUMI. All our products are made from the best materials and are subject to strict quality controls. This ensures that our products meet the high requirements of our customers.

What are the most popular MTO milled parts?

Among the most popular milled parts used worldwide as MTO are the MISUMI milled parts:

Or use our overview of all MTO products at MISUMI .

Upload your 3D model and get a quotation immediately

Using your 3D CAD data, you can create and order customised milled and sheet metal parts from meviy. A variety of shapes are supported for small to large painted components, as well as several materials and surface treatments.

A variety of materials, including steels, aluminium and plastics, are available for the production of parts. The parts can be manufactured in different sizes and have both standardised and individual tolerances. To improve performance and durability, the parts can be chemically nickel-plated or anodised to protect them from corrosion and wear.

To improve performance and durability, the parts can be chemically nickel-plated or anodised to protect them from corrosion and wear.

To find out more, use the following links:

Or use our FAQs.

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