Category: News & Updates

Springs play a crucial role in many aspects of daily life, but some of their most essential applications are in life-saving medical devices. From pacemakers to X-ray machines, springs are fundamental components that help ensure these devices function effectively. Whether compression springs, gas springs, or tension springs, their uses in life-saving technology are vast and indispensable.

As experienced spring manufacturers, we supply high-quality, reliable springs across a range of industries, from aerospace to manufacturing. We understand the critical importance of precision and durability in every spring we produce.

Read on to discover how our springs can contribute to life-saving innovations.

Considerations for Springs in Life-Saving Applications

Springs in life-saving applications must perform flawlessly. Not only to ensure the reliability of the device but also to safeguard the well-being of those who depend on it. Designing springs for the medical industry requires careful consideration of several key factors:

• Spring Material: The material that a spring is constructed from must take into account the demands of the application. For instance, some devices need to withstand exposure to harsh environments, including moisture and chemicals. This means they need to be made from a corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel.
• Spring Type: The type of spring selected is equally as important as the material, with different springs offering different benefits. For instance, compression springs are used in areas where a spring’s force is used to provide controlled movement or pressure, whereas torsion springs work best where rotational movement is required.
• Regulations and Standards: It is vital that springs comply with necessary regulations and standards. We are both ISO 9001 and ISO14001 certified, which exemplifies our commitment to quality manufacturing processes and sustainability.

Pacemakers

The pacemaker is an important medical device that sends electrical impulses to the heart if it beats at an irregular rate, whether this is too slow, or too fast. Pacemakers are vital to the survival of many people, but did you know that springs are used to create them?

Springs are implemented in pacemakers to make sure that the leads connecting the electrical circuits to the heart do not become disconnected, otherwise known as active fixation. This is an essential component, as a dislodged or disconnected lead can lead to permanent damage to the heart. The springs found in pacemakers tend to be compression springs, a versatile and dependable form of spring that we manufacture.

Syringes

Compression springs are also commonly used in syringes, particularly in auto-injectors. These devices are designed for patients to safely and easily self-administer medication at home. The mechanism of an auto-injector is similar to that of a ballpoint pen, when not in use, the needle remains inside the syringe, and a pre-loaded spring pushes it out when the button is pressed. This ensures precise and automatic medication delivery, offering a convenient and reliable solution for patients who require injected treatments.

Ventilators

Ventilators, commonly used in hospitals, play a vital role in assisting patients with breathing. Tension springs are found in the valve mechanism of ventilators. This mechanism controls the flow of air and oxygen to and from a patient. The tension springs work to create tension which regulates the opening and closing of valves.

Compression springs are also found within ventilators, particularly in the pressure regulation system. They assist in managing the pressure of delivered air, so that it meets the set requirements of a patient’s needs. These springs need to be reliable, as they are crucial in ensuring that the pressure systems in ventilators are responsive and accurate.

Gas springs help to create flexibility in the position of certain areas of a ventilator due to their controlled and precise movement. Gas springs are found throughout hospitals, from hospital beds to adjustable wheelchairs, and are a vital tool in ensuring equipment is placed in the correct position and comfortable for both patients and healthcare workers.

Imaging Equipment

Medical imaging machines, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scanners, are vital diagnostic tools that help healthcare professionals detect non-visible health issues. These life-saving devices rely on springs for precision, balance, and flexibility, allowing them to adjust seamlessly to patient needs.

Springs also play a crucial role in X-ray tables, enabling controlled movement for precise patient positioning. This ensures accurate imaging, which is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Our Commitment to Quality and Safety

Here at European Springs, quality and safety are at the forefront of everything we do. We understand the implications of spring failure in these critical applications. That’s why we implement advanced manufacturing and quality control processes to ensure our springs are safe to be used in critical medical devices. To learn more about our processes, or to commission the production of your custom spring solution, please contact us.

Springs serve a wide variety of purposes across many industries, from aerospace to electronics. One sector where springs play a particularly vital role is healthcare. From hospital beds to life-saving medical devices, the applications of springs in the medical industry are vast and essential.

At European Springs and Pressings Ireland, we specialise in manufacturing high-quality springs designed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.

In this blog, we’ll explore how different types of springs, including compression springs, gas springs, and torsion springs, support critical medical applications. Keep reading to discover how our products help maintain the highest standards of reliability in healthcare.

Compression Springs

Compression springs are among the most commonly used springs in the medical sector, thanks to their versatility and reliability. These springs feature a helical design, enabling them to store and release mechanical energy through compression and decompression. Their simple yet effective function makes them indispensable in various healthcare applications.

One everyday example of compression springs in medicine is their use in inhalers. Here, the spring applies force to move medication from the canister into the mouthpiece, where it can be inhaled by the patient.

In surgical instruments like clamps and scissors, compression springs help maintain consistent pressure, ensuring secure tissue handling during procedures. The use of high-quality, durable springs is crucial in these tools, as precision is essential for successful surgical outcomes.

Compression springs are also integral to ventilators, where they help regulate airflow by controlling the pressure of delivered air – a critical function that supports patient breathing. Additionally, these springs are found in medical syringes, particularly within the plunger mechanism, allowing for the controlled and accurate administration of medication.

From life-saving devices to everyday medical tools, compression springs serve as a reliable and versatile component, contributing significantly to the efficiency and safety of healthcare equipment.

Gas Springs

Gas springs, otherwise known as gas struts, are springs that incorporate compressed gas into their functionality. They have a variety of applications, from vehicles to adjustable furniture, and are designed to lift, lower, and control the movement of heavy loads.

Within the healthcare industry, gas springs are used in hospital and physiotherapy beds, enabling height adjustment and back or leg elevation, helping to comfort the patient and make treatment easier for medical workers. The same functionality applies to things like drug cabinets and mobile workstations, assisting with height adjustment, angle readjustment and the control of lid opening and closing.

Gas springs are commonly found in areas of lighting or mounting within a hospital. For instance, the lighting arms that overlook patients and staff in an operating room rely on gas springs, as well as X-ray or live TV screens. This goes for outside the hospital, too, as similar kinds of lighting arms are found in the rooms of dentists and opticians. Gas springs allow these to be moved easily, ensuring that they are positioned in the ideal spot for both the patient and practitioner.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs work by applying a twisting force rather than a compressive force. When the spring is twisted, it stores energy that is released when the spring reverts to its original position. They are also a common and versatile spring type, making them suited to a vast range of applications. For instance, medical mobilisation devices and hospital beds utilise torsion springs. They assist in smoothly raising or lowering sections of a hospital bed with minimal effort, as well as allowing the beds to lock into place once the desired position is achieved.

Torsion springs can also be found in diagnostic equipment, such as blood analysers, where they help to achieve the precise movement and handling of blood samples. They are also playing a vital role in the evolving sphere of surgical robotics and prosthetics, helping to facilitate movement in a controlled yet natural way. The spring’s torque function is able to replicate the natural bending and straightening movement of a human joint, aiding the creation of more realistic and functional prosthetic limbs.

Metal Stampings

In addition to springs, pressings and stampings have an abundance of uses in the medical sector. Metal stampings are created using a process of cutting or shaping metal sheets and can create a variety of components, from flat parts to three-dimensional shapes. When creating stampings and pressings for the medical industry, using sterile, high-quality materials is imperative for maintaining hygiene and easy cleaning. Materials like stainless steel are particularly adapted to this purpose, as they are resistant to corrosion and are a sterile type of metal.

Many common medical parts, including surgical instruments, medical device enclosures, imaging equipment and temperature probes, are made up at least in part from medical pressings and stampings. When it comes to pressings and stampings, we are equipped to handle a range of custom requests, dealing with materials in thicknesses anywhere between 0.05mm and 4mm. We are also able to construct your springs and pressings from a selection of materials, including stainless steel, ensuring that your products are surgical grade.

When it comes to the medical industry, springs and pressings must be constructed of the highest quality and materials, as the consequences of their failure are drastic. That’s why it must be a priority to select a spring manufacturer that has years of experience and high standards, like us here at European Springs and Pressings Ireland. If you would like to discuss the production of a custom product for the medical industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In the last decade, we’ve seen an immense growth in the amount and popularity of video games, and a lot of them can have educational benefits as well as providing entertainment. Many popular video games employ engineering concepts, and can be a great way to inspire children to become future engineers. In this blog, we’ll be going through our top 5 engineering video games for children, that are both enjoyable and inspiring.

1. Minecraft

Age 8+

There’s a reason why Minecraft is beloved by many. It’s relatively simple concept leaves endless room for creativity and exploration, allowing the game to be completely tailored to personal preference. This means that kids can build entire worlds working independently or with friends, giving them creative freedom which is an integral aspect of engineering. Minecraft allows children to learn about design, mechanics, and problem-solving in a fun and expansive way.

2. World of Goo 2

Age 8+

This award-winning physics game is a fantastic choice to inspire budding engineers, combining structure-building with key physics concepts. The premise of the game is to build structures using goo balls in order to complete challenges, creating a motivating and creative experience for children. Its whimsical design keeps children entertained, whilst teaching them key principles of mechanics and problem solving.

3. Kerbal Space Program (1 & 2)

Age 10+

This game is particularly suited to children who have an interest in space or astronauts. In this game, you can build your own rocket ship. You have a variety of rocket parts, like engines and fuel tanks, which you must assemble into a ship that can function – and lift off the ground without immediately exploding. This game is great for teaching children concepts like balance, aerodynamics, and functionality.

4. LEGO Worlds

Age 7+

Similar to Minecraft, LEGO Worlds give children the freedom to create their own worlds using block structures. Users can construct buildings, vehicles, and landscapes using LEGO bricks, teaching children problem-solving and logic skills that are essential within engineering. Moreover, the popularity of LEGO sets and cinematic adaptations means that this game will be sure to appeal to and inspire children.

5. Crazy Gears

Age 4+

This IOS and Android based game is a captivating option for on-the-go gaming and introducing children to critical think ideas. In this game, children work through levels of gears, chains, rods, and pulleys, teaching them how each one works together to form the basic components of a machine. Even though this game is designed for younger children, it’s mobile design can serve as a great way to entertain and educate children of all ages.

Honourable Mentions

These are some games that didn’t quite make our top 5 cut, but are still standout games that can teach children a thing or two about engineering.

• Space Engineers – Similar to Kerbal Space Program, Space Engineers involves construction, survival and exploration in space, allowing you to build space ships, space stations, and civil or military outposts.
• Scrap Mechanic – This game has a similar creative aspect to Minecraft and LEGO worlds, where you can choose from over a hundred building parts to create vehicles or building. This game is interactive and inspiring, and even has a fun multiplayer aspect.
• Poly Bridge – This bridge simulator game is filled with physics-based puzzles, teaching children how to construct a bridge that can stand on its own. The sandbox mode in this game allows players to build impressive and functional structures.

Videogames are excellent tools for growing and stimulate children’s brains. They allow for puzzle solving, creativity, and logic skills to develop, inspiring the next generation of engineers. Engineering is an industry that always benefits from bright new ideas and individuals, and at European Springs Ireland we are dedicated to helping young people start their careers in this field.

With over seven decades of experience in our field, we have built a positive reputation both domestically and internationally as leading spring manufacturers, but what makes our services so popular? Because we work closely with our clients and take time to understand their needs and support their projects.

Finding a reliable, honest, and experienced spring manufacturer shouldn’t be a challenge, so read on to see why our processes are so successful and discover how we can support your next project.

Tailored Spring Designs for Any Application

Our customer-driven approach to spring design ensures that we meet the needs of our clients’ projects. We pride ourselves on this bespoke process that steps away from stock spring limitations and, instead, creates a product built specifically for its intended use.

This way of thinking is something we have developed not just because of our long-term expertise in this field but also because of the broad variety of sectors that we have worked with. Whether it is industrial areas such as oil and gas or commercial ventures such as machine and product design, we know that our process is highly effective at addressing a range of applications.

One proven example is the work we conducted to strengthen the well-known Öresund Bridge. Previously, severe vibrations threatened the stability of this bridge between Sweden and Denmark, and we were part of an international team designing custom dampers that featured high-quality compression springs designed to manage the problematic vibrations caused by fluctuating cables during adverse weather conditions. Our bespoke dampers, each containing precision-engineered compression springs, are designed to absorb and counteract the vibrations.

Part of the Lesjöfors Group

Another benefit our clients enjoy when choosing us as their spring manufacturers is that we are part of the Lesjöfors Group. Since 2007, we have stood alongside and collaborated with dozens of the leading manufacturers across Europe. Having access to global resources means we support and are supported in creating any springs to suit even the most demanding specifications.

This way, we continue to be the local manufacturer that our clients need, but with access to the technology, materials and designs that ensure our tailored service operates smoothly and with reliable results. It also means that we can handle projects of any size and complexity, delivering high-quality products on time and within budget.

First-Class Manufacturing Facilities

We’re proud to have state-of-the-art spring manufacturing facilities that help us to serve clients across the globe. Our engineers are among the best in the industry, with years of experience and a deep understanding of spring manufacturing. We continually invest in upskilling our team and upgrading our facilities to stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. This commitment to innovation allows us to offer our clients cutting-edge solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. Whether you need a custom spring design or a high-volume production run, our team has the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional results.

Commitment to Quality

Quality is at the core of all our manufacturing processes and is evident to our clients with every spring we make for them. We are fully accredited members of The Institute of Spring Technology and the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering, which supports our registration with BSI to ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards. These certifications reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality and sustainability in our manufacturing processes. We believe that quality begins with the materials we use, which is why we source only the best materials that meet the stringent standards required for your project.

Our in-house tooling capabilities allow us to create custom tools for each project, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the production process. Additionally, we offer a range of finishing techniques, such as plating, powder coating, and polishing, to enhance the durability and performance of your springs. Our commitment to quality ensures that every product we deliver is optimised for its intended application.

Sustainably Manufactured Springs

When choosing us, you are choosing a spring manufacturer dedicated to supporting sustainable manufacturing practices and regulations. The recent introduction of new carbon reporting requirements has reinforced our dedication to environmental responsibility. These regulations are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and the reduction of carbon emissions across the manufacturing sector, aligning with the ambitious targets set by the European Green Deal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Our proactive approach involved integrating energy-efficient practices into our operations, from optimising production methods to implementing waste reduction strategies. By adhering to the latest EU carbon reporting standards, we comply with regulations and contribute to a broader industry shift towards sustainable manufacturing. This dedication ensures that our clients can trust us to deliver high-quality products while also supporting global efforts to protect the environment, which can be included in their own brand as a business that values sustainability.

Leading Irish Spring Supplier

As leading spring manufacturers, we closely monitor the shifting trends within our industry. Despite the international challenges we’ve all experienced, we see a bright future for Irish manufacturing in our facility and the nation as a whole. Contact us to discuss the requirements for your next project and see how we can fulfil them.