Category: News & Updates

The world of engineering has impacted the way we work in our everyday lives. Everything we take for granted was invented by successful individuals and did not exist once upon a time. Can you imagine if we now lived without some of the world’s greatest inventions, such as the automobile? From ancient tools to the latest digital advances, humans have been inventing and engineering items which have been transforming our lives since we can remember.

Here are just some of the engineering inventions that have not only changed the way we live our everyday lives but have shaped the entire industry and have paved the way for a greater future.

The First Airplane

If it wasn’t for the invention of the first ever plane, would we now be able to travel across seas, venture to new countries or even carry soldiers, assist the injured and rescue mountaineers? On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first ever powered, sustained, and controlled plane, which has been evolving and changing ever since.

While these flying contraptions have been more than an idea ever since da Vinci’s time, the Wright brothers were the ones to make it a success! It’s fair to say that these siblings kickstarted the foundation for modern aeronautical engineering.

On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first ever powered, sustained, and controlled plane

Compass

The invention of the compass can’t be traced back to a specific date; however, the earliest compasses were most likely invented by the Chinese around 1050 BC. Created for spiritual and navigational purposes, the first compasses were said to be made of lodestones as this is a naturally magnetised iron ore.

With the advancement in technology and the invention of the electromagnet in 1825, the compass was then developed into what we know today. If it wasn’t for the engineering marvel that is the compass, modern navigation wouldn’t have received the push it needed.

The first compasses were said to be made of lodestones as this is a naturally magnetised iron ore

Automobile

Although the basic foundations for the car were laid early in 1866 by German engineer and inventor Karl Benz, cars didn’t become widely available until the early 20th century. Mass production techniques for automobiles were invented by well-known engineer Henry Ford and are now standard practises with Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and more.

This evolution reflects a worldwide effort – it influenced other technological advances such as petroleum refining, steel making, plate-glass manufacturing, and other industrial processes.

Empty car body shells on production line

Light Bulb

Indoors right now? There’s most likely a light bulb powering the room. The energy we use today and use to light up our offices and homes with was a bright idea from way over 150 years ago. Pioneered by Humphry Davy, he set off on his journey in the 1800s and ended up being one of the most influential and greatest inventors of all time. While Davy began this invention, the first light bulb was patented by Edison and Swan in 1879 and 1880. The invention of the lightbulb electrified new business and led to numerous exciting breakthroughs such as electric transmission lines, home appliances and power plants!

The energy we use today and use to light up our offices and homes with was a bright idea from way over 150 years ago

Small Tools and Components

We may consider planes, trains, and automobiles to be some of the greatest accomplishments from the world’s engineers, but do we ever stop to think about the smaller parts? Everything from tools, such as hammers and spanners, to small components, such as springs and hinges, are just as important, perhaps even more! The first ever coiled spring was invented by R. Tradwell in 1763 and was a British patent.

This stems from the research British physicist Robert Hooke carried out in 1676 on Hooke’s Law, which explores the force which a spring exerts.

When you think about how many products, machines, and household items we couldn’t have if it wasn’t for the nuts, bolts, wire forms, screws and springs, we would have very empty homes and businesses!

 Everything from tools, such as hammers and spanners, to small components, such as springs and hinges, are just as important

This list is by no means comprehensive; these are just a few of the marvellous inventions which have shaped everything we do in our day-to-day routines. You are probably reading this on a PC or phone; both which wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for an engineer or inventor who conjured up the idea.

As spring manufacturers, we are in awe of these engineers – and, of course, the ones we haven’t been able to mention. If you would like to know more about our products and services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with European Springs Ireland today.

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2018 – the year of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the FIFA World Cup and the Year of Engineering. This year will see events, campaigns and initiatives up and down the country, all designed to promote engineering as a career choice for young children and teenagers.

With reports that the UK is dealing with a skills shortage, meaning that we will need 1.8 million trained people by 2025, the UK government is doing everything they can to get young people interested in a career in engineering to secure the future of the industry.

So, what will be going on in 2018, and how can you help to make sure that it is a successful Year of Engineering?

Engineering Apprentices

Who is Already Involved?

There are a huge number of big companies and organisations who are involved in the initiative, covering a variety of sectors and disciplines. These include BAE Systems, Engineering UK, Royal Air Force and the UK Space Agency, to name but a few.

These names don’t just represent the industries most commonly associated with engineering, such as transport and aerospace, in fact, there are companies from sectors including education, fashion and the environment.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering

Research has shown that only 23% of the UK workforce in STEM occupations are women. In a bid to introduce more young girls and women to the industry, ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ was born.

The event has already passed for 2018, being held on February 22nd, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about next year! We wrote about the event back in February, giving suggestions of how you could introduce a girl to engineering.

100 Years of the RAF

On 1st April, the Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th birthday – an event which will see celebrations taking place from now until the end of November. This birthday is particularly poignant as 2018 also marks 100 years since the end of WWI.

This provides the perfect opportunity to explore the engineering behind aerospace, encouraging children and teens to consider the huge advancements that have happened over the course of the last 100 years.

Big Bang Events

In July, schools across the country will be hosting ‘The Big Bang’ events. These fairs are designed to get school children excited about STEM subjects by providing fun, educational and inspiring exhibits that encourage students to consider a career in STEM.

You can find out more about the events and how you can get involved here.

Consider Visiting a Local School

If you are an employer in the STEM sector, this year may be the perfect time to get involved with local schools and colleges. Not only does this provide an opportunity for young students to understand the variety of careers they could have within STEM, it also offers you an opportunity to create a valuable link.

You may find that these children later consider apprenticeship or job opportunities with your company as they are already familiar with your work and have an existing relationship.

Be Vocal Online

Getting involved in the Year of Engineering needn’t take up much of your time or resources. In fact, you could use the internet as your platform to encourage young people in STEM careers. Sharing interesting stories, facts and insights into your workplace could be enough to pique the interests of young people, showing them another side of an industry that they may not yet have considered.

When posting on social media, you can use hashtags, #takeacloserlook, #YofE and #inspireanengineer to make sure that your updates are seen!

There are countless ways that you can get involved in the Year of Engineering in 2018, helping to encourage a future generation of engineers, highlighting how the STEM industries can be exciting, fascinating and important.

Make sure to follow all of our latest updates about the Year of Engineering as well as our company news by regularly checking our blog or following us on our social media pages – Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

If you have any questions about our services or products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team who will be happy to help.

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At European Springs Ireland, our experienced engineers have been given the opportunity to manufacture and produce some exciting projects over the years, and this year has been no different. The spring industry has developed and advanced greatly over time, allowing new technology to create incredible things.

Being one of Europe’s leading spring providers, we pride ourselves on delivering the perfect end project to our customers. As Saturday 17th March marks St Patrick’s Day, our team has created a Shamrock made from wire forms to celebrate the occasion.

Shamrock

History of St Patrick’s Day

For those who are unfamiliar with the history of the celebration, we at European Springs Ireland will inform all about the special Irish day. St Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th March, (the traditional death date of Saint Patrick born 385AD). It is a Roman Catholic feast day of the patron saint of Ireland.

This day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, whilst also celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish. Celebrations involves public parades, festivals, and wearing green attire or shamrocks.

Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated around the world and is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.

Who was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick was a 5th century Roman-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland, and one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. But, did you know he wasn’t actually Irish? His real name given at birth was Maewyn. He was born in Romano Britain into a wealthy family, where his father worked as a deacon and his grandfather worked as a priest in a Christian church.

When he was 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland. Here, he spent six years working as a shepherd, and it is stated it was here where he found God.

During his capture, he was able to escape, where he fled to a monastery in Gaul, France, and converted to Christianity. After some time living in France, he returned back to Ireland in 432 as a missionary. Although Christianity was a religion which was already held in the country, Saint Patrick enabled it to be more widespread after confronting the Druids at Tara and abolishing their pagan rites.

Later in life, Patrick became a bishop and after his death in 461, he was named Ireland’s patron saint. He was buried at Downpatrick.

In the early days of Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrations were largely understated. It wasn’t until the Irish emigrated to the United States, where they began creating the bigger celebrations and parades we know today.

In the 18th century, Irish soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War held the first St Patrick’s Day parades. These celebrations were known as a way for the Irish to connect with their roots after they moved to America.

shamrock 3

Fun Facts About Saint Patrick’s Day

Here, we have listed three fun facts about this Irish tradition that you may not have known:

  • According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.
  • The practice of dyeing the river green began in Chicago in 1962, when the city officials decided to dye a portion of the Chicago River green.
  • Corned beef and cabbage is an Irish American dish but some of the population were unable to afford certain meals. On Saint Patrick’s Day, it was the best meal they could afford. Since then, it became a staple for the holiday.

Process of Custom Made Wireforms

Wireforms are essential component types which are commonly used in headsets, computer brace devices, or for a simple pin. No two examples of wireforms ever look alike, making them fantastic for creating them into forms for almost any design.

Advanced machinery has had a great effect on the production of wire forms, allowing the manufacturing of huge quantities. Our specialist hand cooling treatments and wealth of experience enable us to make custom made wireforms with precision and quality. This is shown in our production of the Shamrock to celebrate the occasion.

At European Springs Ireland, we deliver professional and bespoke service for the design and manufacturing of springs. If you would like to know more information about our products and services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.

From everyone here at European Springs Ireland, Happy St Patrick’s Day.

There’s no argument that springs are everywhere; they play a major role in many items we use on an everyday basis – from our cars to prosthetic limbs.

But while we may use the modest mechanism more than you think, have you ever stopped to consider how compression springs are made?

As spring manufacturers, we’re quite well placed to answer this query, so sit back, relax, and read all about the process.

how are springs made

The Materials

Springs are generally used of hardened steel, and spring manufacturers do have the option to either use pre-hardened steel or to harden the steel in their own process.

The most commonly used materials include stainless steel, chrome silicon, chrome vanadium, music wire and oil tempered wire; all of which are ideal for several spring projects.

However, other materials can be used, such as plastic. It all depends on what the purpose of a spring is for the material required to be determined.

The Design Process

While it’s interesting to find out the scientific process of spring making, it’s equally important to remember that various mathematical equations and processes are used to design the spring needed.

Factors such as wire composition, size, diameter, the number of coils needed, force and its application all need to be considered in minute detail.

Coiling

The process of creating a spring begins with coiling. This can be done with either a heated or cold wire but the metal needs flexibility to be shaped.

Cold winding starts with a wire at room temperature and involves winding the wire around a shaft. Hot winding is more often used for wire that is thicker. The metal is heated beforehand which increases the flexibility. It is then coiled around a shaft while still piping hot.

After the wire has been coiled it is immediately taken off the shaft or mandrel so it can cool and harden to its new form rapidly.

Hardening

Whether the material has been coiled hot or cold, stress is created for the material. Heat effects the strength, so to relieve this the spring must be tempered by heat treating.

The spring is heated in an oven and held at the appropriate temperature for a specific time and then placed aside to cool down.

An example of this is a spring made from music wire; it should be heated at 260 degrees Celsius for one hour.

how are springs made from European springs

Finishing Steps

Before a spring can be used, there are usually five more steps to go through before being placed in an application.

1. Grinding. If the design needs flat ends, then these need to be ground. The spring will be mounted to a jig and held against a rotating wheel until the desired flatness is achieved. An appropriate fluid will be used to cool the spring.

2. Shot Peening. This process helps to resist any fatigue or cracking. The entire spring is exposed to many tiny steel balls that hammer it smooth and compress the material below the surface.

3. Setting. The spring will be fully compressed so that all the coils touch each other. This fixes the length and pitch firmly. Some spring manufacturers will even repeat this process several times.

4. Coating. This protects corrosion. The spring is protected by painting, plating it with a further metal, or even goes through mechanical plating. There is also an alternative process of electroplating.

5. Quality Control

Of course, this is not the end of the process for spring manufacturers, such as European Springs Ireland. The spring goes through various testing devices and quality control steps to ensure the highest of quality.

Through using specific materials and extremely advanced manufacturing processes, all our springs are uniformly strong and of a high quality. We manufacturer a variety of springs – from disc springs and die springs to clock springs and torsion springs and many more.

Get in touch today to find out more about our processes and services.

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The output of the UK manufacturing is expanding at the most rapid rate since 2008. The industry also recorded a seventh consecutive month of growth in November. In ten years, the UK manufacturing sector has never seen so much growth. It looks like 2018 is going to be a wonderful year, not just for the entire manufacturing industry, but for the sectors inside, such as gas spring manufacturers like ourselves.  So, why is the figure so, and how did we get there?

Car production

Output Figures

Renewable energy projects, boats, cars and aeroplanes for export helped to increase the output 3.9% higher in just three months. In fact, the official figures show that the entire industrial output rose by 0.4% in November.

Output from construction also fell by 2% compared with previous months, however, that was the industry’s biggest fall since August 2012. The main positive for this sector is the 1.2% increase in new housing.

November 2017 was estimated to have a total production increase of 0.4 % in comparison to October with an expectation of the majority of this coming from energy supply. While this was originally the prediction, this increased by 3.2% due to the change in temperatures. This was because the temperature was warmer than average in October and colder than average in November, which meant an obvious effect on production and supply.

Economic Growth

While there are positives and some negatives in the statistics, one main figure to focus on is the growth of the economy as a whole. This has slowed down within the first nine months of 2017, with higher inflation caused by the fall in sterling. This was of course due to the Brexit referendum. However, it is important to note that the UK economy did grow by 0.4% in the three months to September.

While the figures are looking great, it is also vital to point out that UK manufacturing makes up only 10% of the economy. While an important section, it is a small one.

Riding on Trends

One could say that British manufacturing depends on two trends; global growth and currency.

While, as mentioned, the value of sterling has fallen following Brexit, this circumstance has made UK exports much more competitive.

For the first time since the middle of the financial crisis, the 3 main engines of global growth – USA, China and Europe, are all performing strongly. This has led to further exports which are contributing to narrowing the trade deficit.

While there is a clear divide in value between what we import and export, the entire economic picture seems subdued. However, assisted by a positive outlook in the British manufacturing sector, we have not seen such quarterly optimism since way back in April 2008, and furthermore, we are enjoying a solid run of growth since 1997.

Young male manufacturer iStock_000067202615_Small

Lee Hopley, chief economist at The Manufacturers’ organisation EEF has said:

“UK manufacturers were, in the main, in good shape as 2017 came to a close, with the majority of sub-sectors enjoying growth. Manufacturers’ expectations for the year ahead point to output and export growth being maintained through this year on the back of continuing support from a burgeoning global economy. This, together with an ongoing commitment from government to deliver on its industrial strategy, will be crucial in helping to propel the sector forward”

While looking ahead, Brexit uncertainty is likely to continue affecting these figures, the UK Manufacturing sector can only be optimistic following from these numbers.

European Springs Ireland are looking forward to what the world of springs will be doing as the year continues and how the growth of Manufacturing can help all the sectors grow equally.

If you would like any information on how our services can help your business grow, we would love to discuss. Simply get in touch with our expert team.

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Updated in June 2024

A space shuttle flying in space

Constant-force springs are a particular spring type characterised by the remarkable ability to provide a steady and stable force throughout their range of motion. Thanks to this capability, they emerge as the perfect choice for uses that need a smooth return and retrieval, such as counterbalance, tensioning, and loading applications; this makes them especially valuable in the automotive and medical industries, for instance.

However, these springs are major players in another sector that has been gaining particular traction over the past few years, especially in Ireland: the space industry. Here, constant-force springs are employed to allow for the apt management of force changes within the atmosphere and in several other important applications. In this blog, we will use our expertise as spring manufacturers to delve into how the space industry relies on these springs to boost space missions and enhance key equipment.

A close-up of a constant-force spring

The Key Features of Constant-Force Springs

Constant-force springs boast an outstanding ability to deliver a consistent and stable force throughout their range of motion thanks to their specific design: a pre-stressed flat strip of spring material, typically stainless steel, wound tightly into a coil or on a drum. Unlike traditional springs that follow Hooke’s Law, where the force is proportional to the displacement, constant-force springs maintain their force regardless of their extension length. Because of this, they offer several advantages; let’s see the main ones.

  • They deliver high force output while occupying very small space, making them ideal in compact design situations, such as in the complex spring mechanisms in aerospace engineering.
  • Their long linear reach comes with minimal force build-up.
  • They can store a great amount of energy indefinitely when fully extended, providing long-term performance.

The load capacity of constant-force springs can vary through different configurations, including cavity mounts, multiple spring mounts, and various sizes and designs. What’s more, their resilience and durability under harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and vacuums encountered in space, make them suitable for the most demanding applications, like those required aboard a space shuttle.

A satellite in space above earth

Why Are Constant-Force Springs Used In Space?

Constant-force springs are successfully employed in the space industry because they can defy Hooke’s Law (as mentioned above) by maintaining a consistent force throughout their range of motion, which makes them particularly valuable for space applications. As they provide perpetual force regardless of extension length or speed, they are excellent in both static and dynamic applications in situations where gravitational forces differ significantly from those on Earth. Let’s delve into some of the most demanding and specific space-related employments.

Elevating Satellite Deployment Mechanisms

Satellite deployment mechanisms are one of those applications in the space sector where constant-force springs excel, as they provide the exceptional precision and reliability the operation requires. When satellites are launched into space, they are compactly stored to fit within the limited confines of the launch vehicle. To begin their mission, once they reach orbit, they need to deploy their solar panels, antennas, and other key equipment accurately. Here, constant-force springs are essential to make this deployment happen smoothly, minimising the risk of mechanical failure and improving the efficiency of satellite operations.

Additionally, spacecraft engineers know how important it is to reduce the weight and volume of onboard components, and they constantly strive to optimise payload capacity and launch costs. Satellite deployment demands high force output but in extremely limited space, so constant-force springs are the best choice to provide the necessary force without occupying significant space. This space-saving characteristic allows for the incorporation of more advanced technology in the satellite design, boosting the overall mission capabilities.

Astronauts in space with solar panels

Enhancing Astronaut Equipment and Mobility

It is no secret that space is inhospitable, and astronauts require specialised equipment to perform their tasks safely, which constant-force springs enhance in terms of functionality and reliability. For instance, in spacesuits, these springs can be integrated into joints and mobility aids to facilitate smooth and controlled movements so that astronauts can move with agility, reduce fatigue, and lower the risk of injury during extended missions.

The weight of such equipment is also critical in these missions; every additional kilogram translates to higher launch costs. Whether in the tensioning systems of space tools or the retractable components of mobility aids, constant-force springs are exceptionally lightweight and efficient, making them ideal for astronaut gear.

Optimising Tensioning Systems in Spacecraft

Tensioning systems are vital for maintaining the integrity of spacecraft structures and ensuring their performance. Designed to withstand a range of harsh environmental factors, from the vacuum of space to the intense heat of re-entry, constant force springs are central to providing essential tension to hold components in place. For example, in assembling larger structures like space stations or modular spacecraft, these springs are fantastic at keeping cables and structural members securely fastened despite dynamic space conditions, guaranteeing better longevity in space missions.

Precision in Solar Panel and Antenna Positioning

Satellites and spacecraft heavily rely on solar panels and antennas, which, once positioned precisely, provide power and communication capabilities. Here, constant-force springs are employed to supply the necessary force to position these components accurately, guaranteeing that solar panels capture as much sunlight as possible to allow for energy generation and that antennas maintain optimal orientation for communication.

A space shuttle taking off

Let Your Space Project Take Off with European Springs IE

At European Springs & Pressings IE, we specialise in designing and manufacturing high-quality constant-force springs tailored to the unique demands of the aerospace industry. Our premium quality springs are precisely engineered to meet the most demanding requirements of space applications to achieve the utmost reliability, precision, and performance. With our bespoke approach, we offer exceptional solutions that help you achieve your mission objectives with confidence.

Whether you are developing satellite deployment mechanisms, astronaut equipment, or solar panel systems, our constant-force springs will not disappoint you. Browse our stock catalogue and contact us to learn how, as leading constant force spring manufacturers, we can help the space sector take off with innovative spring solutions that propel your projects to new heights.

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