Category: News & Updates

Referring to an intelligent system, artificial intelligence seeks to recreate the human brain and provide a complex but efficient technology that will innovate the way technological industries work. In recent years, artificial intelligence has seen a big development, with more self-aware robots that are increasingly more capable of performing difficult tasks.

With the evolution of the Internet of Things and the rise of automation, artificial intelligence will play a growing part in all processes of design and manufacturing involved in a wide range of engineering industries.

IoT, The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is allowing for an interconnected world, where devices connect everyone from everywhere. This connection allows for engineers from all over the world to collaborate and minimise errors in projects. This ease of collaboration also permits for students to easily develop their skills by learning from the best, regardless of where they are situated.

Technological advances have transformed manufacturing, which has increasingly more cognition. The Internet of Things is opening the way for manufacturers to simplify all processes, with the transfer of information made easier in a continuous flow. This will permit real-time and informed decisions to be made, and for engineering projects to benefit from the input of several industries across the globe.

 

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which relates to the rise of artificial intelligence and robots. With the integration of these machines, their cognitive and physical abilities are progressively being developed and innovated. Robots are increasingly more and more able to perform repetitive and heavy tasks, which allows them to perform at high capacity in automated and sophisticated environments.

Behaviour-based robots are permitting an Artificial Intelligence revolution, with engineering industries becoming more organised and more able to perform at higher, optimised rates.

 

Automation

In manufacturing, for example, this rise in automation and increase in robots with better cognitive skills will transform the industry in varied ways. Robots will be able to function semi-autonomously, providing support through a wide range of tasks in all projects. They will be able to draw expert knowledge from cloud-based databases provided by the Internet of Things’ connectivity.

They will be able to recognise all components within specialised equipment and apply different behaviours according to necessary tasks to perform and apply the correct tools. Through the database, robots will also be able to rapidly correct errors and provide suggestions to engineers, so that these are able to perfect their projects.

Through analysing global databases and applying that knowledge, robots will be able to identify opportunities and optimise all tasks within engineering projects and design. In this rapidly changing and evolving environment, engineering expertise is essential in order to adapt to technological developments.

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Industry is constantly evolving has been over thousands of years, from the Bronze and Iron Ages all the way to the Industrial Revolution and the modern day. We have seen some truly amazing things come out of the industrial sector, and it’s important to understand how things we take for granted were initially developed.

As such, we’ve come up with a small list of scientific breakthroughs that were incredibly important in the industrial sectors, but also to modern day society.

The Internal Combustion Engine

If this wasn’t invented at the time, then we might not be able to see the magnificent automobiles that we see daily. The internal combustion engine is a heat engine that uses thermodynamics to achieve the correct results.

The internal combustion engine is constructed so that when fuel enters the engine block, it reacts with the air inside and is then ignited by a spark plug, which then provides power to the camshaft, and this the transmission and the vehicle chassis.

This type of engine was invented in the mid 1800’s, and it wasn’t until the late 1850’s when it was used commercially for the first time. After this, Nikolaus Otto perfected this engine and developed the Otto engine, which was a four-stroke internal combustion engine. This became the starting point of the invention of the automobile, which was vital since there are now over one billion vehicles on the road across the world.

Technological engine

The Steam Engine

Even though this type of engine is used as frequently as it was in the past, it was still a massive breakthrough when it was patented by Thomas Savery in the late 17th century. The steam engine was an external combustion engine, meaning that the fluid that undergoes work is separated from the products that undergo combustion.

When the steam engine was put into commercial use, it was generally used as a water pump and was then developed into an atmospheric engine, which used half as much coal as the leading engine at the time.

After this, more people began to understand the possibilities that could be achieved through steam engines; this is when they became popular in steam locomotives, paving a new age in transportation across the country.

Steam power was one of the most efficient ways of providing energy to a process, and it was only beaten by electrical powers in the 19th and 20th centuries, meaning that it was a massive breakthrough indeed.

Steam Trains On Parade

The Birth of Electrodynamics

When comparing this to what we see in the modern age, this is one of the most important scientific breakthroughs. This began in the early 19th century with Sir Humphrey Davy inventing the first incandescent light by supplying a current from a battery through a strip of platinum.

After this, William Sturgeon invented the electromagnet and then, in 1831, Michael Faraday developed his theory of electromagnetic induction, which is the principle that is used to operate transformers and all modern electrical generators.

In the 1860’s, Michael Faraday added to this theory and came up with the four Maxwell equations that used to govern the behaviour of electricity and magnetism. These equations have helped us to develop some of the world’s most widely used products, from smartphones to the very best televisions.

Electrical spark

The industrial sector is one of the world’s most important sectors, as it’s a sector that is constantly developing. As specialists within this industry, we understand how important the industrial sector is, which is why we are so proud of being a part of it.

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As a paid job incorporating training both on and off the job, apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised certifications. From electronics to construction and to other engineering industries, apprenticeships allow for apprentices to acquire a wide range of skills.

For both the apprentices and the businesses, apprenticeships are conducive of new skills and aptitudes, providing engineering with highly skilled and experienced workers.

Qualified Workforce

Through apprenticeships, engineering industries train an extremely qualified workforce with optimised skills. In addition, having a workforce who trains at a company ensures that the skills developed by the apprentices match the needs of the specific industry.

Future company needs can be addressed early on through apprenticeships, as businesses can source skilled future employees and managers from within. An apprenticeship can cement a young person’s career choice, which provides engineering industries with necessary resources for their continued development.

New Talent

Engineering industries require new ideas to ensure all processes are not only optimised but also revitalised. Bringing a new, fresh approach to each project and to the workplace itself, apprentices help in thinking about details that industries might not have considered before.

Showcasing their willingness and desire to learn, apprentices have a wide variety of backgrounds and aptitudes. With the probability of transmitting their excitement and eagerness to your staff, apprentices also highlight your concern over corporate social responsibility, which is likely to ensure future employees and customers’ desire to work with your business.

Increased Staff Loyalty

When employees are trained within a company, they are likely to be highly motivated and engaged with the well functioning of the business. Their commitment and support of the business that helped to train them are clearly shown in their work.

In your company and in all engineering industries, investing in apprentices ensures they associate their career with your business and will stay within it longer. Showcasing that you believe and invest in young people’s future guarantees that they are happy to work for you and that they, in turn, invest in you.

And for Apprentices?

Similar to companies, as an apprentice you will see a multitude of career skills become available to you and learn while you work and earn money. Your confidence in your own aptitudes will grow as you gain new skills, ensuring that you are aware of realistic job expectations and the required experience.

As you interact with experienced professionals in your preferred engineering industry, you will gain a better understanding of the field and which role better suits you and your skills. Communication and time management are also other important skills that you will develop, and hands-on experience will help you to stand out in the job market.

Choosing an apprenticeship to begin your career path can open a wide range of possibilities and knowledge, particularly important if you don’t wish to undertake a university degree.

At European Springs Ireland we believe in investing in young people and developing their skills. We understand the importance of apprenticeships both short and long term, and how these positively impact both our company and apprentices.

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This year marks the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week and it started on Monday 6th March and will finish on Friday 10th. The National Apprenticeship Service coordinate the week, and it is designed to celebrate how apprenticeships can make a huge and positive impact on individual people, companies, and the economy as a whole.

But why are apprenticeships important to our country? Well, as expert manufacturers that are at the forefront of the industry, we know a lot about this.

The Week Is Great for Confidence

National Apprenticeship Week helps to make a positive impact for people that are present in various industries around the UK. Because of this, the week includes lots of activities, events, drop-in sessions, and much more.

engineer and apprentices
Engineer Teaching Apprentices To Use Tube Bending Machine

These events can help to engage in apprenticeships that are currently working in the UK, as well as people that are interested in going into an apprenticeship, which can increase their confidence for the better.

Apprenticeships are Important to the Economy

In late 2014, it was reported by the Centre for Economics and Business Research that apprenticeships could contribute £34 billion to the UK economy, which is a staggering amount, considering that the total UK GDP in 2014 was equivalent to approximately £454 billion.

Therefore, apprentices in the UK contributed 7.5% of the UK’s GDP, and if the UK economy increases as it has done year on year, then the number of apprentices will increase, meaning that will become even more important than ever before.

It’s Great for Learning New Skills

If there’s one reason to joining an apprenticeship in today’s climate, it is to learn excellent transferable skills that you can take with you throughout your life. At the age of 16, you have two main choices when it comes to furthering your education; you can continue through to A-Levels, or you can join an apprenticeship.

student using a computer

By being a part of an apprenticeship, it can provide you with the skills that you will not have learnt if you studied it in a classroom. Apprenticeships are very hands on and it can be an excellent stepping stone in achieving the career that you’ve dreamed of being in for years.

It could be anything from manufacturing and technological development to cooking and construction, but either way, being an apprenticeship within these industries can be the perfect way to develop the necessary skills and go into the career you’ve always dreamed of.

Because of these aspects of apprenticeships, it is safe to say that National Apprenticeship Week is important in terms of awareness as it is for providing people with the information that they need to join the career path they’ve always wanted.

As specialist spring manufacturers, we understand how important apprentices are to the manufacturing industry, and it is vital to ensure that they are an integral part of our economy. The future of the economy is governed by the products that we produce, and if we continually bring in new apprentices that are eager to learn, we will flourish in the industry around the world.

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With the introduction of the apprenticeship levy on April 6th 2017, employers in the UK will be required to invest more in apprenticeships. This system means that employers can incentivise their employees to achieve an apprenticeship at a Master’s level offered at Cranfield University.

Also known as a Mastership, employees are able to gain high-level engineering skills as it’s an apprenticeship at level 7. Whether your employees have an academic trajectory or experience in the industry, these Masterships are all-inclusive.

What is a Mastership?

Focused on your employees’ field, Masterships work towards building a framework of core skills and other needed knowledge in order to perform a career at a high level in an organisation. Through gathering a specialised portfolio, your employees demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.

As an employer, you select your employees for a Mastership and provide funding, which thanks to the apprenticeship levy will be more favourable. Your employees will still follow the same admissions process utilised for any postgraduate students, with the same requirements for experience and qualifications.

Engineering Sectors

Designed and utilised since the beginning of last year by members of the Defence Growth Partnership, the defence industry was the first to develop and run the Mastership. It is, however, available for a wide range of engineering industries such as energy and power, aerospace, environment and agrifood, and management amongst others.

The duration of the Mastership is five years, with three years being dedicated to academic study undertaken on a part-time basis. This investment in your employees ensures they will develop vital experience and skills that will benefit your business.

Importance of Skilled Employees

By investing in your employees, you ensure that they invest back into your business and improve the overall level of efficiency. Your employees remain engaged with their work and motivated to perform at their best, which promotes their creativity and increases productivity.

Employee retention can be an issue for businesses, and providing development opportunities for your employees builds their loyalty to your business. Your reputation for being a good employer also increases, which impacts how clients and prospective employees see you.

Investing in employee development forces you to look to the future of your business, which only leads to productivity and improvement. You also retain a highly-skilled workforce with up-to-date training and innovative skills, which they will input back into your business.

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Springs are vitally important in a variety of different industries, even though you may not initially know it. No matter how big or small, pretty much every industry will rely on some form of spring in order to be successful in what they want to do.

As there are so many industries to cover, we’ve decided that it would be interesting to take a closer look at some of them, and find out where our springs can fit in! First up is the healthcare industry – one of the lesser-known industries where our springs are integral.

Overview of the Industry

Health is something that we all have in common and, chances are, we’ve all come into contact with something like a compression spring while at the doctor’s office or the hospital without really thinking about it. The medical industry spans a wide range of subjects; from pharmaceutical to the inner workings of surgical tools and each sector within the industry can benefit from the use of springs.

Nurse uniform iStock_000066755007_Small

The healthcare industry is made up of sectors which cover the following areas:

  • Preventative medicine
  • Curative medicine
  • Palliative care
  • Medical products.

Interdisciplinary teams work together to ensure the health needs of the population are met and those who become sick are tended to in the most appropriate manner.

Springs in the Industry

Due to the nature of the industry, it’s essential that only the highest quality materials and products are used to ensure that the safety and health of those who the item will be coming into contact with.

MRI Scan iStock_000081113497_Small

Items such as MRI and X-ray machines are made up of a variety of moving parts, many of which would not be able to function smoothly or effectively without springs. Even small items such as medical staplers require the use of springs, much like a standard stapler does.

Even lifesaving treatments can rely on the use of springs. One that immediately comes to mind is artificial pacemakers, which rely on springs to keep the electrical circuits which are attached to the heart in place. Should these circuits dislodge, the pacemaker would not be able to function correctly, putting the life of the patient at risk.

Some types of forceps also require the use of springs in order to provide a good grip; biopsy forceps are one of the main examples of this, as they need to be able to grip tissue effectively, but not lock in place like other types of forceps. Due to the delicate nature of the biopsy procedure, it is essential that the surgeon has control over the grip, not the forceps.

Little girl inhaler iStock_000064222463_Small

Even some medicine administration systems utilise springs; a simple metered-dose inhaler uses a spring to allow the dose to be administered when the canister is pushed down.

These are just some of the examples of where springs make the jobs of those in the healthcare industry much easier, but there are plenty more, including in the beds that patients stay on while in hospital, to other drug delivery systems.

If you’re in the medical sector and would like to find out more about how our springs can help you in your day-to-day workings, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at European Springs Ireland – we’ll be more than happy to help you find the right spring, pressing or wire form for your needs.

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