Category: News & Updates

At European Springs IE, we acknowledge the importance of keeping your finger on the pulse of all recent developments in the future of spring and pressing manufacturing. Whether you are a manufacturing business owner, a novice in an apprenticeship, or a professional with a unique connection to the industry, having updated insights is essential.

Over the past few decades, the global manufacturing landscape has undergone a transformation owing to a range of factors, such as remarkable technological advancements, the impactful realities of climate change, and the intricate dynamics of geopolitical tensions. As a result, the contemporary manufacturing landscape stands as a testament to the intricate interplay of these forces, shaping the industry’s trajectory and heralding a new era of adaptability and resilience.

In this blog, we want to explore, sum up, and present a comprehensive update on the latest news, upcoming developments, and latest trends in the industry. We have all the information you need to stay ahead of the curve and succeed in this ever-changing landscape. So, let’s get started.

The Rise of Industry 4.0 in Optimisation and Manufacturing Resilience

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, there is a growing reliance on digital tools, such as cloud computing and automation.

Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution, is playing a crucial role in this, profoundly transforming every sector, including pressing technology. The current trends in this field are uniting with the concepts of Industry 4.0, where increased flexibility, high-speed operations, and autonomous functions are the major change influencers.

High-speed operations, in particular, offer the advantage of higher production rates, translating into improved go-to-market times. Besides, high-speed processes enhance production efficiency, thereby reducing costs and improving the bottom line. This makes companies operating in this sector more competitive, thus gaining increased market share.

Aside from reducing running costs, it has become clearer and clearer that automation tools are proving increasingly useful in helping manufacturers add operational resilience to production processes, such as managing labour and minimising errors. We can then conclude that, overall, investing in automation has become a priority for businesses when preparing strategies in case of a recession, as it will help them protect themselves against the many challenges facing the manufacturing industry.

The Role of Sustainability in the Manufacturing of Springs and Pressings

Sustainability has become the focus of many conversations and debates across pretty much all industries, including the manufacturing sector, where it has become paramount to ensure that growth and progress are sustainable both economically and environmentally.

In the manufacturing of springs and pressings, sustainability involves adopting practices that prioritise environmental responsibility, social considerations, and economic viability. In recent years, spring manufacturers have been increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable practices and have integrated them into their business strategies to mitigate environmental impact, comply with regulations, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products to create a more sustainable and resilient industry.

The main key aspects of sustainability that emerged in the manufacturing of springs and pressings involve the following:

• Materials Selection: sustainable manufacturing begins with exploring and adopting materials with lower environmental footprints, like using recycled metals or materials that are easier to recycle after the end of the product’s life cycle.
• Energy Efficiency: implementing energy-efficient technologies and processes is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing operations.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: minimising waste and adopting recycling practices for both post-production and post-consumer waste are integral to sustainable manufacturing.
• Emissions Reduction: addressing and minimising emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions, is a key focus in sustainable manufacturing by adopting cleaner technologies, process optimisation, and offsetting carbon emissions through initiatives such as carbon credits.
• Compliance and Certifications: manufacturers are increasingly adhering to environmental regulations and obtaining certifications that validate their commitment to sustainability. Certifications such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or specific industry-related certifications can demonstrate a company’s dedication to sustainable practices.

The Increasing High-Speed Precision Presses Demand

The manufacturing industry is currently witnessing an increasing demand for high-speed precision press technology, driven by a multitude of factors. As industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics continue to grow, so does their need for intricate components such as springs and pressings. From smaller, more delicate springs in electronic devices to large ones used in heavy machinery, these essential components play a crucial role in the overall performance of many products.

One significant reason behind this surge in demand is the push for higher production output and shorter lead times, which has placed a strong emphasis on efficiency within the manufacturing sector. The rise in productivity requirements has led many manufacturers to seek out high-speed precision presses capable of maintaining speed without compromising on quality. With innovations in spring and press manufacturing technologies, high-speed presses are now able to churn out millions of components per hour, meeting the stringent requirements of modern industries. The need for accuracy in these industries cannot be overemphasised, as even the slightest discrepancies in spring dimensions or pressings may lead to faulty products.

Product design is another critical factor influencing the growth in high-speed precision press demand. The adoption of lighter and more compact materials in products, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and aircraft, has spurred the need for advanced manufacturing processes. Springs and pressings must now be manufactured with increased precision and tighter tolerances to meet these rigorous design requirements. Thanks to advanced automation and enhanced manufacturing processes, high-speed precision presses can now create these components with unrivalled accuracy and extreme repeatability.

FABTECH 2023

FABTECH is a prominent, dynamic, and influential trade show held overseas where the manufacturing community converges to witness the latest advancements, share expertise, and collectively navigate the ever-changing landscape of metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. Its importance is not limited to the US market only but it is international, as every year, manufacturers from all over the world showcase their latest technologies and equipment. During the event, they make sure to seize the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and stay at the forefront of market trends.

Given the rapidly evolving nature of the industry, this year’s FABTECH, held in Orlando, highlighted many of the themes we touched on earlier, such as digitalisation, sustainability, automation, and the integration of smart technologies. Worldwide exhibitors presented their latest innovative solutions that not only enhance productivity and precision but also align with global trends towards environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

FABETCH 2023 was overall a success and served as an invaluable forum for industry professionals filled with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and insightful discussions that delved into the forefront of metalworking technologies.

Stay Updated With European Springs IE

It looks like the future of spring and pressing manufacturing is nothing short of exciting. As we move further into the era of Industry 4.0, businesses must prioritise efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in their operations to stay competitive. The rise of high-speed precision presses and the increasing importance of sustainable practices prove that the industry is more than ready to rise to these challenges.

At European Springs IE, we remain committed to bringing you the latest developments and insights into this exciting and rapidly evolving industry. Stay tuned with us to keep updated with the latest industry news, trends, and updates. As always, we strive to keep you ahead of the curve and equipped to navigate successfully through the dynamic landscape of spring and pressing manufacturing.

Starting a manufacturing apprenticeship is an exciting endeavour, but nerves are to be anticipated, just like starting a full-time job or university. There’s a lot to take in, so much to learn, and many people to meet and becoming overwhelmed is completely normal. However, you must learn to focus and get the most out of your apprenticeship experience in order to lay the groundwork for a fruitful career.

At European Springs Ireland, we understand the importance of apprenticeships in paving the way for a successful career in the manufacturing industry, which is why we’re here to provide you with expert advice and guidance. With our extensive experience as leading spring manufacturers and suppliers, we’re committed to supporting your journey and helping you make the most of this valuable opportunity.

1.      Choosing the Right Apprenticeship Program

At the outset of your apprenticeship, selecting the right program that aligns with your career goals and interests is crucial. European Springs encourages you to consider various factors such as industry reputation, training opportunities, and potential for growth. Choosing a program that resonates with your aspirations will increase your motivation and eagerness to learn throughout your apprenticeship. For example, if you’re interested in manufacturing compression springs, an apprenticeship with us is the perfect choice!

2.      Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Embarking on your apprenticeship journey armed with clear goals and objectives is essential. Setting SMART goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose, ensuring you stay focused and motivated at every stage of your apprenticeship. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals enable you to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way. Whether mastering a specific skill or earning additional certifications, having clear objectives will help you make the most of your apprenticeship and stay focused.

3.      Taking the initiative and Showing Enthusiasm

To truly maximise your apprenticeship experience, you must take initiative and show enthusiasm, as displaying a proactive attitude and a genuine eagerness to learn will set you apart. For instance, seek opportunities to contribute to projects, offer assistance, and voice your ideas. By demonstrating initiative and enthusiasm, you can earn the respect of your colleagues and supervisors and create a positive impression throughout your apprenticeship. Standing out from the crowd is important as an apprentice, as it can create networking opportunities and open doors for future career prospects.

4.      Seeking Mentorship and Guidance

Choosing to study engineering or manufacturing opens you up to incredible individuals and mentorship opportunities. Seeking this mentorship from experienced professionals within the organisation can provide unique insights and guidance tailored to your career path. We recommend identifying potential mentors who have demonstrated success in your desired field and fostering relationships with them. Don’t forget, there’s never any harm in asking! Engage in meaningful conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and leverage their expertise to accelerate learning and growth. Trust us; they’ll really appreciate you taking the time to learn.

5.      Taking Advantage of Training Opportunities

Maximising your apprenticeship experience involves actively seeking and taking advantage of training opportunities. Many programs offer workshops, seminars, and online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. So, make the most of these resources by engaging in relevant training programs and workshops, expanding your skill set and demonstrating your dedication to personal growth and development.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t feel as though you’re stuck in the position you applied for. Never be afraid to ask to try something new. For example, if you’re studying spring design but want to expand your skills in pressings, your mentor will more than likely be thrilled you asked.

6.      Developing a Strong Work Ethic

Developing a strong work ethic is critical both during your apprenticeship and throughout your career. Attention to detail, punctuality, and reliability are traits highly valued in the manufacturing industry. So, make sure to maintain a professional attitude, be proactive, and strive for excellence in your work. By cultivating a strong work ethic, you’ll gain your colleagues’ and supervisors’ trust and confidence, setting yourself up for long-term success in the industry.

7.      Embracing Continuous Learning

In the ever-evolving manufacturing industry, embracing continuous learning is paramount. We recommend staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, technologies, and trends by actively seeking learning opportunities. Read industry publications, such as our blog, attend relevant conferences and networking events, and participate in online forums to broaden your knowledge. This commitment to continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve and ensure your skills remain relevant throughout your career.

So, congratulations on your decision to pursue a manufacturing apprenticeship! By following our guidance, we’re sure you can maximise your apprenticeship experience and set the foundation for a successful career in the industry. Remember, European Springs Ireland is committed to supporting you in your journey, and we wish you every success in your manufacturing apprenticeship.

Get in touch with us to learn about our apprenticeship programmes and for more advice on getting started in your career.

If you’re considering a career in manufacturing, it’s important to understand that you are always welcome and sure to find a great position within the sector. The manufacturing industry is so wide and contains so many different career paths that you’re certain to discover one that suits you. Whether you prefer physical work and like to get your hands dirty or lean more toward working-from-home or office-based jobs, there is something for you within manufacturing.

Because of this, the skills required to work in the industry are broad and cover just about any workplace expertise, meaning you’re even more likely to find a place in the sector that requires your skill set. Similarly, the industry is always looking for apprentices with no prior experience, further confirming that this is a career path suitable for just about anyone.

Today, we’re looking into some of the skills required to work in specific parts of the manufacturing industry to help you understand which career path is right for you.

The Different Career Paths Available in Manufacturing

As leading spring manufacturers, we understand that there is a vast amount of different career paths within our business, which means that the list of career paths in the wider industry is extensive. Here are a few examples of the types of jobs that come under the umbrella that is manufacturing:

• Maintenance and repair. For example, these hands-on jobs could be plumbers, electricians, or computer repair technicians.
• Welding and machine operators are two examples of jobs that come under production.
• Health, safety, and environmental assurance. Whether protecting people, the environment, or the company, these people oversee safety aspects within manufacturing.
• Quality assurance. For example, inspectors and quality control roles ensure everything is kept to a certain standard.

• Logistics. This path involves transportation, delivery, and factory management, all working to ensure the supply chain remains steady.
• Design. As part of the manufacturing process, design engineers play a crucial part in production.

Whether you want to design compression springs, manage a factory, or ensure machines are safe to use during production, there is a role for you within manufacturing. So, let’s take a look at the skills required to complete each role to perfection.

Excellent Communication Skills

Communication skills are required in every job, but it is even more crucial in certain manufacturing areas. For example, logistics roles. Those managing factoriesneed strong communication with various people, including delivery drivers, factory staff, clients and customers, and management in other areas of the wider business. If communication standards slip, it can have a detrimental effect on the company. For instance, if a factorymanager doesn’t inform delivery drivers of a change of delivery date, it will mean that goods are not transported when needed, and deadlines could be missed, resulting in unhappy customers and a damaged reputation.

Attention to Detail
Similarly to the need for strong communication, excellent attention to detail is essential in most manufacturing roles. However, one career path that this skill is especially important for is quality assurance. Quality control workers will ensure that every stage of the manufacturing process complies with their company’s high standards. This job involves checking each stage of the production line and looking into their results, efficiency, and work practices to check if they need to improve any aspects of their work in order to keep to the expected standards.

Whilst practical skills aren’t required to work in this area of manufacturing, previous practical experience is often desired by potential employers as it provides the quality control workers with in-depth knowledge of the production processes.

Flexibility and Being Open to Change

The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving in line with digital transformations, such as the implementation of virtual reality in engineering and sustainability processes as we move toward a greener planet. Because of this, no matter which area of the sector your career falls into, you must be open to change and allow yourself to be flexible. Many companies across the industry are regularly updating their practices to improve certain departments as well as the wider sector, so change is to be expected in all aspects of manufacturing. If you’re someone who likes to be kept on their toes in their career and is excited about embracing the future, manufacturing just might be the industry for you.

Physical Skills

If you like to work on your feet and hate being cramped up in an office or your spare room as you work from home, plenty of manufacturing roles require physical movement, and you might be better suited to those. Physical skills that are often listed in maintenance, installation, and repair jobs include:

• Strength in order to lift heavy machinery
• Hand-eye coordination

In addition, previous experience and expertise in specific areas are sometimes required for more highly-skilled roles. For example, this could be previous work as an electrician, plumbing qualifications, or a history of working at height experience if the job requires it.

Knowledge of the Manufacturing Industry

When you enter any field, learning about the industry is key to getting off on the right foot. When it comes to manufacturing, it’s important that you have a base knowledge of what’s in the news at the time, as well as anything specific regarding your career path.

However, if you are an apprentice, this is information you will likely study and pick up while on the job, so don’t worry too much about doing extensive research before starting. Instead, ensure you have an understanding of the company you’ll be working for and keep up to date with manufacturing news to have a general knowledge of the sector, and your employers should ensure you learn the rest while under their care.

Here at European Springs Ireland, we’re always looking for dedicated and driven apprentices and other employees to join our team of manufacturers. So whatever your current skill set is, or wherever you want to develop, we’re certain you’ll find a role with us.

Get in touch today to begin your manufacturing journey with European Springs Ireland.

Here at European Springs Ireland, we get the opportunity to work with a wide scope of industries, manufacturing and producing custom and bespoke springs, wire forms, and pressings to our clients’ exact specifications for use in a long list of applications. From the medical sector to agriculture, our range is expansive, but one of our favourites is the toy industry.

Yes, that’s right, springs are used in manufacturing some of the best childhood toys, including old classics such as the Slinky and new, more modern devices. So, to celebrate the festive season and show off yet another application for our versatile springs, we’re delving into some toys produced using springs that you may see gifted this Christmas.

Slinky

Quite possibly the most iconic spring used in the toy industry; the Slinky. Born in 1943, the Slinky has stood the test of time and still reigns popular as one of (if not the) best spring-based toys available on the market today. But do you know how it came to be? In the early 1940s, navel engineer Richard James accidentally pushed a tension spring off his desk, and when he did, he noticed it appeared to roll before landing upright. Two years later, the Slinky was flying off the shelves. Now, it is considered a staple in the history of springs and a bestseller at Christmas, with many still gifted each year.

Pull-Back Toys

Springs can be found in many pull-back toys, providing fantastic fun for children of all ages. They’re used for racing rally cars, animals, and even launching robots across the room. Of course, we have all used a pull-back toy before and can agree that as a child, it’s exciting to pull the tiny vehicle back just a small amount and see it fly forwards, but how do springs play a part in this fun?

Well, Newton’s Third Law of Motion states every action has an equal and opposite reaction, which is precisely how a pull-back toy operates. Energy is stored in the spring built into the toy, which is then released when you let go, allowing it to ‘spring’ into action and launch forwards.

Remote-Controlled Cars

Remote-controlled cars are one of the best presents to receive and are always certain to put a smile on a young racing enthusiast’s face at Christmas. In fact, they’re often the first to get ripped out of their packaging and test driven across the mountains of wrapping paper across the floor. But have you ever wondered which springs are involved in their manufacturing?

Just like actual cars, many different spring types go into producing a remote-controlled vehicle. From motor springs that provide torque to shock springs and suspension springs, various components are used in their production.

Jack-in-the-Box

The jack-in-the-box was once one of the most popular children’s toys available on the market and dates back as far as the 16^th century. Now, we see less of the classic children’s Christmas gift, but it’s still interesting to take a step back in time and explore what went into creating the toy.

Clowns or other children’s characters are connected to compression springs before being pushed inside a box, contained with a lid, and sealed with a catch. The catch is then released, allowing the character to pop up and provide laughs (or screams).

Pinball Machines

Springs play a prominent role in the pinball machine, which dominated arcades in the 80s and 90s. Now, they can be purchased for home use and make a brilliant Christmas gift for retro lovers and children who have it all.

Spring-loaded knobs are pulled back before being released to send a ball up the playfield, dodging barriers and aiming for the target. Players must choose their spring strength to get the perfect force to reach the goal. Of course, you may think about this a little differently when you play on a pinball machine now, and perhaps you have the knowledge to beat the high score and be crowned the winner!

Electronic Devices

Does the dreaded “does not contain batteries” label give you flashbacks to unplayable gifts as a child? Well, to help you remember to purchase AAs, AAAs, and other battery back-ups to save disappointment this Christmas morning, let’s take a look at how springs play a part in your battery-operated electronic devices.

When you pop in a battery, you must remember to load it correctly, matching the plus and minus symbols with what’s on the inside. Another way to remember is that the minus side must be pushed onto the spring, and the plus side has a small nub that tucks into the battery case. The spring allows the battery to sit securely inside the case and be removed easily.

As you can see, springs are all around us during the festive period. So, whether you’re watching your little one unwrap a remote-controlled car or you’re putting batteries into their many electronic devices on Christmas morning, think about the spring manufacturers like ourselves that helped create their gifts.