News & Updates Archives | Page 8 of 22 | European Springs Ireland

Updated in July 2024

Springs and pressings are often overlooked yet critical components to many applications across many industries. The energy sector is one such area; with its unique dynamism and complexity, it heavily relies on the substantial contribution offered by springs and pressings to ensure the efficient and safe production, distribution, and consumption of energy.

From traditional power plants to advanced renewable energy technologies, understanding the key role of our manufactured springs and pressings, their varied applications, and the unique challenges our designs overcome is indispensable. In this blog, we will take a closer look at how springs and pressings are used in the energy industry.

Powering the Future: Springs in Energy and Renewables

Springs are everywhere in the energy sector and can be found in a wide variety of equipment and machinery. As leading spring suppliers, we are extremely proud to provide over 700 high-quality springs and wire forms throughout the industry, supporting specific applications in electricity, wind, solar, and nuclear power.

But what are the functions springs are successfully employed for? The primary function of springs here is to absorb energy, provide mechanical support, and maintain tension or pressure in systems. In fact, the most common spring types we found in the energy sector are compression springs, torsion springs, and tension springs. Let’s take a closer look at specific applications.

In power plants, springs are essential in turbines to maintain the precise alignment of blades and absorb vibrations. This results in reduced wear and tear, a longer lifespan for machinery, and continuous, efficient operation.
In renewable energy, the springs found in wind turbines effectively absorb fluctuations in wind speed so that the blades rotate smoothly.
In solar power systems, springs track mechanisms that adjust the angle of solar panels throughout the day to make the most of sun exposure. These systems improve and optimise the overall efficiency of solar systems.

Pressings: Precision and Strength in Energy Applications

Pressings are other major players in the energy sector due to their remarkable strength, precision, and versatility. They are chosen when manufacturing components requiring particular durability and resilience, like connectors, brackets, and enclosures essential to various machinery types and critical equipment used in power generation and distribution. In renewables, specifically, pressings enhance both wind turbines and solar panels, making them strong, reliable, and capable of withstanding harsh operational demands.

In wind turbines, high-strength pressings are employed in the construction of the turbine housing to resist mechanical stresses and harsh environmental conditions.
Pressings are also key elements in solar panels‘ frames, which hold the photovoltaic cells. These need to be lightweight yet strong enough to support the cells and protect them from the elements.

How Springs and Pressings are Essential to Improve Safety

Due to the sector’s nature, safety is a paramount concern; here, both springs and pressings are real enhancers, and we find them in different types of mechanisms to prevent equipment failure and other potential risks. For example, in pressure relief valves, critical in both traditional power plants and renewable energy systems, springs are calibrated to maintain the correct pressure levels and prevent over-pressurisation, which could lead to terrible catastrophes.

Pressings are just as important. Their precision and strength are paramount to make protective measures effective and resistant. In fact, these components are designed to protect sensitive equipment from dangers like physical damage, environmental hazards, and unauthorised access. In particular, in electrical systems, pressings are successfully employed to produce enclosures that prevent electrical shorts and fires, ensuring safety and reliability.

Advanced Materials to Enhance Efficiency and Durability

Like in many other industries, in the energy sector, whatever type of energy is used, cost savings and reduced environmental impact are two of the most important aspects to consider. Thanks to the innovative materials they are made of, springs and pressings emerge as fundamental to improving the performance and durability of energy systems.

Advanced materials in spring manufacturing, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, and super alloys like Inconel, Hastelloy and Nimonic, have created lighter, stronger, and more resilient springs and pressings, resulting in machinery and systems operating more efficiently and with less maintenance.

Durability is another crucial aspect, which results from a series of in-depth, thorough tests for factors like stress, temperature, relaxation, and fatigue. A durable spring must maintain its force and resist deformation under load, ensuring better functionality.

To achieve this, all springs initially undergo elastic deflection, returning to their original shape after load removal and avoiding plastic deflection that causes permanent deformation. Addressing these through advanced engineering increases the reliability and efficiency of springs and, subsequentially, of energy systems, leading to longer lifespans and reduced maintenance costs.

Need High-Quality Springs and Pressings? Choose European Springs IE

With over 70 years of experience as a leading spring manufacturer, we have the right expertise to provide a wide range of springs and pressings to suit any application across a variety of industries, including the energy sector. All of our compression springs are quality-assured and comply with ISO 9001 standards. Whether you’re looking for a specific body size, force, length, pitch, or wire diameter, we can provide you with spring dimensions from 0.1 to 65 millimetres for your individual use.

Download our stock catalogue, and if you need more information about our services or products, please feel free to contact us; we will be happy to assist you.

Here at European Springs & Pressings Ireland, we have taken it upon ourselves to provide as much assistance as possible to those who need it during the pandemic. We believe in supporting those in need during tough times, and we’re extremely proud of our team’s efforts over the course of the last 12 months.

We’ve been looking at the work we have been doing to help produce ventilators, as well as exploring how we have helped SME manufacturing firms to keep on making products throughout the last year.

Providing Parts For Ventilators

In the first few months of the Coronavirus pandemic, there was inevitably a huge increase in demand for ventilators across the world, and European Springs & Pressings Ireland were delighted to play a role in ensuring manufacturers had access to vital springs and pressings for these machines. Prior to the pandemic, we supplied around 6,000 parts for ventilators every year, but with the increased demand, we saw a surge in orders.

Speaking of the spike in demand from one client, European Springs & Pressings Sales Manager, Simon Taylor, said: “They started to ramp up about four to five weeks ago, and we suddenly started to get larger orders from them. By the time they had finished their most recent ordering cycle, they had put in orders for 29,000 parts.”

Our team had forecasted a huge uptake in parts for ventilators and thankfully prepared a carefully considered plan to ensure we could cope with increased demand for our products. Ensuring we had access to the raw materials that are required to create a whole host of springs and pressings helped to guarantee we could fulfil orders with no issues.

We had a number of other businesses approach us looking to more than double their usual order of springs and pressings for ventilators – but could comfortably cope with demand, even with social distancing measures in place to keep our employees safe whilst at work.

Through a combination of innovative thinking, forward planning and an exceptionally driven team, we have comfortably met every challenge set out to us as we look to support the medical industry right around the world.

Helping SME Manufacturing Firms

It’s no surprise that many SME manufacturing firms have been hit hard by the pandemic, with the supply chain being adversely affected and customers pausing orders at the height of Covid-19. Despite the challenges faced over the past 12 months, manufacturers across the UK have remained resilient, and most have bounced back with relative ease.

To ensure manufacturing SMEs have access to the parts they require to begin operations again, European Springs & Pressings Ireland have taken steps to help other businesses out by providing as little or as many parts as required.

Our flexible approach to manufacturing springs and pressings has helped to alleviate pressures on manufacturers who rely on the supply chain to provide them with the parts they require. With issues still prevalent in the supply chain, especially those that involve overseas trips, it’s essential that manufacturers work together and help out how ever they can.

We will continue to provide a flexible level of service, providing parts as required to any business that requires them. We firmly believe in playing a part in all manufacturers’ growth, so no matter how big or small your company is, we want to help you achieve your goals by providing key components for your products.

European Springs & Pressings Ireland – Open For Business

Our team have worked tirelessly to ensure that operations have run as close to normal as possible throughout the pandemic. This means that those who have been able to work from home, are doing so; whilst our key workers are all taking the necessary precautions to continue providing high-quality products, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.

We know just how important it is that our high standards don’t slip, and that’s why we have taken extra precautions around our facilities in the UK, to ensure our staff are able to safely continue providing the products you have come to expect from us.

We have introduced several Covid-19 safety measures around our offices and factories, to help minimise unnecessary contact between employees, whilst also installing several hand cleaning stations around our premises. In areas where close contact cannot be avoided, we have installed Perspex windows to help protect our engineers, who can still work together to produce high-quality springs and pressings for all of your needs.

As one of the leading spring manufacturers in Europe, we take our commitment to providing the very best service extremely seriously. No matter what world events are going on around us, our sole focus is on keeping our employees safe, but also providing our customers with a service that is second to none.

You can rest assured that we will continue to refine our processes, invest in the latest technology and keep servicing all of our clients to the very best of our ever-growing capabilities. Please do feel free to get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements, our experts would love to help!

The environment is an incredibly hot talking point these days. With growing concerns about the impact of climate change on the planet, the conversation often steers towards the matter of gas-guzzling vehicles, and how long we can really sustain our current lifestyles while the carbon emissions pumped out by cars cause further damage.

Electric cars have been creeping into the mainstream for many years now, and this is only set to keep increasing as the vehicles become cheaper and more charging points are installed across the country. But how long before we can expect every vehicle on the road to be completely clean and free of carbon emissions?

Petrol and Diesel Car Ban

One of the most extreme acts to come into force in the UK regarding changes to vehicles is the ban on new cars and vans that are wholly powered by petrol or diesel.

The ban is set to come into effect in 2030 – five years earlier than the previous plan of a ban by 2035 – and excludes some hybrid models. It’s part of what the Prime Minister is calling a “green industrial revolution”, with £4 billion being set aside for the project. Some critics of the plan claim the amount is too small for the scale of the challenge.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma, also president of the COP26 international climate summit, said that the funds would support the creation of 250,000 green jobs, 60,000 of which will be in offshore wind.

With the 2030 deadline in place, the UK has bumped up to second place in rising to the challenge of cleaning up motoring. First place belongs to Norway, which has their own fossil fuel abolition date set for 2025.

Car manufacturers in the UK have been warned of the upcoming changes. Still, the Prime Minister insists that forcing them to change will give them a competitive edge and that the plan will support and protect hundreds of thousands of green jobs. All in a bid to strive for the UK’s target of having net zero emissions by 2050.

Demand for Electric

There’s growing evidence to suggest that electric cars are the future of transportation, while it was at one time considered a race between electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, electric has clearly won the race.

The National Grid has predicted that there will be 36 million electric vehicles on UK roads by 2040, with the market growing more quickly than ever. More than 164,100 pure-electric cars were on UK roads by the end of September 2020, and over 373,600 plug-in models including hybrids.

According to Zap-Map, there are over 30,000 charging connectors in the UK across 10,000 locations, and research suggests that around 43,000 charging points will be needed by 2030. At current rates with 200 charging points being added in 30 days, this demand could be easily met. Of course, the implementation of home charging points will also be required to cope with the growing demand for electric vehicles.

How Long Until Electric Ousts Petrol and Diesel?

So, we have seen how electric vehicles are increasing in popularity and petrol, and diesel vehicles are set to be banned in the new decade, but how long will the process take? When can we reasonably expect electric cars to take over the roads entirely?

According to research, electric cars could become as cheap to manufacture as conventional cars by 2024, which should help to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. The current difference in costs for manufacturing is cited as the biggest reason why some car manufacturers have been reluctant to shift production away from internal combustion engines to electric models. The car batteries account for a quarter to two-fifths of the cost of the entire vehicle.

The reduction in battery costs is set to trigger a faster switch to electric vehicles, as their sales continue to boom across the UK. Attitudes are also beginning to shift, with a 2018 survey finding that 30% of Brits would consider buying an electric car, compared to just 25% in the previous year. However, research by Ford suggests that Brits are also hesitant about electric vehicles, worried about their affordability, access to charging points and the number of miles they can run on a single charge.

The transition to electric vehicles is set to be a slow one, though as battery technology improves, electric vehicles could become the preference for many people. The battery life and charging times will improve, and costs for these vehicles will reduce, meaning more people have access to electric cars in time for the petrol and diesel ban.

But the growth of electric vehicle sales is just one part of the step to reducing emissions. Real change depends on individuals, businesses and policymakers working in tandem to create more sustainable practices that are still accessible to the everyday driver.

At European Springs & Pressings Ireland, we like to keep our finger on the pulse of the latest developments in the manufacturing industry. We are expert spring manufacturers leading the field in spring and high-speed press technology. Contact us today to find out more about our bespoke design and manufacture service.

We’re keeping our finger on the pulse of the very latest industry news. If you’re looking for information on the direction of our sector to help you plan for the future of your business, you can find it here.

Scottish Manufacturing in Front

In the last few months, the BBC has reported two stories on Scotland’s manufacturing front. In June, they reported the First Signs of Slump Show in Scotland’s Official Figures. According to the Scottish government economists, their economy fell by 18.9% in April overall. In the first quarter of the year, their biggest declines were in transport, manufacturing, oil and gas production and hospitality.

Since this report, more optimistic figured have been published for August, in an article titled ‘Scottish Economy ‘Approaching Stabilisation’:

‘The latest Royal Bank of Scotland purchasing managers index (PMI) found the coronavirus-related downturn “eased noticeably” in July.’

There are still worries that local lockdowns could delay further recovery, but nevertheless, these signs of growth are a blessing during the current confusion. The report’s Business Activity Index – a measure of combined manufacturing and service sector output – registered 49.3 in July, up from 37.1 in June. Manufacturing is back on the rise, which is great news for employers and workers nationwide.

UK Manufacturing Front

It’s not only Scotland that’s experiencing gains after great loss during the pandemic. The BCC’s survey of 7,700 firms, representing 580,000 employees across the UK, found that economic conditions in the April-June quarter “deteriorated at an unprecedented rate”.

Looking towards the future, however, one focus is on securing apprenticeship places for young people during the approaching recession. The BCC is calling for wage subsidies for apprenticeships and work experience to support this goal.

It is important that the manufacturing sector is protected during the pandemic. The NewStatesman published an article detailing their thoughts on why manufacturing is key to post-pandemic recovery, and we agree.

Expanding Businesses in Manufacturing – Blends

Not every company has experienced the dramatic falls that are recorded by the media, there have been some successes during these tough times. Blends is one such company.

As a manufacturer of food colouring, Blends has created 70 new jobs to bolster the company’s rapid expansion during difficult times. As well as it’s 70 new jobs, this North West company is fundamentally changing the way their business is run as a result of the pandemic.

Plans include a £5000 investment on a new video conferencing room. They recognise the benefits that a more digital approach to business will afford them in the post-pandemic future, but the pandemic has made them ever more vital.

Here’s what Blends said about increasing their digital reliance:

“Don’t get me wrong, face-to-face meetings are still preferable when you’re negotiating, but having video conferencing equipment makes it easier to stay in touch with customers, suppliers and anyone working from home.”

This perspective could become more common in a post-pandemic UK.

Sustainable Businesses in Manufacturing – SeaMorgens

The pandemic has seen an increase in plastic waste with the nation’s reliance on single-use face masks, gloves, and similar equipment. Considering the sad but necessary environmental impact of all this plastic, it is good to see that more sustainable industries are succeeding in their goals to make things better for our planet.

Created by two sisters dedicated to saving the world’s shores, their eco-friendly designs are crafted from plastic bottles and fishing nets.

“What excites me most is launching a business that is going to have a positive impact on the ocean and the environment.” (Business Live)

High-Quality Tools in Manufacturing – Longcliffe

Other companies like Longcliffe Quarries are using the downtime of the pandemic to fundamentally improve their business. This company have invested no less than £3.5m on state-of-the-art equipment. Their new equipment will enable them to boost their efficiency as well as to achieve their environmental goals better.

Longcliffe Quarries are an example of how companies can rely on technology to improve their efficiency as well as reduce environmental costs. As the fourth industrial revolution grows ever closer, an understanding and willingness to embrace new technologies is vital. Longcliffe have shown time and again that they are willing to make those changes, the real question is whether the rest of the manufacturing sector in our nation can say the same about themselves.

The second quarter has been a tough one, but it’s certain that we’ll be wiser for it. The changes that we’ve had to make will have created important data that will ensure a smarter, more efficient future. For more manufacturing news, be sure to check back to our blog. As spring manufacturers with high hopes for the future of industry, we will always do our best to aid the wider sector in any way possible.

As businesses around the UK do their best to adapt to the ‘new normal’, manufacturing companies are quickly finding that IoT technologies will play an integral role in their business over the coming years. In particular, augmented reality (AR) has already shown just how important it is for many manufacturers, with experts from the sector extensively using the technology during lockdown.

In this article, we will take a look at what augmented reality is, how it works in manufacturing and the role this technology is set to have in the coming months and years as we all adapt to the ‘new normal’.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image of the real world. It allows the user to make real time interactions with the real world environment that is being mirrored in AR, and is increasingly used in a number of sectors.

It’s fair to say that many people still associate augmented reality as a pretty futuristic technology, but in reality, it’s actually been around for a number of years now. Augmented reality has grown in recent years and has allowed millions of people to continue operating in their roles completely remotely.

It is easy to get augmented reality and virtual reality mixed up, but the easiest way to differentiate the two is by remembering that virtual reality refers to computer-generated environments for the user to interact with, whereas augmented reality actually adds to the reality you would see, rather than replacing it altogether.

How Does Augmented Reality Work In Manufacturing?

There is an ever-increasing market for this technology in the workplace. Manufacturing has already seen a huge uplift in the number of companies utilising augmented reality regularly in the workplace, and with the coronavirus pandemic hitting the UK in late March, even more businesses have been forced into using the technology extensively.

With some manufacturing experts being forced to work from home, augmented reality allowed these remote employees to see the physical world on video. During these sessions, the employee using augmented reality technology was able to annotate physical objects by simply using either their smartphone or wearable technology.

All of this means that despite the majority of the workforce being forced to work remotely, there was no need to furlough some staff who could continue to carry out their day to day roles from their own living room. Augmented reality allows companies to have employees right across the world be involved in the build and assembly of any products. If proper processes are put in place in terms of using augmented reality, such as giving employees a set agenda to follow during their augmented reality sessions, it ensures they run as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Moving forward, with augmented reality proving a success in the manufacturing industry already, it’s fair to say that this could lead to businesses conducting more of their work remotely where possible. For example, traditionally engineers and technicians would have to travel between sites to resolve any issues with equipment, but augmented reality is capable of cutting out needless travel, enabling these experts to give front line workers a step by step guide to resolving any problems.

The Future Of Augmented Reality & Manufacturing

It’s clear to see that augmented reality and IoT technologies in general are already having a profound effect on the manufacturing industry. All signs suggest that there will be an increased reliance on augmented reality technologies as the years go by, but of course this will be rolled out across the industry slowly and incrementally.

At present, augmented reality is mainly used in the design, training and routine maintenance of equipment, but there is scope for this to be expanded into the assembly and manufacturing processes too in the near future.

One of the main things that companies who wish to adopt this technology need to remember is that high-quality data management will hold the key to augmented realities overall success. With augmented reality relying solely on data to feed into the support technology, businesses will need to invest heavily in ensuring that all the data required is readily available for the software to operate effectively.
At European Springs & Pressings Ireland, we pride ourselves on being part of the largest spring suppliers group in Europe. That’s why you can always rest assured you’ll receive the very best service and products when you work with us, and why we’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of the very latest news surrounding the manufacturing industry. Our experts are consistently keeping a close eye on the latest developments in the manufacturing sector, and we are always sure to invest in the latest technologies that can help us better serve our customers, from new spring coiling machines to integrating the latest IoT technologies into our existing processes.

With the COVID-19 lockdown still in force, the news hasn’t been the most positive, including in the manufacturing industry. However, there is no denying that, in May, there were some great news stories in the sector, which we just had to share in this article.

So, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest stories from around the manufacturing and engineering world while providing our own insight.

UK Manufacturing is Recovering

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc in the manufacturing industry, but recent figures indicate that the sector is showing signs of recovery. A survey from HIS showed that factory output has declined at a significantly slower pace in May than it did in April.

These positive signs are due to the lockdown measures easing up slightly during May, which showcases how the industry is ready – and keen – to return to normality as soon as possible (and as much as possible). Social distancing will still remain a key element, however, with employers taking measures to ensure the safety of their staff.

In June, figures should continue to show more signs of recovery for more manufacturers. This is because most non-essential shops and workplaces are set to open on the 15^th June.

Safety remains very important and employers will continue to keep it in mind for the foreseeable future. However, it’s also important that, while observing these measures, manufacturers do all they can to get the industry back up and running. UK products and services could hold the key to the country’s wider economic recovery in upcoming months and years.

75% of People Now Believe Strongly in UK Manufacturing

New research by Cadence Innovation Marketing shows that 75% of people now believe more strongly in the importance of UK manufacturing. 2,000 adults from around the UK participated in this study. The findings point to 75% of people being firmly behind the manufacturing sector, especially due to how the industry has handled the pandemic challenge.

UK manufacturing stepped up to the challenge and helped to support the nation during these difficult times, so people believe the sector can help improve the economy in the upcoming months.

76% of people are also worried about cheap imported goods coming into the country. COVID-19 is still, understandably, a concern for many, which is why UK manufacturing should continue growing its output and create high-quality products.

We’re spring manufacturers, so we think it’s great that the vast majority of people are behind manufacturing and understand its importance. We’ve been keeping up production and helping several sectors during the outbreak, including healthcare, and we’ll continue to do so in the coming times.

NASA and SpaceX Had a Successful Launch and Docking with the ISS

A great piece of news that happened very recently was the combined venture between NASA and SpaceX that saw the successful rocket launch and docking with the ISS. This mission showcases how modern engineering and manufacturing have advanced and how bright their future looks.

In late May, after a delay due to bad weather conditions, the mission finally received the go ahead. For the first time, NASA astronauts launched from US soil on a commercially built spacecraft, which coincided with the first manned launch of a spacecraft in almost a decade as well.

SpaceX Crew Dragon launched on Saturday 30^th May at 3.22pm UK time. The two NASA astronauts and test pilots, Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, docked with the International Space Station around 19 hours after lift-off – this journey had the spacecraft orbit the earth at staggering speeds of up to 17,500 miles per hours.

Elon Musk formed SpaceX in 2002 and, since then, the company has tried to help humanity become an interplanetary species. One of their goals is to create a colony on Mars and, considering the success SpaceX are currently enjoying, we believe this is now more likely than ever.

New Stretchable, Self-Healing and Illuminating Material

A new material called HELIOS, which stands for Healable Low-Field Illuminating Optoelectronic Stretchable, has been created. It can be used in wearable technology and in robotics, and offers self-healing, stretchable and electronic properties.

These features have a wide range of applications and will probably become a key part of future inventions as well. We believe this is the type of material that will define the future of the sector, as it will likely be extensively used in many different ways.

You can read more about this fantastic material in Interesting Engineering’s post.

At European Springs & Pressings Ireland, we believe it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in the industry, so you can expect to see more news roundups on our blog page. From company updates to articles on our vast range of products, you can find it all there, so check in regularly to stay up to date.

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Category: News & Updates