Science Archives | Page 3 of 4 | European Springs Ireland

The decline of our planet’s overall health and sustainability is a growing problem, and many businesses ask themselves whether they are doing enough for the environment. We think that there is always more that businesses could be doing to reduce their carbon footprint, so instead of trying to find a finish line where you stop thinking about eco-friendliness, we ask that businesses and corporations strive for constant improvement.

In this article, we are tackling the difficult question of how the manufacturing industry in 2019 has been reducing its carbon footprint to become more environmentally friendly. Perhaps you can apply some of these smart ideas to your business?

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

This is, of course, a key aim for any manufacturing business, as reducing energy costs by any means possible leads to a higher profit, but it isn’t always clear how to manage this. To begin with, you need to able to obtain a thorough understanding of your business’ current energy consumption and where that energy is source.

By carrying out an energy audit, you can identify the areas where your business could save money (and the planet’s resources). It may turn out that replacing your overhead lighting could make a bigger difference than you were originally expecting.

Flip the Green Switch

The majority of power plants worldwide still rely on fossil fuels, but where possible businesses should support clean fuels. Britain is working hard to produce more of its energy through solar, wind and geothermal, but we need businesses to support these goals if we’re going to make a difference.

Green energy is more than just sustainable; it’s sensible. Stay ahead of the competition by switching to the technology of the future now.

Careful Planning

With some careful management, businesses can make their time and resources far more efficient. This may involve upgrading your current management system to a program which embraces the internet of things style of approach, whereby huge swathes of your business are quickly monitored and analysed using improved data management technology.

If you start a long-term plan for your change to greener energy, you will be more likely to see staff acceptance of your changes, as well as efficient and worthwhile savings in your company.

Using Recycled Materials

Creating a bigger market for recycled materials will help the recycling industry to grow, so it is important to source and purchase recycled materials where possible. On a similar note, you should also aim to educate your employees on the importance of recycling by carrying out training and sticking to green policies. Ensure that as little of your waste goes to landfill as possible by sourcing companies or charities that will recycle your difficult materials when the government cannot. You may want to start your research by looking into Terracycle; a company which aspires to make the most of difficult plastics and very useful for any company which needs to dispose of a lot of plastic packaging.

Regular Maintenance

This should be standard practice anyway, but keeping your equipment well maintained can add a lot to your business. For example, if you take good care of your machinery, then you may be able to sell it on so it can be re-used once you are ready to upgrade. Good maintenance will also help to prevent the sudden breakdown of your equipment, which can slow progress and output as well as putting tension on the remaining working machinery.

Did you know that when air conditioning units get dusty, they soak up more power? You may have machinery or equipment that functions similarly, draining more power to try to overcome an obstacle and therefore becoming less efficient. This can be avoided or reduced by keeping your company clean to stay green.

Eco-friendly Building Designs

If you’re thinking of moving your business, you should think about moving to an eco-friendly location. Think of the energy costs you could cut back on by moving your staff to a workshop that receives a lot of natural light and uses a sophisticated and efficient heating system.

Education

One of the greatest steps towards an eco-friendly business is giving your staff and employees education in eco-friendliness. Once they know what to look out for and what needs to change, your staff may be able to suggest thoughtful, targeted improvements for your business. It could be little things like arranging a staff carpool or arranging for company recycling boxes, or it could be something bigger and better. Either way, getting your staff working towards a common goal will help with team bonding and could even boost morale.

You should be focusing your business towards a greener future today. We’ve covered some brief examples showcasing how you might improve your output by making it greener, with a lot of emphasis on careful planning and staff involvement across the board. As forward thinking spring manufacturers, we have had a lot of success implementing green initiatives at our premises across the UK, and we’ll be wishing you the best of luck in saving the world with us by going green.

People may not notice just how much of a role springs play in our day-to-day lives. Everything from your coffee maker to your car brakes, your toilet to your remote control – all these everyday products rely on the humble spring. The history of this revolutionary technology dates back longer than you might think.

Early Spring Technology

What do we classify as a ‘spring’? The helical shape of a compression spring (a coiled spring) is well recognised as the ‘standard’ spring shape. However, this design was not humanity’s first introduction into this life-changing technology.

An early example of spring technology is the bow and arrow. This prehistoric weapon works using a simple non-coiled spring, in the same way as a modern-day tension spring. When the bow’s string is pulled back, it tightens and creates a bounce when released; this is considered a ‘spring’. Given that bone arrowheads have been discovered dating as far back as 61,000 years ago, this suggests that this form of spring technology is at least this old.

Coiled springs, on the other hand, are a much more modern invention, appearing as late as the 18^th Century.

Bronze Age

Springs began to take on a more sophisticated form in the Bronze age, shown through the spread of tweezers in many cultures during this time. A type of chariot created in 1333 BC, which was popularised by Tutankhamun, featured an early suspension system designed with leaf spring shock absorbers. This type of spring technology was also used during the Roman era for their chariots.

The Renaissance

Leonardo Da Vinci was the mastermind behind springs being employed into the design of pistols. In 1493, Da Vinci discovered that the use of a small spring would allow a pistol to be shot using just one hand, completely altering the way firearms were used.

Hooke’s Law

Hooke’s Law, devised in 1676 by British physicist, Robert Hooke, is a physics principle which states that the extension of a spring is proportional to the load applied to it, so long as this load does not exceed the material’s elastic limit.

The force is equal to the ‘spring constant’ in Newtons per metre, multiplied by the extension in metres. This equation was, and still is, paramount in the creation of objects that use springs.

Industrial Revolution

The original coil spring was patented in 1763 by R. Tradwell; it was considered revolutionary since, unlike the leaf spring, it did not need to be lubricated or spread apart. It was during this era that new forms of spring technology began to crop up, such as balance springs, clock springs and mattress springs. They were more accurate and inexpensive to replace, which led to the mass production of metal springs.

Today

The advancement of spring technology came on leaps and bounds as time went on. Now springs can be found everywhere, from bikes and cars to watches, toys, door locks, trampolines and even jet skis. Here at European Springs Ireland, we work with a wide range of different springs, including: spring clips, torsion, tension, compression, gas, motor and more – all of which can be used in a number of industries.

If you would like to speak to us about how our springs could be used in your next project, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be more than happy to advise you.

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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.

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.

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 20^th 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.

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!

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!

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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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.

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.

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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Updated in June 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We have been fascinated with space exploration for many years, and as we make our way further into space, more and more interesting questions are raised about how to solve particular problems that come with being in zero gravity. One of the things that we are interested in, however, is how springs such as constant force springs and pressings incorporated into the machinery and devices which use springs work in space. So, do springs work in space?

How Do Springs Work?

Before we can answer whether springs work in space, we must first look at how springs actually work.

Springs can store or absorb energy, and they work with the application of force. Depending on the type of spring, they will work in different ways, but typically, springs, whether they are compression springs or tension springs, want to return to their original shape. This may mean that they spring back when they are extended or when they are compressed. The extent of the force applied will determine how far the spring is extended or compressed.

Do Springs Work in Space?

So, with the previous question answered, we can now address the question of if and how they work in space.

Despite the fact that in space, we are dealing with conditions of zero gravity, springs can still work just as they would on earth. As springs do not use gravity, but the application of force, they can provide useful functions in space.

How Are Springs Used in Space?

While astronauts may be on the International Space Station (ISS) for six months at a time, it is important that they have technologically advanced equipment and solutions to a range of things that they will encounter during their lives. Many of these items will feature springs in order to work.

One example of the use of springs in space is in the Juno probe which was launched to learn more about the planet Jupiter. Only a few months ago, Juno sent pictures back which showed a storm the size of earth on the surface of Jupiter.

Amongst other key components, Juno relies on over 60 different springs which enable it to carry out a range of tasks, from opening and latching doors to deploying the arms which are used to measure the structure of Jupiter.

Without the use of these springs, many of the tasks carried out in space, and therefore the discoveries we are making in space would be impossible.

Springs have an incredibly important role to play, both in space and on earth, and we understand just how important it is that they are perfect for your project. That’s why we are dedicated to providing high-quality springs and pressings which match your requirements perfectly.

If you would like to find out more about any of our products or services including torsion springs, compression springs and wave springs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team by calling us on 028 9083 8605, emailing us at ieinfo.bec@europeansprings.com or by filling out our online contact form and we will be more than happy to help.