Category: Engineering

Engineers are in extremely high demand. In fact, the UK actually has a shortage of engineers, so there is no better time than now to go after that dream engineering job. This lucrative career path is incredibly diverse and wide-reaching, you can work in a multitude of different industries such as space, robotics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, to name just a few.

If engineering is your passion, and you feel you could dedicate your life to designing and building the future, then read our advice on how to secure your dream job in engineering.

Engineering Degrees

Whilst not, by any means, the only path into engineering, an engineering degree is the most common way, and for some sectors, a requirement. Engineering degrees offer a wide range of specialisations, and graduates are in high demand all around the globe. You can develop an expert understanding of computer circuitry with an electronics engineering degree or study such topics as thermodynamics and technical drawing with a mechanical engineering degree.

Getting an engineering degree is the most conventional path to a career in engineering. It can set you up for professional success in the engineering field and help you secure that dream job.

Engineering Apprenticeships

An engineering apprenticeship is a less conventional path, but a much more practical one for those who really like the idea of getting stuck in straight away. On an apprenticeship, you will be employed by an organisation and receive on-the-job training in a specific role alongside studying for industry-recognised qualifications, all while earning a wage for your work.

Typically aimed at school leavers and viewed as a viable alternative to university, apprenticeships combine full-time work with part-time study and suit those who may be less academically inclined but are interested in gaining more practical skills to use in a technical environment. With an engineering apprenticeship, you gain real-world experience in an engineering field of your choice, and you will develop the skills you need for future employment.

Obtain Work Experience

If you’ve chosen the engineering degree path, you should be aware that employers will favour those who have complemented their degree with relevant work experience – something that a lot of graduates may lack. Work experience will benefit not only future job applications; you could also end up being offered permanent employment at your work placement if you perform well. It’s important to add all work experience you have gained to your CV, no matter how short the time period may have been.

Some engineering degrees will include a placement year, and some organisations offer paid internships or industrial placements. You can search for work experience opportunities online, through your university, or you can contact organisations directly to enquire.

Prepare a Tantalising CV

You’re going to need a stand-out CV in order to acquire that dream job. Start early, before your degree or apprenticeship has finished; just write your predicted grade and/or qualification on the CV and start sending it out to potential employers. There are many resources online to help write a great CV; if you’re a student there should be a career’s department that can help out, as well as workshops where you can bring your CV in for individual feedback.

Your CV is key to telling a potential employer all about yourself and why you would be a great fit for the job. Don’t sell yourself short – be honest and get applying as soon as possible.

Check the Application Process

Not every company will have the same application process. Make sure you read up and understand the application rules and requirements, to ensure that you understand what is being asked of you when you apply for a role. Some companies will require additional information that they may want submitted before a certain time; others may require testing to be performed before an interview.If a job advert requests a covering letter, make sure you write one up, as not doing so significantly hurts your chances of progressing in the application process.

Ensure you know what is required of you – it will determine how successful you are in the application stage.

Tailor Each Application

Every application you send off should be specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for. Show the company you’re applying to that you’ve done your research and know what they’re looking for (and why you fit their requirements). Companies have to sift through hundreds of applications for just a few positions, so make sure you stand out and show the employer why you’d be the perfect fit for that dream job.

When putting together a covering letter to accompany your CV, always refer back to the job specification and make sure you give examples of how you meet each of the criteria. By doing this, you can be confident knowing that you have shown your potential employer how your previous experience can be used in the role you are applying for.

Whatever path you choose to take, we here at European Springs Ireland believe that a career in engineering could help you achieve your dreams; you could potentially change the world with your work. As spring manufacturers, engineering is what we do, so if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us, and we would be happy to assist you.

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Ireland is known for being a proud and passionate nation, steeped in history and tradition, with stunning landscapes, accommodating people and of course, a love of sport.

In this blog, we look at our historic national stadium and the engineering that influenced its award-winning redevelopment.

The existing arena has come a long way from humble beginnings and the very first All-Ireland finals held at Jones’ Road, site of today’s state of the art ground, in March 1896.

It was some seventeen years after this, in 1913, that the Gaelic Athletic Association (the GAA) were able to purchase Jones’ Road using the gate money from the Croke Memorial Tournament.

It cost them the princely sum of £2,400 and was renamed Croke Memorial Park in honour of one of the GAA’s original founders – Archbishop Thomas Croke.

Completed in 2002 by Irish architects Gillroy McMahon, in conjunction with international sports facilities designers HOK Sport, the newly-developed Croke Park had a number of briefs to fill.

As a sporting venue it had to accommodate huge numbers of visitors at any one time – over 82,000 in fact – and critically, had to provide those paying guests with a full, clear view of the sporting action yet retain the sense of community for which Irish Sport is known.

Being the flagship centre of Gaelic Football and Hurling, it had to reflect this status whilst also being appreciative of the history and culture of the GAA in general.

It was also important that it looked good given the effect such a big stadium would naturally have on the Dublin landscape.

The Perfect View

Aesthetics are integral to the approach taken by the architects and a key part of the Development Control Plan was to involve revolving the pitch by eight degrees so that effectively it should track the line of the railway and the canal that passes immediately to the south of the ground.

Unique to Croke Park is the leaning structural frame with the tiers of seating pitching out towards the field of play. This creates an effect of communal intimacy amongst the spectators in affording them the same focal proximity to the pitch across four tiers of seating.

It was a conscious decision to abandon the European tradition of segregating fans vertically and adopt an American approach to site fans across horizontal lines.

This gives the impression of one huge room and enables fans to walk from the Cusack Stand all the way to the other end of the Hogan Stand, over half a kilometre around the horseshoe.

A Sense of History

In the original plans for the stadium, it was proposed that Hill 16, with the exception of a few rows, would be removed.

Historically and culturally significant, the terrace was both a physical and a subconscious representation of a turbulent past that many would have been keen to retain but did not seem at first architecturally possible. In part, this was due to the fact that the GAA did not own all of the land behind that area of the ground.

Thanks to a touch of engineering ingenuity, however, namely a ‘Y’-shaped structural support system providing a central support column for the seating and catering for a concourse and the cantilever roof, the much-revered stand at the Railway End of Croke Park was saved.

This is a significant deviation from the more traditionally-used ‘H’-framed, post and beams model of structural support.

In addition to being able to accommodate over 13,000 people in the newly-built stand, this revolutionary engineering design solution has also afforded bigger pitch dimensions: the new pitch is a whole seven metres longer and three metres wider than the previous one.

Shane O’Toole, writing for Archiseek in 2002, describes the GAA as “..not just a game, but a culture” and this sense is retained with references to historical events throughout the stadium.

The new Cusack Stand, now with space for 27,000 people compared to the 5,000 it originally held, is of course named after Michael Cusack one of the original GAA founders with the Davin Stand commemorating the first GAA President, Maurice Davin.

This section of the ground also houses the Ali Tunnel, created as part of the redevelopment, to honour legendary boxer Muhammed Ali and his 1972 bout with Al Lewis.

It is impossible also not to make reference to the significant events of 1920 when thinking of Croke Park and the Hogan Stand poignantly pays tribute to Tipperary player, David Hogan, who was killed on Bloody Sunday.

A Regard For the Environment

A contributory factor to the architects being awarded a Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) was the ability to successfully manage the competing demands of a state of the art building, retaining a sense of the culture of the GAA and a sympathy to the wider Dublin landscape.

Indeed, the chair of the judging panel that awarded the medal, Joan O’Connor described it to the RIAI as “..a landmark in the architectural, historical and cultural landscape of Dublin. It relates well to its neighbours and environment while being an elaborate but delicate signature on the city’s skyline. Not only does it afford 83,000 visitors a full and clear vision of the field of play, it provides a sense of community within its audience and is as impressive when empty as when full to capacity. The secret of the design is in the carefully balanced Y section which elegantly supports the terraces, concourses and the magnificent cantilevered roof.”

Aligning the three demands was of key importance to the architects, who wanted to ensure that the stadium was as aesthetically pleasing when seen at a distance from across Dublin as it is within its immediate environment.

The choice of colours matches those of surrounding buildings and each face of the base of the ground has been designed for the specific context it faces, whether towards the canal or the residential aspect of Jones’ Road.

The Future

One of the most popular sports in Ireland in terms of attendance, Gaelic football shows no signs of slowing down. There was a 24% increase in 2017 spectator numbers compared to 2016 as reported in the Irish Mirror, and an extra €4m received in revenue and the interest in Hurling continues too. There’s little doubt that the redevelopment of our flagship ground has and will continue to contribute to this but it’s more than just facilities.

The stadium of today even hosts music events, with many world-class headline acts choosing Croker as their Irish performance venue. In fact the singer Taylor Swift recently made history by being the first woman to perform two shows in a row at the ground.

The care taken in the design to acknowledge the past whilst looking to the future engenders in us the relevance of our culture in a modern world and we here at European Springs Ireland are proud of the influence of engineering in preserving that for future generations.

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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.

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

Compass

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

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

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

Automobile

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

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

Empty car body shells on production line

Light Bulb

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

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

Small Tools and Components

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Springs come in a huge range of different shapes and sizes, each used for their own specific purpose. Within numerous industries, springs are a huge part of how a product functions, playing a huge role in some of the things we use every day.

Wire forms are one of the types of spring we have available at European Spring Ireland. Let’s take a look at why wire forms are so valuable and what they bring when used within different industries.

Wire Forms 1

What Are Wire Forms?

Wire forms are one of those essential component types that rarely ever gets acknowledged for their utility, but which has a profound impact on the world. Commonly used in headsets, computer brace devices or sometimes even in the manner of a simple pin, no two examples of a wire form need ever look alike.

Wire forms can be manipulated into certain shapes and sizes and configured to fit the need of any design a seller wants. They can be made in simple beams or a cantilever design and can be made in coils or springs using various thicknesses or small rings in differing diameters.A common wire form is a spring, though any shape that a wire takes is technically a wire form. Other often seen wire forms include hooks and certain clips.

The wire used in wire forms can be made of any suitable metal; however, the type of metal used can vary based on specific needs. A wire form could be made from the following metals:

  • Stainless steel
  • Copper
  • Aluminium

What Industries Use Wire Forms?

Wire forms can be found in almost every industry, including:

  • Agricultural
  • Construction
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Medical devices

Within the construction industry, wire forms are most commonly used for the equipment. They are created and designed for power tools and hand tools that can withstand the tight tolerances this type of equipment experiences.

Within the lighting industry, CNC wire forms are commonly used. This is due to their durability and meeting tight tolerances. Light fixture wires are common; these simple wire forms are designed to safely hold a lighting fixture in a ceiling.

 Wire Forms 2

The Value of Custom Wire Forms

At European Springs Ireland, we use 14 of the very latest CNC automated spring coilers and equipment, meaning we can create these forms according to almost any design that you can think of.

Our advanced machinery has had a great effect on the production of wire forms, as we are now able to manufacture them in huge quantities, although we still hand fashion wire pins when an order is only relatively small in size.

We also make use of manual processes to offer specialist hand cooling treatments, and it is this wealth of experience, combined with our knowledge of spring wire properties, that enables us to make wire pins of exceptional precision and quality. Customising your wire forms means we can create the perfect fit for your needs.

As spring manufacturers, we deliver a professional service designing and supplying springs. If you would like to find out more information about our wire forms, or any of our other springs, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our expert team today.

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The engineering industry is constantly developing new and innovative ways of revolutionising the future. The progression and adaptation we’ve seen throughout the years increasingly tests the boundaries of what can be achieved. Cars are becoming faster, buildings are becoming taller, and transportation is constantly evolving.

Every year, there are new and exciting projects and designs introduced to the world, with engineers working their magic behind the scenes to manufacture these amazing feats. We have recently discussed five things manufacturers can be excited about in 2018, yet there are still so many projects coming!

Here at European Springs Ireland, we have compiled a list some of the most exciting upcoming engineering projects to look out for.

Young businessman examining model of construction project

Jeddah Tower

With the completion of this project, Saudi Arabia will host the worlds tallest tower. With an estimated completion date of 2020, the Jeddah Tower (previously known as the Kingdom Tower) will become the first structure to reach one-kilometres high. A daring structure of this feat seemed only a fantasy years ago, yet it is soon to be made a reality.

Costing around $1.23 billion, this centrepiece will be located along the Red Sea, with the aim of the tower encouraging development and tourism. Initially, the tower planned to be 1.6km (1 mile) high, however the area proved unstable for a tower of that height.

When completed, the Jeddah Tower will feature 169 floors and 59 elevators with a top speed of 10 m/s.

The Jewel

The Jewel is currently under development at Changi Airport in Singapore, which is scheduled to open in 2019. This fantastic engineering project is set to include gardens, attractions, 300 retail and dining facilities as well as a hotel.

Featuring truly beautiful engineering, the Jewel has a glittering glass dome spanning 200m x 150m and weighing 4,000 tonnes. A memorable destination for travellers and residents, the Jewel will hold the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres high.

Costing $1.7 billion, the project will cover 134,000 square metres and span over 10 storeys.

engineer design

The World Towers

The World Towers, located in Mumbai, are set to redefine the Mumbai skyline. Rising 420 metres above the city, when completed, they will claim the title of the tallest residential building in the world.

Composed of 3 towers, The World Towers form a stunning sculpture of glass and steel, becoming a powerful symbol of Mumbai’s aspirations. They will soar 117 storeys and with its unique curvilinear structure of glass and steel, it will become a stunning architecture marvel.

Not only will The World Towers be beautiful on the outside, their design makes them efficient on the inside, with low energy building services including 100% water waste treatment and recycling, solar water heating and a gravity fed water supply.

There are so many upcoming engineering projects set to be completed in the near future, making this a hugely exciting time for the world of engineering.

As spring suppliers, we deliver a professional service designing and manufacturing springs. If you would like to know more information about our products and services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert team 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.

how are springs made

The Materials

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

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

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

The Design Process

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

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

Coiling

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

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

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

Hardening

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

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

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

how are springs made from European springs

Finishing Steps

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

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

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

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

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

5. Quality Control

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

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

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

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