Category: Engineering

The drive toward increased sustainability in manufacturing has never been higher as more companies within the industry join this commitment to creating an ecologically improved and profitable industry.

This shift to a more eco-friendly approach may seem like something that has only just begun, but it has been an evolving part of the manufacturing industry in Ireland for years, with many steps being taken toward this goal.

Sustainability Goals in Manufacturing

There have been substantial announcements recently to make manufacturing far more eco-friendly. Phrases such as NetZero 2050 and the green industrial revolution are becoming commonplace as these environmentally friendly initiatives affect more of the industry.

As spring suppliers, we took a great interest in the COP26 event, which was a significant moment for sustainability in manufacturing. The COP26 event was a global United Nations summit addressing climate change and how countries plan to combat it.

COP26 was held in November 2021 in the UK after a significant delay from the previous year due to the pandemic. This is the 26^th event for the Conference of the Parties (or COP), which consists of all the United Nations countries that signed the UNFCC in 1994 (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change). The importance of COP is the opportunities it provides for a more effective, unified approach to combating climate change across the world and at every level of the industry. For example, at COP26, the UK launched an energy transition council. This council unites 20 governments and over 15 international institutions to support transitions and technical assistance to clean power.

How does COP26 affect the manufacturing sector? First, it has increased the already present demand for companies to embrace sustainability through decarbonisation. The new carbon NetZero targets set during the COP26 focus more on the electricity and gas parts of manufacturing’s high energy usage. This will affect manufacturing significantly within the UK as half its energy is imported.

Positive Growth

One successful way of supporting these green movements is the manufacturing industries’ attempts to create a circular economy. This is the concept of creating products more sustainably with lean manufacturing. By manufacturing from recycled materials, companies save significant energy losses compared to making every product from new, raw resources.

As all manufacturers work toward these positive goals, the real question becomes, how can it be achieved whilst still being competitive within the market? Every business needs to adapt to thrive, and discovering new ways of remaining compliant and competitive is no different. Technology seems to be the key to balancing both of these.

Technology has helped improve manufacturing in many different ways; whether it’s the development of CNC machines or assistive software, it is vital for the future of manufacturing, more so now than ever before.

Technology and manufacturing have developed a close partnership in many ways. These digital solutions have helped support the already successful lean manufacturing processes, improving their waste reduction and efficiency. Beyond the methods themselves, these technological improvements have given the industry increased visibility of its broader operations and workflows, thereby helping identify the wasteful areas and reduce emissions.

Building Profitable Relationships

As experienced gas spring manufacturers, we know that manufacturing has gained significantly from its relationship with technology. So there are potentially infinite benefits ahead through continuing this partnership, including supporting sustainability. But it’s essential that when choosing your partner, you make sure they have similar environmental goals. Exploring the environmental attitudes of your potential partners helps build a sustainable, greener workflow from start to finish.

Since COP26, technology providers have recognised the need for urgency to support sustainability within manufacturing.

When there is a unity of manufacturers, technology providers and customers that all share a vision of increased sustainability, the benefits to the environment are remarkable.

What Does the Future Hold?

Sustainability isn’t simply a single problem that can be finished. Combating climate change will require a persistent shift in operational processes and attitudes to maintain a meaningful impact. This will lead to commitments to lean manufacturing and embrace the waste hierarchy and many other ideas that support manufacturing whilst having a minimal environmental impact.

While the world’s governments are putting measures to increase sustainability, the industry must realise that it doesn’t need to wait for permission to improve its ecological status. The relationships developed between manufacturing and technology have proven to be an immensely effective tool for improvement. By exploring new opportunities, this partnership will achieve staggering results for both sides.

Professional Bespoke Springs, Wireforms and Pressings

At European Springs Ireland, we believe that transparent, continuous engagement and discussions between our technology partners will be essential for developing these relationships and discovering new innovative ways to improve sustainability and efficiency.

Additionally, our expert team of engineers is committed to maintaining effective communication with our client base. Working together, we have had many years of success with manufacturing clock springs and many other bespoke spring designs, pressings and wireforms.

You can read more about our manufacturing processes here, and if you have a product that requires high-quality springs or pressings, please don’t hesitate to contact us today, and one of our team will answer any questions.

Metal is one of the most versatile materials used for manufacturing components. The ability to shape and process this durable material into an infinite variety of forms makes it ideal to suit any application.  

With technologies and machinery becoming more technical and complex every year, the demand for durable pressings with exact specifications has also grown. But this increased complexity means that finding off the shelf ready components for your application is almost impossible.  

Furthermore, solutions that are off the shelf will always demand that you consider their specifications when implementing them. More often than not, your vision will have to change to suit these pre-made components; that is why we offer the superior option of supplying bespoke pressings. 

What Are Bespoke Pressings? 

A bespoke pressing is a brand new part made uniquely for your purposes. These are designed and manufactured from scratch in-house so that you can be sure it’s the most economical and fit for function.  

Metal pressings, in general, are a cost-effective choice for creating a high volume of parts. Pressing or stamping is the process of moulding metal pieces into new shapes. A flat sheet, coil or blank form is placed in a stamping press, and the installed tools will form the metal into the desired shape. 

The machines we use at European Springs IE have tools unique for each product, and the overall machines are some of the most technologically advanced pressing equipment in the world. We use multi-slide and coiling machines, laser cutting, welding, tapping and grinding, and many more devices and processes to create the final product  

After the pressings have been made, they can undergo additional treatments, including the most common process, the punching. Punching is when the new metal form is punched away from the excess material, leaving only your newly created pressing behind.  

Bespoke pressings go through the same processes but give you the added advantage of customising your pressings to suit your application instead of the other way round.  

Why Choose Pressings Over Fabrication? 

There are some significant differences that separate pressings and fabrication. Pressings use the previously mentioned pressing and punching processes to form your component into what you want. Metal fabrication focuses on cutting, drilling and welding with various tools to reach the same end.  

So why are bespoke pressings the superior choice? Our metal pressings create exact shapes that get the most out of the raw materials placed in the machine. As a result, you can significantly limit the costly material wastage and save on costs by choosing pressings.  

Metal fabrication has the considerable disadvantage of being more labour intensive than computer-controlled pressings. This can also increase your costs per piece, especially when ordering a bespoke piece that may demand the use of a pressings machine, after all.  

Sectors That Use High-Quality Custom Pressings  

The development of new medical machines demanded engineering companies with machining capabilities for many years, but this has now been replaced with metal pressing and stamping. With medical innovations utilising these machines, we now have far more complex machinery saving lives worldwide.  

The automated fashion of pressings makes it excellent at maintaining exact specifications with absolute accuracy, essential for medical equipment requirements. In addition, cutting-edge microstamping has further broadened its usefulness, allowing them to be used in jaw housings for laparoscopic surgeries. 

Airbags are essential for car safety. A small but not insignificant part of a vehicle’s airbag is called the grommet. Whilst these can be made of various materials, metal is the most secure. These grommets are designed to prevent critical tearing and wire protection and assist in fitting and protecting the exceptional air pressure in the airbag. These items are an example of a bespoke metal pressing as each needs to be customised to suit the car design.  

Scuba diver suppliers will require bespoke pressing for the D-rings. With the growing variety of harnesses, suits and air tank rigs available for people of all sizes, there isn’t a single D-ring that can suit everyone.  

How European Springs IE Pressings Design Support Can Help 

At European Springs we have spent the last 65 years growing into a leading UK company for metal pressings.  We have a lot of experience manufacturing pressings to suit the particular specifications our clients require in small or large batches. The bespoke element is a part of our pressings process we’re very proud of.  

With European Springs IE, we have a premium design team that will outline your stampings before the ideas are developed. Similar to our other work as gas spring manufacturers providing high-quality gas springs to many businesses globally, we understand that spring suppliers should always communicate with the clients they’re supplying; the same is true for our bespoke pressings services.  

Our team of engineers are committed to maintaining efficient communication with our clients. Working together to make decisions on design, material and surface treatment, we will ensure that you achieve the right product at an economical price.  

You can read more about our bespoke pressings service here. If you have an application that requires high-quality bespoke pressings or stampings or our design process, please don’t hesitate to fill in our enquiry form, and one of our expert engineers will answer all your questions.  

For any company, it’s crucial to maintain a high level of productivity and look for ways to improve upon it each year. There are many ways your productivity can be stalled, but broken equipment needing repairs is one of the most severe.

Whether your business is in the construction, medical or automotive, a damaged piece of equipment can create damaging disruptions to your productivity. There can be several reasons for these halts, such as user error or lack of maintenance, but the quality of its components is often overlooked.

Machine Downtime

Wasted time is always terrible for any business, and when your company relies on a machine that breaks down a lot, you can find yourself enduring a lot of wasted time. Alternatively, providing machinery with faulty components to your customers can permanently damage your company’s reputation.

Having to diagnose the problem and order replacements can increase these delays and create more issues for your company’s efficiency.

Equipment downtime is costly to both time and money for you or your customers, and it can also create a continuing knock-on effect on lead-time estimates.

The best way to avoid both of these situations is by choosing a reliable manufacturer that can be trusted to only supply the highest quality components for your applications and thereby reduce any potential breakdowns immensely.

Why Superior Manufacturing Matters

There are many reasons why a manufacturer should meet the specifications required for the application. Inferior designs will not be able to last the rigours of their role for very long without breaking and needing replacing. Additionally, meeting the specification but using an inappropriate material will also have reduced longevity.

For example, as leading spring suppliers, we know that overstressing, shock loading and choosing the wrong materials are the leading causes of spring failure. And as previously mentioned, an inferior spring breaking inside your equipment will do nothing except slow your productivity and cost you time and money. There are effective ways of extending the life of your purchased components that reliable manufacturers should make available to you. To continue the previous spring example, shot peening effectively increases your spring’s density and overall tensile strength. Shot peening will prevent corrosion and reduce fatigue and even hydrogen embrittlement. Shot peening is an example of a service an experienced manufacturer can provide so you can enjoy peace of mind on your equipment’s mechanical health and focus on increasing your processes’ productivity.

Never Settle for less

All high-quality wire forms have a precise manufacturing process. Similar to springs or pressings, these are essential components for many applications and require a high level of fidelity to create a product that lasts.

Due to the exacting specifications of dimensions or material, there is no room for error in manufacturing these components. This is something that only a truly experienced manufacturer can guarantee. We at European Springs and Pressings LTD can attest to this, having been an industry leader and supplier of springs and pressings for more than seven decades.

A range of services is also a great sign of an experienced manufacturer. The ability to work with a broad range of materials and meet various extreme specifications shows confidence in their processes. At European Springs, we pride ourselves on our versatility and an immense range of springs and pressings readily available online. In addition, you can contact us directly to discuss bespoke components for more unique applications.

The Resilience of the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry suffered severe setbacks during the pandemic and Brexit. The arrival of these two events created considerable disruptions in supply chains worldwide, creating significant troubles for manufacturers globally.

There was constant risk and uncertainty with delayed deliveries and rising costs. It was a difficult time for everyone in the sector, but it also gave the industry the chance to prove its resilience in the face of strife. Thanks to the persistent dedication of spring suppliers and many other companies, the industry is bouncing back.

Increased Confidence

After this period of declining output and orders, many manufacturers within the Make UK membership are reporting that they are experiencing a significant rise, with orders and production at unmatched levels. With UK orders up to 42% and a new peak for confidence levels at 7.7, the industry is rising.

The yearly Ibec manufacturing survey conducted in October 2021 revealed that 55% of businesses had maintained the same confidence level in Irish manufacturing, with only 1 in 10 showing concerns.

As the year progresses, the combination of increased product quality and shortened fulfilment times from reliable manufacturers shows a bright future for the industry. Businesses can feel justified in their confidence in their chosen manufacturer.

Bespoke Spring and Pressings Manufacturer in Ireland

At European Springs, we can confidently state that we are superior spring and pressing manufacturers, not only in Ireland but also globally.

We are proud members of the Lesjofors group who help provide a broad range of premium manufacturing services for various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical equipment and much more.

If you have an application that requires high-quality springs, pressings, or wireforms, please don’t hesitate to browse our collection online within our downloadable stock catalogue or learn more about our other bespoke products as spring suppliers.

After decades as an extreme science and engineering niche, virtual and augmented reality is now widely used as a mainstream business technology. That’s thanks to the convergence of light, low-power mobile and graphics semiconductor technology, and improvements in screen displays to reduce their size and improve the resolution and detail of images.
As virtual and augmented reality continue to thrive, a range of new VR headsets are manufactured and launched each year. Virtual and augmented technology continues to develop, with new features in every new model.
As an adjunct to VR, augmented reality, viewed through a smartphone’s screen or an augmented headset like Microsoft’s HoloLens, allows workers to simultaneously see the real world and digital information. These technologies combine to create significant opportunities for engineers like ourselves and designers to work on projects with a greater appreciation of their three-dimensional nature, at the cost of hundreds of euros, compared to many thousands for previous generations.

How Does Virtual Reality Work?

Virtual reality uses complex technology to simulate a 3D environment where users can explore software created surroundings. From exploring a new city to the more business-focused creating prototypes, VR has many applications in different fields. For example, chemists and physicists can study molecules in 3D, and customers can view their perfectly customised car or kitchen ahead of a build; in many businesses and markets, the possibilities and implications are vast.
These advances provide products that can significantly benefit teams in engineering or CAD tasks. For example, improved visualisation of a design allows workers to adjust properties, sizings and other aspects of a project in real-time. Realtime 3D animations enable workers to see tolerances and physical reactions in action, highlighting problems in material choices or ensuring the right size of supports, springs, screws, and other fittings are perfect for the job. As spring manufacturers, this type of technology can transform how we design and create our springs.

Engineering in Cyber Space

Augmented reality can make on-site repair processes easier to understand and follow. For example, a set of HoloLens is used on the International Space Station to control robotic devices or follow instruction guides without the astronaut constantly diverting their attention to paper instructions. Meanwhile, at the cutting edge of this technology, F-35 fighter pilots can “see-through” their aircraft and have a total understanding of the battlespace thanks to their €350,000 helmets.

VR in Car Design

Using virtual reality in car design is a concept that is slowly becoming more familiar to many car manufacturers. Traditionally, car designs were sketched using pen and paper to be turned into a 3D representation. With the addition of VR, the 2D stage can be skipped, saving manufacturers a lot of time. VR headsets allow car manufacturers to visualise the car design in 3D, viewing it at different angles and rotations. They can even simulate sitting in the design to get a real feel for the car’s looks and functions. Overall, the use of VR in car design means that manufacturing is quicker, and the final plans are more realistic.

VR in Rail Construction

The latest developments in virtual reality in rail construction come from the new HS2 railway in England, currently under construction between Wigan and London. High tech sensors will be implemented into the physical infrastructure of the railway line to monitor performance and potential failures. By using VR to create an exact 3D replica, the model can predict and prevent system failures, which saves money and time and helps cut the project’s emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.

VR in Architecture

Virtual reality is already a significant part of architecture, with 83% of the top 100 architectural firms worldwide using a form of VR. With a VR headset, the user can walk through a simulation of a proposed building, creating the sense that they are there. This is an excellent piece of technology in architecture as their work relies on visualising structures. VR makes this a much easier task, saving time and money and minimising the risk of errors.

Though VR is primarily used for gaming, the market for using VR in architecture is promising, and future plans hope to see further developments within this area.

How Has Virtual Reality Changed the Spring Industry so Far

Thus far, virtual reality has already made its way into the manufacturing process of springs and pressings. By using virtual reality software, manufacturers can test their products before physical production begins, foreseeing any possible issues and perfecting the design process of springs.
The use of virtual reality in spring manufacturing minimises the risk of spring design error and makes the process more efficient. As wireform manufacturers, it also allows us to predict the outcome of wire forms and various other springs, which ultimately saves resources and money as it increases the probability of the product being flaw-free on the first attempt.

The Future of VR in Engineering

While still in constant development for use in the engineering sector, the technology is finally mature enough to allow businesses to invest in and reap the rewards of time and money saved on projects as designs are created with greater accuracy and problems are solved faster.
With an expected growth rate of up to 18% between now and 2028, VR technology is sure to play a more significant role in engineering and manufacturing processes. Over the next few years, it is expected that many manufacturing industries, including the spring industry, will incorporate virtual reality into the design and production process. From its already stellar success, the future of VR in engineering looks very bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Get in touch for more information on how European Springs Ireland plan to use VR in the future to help with your engineering challenges. We also offer expert advice and a wide range of spring sales and manufacturing services.