Category: Science

A deep understanding of your components is critical when designing machinery or products. Each part you select defines the product’s functionality, influences its reliability, and shapes the lifecycle’s longevity. It’s not just about picking a part; it’s about the strategic choice that embeds resilience and optimises efficiency in your design and the final application. With a reliable manufacturer, the final result will perform as expected for a significant life cycle. Read on to see the differences between springs, wireforms and pressings and why each is selected during the design process.

Comprehensive Examination of Springs

Springs, in the technical context, represent devices that store mechanical energy. They exhibit excellent flexibility and resilience, ideal for various applications requiring resistance to force.

The diversity and durability of our springs provide valuable solutions across all industries. Here are three examples of various popular spring types and their real-world applications.

Compression Springs

Unique Characteristics: Compression springs are designed to store and release energy linearly as they are compressed. They feature an open-coil helix design that can withstand a force applied either at the top or bottom of the coil.

Applications: Compression springs are evident in daily life; their applications encompass door locks, ballpoint pens, trampolines, and even industrial machinery.

Tension Springs

Unique Characteristics: Also known as extension springs, tension springs store energy lengthwise. They absorb external force that seeks to pull them apart and revert to their original shape once the force is removed.

Applications: Tension springs find use in diverse fields, including automotive interiors, garage doors, washing machines and various types of toys.

Torsion Springs

Unique Characteristics: Torsion springs are twisted coils that store rotational energy. Using the power of torque, they influence movements such as pushing, pulling, or holding components in place.

Applications: They commonly apply to clothespins, clipboards, mousetraps, swing-down tailgates, and much more.

The Spring Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of springs involves the calibration of torsional stress. A metal wire is wound around a coil, and the process imbues the wire with mechanical strength, augmenting its power to store and release energy.

Subsequent to the winding process, heat treatment affords springs their required performance in the final application – it alleviates stress, indelibly enhances durability, and optimises the performance of spring-form devices.

Industries that use Springs

Springs unfailingly command a presence in our daily lives, notably in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, or electronics; springs are the silent workers that guarantee smooth operations.

The unique engineering properties of springs make them versatile, robust, and irreplaceable. They are the unnoticed backbones of many machines, powering diverse technologies and contributing unassumingly to our convenience.

Wireforms – More Than Just Springs

Wireforms are intricate and versatile shapes crafted from metallic wire. While springs constitute a type of wireform, it’s crucial to recognise not all wireforms are springs. They differ in form, function, and may vastly vary in application.

Embracing Wireforms

The bespoke nature of wireforms brings about an undeniable power to adapt. Every wireform created responds to individual client needs, specifications, and performance demands. This adaptability gives wireforms an edge over conventional springs, maximising their relevance.

Wireform Manufacturing

Fabricating wireforms involves expert engineering, which our in-house team of wireform manufacturers supply on a daily basis. Using advanced wire bending machines, our team shapes a metal wire into an intricate yet sturdy form. The process allows us to produce wireforms that meet a wide range of bespoke purposes.

Wireforms in Industries

Industries fathom the unending versatility of wireforms, thereby embracing them. Wireforms permeate industries like automotive, retail, medical devices, electrification, and beyond. Customised wireforms continually push the boundaries of innovation, easing complex challenges.

What are Pressings

Pressings, also called stampings, signify shaped metal parts. They result from subjecting metal sheets to high-pressure stamping or punching techniques. Unique in design and precision, pressings excel in durability and strength, standing apart from comparable components.

Industry-wide Applications of Pressings

Pressings take centre stage across various industries, such as the previously mentioned automotive, aerospace, electronics, and more. Their customizability positions them as the best solution, whether it’s creating connectors in electronics or ensuring safety within automotive braking systems.

The Pressing Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing pressings involves skill and adept machinery. It starts with feeding a flat metal sheet into a press. Expertly arranged dies, then stamp or punch the sheet into the desired form. This process ensures perfectly shaped, high-strength pressings, enhancing their applicability.

To sum up, pressings echo ingenuity and precision. At European Springs, we leverage this engineering marvel to contribute to industries, aiding in creating products that define quality and performance.

Comprehensive Design Checklist: Springs, Wireforms, and Pressings

Efficient product design demands precision decisions. And the choice between springs, wireforms, or pressings weighs substantially on your design’s success. Crafted to guide you through this decisive process, here’s your detailed checklist. Remember, this isn’t just a list but a pathway to productive outcomes.

Define The Purpose Of The Component

Begin with identifying the role of the component within your design:

  • Does the mechanism demand storage and release of linear energy? Springs should take precedence.
  • Is a complex contour serving a specific function preferred? Wireforms align with this need.
  • Does the transformation of a metal sheet into a precise part suit the objective? Turn to Pressings.

Evaluate The Operating Conditions

Next, consider the environment in which the component will operate:

  • If temperature, pressure, and load fluctuate significantly, springs prove resilient.
  • If shaping or bending is needed for the end product, wireforms should top your list.
  • Consider pressings for applications requiring durable yet malleable metal components.

Reflect On The Manufacturing Process

Understand how the manufacturing process impacts your component choice:

  • For coiling and heat treatment processes, springs are the best choice.
  • For process-oriented designs requiring distinct contours, wireforms adapt well.
  • When the high-pressure stamping technique fits the bill, go for pressings.

Consider The Product Life Cycle

Look ahead and factor in the product’s life span:

  • Springs offer longevity, standing robust under repeated stresses.
  • Given their complexity, wireforms require careful inspection and could need periodic replacement.
  • Pressings can withstand extensive use, making them reliable for long-term applications.

Analyse Cost Implications

Lastly, consider the financial aspect:

  • Springs offer cost-effectiveness for linear motion needs.
  • Wireforms may signify higher costs given their custom nature.
  • Pressings, due to mass production, generally promise cost-efficiency.

Remember, clarity, confidence, and a robust decision-making process lie at the heart of significant design accomplishments.

High-Quality Manufactured Components at European Springs IE

This understanding isn’t just crucial for product designers; it’s the difference between functional and exceptional products. Take the first step in your pioneering journey with European Springs IE.

So, no matter the industry you’re designing for, the team at European Springs Ireland is here to provide the highest quality components to fulfil your needs. Browse our stock spring and pressings catalogue online or, to enquire about a bespoke spring order, please contact us today; we can’t wait to hear from you and get started on your project.

Innovative spring design provides more than mechanical benefits; it creates opportunity. Spring design is a constantly changing and growing area of manufacturing that improves every industry, including energy production.

The energy industry reaps significant benefits from such innovations. Innovative spring designs contribute to new energy production methods. From vibration damping to renewable energy systems, innovative springs become key players.

Energy efficiency moves beyond a concept; with our spring manufacturing processes, it becomes a reality. At European Springs Ireland, we endeavour to develop spring designs that empower industries. Read on to explore some predictions of spring applications in energy production in the future.

Breaking Ground With Smart Springs

Many well-used spring designs are improved when turned into a smart spring, and this adaptability is predicted to generate significant changes to machine design in this sector. The principle of smart materials can be applied to compression springs as well as to torsion springs.

Adapting to Environments and Applications

As creators and designers, you’ll be intrigued by the adaptability and versatility that smart springs bring. Smart springs are capable of altering their spring constant or changing their damping rate to fit a particular condition or application. That’s precisely the flexibility that smart springs offer.

Enhancing Energy Production and Efficiency

Equally compelling is the potential of smart springs for the energy sector. Their unique capability to adjust to specific conditions will lead to considerable gains in energy production or storage. As an example, smart springs in renewable energy applications can react optimally to changes in wind or solar intensity, thereby producing or withholding energy with greater efficiency.

Smart Spring Applications

Springs are key to a bright future in Irish manufacturing sustainability as they hold unique promise in renewable energy production, especially in wind and solar applications. Their unique properties make them prime candidates for a range of innovative applications, especially where energy conservation and efficient energy conversion are key.

Smart Electric Springs Applications

For instance, in the sphere of renewable energy, smart springs, or more precisely, Electric Springs (ESs), are becoming increasingly popular. These already have a crucial role in Smart Grids and micro-grids, significantly contributing to managing the high penetration of renewable energy sources. This involves balancing energy loads and optimally supplying power, leading to improved system stability and energy efficiency.

For solar power, another predicted use of smart spring technology is found in Photovoltaic-Electric Spring applications. The springs will help to enhance the power quality and stability of systems with intermittent renewable energy sources. Given the energy fluctuations inherent to renewable sources like solar or wind, smart springs can pose effective solutions for maintaining consistent energy output and system reliability.

Moreover, the application of smart springs also currently extends to elastic energy storage technology, where spiral spring devices are used. Such an innovation opens up avenues for storing energy effectively and using it as needed, adding a further dimension to the flexibility and performance of energy systems.

A Closer Look at Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs)

One exciting development we keep a close eye on is Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). Many existing designs are predicted to be augmented with this material for energy production applications. For example, both tension springs and flat springs can be made out of SMA.

A Shape Memory Alloy spring is unique in its ability to return to its original geometry after substantial deformation, making it incredibly valuable.

The true magic of SMAs dwells in their heat-induced transformations. When heated, SMAs recover their programmed shape – a process often referred to as the “shape memory effect”. SMAs provide engineers with remarkable versatility, and their integration is fast becoming a significant change for us and many product designers.

Harnessing the Power of SMAs

It’s key for designers to note the considerable potential for energy generation and conservation embodied in SMAs. When an alloy reforms its pre-set shape, it exerts force, a feature that makes it an excellent choice for actuators – devices responsible for moving and controlling mechanisms or systems.

SMAs also interact with their environment, reacting to shifts in temperature conditions. As such, they fit seamlessly into sensors’ design, transforming environmental changes into mechanical work. This is fuelling a rising trend in energy-efficient and responsive designs across industries.

We encourage all machine designers to explore these opportunities as bespoke spring designs benefit many industries. SMAs open new doors in terms of product functionality and performance. As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings at European Springs Ireland, there’s no doubt that Shape Memory Alloys will play a considerable role in the evolution of spring technology in many industries, including energy production.

Springs: Spearheading Sustainable Energy Solutions

Sustainability and adaptability are the two main predictions for the future of springs in energy production. Innovative spring designs are being created so often, we’re sure to see more examples like the ones we’ve mentioned here too.

As leading spring manufacturers, Innovation remains the driving force at European Springs Ireland. We tirelessly pursue ground-breaking spring designs to unlock fresh prospects. Contact us directly to discuss the requirements of your application and discover how our spring design team will fulfil its needs and get your application up and running efficiently.

As a leading provider of springs and pressings solutions, European Springs Ireland is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and driving the transformation of the manufacturing industry. We understand that embracing Industry 4.0 is crucial for businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Irish manufacturers stood in a smart factory

Ireland has long been recognised as a hub for manufacturing excellence, boasting a rich history of industrial innovation. Ireland has consistently demonstrated its adaptability and resilience from the traditional sectors that laid the foundation of Irish manufacturing to the modern industries that leverage cutting-edge technologies. With Industry 4.0, a new chapter in Irish manufacturing is being written, one that promises greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

What Is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to integrating advanced digital technologies into manufacturing processes to create a highly connected and intelligent ecosystem. It represents a significant shift from traditional manufacturing methods to a more automated and data-driven approach.

The term “Industry 4.0” originated in Germany and was coined to describe the vision of a new industrial era that leverages emerging technologies to transform the way goods are produced, delivered, and consumed. It builds upon the previous industrial revolutions, the first marked by mechanisation, the second by mass production and assembly lines, and the third by automation and computerisation.

Pointing at digital change in manufacturing

At its core, Industry 4.0 focuses on the fusion of physical systems and digital technologies to enable real-time data exchange, intelligent decision-making, and autonomous operations. Key technologies that drive Industry 4.0 include:

  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Cloud Computing

Implementing Industry 4.0 technologies brings numerous benefits to spring manufacturers like ourselves and others in the manufacturing sector. It enables improved operational efficiency, increased productivity, enhanced product quality, reduced costs, and better resource management.

How Is Irish Manufacturing Adapting To Industry 4.0?

Irish manufacturing has been through significant changes in recent years; from Brexit to the pandemic, there have been many alterations to processes, laws, and technology. So, it’s understandable that the industry is well-equipped to deal with adaptations, such as those Industry 4.0 bring. With its aforementioned strong tradition of industrial innovation, Ireland is leveraging its skilled workforce, supportive government policies, and collaborative ecosystem to embrace digital transformation and harness the potential of advanced technologies.

For example, many manufacturing companies in Ireland invest in advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, IoT, AI, and data analytics to streamline operations and increase efficiency. They are integrating these technologies into their production processes, supply chains, and quality control systems to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve decision-making.

In addition, with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, Irish manufacturers are also collecting vast amounts of data from various sources within their operations. They are utilising advanced analytics tools and techniques to extract valuable insights from this data. This helps enhance processes and make data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency and improve product quality.

Using an iPad in a smart factory

It’s all about positive change, which is something we always encourage here at European Springs Ireland. So whether it’s exciting new technology like AI or virtual reality or new and innovative ways of data collection, we’re interested in trying it if we believe it will help us to improve our systems and quality for customers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Like with any industry-wide changes, there are challenges and struggles that all companies will face when adapting to the changes. Adapting to the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 is a continuous journey that requires careful planning, agility, and a proactive approach to address the challenges effectively.

For example, integrating advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics introduces complexity into manufacturing processes. Manufacturers must invest in understanding and implementing these technologies effectively. Integrating various systems and managing the complexity of interconnected devices and data flows can be challenging, and it must be understood that it will likely not be a streamlined process.

Likewise, Industry 4.0 also presents a fantastic range of opportunities, such as the chance for manufacturers to create more personalised and engaging customer experiences. Through technologies like IoT and AI, manufacturers can gather customer data, preferences, and usage patterns to develop customised products, services, and solutions. For example, here at European Springs Ireland, we specialise in creating bespoke springs and custom pressings for our customers. With the technology that Industry 4.0 presents, we can improve our offerings and give customers more specific, high-quality products that meet their needs.

Looking Into the Future

With Industry 4.0, it is expected that Irish manufacturing has a bright future ahead of it, and the team at European Springs Ireland couldn’t be more excited to be involved. As mentioned, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our services and products for our loyal customers. So, if there are new tech, processes, or systems, we’re the first to want to know more and learn how to implement them into our company.

To stay informed about more industry-wide changes and Industry 4.0 updates, please keep checking our blog, where we post regularly.

As spring manufacturers part of the ever-changing manufacturing industry, we’re always looking into the future to try and accurately predict advancements in order to get ahead and prepare ourselves for change, especially since we have dealt with a plethora of unexpected setbacks and unprecedented times, such as the pandemic and Brexit. 

Computer technology in a factory

So, today we’re looking into the bright future of Irish manufacturing and exploring the trends, advancements, and industry developments we believe will impact the sector overall and provide positive change. 

The Resilience of the Irish Manufacturing Industry 

Like many industries, the manufacturing sector faced a long list of struggles during the pandemic and the repercussions of Brexit. The world shifted and was forced to adapt to changes very quickly, and unfortunately, many manufacturing companies didn’t survive these global events. 

However, here at European Springs Ireland, we proved incredibly resilient, and despite the delayed deliveries, rising costs, and increased risk and uncertainty, we made it through the pandemic. 

Brexit was a little different, as the constant changing of rules, laws, and regulations made it difficult for Irish manufacturers to cope. We faced a long list of challenges, such as: 

  • Supply chain disruptions 
  • Frequent protocol changes 
  • Issues with customs

But we came through the other side, as resilient as ever. This gave us a huge confidence boost, reassuring us that we would be able to handle anything the world threw at us in the future. 

Female engineer thumbs up

Future Predictions for Irish Manufacturing 

Despite the past setbacks, we believe the future of manufacturing is bright. To explore why we have handpicked some stand-out industry advancements that we believe will propel Irish manufacturing and assist with positive change. 

Accelerated Digital Transformations 

Like every other industry, digital transformations are plentiful within manufacturing. We have already seen a variety of digital advancements in the sector, such as increased automation, removing the need for as much human work. This goes hand in hand with technology such as AI, robotics, and virtual reality in engineering, which has also increased in recent years. 

Understandably, we believe that these digital transformations will only improve and become much more advanced as time goes on. Complexity will only increase, allowing manufacturing businesses to put many of their systems into technology’s hands and providing business owners with the freedom to work on other areas of their companies. 

Digital Twin Software 

An excellent example of the acceleration of digital transformations is digital twin software. This technology gives users a virtual simulation of a physical asset, which digitally represents its performance. For example, as compression spring manufacturers, we could use digital twin software to mimic a compression spring and look at ways we can improve its performance and optimise its use in order to provide our customers with the best possible product. 

Whilst this isn’t widely used in manufacturing now, we believe it will become a staple in the not-too-distant future. This is because it can save a lot of time, the use of physical products, and space in factories that would have been used for physical testing. 

Computer communicating with humans in a smart factory

Lean Initiatives 

As industries worldwide make changes in line with their plans to achieve NetZero5050, we believe the manufacturing industry will take significant strides with lean initiative. This means reducing waste during the manufacturing process as well as simultaneously maximising productivity, which is achieved in several ways, for example: 

  • Efficiently managing your inventory. Managing inventory well means planning ahead, so not ordering too many items which will go to waste if you cannot sell them. 
  • Reducing packing materials. Whether this means decreasing the size of boxes, removing a layer of plastic, or reducing in another way, less packing is great for the environment and the workplace’s productivity. 
  • Setting waste management goals. Lean initiatives are much more likely to succeed if they have been planned out. For example, setting waste management goals may look like creating a recycling plan that allows employees to refer to and will act as a constant reminder. 

The Future of Manufacturing Worldwide 

Of course, the Irish manufacturing industry is just a small factor in the global sector, but we believe these changes will be seen all over the world. As tension spring manufacturers, we’re always at the forefront of these big industry advancements and looking to implement new tech and innovative initiatives into our work. 

We believe that after the setbacks of recent years, the future of Irish and worldwide manufacturing is bright. The advancements discussed in today’s blog are sure to make a huge impact on the global industry, and European Springs Ireland is at the forefront of these changes. 

Please stay up to date with the latest company changes and industry developments by following our blog. Here we post news from the manufacturing sector, our company updates, and information regarding our high-quality spring manufacturing services. 

The modern world runs on machinery that is getting increasingly complex every year to meet the needs of our advancing society. And in turn, every piece of machinery or electronics depends on reliable, high-quality components to function. For example, gas springs are a popular choice to suit the needs of many applications and provide a valuable service that few people know.

Gas springs pair

Gas Spring Features

One of the most prominent features that make gas springs popular for application is that they require very little maintenance. Usually, a device with multiple parts would be more susceptible to wear and require regular maintenance checks but gas springs avoid this issue by sealing their collection of components within an enclosed cylinder. Gas springs have an increased lifecycle over many other spring designs. For example, springs like tension springs rely on a mechanical method of operation. Additionally, traditional springs such as compression springs consist of coiled metal, which will wear down over time and slowly reduce the amount of energy stored. Gas springs work with a gas-filled cylinder that supports their operation and prevents premature wear. This makes gas springs a device that can be relied upon to function effectively for its entire lifetime.

An experienced spring manufacturer will offer locking and non-locking as a feature of their gas springs. Non-locking gas springs are the most common as the piston rod will automatically retract as pressure is exerted and return once removed. This provides an increased level of ergonomics compared to traditional springs, as the spring will give a smooth, consistent action when weight is applied. Locking gas springs have a valve system that can provide force-dampening and keep the gas spring locked.

These features make them popular across a broad range of applications. For example, slow-dampened gas springs can be used for heavy windows and doors, whilst quick gas springs have been installed into sport air guns. In addition, powerful gas springs can be used as a power pack as the high-pressure levels can be translated into usable energy. But where people come across the most commonplace application for gas springs is the regulated opening and closing of car boots and hospital beds.

hospital corridor

What Is a Gas Spring?

Gas springs generally consist of a cylindrical body filled with nitrogen gas, a piston rod and a seal, along with a guiding function for compression and extension. A pushing force created by the gas inside will extend the rod; the exact amount of pressure will be determined by the dimensions of the spring and the specific internal pressure.

These vital components rely on using compressed gas to achieve their desired force and can be compressed by a piston when a dynamic effect is needed. The key to this variability is the Schrader-type valve employed. This valve is a brass tube that is threaded along its exterior and has a metal pin found along the axis of the tube, and the valve body and a lip seal around the rod work with the valve. Compressed gas is injected through the tube using either a mechanical gasket (O-ring system) or high external pressures.

Some springs can be designed with an interior plunger that possesses a diaphragm sufficient to extend to the end of its housing tube. In this case, the gas spring will be immobile once consistent force is applied and will result in the spring performing more like a traditional spring. The gas volume and internal pressure are reduced inside the tube by either a sliding mechanism or an end stop. This enables gas spring manufacturers to adjust the properties of the spring to suit the application’s specific needs.

Are Gas Springs Also Gas Struts?

 

Gas springs and struts seem very similar, but a few key differences are present due to the internal designs. Gas springs are designed for motion control applications, such as doors, windows and other equipment. In comparison to gas struts, gas springs create higher force with shorter strokes. Gas struts are mainly used in vehicle suspensions and contain a coil spring that supports the vehicle’s weight; these work in conjunction as a shock absorber that limits the effects of vibrations.

single gas spring

Benefits of Gas Springs

High-quality gas springs provide several benefits that have led to their increased popularity in many applications. These can provide:

  • A higher force in a smaller space
  • Built-in damping for improved control with movement
  • Energy storage, as gas springs don’t need power
  • They can work independently
  • Variable pressure to suit tasks
  • Can work in various environments, including contaminated or corrosive areas.

Gas springs are varied components widely embraced as a superior alternative to many other spring designs. At European Springs Ireland, we stock hundreds of gas spring designs as well as dozens of various end fittings and other accessories to ensure we can supply the most effective results for our clients. If we don’t stock a specific specification, you require us to provide a bespoke service for designing and manufacturing unique gas springs.

If you have any questions about our gas spring manufacturing services, you can contact our team directly and get all the answers you need.

Sustainable manufacturing is an important goal for the manufacturing industry, with significant strides already being made. The nickname the ‘green industrial revolution’ has become commonplace as an increasing number of environmentally friendly changes are implemented across the manufacturing industry.

green facility

The Goal of Sustainability

Sustainable manufacturing aims to improve current manufacturing processes and create a far more ecologically friendly system without sacrificing productivity. This increased sustainability is not focused on just the manufacturing processes themselves. These positive changes involve the entire supply chain process around the actual manufacturing, both upstream in sourcing new materials and downstream regarding the finished products and waste management.

The environmental element of improving sustainability is related to:

  • Less resource consumption
  • Less waste
  • Lower emissions

By achieving these goals, the industry’s effect on the environment is immensely lowered. True sustainability is about balance. In context, balancing the industrial sector means companies considering the impact of their current working methods throughout the entire supply chain process. by monitoring this impact in relation to the environment, it becomes easy to find those processes that can be improved and eventually significantly improve all your companies impact as a whole.

Support for Irish Manufacturing

facility graphic

The United Nations Environment Program’s International Resource Panel assessed that if there were no change in the way industry worked, greenhouse gasses would build to 43% by 2060. This and other reports inspired significant changes in the industry worldwide, including the UK’s implementation of a NetZero 2050 strategy and the recent hosting of COP26.

The NetZero 2050 strategy is the UK government’s plan to decarbonise all sectors (industrial, commercial and domestic) nationwide and create a nation that is producing no excess emissions by the year 2050. It involves a road map of smaller targets that must be met to accomplish this goal.

As a metal pressing manufacturer, the COP26 conference held at the Scottish event campus in Glasgow was an event we were very interested in. This latest meeting of representatives from the United Nations was of particular importance to manufacturers as they planned to address areas of combating climate change that was lacking. The results were to increase the demand for companies to embrace decarbonisation as a more sustainable method and embrace limiting waste and renewable energy sources.

Ireland once stood at 46th on the CCPI (climate change performance index), with a high rating in the implementation of renewable energies and a medium-low rating in energy usage. In addition, manufacturing contributes approximately 10% of the total national emissions in Ireland, creating a significant opportunity for companies to find innovations that will significantly improve their environmental impact. A new climate change act was passed in 2021 to serve as a framework to cut emissions across industries by 51% by the next deadline for the NetZero 2050 strategy, in this case, in 2030. The Climate Action Plan inspired a surge in green innovation predicted to support significant changes in the nation’s industries. This plan aims to contribute to the world’s effort to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees and maintain the environment in other ways.

An R&D tax credit is available for manufacturing companies in Ireland. This incentive for research and development enables Irish manufacturers to explore more sustainable operating methods and alternative energy sources, such as investing in solar panels or carbon offset schemes. This tax credit provides 25% on qualifying R&D expenses in science and technology.

Circular Models Are the Future

supply chain graphic

Many different elements make a sustainable manufacturing company. They include the acquisition of the required materials, the source of the energy to run your facility and what you do with the waste materials afterwards. All these elements can be improved upon to create a truly sustainable process.

All these disparate elements can be collected under the term ‘circular economy. This is the name of a business model for production and consumption that plans to re-evaluate previous linear processes. The essential concept is similar to recycling. For example, spring manufacturers would employ a system of reuse for unused materials to prevent them from becoming waste.

Positive Effect of Sustainable Manufacturing

Green factory image

One element that everyone in the manufacturing industry can agree on is that we have a responsibility to future generations. This is the most significant reason why increasing sustainability is essential, and decreasing the industry’s environmental impact will help ensure that. There isn’t just one primary way to achieve sustainability; many smaller steps can be taken that will combine to have an immense impact.

More sustainable industries will also ensure that habitats remain liveable. In addition, maintaining a high standard for air and water quality and preventing toxins from entering the water table helps the environment and humans. Landfills are one the most significant contributors of harmful toxins to the environment. By recycling as much of our waste as possible, landfills become less necessary. It’s easy to forget that any problem that affects the environment will inevitably become a problem for humans if left unchecked. By protecting the planet, we are also protecting ourselves and the future generations to come.

Sustainable Manufacturing Is the Future

At European Springs, we are constantly working towards discovering new ways to improve our working process for efficiency and environmental impact. As experienced manufacturers of gas springs in Ireland, we have a great deal of experience adapting our work to be the most sustainable it can be.

You can browse our entire selection of springs and pressings in our online stock catalogue.

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