The Right Tool for the Right Situation – Refining Materials
Throughout mankind’s association with engineering and manufacture, there’s always been a need to find the right materials for the right job, and sometimes that means a fair bit of tinkering is in order to get the properties that are required. That’s how it’s always been, and is probably how it always will be, as there’s always some new conundrum that needs solving with the correct material.
Titanium in Aircraft
Recently, we came across an article on The Engineer that deals with the use of titanium in aircraft, and this is definitely something that is causing problems at present. Quite simply, the costs and wastes that are associated with complex titanium alloys are uncomfortably high, and this means that a development which could change that would be very welcome indeed. Given the widespread concern over ‘eco-friendly solutions’ that’s always in the public eye at present, there’s also added pressure for manufacturing businesses to adopt such methods wherever possible.
Apparently, one firm has proposed the use of ‘additive layer manufacture’ as a solution, but currently there are problems when it comes to balancing the reduced cost of this process with the required strength of the material that’s needed in the aerospace industry. Consistency is key in terms of strength, as a single fluctuation could potentially be disastrous. However, as with all such undertakings, the navigation of such obstacles is not uncommon, so it’ll be interesting to see what is settled upon in the future. Progress certainly looks likely to happen.
Problem Solving
In our own experience, problem-solving is a vital part of all manufacturing processes, and it’s something that we’ve definitely had to get to grips with. For example, in the case of the Öresund Bridge, we were required to come up with a solution that could withstand excessive vibration, and we were able to do so, after a bit of trial and error, using a system of dampers to great effect.
Similarly, when the offshore industry needed compression springs that could work in high temperatures, we were able to deliver a solution. We count this sort of innovation as an essential part of our service, so whatever purpose you might need something like torsion springs for, we guarantee that we’ll be able to select the right balance of material and design to meet your needs. To find out more, contact us now by calling +44 (0) 208 663 1800 or sending an email to info.bec@europeansprings.com.
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