Author: European Springs

Spring Clips

They can be found in a wide range of places: from electrical systems to cell-phone cases. Spring clips are generally u-shaped and can be made of various materials such as plastic, wood or steel. They are used to fasten two moving parts or to hold something in place. Their grip is so strong they can resist tension, movement and even dampen vibration. They are also one of the most cost-effective types of springs as they can substitute the combination of nut, bolt and a washer when used to attach components together. At European Springs we can design spring clips to meet your specific requirements. We create them with open and closed ends and we can add extra features such as holes for fitting screws and holes.

Wave Springs

The versatility of these springs is evident if we look at their practical uses: aerospace, automotive, medical and oil and gas industries. They are made of flat spring metal and have a multi-coil waved framework. These springs are the perfect choice when just small areas of space are available, as they reduce up to 50% in height and length of conventional round wire springs. That is why they can replace coils, which usually demand more space. This also means less material is required to make them, so their production is very efficient. We manufacture our wave springs to be compact but if you want any radial specification don't hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to discuss your project's needs.

Finding the perfect fit

Spring clips and wave springs are used when the maximum flexibility is needed. Take a look at our extensive stock catalogue ; we are sure you will find your perfect fit. And if that is not the case, contact our team of experts to let them know what your project requires, so we can provide you with exactly what you need. We are also happy to discuss any new design you might want to add to our existing products.

European Springs are a leader in spring production and manufacture in Europe, so we are positive we can meet the expectations of your project. Feel free to call us on 0208 663 1800 with any enquiry, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep updated with the spring industry's news.

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Medical springs

Medical springs use micro coil technology, which means that the wire size can be as small as 0.03mm with their components ranging from 0.10mm to 0.8mm. To achieve this we use the latest technology in laser sensors. Apart from details, we also care about the resistance of our springs: the reinforced polymer tubing assures strength and durability so our springs always perform as if they were used for the first time. Because of their specific purpose, medical springs need to be the most hygienic of all and that is why we build them with stainless steel. Also, the long coil lengths are coated with PTFE and undergo scrupulous cleaning techniques so there is zero risk when these springs are being used.

Motor springs

In motor springs, strength is the key feature. At European Springs we give them a special design that allows them to have an average 10-20 spring force turn. Also, this design provides rotational energy from the attached shaft, locked with a catch, pin or housing edge. Something you need to know when using motor springs is that if you require more torque than a standard one can provide, you can use them in groups. If that is the case, we can give you our motor springs covered in a protective nylon band to minimize the friction. If you have any doubt on how to lubricate them effectively you can contact us and we will be glad to help.

The importance of getting the best spring

Springs are essential to everyday life. In the case of medical and motor springs, you want the highest quality possible to make sure that they are both hygienic and efficient in areas where mistakes can be fatal. Our laser technology allows our medical springs to be precise and reliable. In the case of motor springs, we offer them already prepared to work in groups so they can give you the exact torque that you need.

European Springs have been manufacturing since 1948 and you can find us all over the UK. We are an experienced business who have always kept up to date with technological advances to make sure you can purchase the best spring to cover all your needs. If you have any questions or want to discuss the requirements of your project don't hesitate in contacting our team on 0208 663 1800 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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While they’re used in different circumstances, it can be confusing to not only distinguish between them, but to also know which one to use in a specific situation.

Clock Springs
These springs are made to provide torsion, which means they can sometimes be used instead of more traditional torsion springs, because they can rotate in circular movements. So instead of being twisted and exerting a force (or torque) in the opposite direction, the force of a clock spring involves the axis of an object – resulting in it being pushed onto another object by the outer edge of the spring.

Motor Springs
These springs are designed to act like a constant force spring, which means they can provide rotational energy from the attached shaft. This constant force is due to the fact that the spring exerts a restraining force that resists uncoiling. Although these springs also have a torsion design, they can provide more turns than a torsion spring, and are usually able to offer 10 to 20 turns of force.
If more is needed, several motor springs together can achieve the desired performance – they’re covered in a protective band that minimises friction, although the springs should also be lubricated if they’re going to be put together. A typical motor spring is made from stainless steel and its longevity depends on its size and maximum torque.

Differences Between These Springs
Clock springs are prepared from flat wires and are coil friction free, because they’re mounted using open style coils. They also have less torque than motor springs, since they’re regularly used to make up the stainless steel components of a watch. This material also means that the spring can last longer, since it doesn’t wear off as easily as other materials.
As for motor springs, they can be found in places like windshield wipers and car engines and, unlike clock springs, they’re capable of storing a high level of energy, which allows them to work with high degrees of stress.

Different springs are used for different applications, meaning that no matter which one you need, you’re able to find bespoke solutions that work for your specific project. Whether you require clock or motor springs, at European Springs we always offer high quality products, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

To find out more about our springs, feel free to get in touch with us or call us on 0208 663 1800, and we’ll be more than happy to help you get the right spring for your project. If you want to keep up to date with our latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

European Springs

Here at European Springs we consider it important to distinguish between them, in order for you to take full advantage of what they have to offer – and so that the machinery they’re used in can function perfectly.

Wire Forms
Wire forms are capable of being used in a variety of settings and offer a wide range of applications. They’re created out of super alloys with base elements like nickel and cobalt, and are capable of enduring extremely high temperatures. They can also be manufactured in any shape and form, contrary to what happens with springs, meaning that whatever piece is needed for a project, a wire form can be designed to meet that need.

Spring Clips
Contrary to wire forms, spring clips are commonly used to connect two moving parts by being slotted between them – they can also hold something in place if necessary. But just as with wire forms, they’re made from super alloys that allow them to withstand high temperatures. They provide a strong grip that is capable of resisting tension and reduce vibration, making them ideal to keep hold of machinery parts, whether they’re stationary or not.

Difference Between Them
By definition, a spring is something that changes shape according to an external force but returns to its original one when that force is removed. This could be the difference between spring clips and wire forms, but even though these clips are springs, they act more like fasteners, so they don’t get deformed.
This lack of similarity with other springs might mean that they’re more related to wire forms instead, but that’s not the case, because their main difference can be found in their function. Wire forms are manufactured as components for computers, for example, or even pins, so they cannot be used to hold two moving parts in place, like spring clips can.
Spring clips are, in shape and form, circlips, so you can also use them to replace the combination of nuts, bolts and washers that often hold parts together. You can find an example of this in drive shafts, which are made from several different moving components.

Wire forms are, then, vital components that make up a piece of machinery, while spring clips are used to hold different parts together – and whether you require springs or wire forms for your project, our products are always manufactured to the highest of standards and with the utmost precision.
To find out more about what we have to offer, get in touch with us, call us on 0208 663 1800, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive our latest news and offers.

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Chris Hodge OBE recently spoke to The Telegraph about the lessons he learned as an engineer working on a submarine. Quoted as saying that there’s no career that’s as rewarding as engineering, we thought we’d pull together some lessons that we can learn from great engineers, past and present.

Remain Fascinated By Everything That There is to Learn About

As an industry that prides itself on innovation and forward-thinking, it’s no surprise that there are always new and fascinating inventions cropping up as a result of this thriving sector.

One of our favourite developments from the last six months has to be the ability to fold bridges in an origami-style fashion. Resembling an ancient Japanese art form, there is now the potential to create sturdy and efficient emergency shelters, as well as an array of other uses.

Without constantly moving onto the next project or refining something new, there would never be any innovation within the industry. For instance, Alexander Bell is most famed for his pioneering work on the development of the telephone. However, in later years he worked on a number of other impressive projects. Bell also refined the phonograph and carried out exceptional work in the fields of hydrofoils and aeronautics.

Constantly Celebrate Others’ Achievements

Whether it’s the Young Engineer of the Year Awards or the unveiling of new technology at the Consumer Electronics Show, there’s always something to be awe-inspired by within the engineering sector.

Learning lessons about how others were able to construct a solid idea and put it into practice is a great way to advance your own skill set.

It’s not always about the winning, sometimes it’s also about observing.

Be An Inspiration to Someone Else

If you consistently strive to do the best you can, you will inevitably inspire someone else that could make a huge difference to the engineering sector. This could be in the form of actively finding ways to inspire the next generation of engineers, or it could be as simple as completing your job to the best of your ability. You could also encourage apprentices to join your ranks so that they can learn the tricks of the trade.

Chris Hodge OBE was himself inspired by his father, so there’s nothing stopping you from encouraging another individual.

So there are a few of the lessons that all engineers should take on board, but if it’s springs you’d like to learn about please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll be able to help you decide on the perfect spring for your project if needed, or we can create the wire form you need according to your exact specifications.

European Springs

At the moment, there is Engineers’ Week in Ireland and between the 11 and 20 March it will be British Science Week, a celebration of STEM sectors across ten days.

Up and down the UK there will be an abundance of opportunities for teachers and parents to inspire children about the joys of science and to instil a desire to join the industry once they are old enough. Here are some of the things you can get involved with and be inspired by when it comes to thinking about who is going to join your ranks in the future.

Award Season
It’s not just the Oscars that are attracting attention at this time of year; there are also a bunch of awards offered to those creating amazing products for the STEM sectors.

For instance, there are an abundance of competitive recently-graduated individuals who have just finished applying for the Young Engineer of the Year Awards. By fostering their enthusiasm from a young age and encouraging them to think outside of the box in order to develop their skill set, they have found themselves en route to success!

Sharing success stories about past winners is a sure way to get kid’s imagination churning and generating their own ideas.

Engineering Stems from Play
Harnessing the power of play and curiosity from a young age is a key to generating interest among children. This is especially true of girls who begin to lose interest in STEM when they turn 16. The popularity of games such as Minecraft are creating a new generation of software and design engineers, and there is an abundance of other toys on the market that are designed to ignite the engineer inside children by teaching them the basics to electronics, robotics and building.

Reading about the Industry
There are a number of engineering blogs and sites out there that are dedicated to providing you with the latest news in an intriguing and exciting way that is appropriate for an array of ages. Nina and the Neurons from the BBC is filled with activities that are suitable for tots, whereas there are other STEM sites for kids that are upwards of 10.

So if you’re excited about the upcoming festivities that will be celebrating engineering and STEM, let us know! You can tweet us or get in touch via our Facebook page.

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