European Springs, Author at European Springs

19/10/2016
European Springs and Pressings Ltd is a large company that has locations scattered across the UK; there are spring manufacturing facilities in Beckenham, London and Redruth, Cornwall and there is a spring stocking facility based in Elland, West Yorkshire.In this blog series, we will first take a look at the manufacturing facility in Cornwall and see what they are responsible for, what they manufacture and look at some examples of the projects that they have worked on throughout the years.

What is Manufactured at the Cornwall Site?

The thing that the Cornwall site is most well-known for is that it manufactures wire technology products for international clients such as General Electric, IBM, BAE Systems, Siemens, Bosch, Motorola, and many more, as well as producing and supplying high quality springs to automotive companies such as Ford, Bentley, Volvo, and many others.

When it comes to the Cornwall facility, their specialty is their wire coiling capabilities. Recently, the Cornish site invested in a new coiling machine known as the Fortuna that has allowed European Springs to manufacture wires from 0.3mm to 26mm, resulting in an opening of new markets across multiple national and international industries.

Support in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is one of the Cornwall site’s specialities. Everything from springs in engine valves to vehicle suspension, European Springs can be incredibly diverse when it comes to participating in projects.

As well as this, European Springs are passionate about supporting local communities and exhibitions that celebrate engineering. An example of this was when European Springs showcased their engineering expertise at the Royal Cornwall Museum alongside the Cornwall Manufacturer Group in an exhibition that was dedicated to the BLOODHOUND SuperSonic Car (SSC).

Support in Engineering

One project that the Redruth based facility was involved in quite a lot and were very passionate about was when they were asked by fabric structure specialists, Fabric Architecture, to develop a spring system that complimented the requirement stated by Fabric Architecture for West Ham’s stadium, the London Stadium.

The brief was that they had to design, engineer and install large-scale canopies over the retractable seating voids inside the stadium. To do this, their new Fortuna machine helped massive, as it was able to produce springs and wire forms of various sizes, meaning that each bespoke product could be implemented to exact precision.

To add to the project, European Springs were also able to coat the springs in a powder that was the same colour as West Ham’s recognisable claret; a true testament to the dedication of European Springs and how they treat everything with care, from large to small.

As specialist spring manufacturers and experts in high-speed wire technology, we at European Springs are able to create various springs, traditional, custom or even bespoke, efficiently and of extremely high quality.

If you would like to know more about the Cornwall site and what they can offer to you, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Just give us a call on +44 (0) 1726 861 444 and we will be more than happy to help with any enquiries you may have.

European Springs

11/10/2016
Ever since the invention of modern springs in the early 15th century, engineers and manufacturers alike have discovered an uncountable amount of uses for the humble spring. In fact, there are actually dozens of different spring varietiesfrom cantilever springs (which are used in devices such as diving boards) to torsion springs (found in mousetraps). Indeed, the plethora of uses gave rise to an entire industry dedicated to perfecting the manufacture of spring-like devices.

Our Crucial Role in the Industry

European Springs stocks items as conventional and straightforward as springs and fasteners, all the way up to complex gas springs, ready for same-day dispatch. Whether it’s a small business or a large-scale operation, our clients trust us to stock them with high-quality spring components with every single delivery. One common use of the gas spring, for example, is its implementation in the manufacture of air guns and recoil buffers. Gas springs that operate with high pressure can store a huge amount of energy, allowing them to be used as a power pack. Another great application of the gas spring includes its ability to operate the main valve on Formula 1 race cars. It is also worth noting that gas springs come in numerous varieties, including the following: non-rotating cylinder, cable cylinder, standard cylinder, fixed-height cylinder, dual-mode cylinder, heavy-duty cylinder, and more.

Additional Custom Uses

Because we stock 12,000 items at our Yorkshire facility, we have just about every spring under the sun. Aside from the aforementioned gas springs, we also stock torsion springs, tension springs, extension and compression springs, and an array of other kinds. Rest assured that we have the expertise and equipment to help cater to your needs, whether you’re producing something as simple as mousetraps, or something as complicated as a newly patented piece of complex machinery. Additionally, if you’re not completely sure of what spring you’ll need, that’s totally fine! You can read below to find out more information pertaining to your next spring acquisition.

Find Out More

More than anything else, we want to turn your ideas into a tangible reality. Because we cater to even the smallest of clients, you don’t need to feel concerned about your project being “too insignificant”. You can contact us to speak to any of our friendly and professional staff, who will be excited to help you fulfil your requirements.

European Springs

23/09/2016
The previous three industrial revolutions introduced the initial mechanisation of the work force, including water and steam powered machines, mass production, electricity, the assembly line, computerised systems and automation.

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution and the modern trend of both automation and collaboration of data on manufacturing technology. The Smart Factory of the future is categorised by efficiency in the production processes, with all procedures being performed and conducted smoothly and effortlessly.

The Principles and Main Components of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 will have interoperability as a main factor; the Internet of Things (IoT) will ensure that all smart devices are connected to each other, providing a connective feature to all components. Communication is vital between smart factories, humans, and technologies, in order to guarantee a cooperative environment that includes assembly lines, people operating them, and the products themselves.

Decentralisation will allow for quicker decision-making, ensuring that all systems comprising the Smart Factory are able to make decisions distinctly. This process will, however, maintain in the path towards the decisive goal within the organisations.

Shaping the Industry 4.0 will be autonomous robots or, more precisely, artificial intelligence. Robots have been present in manufacturing for many years, but they will continue to evolve and improve, becoming completely autonomous in the near future. Their use as tools will end, and they will become integral units working alongside humans.

Potential Challenges

With a new industrial revolution emerges obstacles that need to be overcome, to allow for a full implementation of successful changes. In Germany, an investment of 250 billion in the next ten years will be required for manufacturers to adapt and implement all processes of the Industry 4.0.

Similarly, systems and machines capable of sustaining the demands of Industry 4.0 are required so that all production processes are effectively completed. Connectivity and standardisation across all industries all over the world will open way to international standards for an organised interaction.

The question with Industry 4.0 is how quickly it will finish being implemented, as traditional manufacturing business models are opening the way to the emergence of the digital transformation and new business models focused on the future of automation and artificial intelligence.

As compression spring manufacturers and leading experts in high speed press technology, here at European Springs we understand the importance of the new industrial revolution is optimising all parts of the manufacturing process. Our team of experts always ensure the highest possible service, and you can get in touch with us on +44 (0) 208 663 1800 to know more about how we can help provide you with high quality springs and pressings.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

European Springs

21/09/2016
Small objects that have been stamped or pressed are vital for many industries, which means they need to be created with the utmost accuracy and quality.

These values are always crucial, but more so in industries where precision is not just preferred, but absolutely critical to the workings of machinery and equipment.

We’ve previously mentioned that there are many different items and objects that you may not realise were stamped or pressed, so now we’re taking a look at some industries that depend on these processes in one way or another.

Automotive

This industry is one of largest in the UK, as well as one of the most profitable, given that car manufacturing reached a new high with a growth of 3.9% to 1,587,677 vehicles produced. Pressings and stampings are incredibly versatile and are used in this sector often, mainly in order to manufacture a large number of parts with limited resources or manpower. The result is the mass production of precise components that work together perfectly.

Electronics

Electronics are at the core of many modern technologies, and they tend to be made up of small parts and components, some of which are created through stampings or pressings. For instance, many contacts used within electrical components are manufactured through these processes, as are the connector sockets inside computers.

Aerospace

Another industry where accuracy is king. High-quality pressings and stampings are used to create components that are strong, light-weight and precise, as anything other than this could mean the failure of a craft or piece of equipment.

This field also benefits from cutting-edge technology, which is why we use the latest technology available to manufacture efficient, superior quality stampings and pressings. Also, this focus means that objects stamped or pressed can face even the harshest of environments, so characteristic of the aerospace industry.

High-quality pressings and stampings allow companies to meet the challenges of their industries, especially because they can be applied where exact tolerances and high volume productions are required. From the choice of raw material to the affordability of our processes, we always make sure that you’re getting exactly what you need for your project.

European Springs

09/09/2016
Here at European Springs we’re proud members of the Lesjöfors Group and have been since 2007, providing us with invaluable access to a global group of more than 20 manufacturing companies. Lesjöfors worked in close cooperation with Öhlins Racing to help develop innovative chassis motor springs for the 2012 Lamborghini’s hypercar, the Aventador LP700-4.

Characterised by its modern design and lightweight technology, the Lamborghini Aventador was unveiled in March of 2011 at the Geneva motor show. Considered the beginning of a new generation of sports cars, the Aventador has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any vehicle in its class, showcasing a 6.5 litre V12 engine that produced 700hp that allows for 0 to 62mph (or 0 to 100km/h) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217mph (or 350km/h). The Lamborghini Aventador is estimated at a value of 324,000.

In close collaboration with Öhlins Racing, Lesjöfors designed two different springs for the front and rear of the vehicle, with the diverse demands of the shock absorption system in mind; these were also required to comply with the standards set by the Volkswagen Group. Employing a new type of lifting system for levelling the front of the car, the springs needed additional requirements in their design to withstand the Aventador’s innovative systems.

The designed front and rear springs were created with specific stiffness, as the chassis springs provide the vehicle with the exceptional driving qualities the brand is known for, as it simultaneously manages the loads transferred from the wheels into the vehicle.

With the Aventador, the springs are open and non-ground with unusual end fittings. They have a shim composed of rubber between the springs and the spring seats to prevent noise. Through the glass back bonnet both the springs and the dampers are plainly seen.

The spring manufacturing was carried out in Lesjöfors, Sweden, and the comprehensive 28 page long document of specified requirements was the focus for the design process and for testing of these bespoke springs. The entire procedure of teamwork with Öhlins Racing was a close, two-and-a-half year process that carried out wide-ranging tests to ensure the springs had corrosion and fatigue strength resistance. Some steps of the project required both extremely short manufacturing processes and deliveries, and Lesjöfors successfully delivered a high quality product, up to the required standards of the partnership and of Lesjöfors themselves.

According to the Project Manager for the Lamborghini damper at Öhlins Racing, Rade Catovic, Öhlins Racing were highly satisfied with our cooperation with Lesjöfors. Quick responses and innovative problem solving are qualities we have experienced and appreciated much in our contacts with the company.

Showcasing the impressive expertise of the Lesjöfors Group, the Lamborghini collaboration is an excellent example of the innovative designs European Springs believes in and manufactures. Through our Tate Modern and our Liberty in London case studies, our highly skilled engineers surpassed the requirements and demonstrated our leading skill in spring manufacturing. Don’t hesitate to contact us to know more about our services.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

European Springs

26/08/2016
A few weeks ago, we at European Springs received some amazing news – we have been accredited with the ISO 14001:2015 certificate. The certificate has been accredited to our London based site in Beckenham and it was due to the introduction of an effective and successful environmental management system.

We are so delighted with the whole team that was involved that we wanted to acknowledge their fantastic achievement.

What is an Environmental Management System?

An environmental management system (EMS) is the process that manages a company’s or business’s environmental programs in a well-organised, succinct, methodical manner. In a nutshell, the main goals that are laid out for an EMS are that it needs to be compliant with legal requirements and to reduce the amount of waste a company produces. However, for the last point, there is more to it.

If a company simply reduces the amount of waste for a small period of time, they will not be certified. The EMS ensures that there is an official development, implementation and coordination of environmental policies. For example, waste reduction starts off with ideas in order to prevent pollution and minimise waste. This results in the desired outcome and it is something that a company has to continue with maintaining.

How Does It Benefit the Company?

It was found in one study (de Vries et al. 2012) that, by following the standards of the ISO 14001:2015 certificate, harnessing the above certification has been shown to have a positive impact on environmental performance. In addition to this, a company that has this certification can identify cost effective methods to manage their waste and energy systems.

Massive congratulations are in order for our London site. The next step now is to ensure that our sites will thrive and develop. During this, the Leeds and Cornwall sites will start on the journey to be accredited with the same ISO certification. The future of Europeans Springs is a bright and prosperous one.

Well done everyone at European Springs!

European Springs

Author: European Springs

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