European Springs Web Team, Author at European Springs

At European Springs and Pressings, we implement several procedures during our manufacturing process to ensure that the springs we create are of the highest quality and durability. One way we help to guarantee the longevity of our springs and pressings is through surface treatments such as stress relieving.

Continue reading to learn more about stress relieving, including what exactly it entails, how it compares to other forms of heat treatment and how it can elevate the quality of a spring or pressing.

What is Stress Relieving in Springs and Pressings?

Stress relieving is a process used within spring manufacturing that helps the spring or pressing last longer and makes it more reliable. It is a form of heat treatment in which the spring undergoes controlled heating and cooling processes so that newly coiled springs can become more malleable without the material being completely transformed. This needs to be a controlled process because if the spring or pressing is heated or cooled too quickly or slowly, then it is subject to breaking.

As cooling processes occur, molecules are repositioned, so stress-relieved springs may look the same on the outside, but their internal makeup will be different. There is more than one type of stress relief for industrial springs. In addition to heated stress relief, there is also induction stress relief, which involves running an electric current through the springs, which still heats the spring to an optimal temperature. This method allows each spring to be stress relieved whilst keeping its place and orientation, producing a similar effect to the heat-treated spring relief.

Stress Relieving versus Other Heat Treatments

Even though stress relieving employs heat treatment principles, it is generally not regarded as a form of heat treatment. The processes, methods, and final results of spring relieving are different from those of other heat treatments. For instance, a commonly used heat treatment is quenching, where the heated spring material is placed into oil, water, polymer or another quenching source. This is particularly useful for springs and pressings that need a high level of hardness. Moreover, tempering is a form of treatment that can be used after quenching, which reheats the quenched material to a lower temperature, improving strength and hardness.

The treatment and temperature applied to the spring will generally depend on its material, type, and application. Most steel springs are heated to between 350°C and 650°C, with copper alloys needing lower temperatures, and nickel alloys needing higher ones. This will also impact the time needed for the stress relief process, with thicker springs needing more time than those of a thinner construction. The environment in which stress relief takes place is important, to avoid causing rust or damage to the spring or pressing.

Why is Stress Relieving Beneficial for Springs?

Springs are used repeatedly and often must withstand heavy loads. Introducing stress relief into the manufacturing process helps to improve a spring’s lifespan and prevent it from cracking under pressure. Without stress relief, springs are more likely to change and contort over time, reducing their overall efficiency as a result. Even though the molecules inside the spring are more malleable, stress relieving does not change the hardness or material structure of the spring, so the springs still look and work the same. In addition, by increasing the strength and durability of the spring, stress relieving can be a cost-efficient measure as it’s less likely that the springs will need replacing.

How does Stress Relieving Impact Spring and Pressing Quality?

Ultimately, stress relieving improves the spring and pressing quality and gives them longer-lasting capabilities. This process reduces the risk of failure or breakages over time, so that your mechanisms and machines are reliable. The shape of a spring can change during the stress-relieving process, mostly in its outer diameter. Stress relieving can decrease the overall diameter of a spring. However, this is dependent on the material, as with stainless steel springs, the diameter will actually increase. We will account for any changes such as these during our manufacturing process, and even though this initial change in shape may occur, in the long term, springs will be less likely to deform.

When carrying out stress relief on your springs, we will choose the correct heat treatment for the material and specifications to ensure that the end result is perfect. Stress relieving is a crucial step to take within spring and pressing production that results in reliable, durable, and high-quality springs. We offer a range of surface treatments for our springs and pressings that can help them perform better for longer. To learn more about our stress relieving and other surface treatment options, then feel free to contact us.

At European Springs and Pressings, we prioritise high-quality and consistent manufacturing practices in all of our products. As expert spring suppliers, we provide reliable spring and pressing manufacturing services certified by the internationally recognised ISO 9001 accreditation. This means that no matter where our customers are in the world, they can be assured that our springs and pressings are made using high-quality manufacturing processes.

Continue reading to learn more about this certification, what it means, and why it is so vital within spring and pressing manufacturing.

What is the ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems (QMS), created by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This certification is regularly updated, and in order to be released, it has to be agreed upon by a majority of member countries so that it can be the internationally recognised standard. In order to achieve this accreditation, organisations must have demonstrated that they are able to follow the guidelines of the ISO 9001 standard, fulfil their own requirements, meet customer and regulatory requirements, and maintain documentation.

There are 7 quality management principles implemented within the ISO 9001.

Customer Focus: ensuring that organisations know their customers, and that customer satisfaction should be their primary focus.
Leadership Importance of Top Management: highlights the importance of top management being responsible for implementing QMS.
Engagement of People: focuses on integrating people throughout an organisation into QMS, and ensure their engagement in the process.
The Process Approach: looks at the overall system as a set of small, related processes, assisting in its management.
Improvement: requires organisations to continue improving to stay competitive, drive down costs, and maintain market share.
Evidence-based decision making: to plan and assess improvements, organisations must make decisions based on the analysis and evaluation of data.
Relationship management: encourages the management of relationships between customers, employees, and suppliers, to improve the overall performance of an organisation

These 7 principles provide the foundation of the ISO 9001 certification, and are implemented by organisations that adhere to this accreditation. We are certified by the IS0 9001 to manufacture all classes of springs and pressings in wire and strip form, from 0.025mm to 15.0mm in diameter. This incorporates quantities from 1 to millions, including light assembly, using precision tools and fixtures.

Why is the ISO 9001 Important in Spring and Pressing Manufacturing?

The ISO 9001 is utilised in many different organisations and industries, due to its status as the international standard. In spring manufacturing, having the ISO 9001 certification means that the manufacturing process, from material sourcing to the final inspections, is carried out in a controlled and standardised manner.

With an ISO 9001 certification, spring and pressing manufacturers can establish processes that provide consistent quality at every stage of production. With the customer-focused approach required by this accreditation, spring manufacturers are able to consult with customers at every stage of the production process and prioritise the customer’s needs when it comes to the final result. Moreover, by implementing a QMS that receives regular reviews and improvements, we are able to identify any issues both within our processes and in our products. This enables us to provide our customers with the best possible springs and streamline our manufacturing where necessary.

By having ISO 9001, businesses like ourselves hold a sense of international credibility. This means you can rely on us to create products that are tried and tested and designed with your needs in mind. It’s just one among many reasons to trust us with your spring manufacturing needs.

ISO 14001 Versus ISO 9001

You may have heard of both the ISO 14001 and the ISO 9001, but what’s the difference between the two? To begin with, at European Springs and Pressings we are accredited with both the ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. They are awarded by the same regulatory body, but ISO 14001 covers environmental management systems (EMS) rather than QMS. EMS helps to control elements of environmental impact within an organisation. Like the ISO 9001, the ISO 14001 is applicable to all organisations and industries and is an internationally recognised standard.

Organisations certified by ISO 14001 must prioritise improving energy efficiency, reducing waste where possible, and, of course, ensuring compliance with environmental regulatory bodies. EMS incorporates a set of policies, processes, plans, and practices to govern how an organisation interacts with the environment. Both of these certifications work together to ensure that we are bringing your products that have been manufactured with quality and the environment in mind.

We hold an ISO 14001 certificate that confirms we operate an environmental management system which complies with requirements for the manufacture and distribution of springs and pressings, including light assembly.

Quality and Consistency with European Springs and Pressings

Both the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 play a crucial role in our spring and pressing manufacturing processes. They keep us accountable for providing consistent, high-quality results and ensure that we are monitoring and improving our processes regularly.

By aligning our operations with these internationally recognised standards, we are able to deliver the best quality products in ways that are environmentally conscious and quality controlled. We have a proud register of accreditations that we implement into our daily manufacturing processes.

Corrosion resistance is a vital consideration for many when choosing the correct material for applications where springs are exposed to moisture, humidity or other corrosive elements. Among the available options, stainless steel stands out as a top choice due to its excellent anti-corrosive properties, impressive tensile strength, and long-lasting durability.

As spring manufacturers, we understand the importance of choosing the right material for your application. In this blog, we’ll explore why stainless steel is an ideal choice for corrosion-resistant springs and pressings, how it compares to other commonly used materials, and the applications where it truly excels. Whether you need guidance on material selection or insights into stainless steel’s unique advantages, we’re here to help.

Why is Stainless Steel Suited for Corrosion Resistance?

Stainless steel is a form of iron alloy that can contain other metals such as nickel, titanium, copper, and others. The key feature that differentiates stainless steel from regular steel is its resistance to corrosion, typically because of its higher chromium content. For an iron alloy to be classified as stainless steel, it must contain at least 10.5% chromium, but most variations of stainless steel contain more than this. In comparison, regular steel contains around 10% chromium.

The high chromium content creates an oxide layer on the surface of the steel, protecting it against oxidation and other effects of environmental exposure. This oxide layer is self-healing, so that if the surface is damaged in any way, the chromium in the steel reacts with the oxygen in the environment to form a new protective layer. The nickel within stainless steel also helps protect it against reducing atmospheres and certain acids such as phosphoric.

The properties of stainless steel can be altered by adjusting the percentages of its make-up, allowing us to provide stainless steel springs and pressings that are particularly adapted to certain purposes. In addition to its corrosion resistance, stainless steel is often favoured because of its durability and high yield strength. Moreover, stainless steel keeps its structure and shape under extremely hot or cold conditions, making it a strong solution that can stand the test of time, and this is why it is used in things like cutlery.

Stainless Steel Versus Other Corrosion-Resistant Materials

While stainless steel is often chosen for its corrosion resistance, it’s not the only spring material on offer that provides this quality. Other metals, including titanium and its alloys, phosphor bronze and some nickel-copper alloys, are considered in the selection of a corrosion-resistant spring material. Titanium, for example, is also resistant to corrosion and offers a lightweight solution where weight is a consideration, but it comes at a higher cost than stainless steel. Equally, springs and pressings made from nickel-copper alloys have an excellent resistance to corrosion caused by acids, alkaline solutions, and seawater but also come at a higher price point and are not as widely available for large-scale productions.

We offer a variety of stainless steel alloys for spring and pressing manufacturing. These include regular stainless steel, stainless steels specifically designed for anti-corrosion, stainless steel for high temperatures, and non-magnetic stainless steel. The type of stainless steel chosen will depend on the application, and, therefore, must be carefully chosen to perfectly suit your requirements.

Stainless Steel Spring and Pressing Applications

As one of the most common spring materials, stainless springs have a wide variety of applications within different industries.

The most common types of springs that stainless steel can be found in are compression springs and torsion springs. Compression springs are one of the most versatile spring types and are particularly popular in the automotive, pulp and paper, and railway industries. They are also frequently found in oil rigs, medical devices, and aeronautics – where compression springs are used in aircraft engines, guidance systems, and turbines. Compression springs also exist in plenty of everyday items, such as watches, phones, pens, and cars.

Pressings can also be made using stainless steel, as it not only offers a sleek aesthetic appearance but does not deteriorate like other coated steels when exposed to wet and damp environments. They are frequently found in areas where hygiene is a must, such as hospitals and dental surgeries, due to their ability to maintain sterile environments.

Torsion springs often utilise stainless steel because of its strength and durability. This allows torsion springs to experience high levels of repeated stress and strain in environments of elevated humidity and moisture, ultimately making the springs last longer. Torsion springs are found in garage doors, clocks, watches, and various automotive applications where they withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Stainless steel springs are frequently used in the marine industry, where resistance to corrosion is a key concern. Some variations of stainless steel, such as 300 series stainless steel, have a higher chromium percentage of up to 25%, making them excellent for marine construction, including bridges, harbours, and ports. Variants of this material, like Stainless Steel Type 316, have a lower carbon content and a higher molybdenum content and are most suited to medical and hygiene applications where sterilisation is essential.

European Springs and Pressings’ Expertise in Stainless Steel Spring Manufacturing

At European Springs and Pressings, we are experts in manufacturing high-quality stainless-steel springs and pressings. Choose from the range of springs we offer or create your own custom spring to meet your set of exact specifications and dimensions. If you need any guidance on selecting the right spring material for your application, then feel free to contact us.

Once again, European Springs & Pressings welcomes its annual intake of apprentices, continuing our long tradition of developing the next generation of engineers. Three new apprentices joined us: Buddy Kempster, Eltayeb Ahmed and Kyle Singh.

The photograph shows (L to R) MD Jason Wilby, Buddy Kempster, Eltayeb Ahmed, Kyle Singh, and Pressings Technical Manager Liam Tilby (Lead Apprenticeship Mentor).

A journey of discovery

All three will undertake a BTEC level 2 in Manufacturing Engineering at North Kent College in Gravesend whilst simultaneously developing skills ‘in house’ through a serious of attachments to each department in the business. This training will enable them on their journey to become qualified spring makers and engineers by finding where their skills and passion are best utilised.

Managing Director Jason Wilby states “I have always believed that apprenticeships provide an engaging and structured approach to developing skilled engineers. By training apprentices today, we are looking to the future, ensuring that the business is in safe hands for many years to come.”.

In 2024, sustainability is more than just a moral choice for UK manufacturers—it’s also a business strategy that can drive growth, reduce costs, and secure a competitive edge in your market.

With the Labour government’s recent commitment to environmental protection through the NetZero 2050 initiative, there’s never been a better time to align your business goals and invest in sustainable practices with government support and strategic actions. This blog explores actionable steps relevant to sustainability and how they will help grow your business.

Eliminate Wasted Energy and Materials

One of the most immediate benefits of sustainable manufacturing is the reduction in energy costs. By implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies, manufacturers can significantly lower their operational expenses.

Investing in energy-efficient machinery and equipment can lead to substantial savings. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term reduction in energy bills makes it a smart financial move. For example, replacing outdated machines with energy-efficient models can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30-40%.

Another area to explore is encouraging employees to adopt material-saving actions or recycling efforts listed in the Waste Hierarchy. The concept is that every company will attempt to apply the highest step of the hierarchy to their waste scheme. They must only attempt the lower step if it is impossible to do the one above. So, for example, if prevention is not possible due to technical, financial or logistical issues, you try to reuse or recycle. Enforcing the waste hierarchy on your waste program is a national requirement. However, it is also a fantastic way of reducing your company’s carbon footprint.

We recommend conducting an internal review of your energy audit and current waste hierarchy. This will provide you with the information you need to make numerous small changes, such as installing motion sensor lighting, determining how high-energy machinery is used, and implementing more efficient recycling methods. These benefits will accumulate into large gains regarding company expenses, which then can be repurposed into new areas of growth.

Enhancing Brand Reputation and Growth Through Sustainable Practices

There are also external factors that will simultaneously support sustainability and brand growth. Incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into your sustainable manufacturing strategy can significantly enhance brand reputation and growth. By actively engaging in CSR initiatives, such as supporting local and ethical material sourcing, manufacturers can demonstrate a holistic commitment to sustainability.

As consumers and businesses increasingly prioritise environmental responsibility, manufacturers that commit to sustainability can stand out in a competitive market. Integrating CSR into your sustainability agenda not only strengthens your brand’s appeal but also positions your business as a leader in responsible manufacturing practices.

By implementing eco-friendly initiatives and sharing them in marketing materials, manufacturers can build a stronger, more positive brand image. These actions not only attract environmentally conscious consumers but also foster loyalty among existing customers who value sustainability.

Obtaining green certifications, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management, are excellent actions that will further elevate your company’s standing. These credentials serve as a powerful endorsement of your commitment to sustainability, making your business more attractive to potential customers and partners.

Align with the Net-Zero 2050 Initiative for Long-term Growth

The UK’s Net-Zero 2050 initiative is a national goal that no business can afford to ignore. Aligning your manufacturing processes with this initiative not only ensures compliance with future regulations but also positions your company as a leader in sustainable practices, which in turn provides the previously mentioned benefits in expenses and brand reputation.

Carbon offset programs are currently well-known as a solution. The concept of helping to fund green technologies to balance out the carbon-heavy actions of your business is working, but we believe that we are reaching a stage where manufacturers can transition to low-carbon processes and reduce their carbon offset costs.

This is partially because of the increasing number of UK government support programs. Several initiatives and funding opportunities are available in 2024 to assist manufacturers in adopting more sustainable practices, particularly through investments in renewable energy sources. These programs aim to foster innovation, promote economic growth, and support the UK’s transition to net zero. Here are some of the current ones, with more planned in the near future.

Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA)

There is a committed £960 million announced to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA). This funding is targeted at expanding the UK’s clean energy supply chains, providing manufacturers with significant opportunities for growth and innovation. This initiative is designed to help manufacturers take advantage of the growing demand for clean energy solutions, aligning with the UK’s broader decarbonisation goals. Key areas of support include:

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage
Electricity networks
Hydrogen
Nuclear energy
Offshore wind

Industrial Energy Transformation Fund

In addition to GIGA, the government has announced a new £185 million fund as part of the broader Industrial Energy Transformation Fund. This funding is aimed at helping businesses, including manufacturers, implement eco-friendly upgrades. Eligible upgrades include:

High-efficiency insulation
Heat pumps
Solar panels

The fund is intended to support the transition to renewable energy, enabling businesses to replace inefficient equipment and adopt electric and hydrogen-based solutions.

Not all the planned support is in force yet, but they are worth monitoring as the new government is planning to enhance many additional options for our sector. Here are some examples rumoured to be on the horizon.

Made Smarter Adoption Program: Expanded to drive innovation in manufacturing processes with sustainable goals in mind.
Hydrogen Industry Taskforce: To support the development of hydrogen technologies that will create carbon-neutral fuel sources.
Advanced Manufacturing Plan: Strengthening the UK’s manufacturing capabilities without sacrificing sustainable goals.
Battery Strategy: The UK’s first Battery Strategy is expected to outline plans for a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030, a new concept to hold excess energy creation and prevent waste.

We highly recommend staying informed about these initiatives as further details on application processes and eligibility criteria will be released. These efforts are part of the government’s continued NetZero strategy to enhance energy security and facilitate the shift to a low-carbon economy, which will undoubtedly mean significant changes per company to remain competitive.

Sustainable Manufacturing at European Springs

Sustainability in manufacturing is not just a responsibility to protect the environment, but it can also be an excellent tool for growth within a business. The increased funds gained when wasteful practices are removed are combined with a commitment to being eco-friendly to strengthen your reputation. As a result, your business has many new opportunities open to it, and therefore, as we’ve experienced, there are plenty of areas to grow into.

We recognise the critical importance of sustainability solutions here at European Springs and are dedicated to achieving our own NetZero goals. Our approach is rooted in responsible business practices, energy-efficient production, and transparent stakeholder engagement. We prioritise reducing emissions, offsetting our carbon footprint, and fostering a sustainable workplace where every employee plays a role. Through these efforts, we aim to not only enhance our operations but also inspire positive change across the wider industry.

Be sure to check in on our blog regularly, as we will regularly update it with important information about our industry from our position as leading spring manufacturers in the UK.

Engineering apprenticeships are excellent investments for both the student and the employer and provide many benefits to the UK manufacturing industry as a whole. The sector has long been struggling with a skills shortage due to a lack of new talent and the invention of increasingly complex technology, but engineering apprenticeships effectively combat these challenges.

This blog will share how the various engineering apprenticeships nationwide are excellent solutions for both aspiring engineering students and a sustainable way for manufacturers to grow their teams and their businesses overall.

UK South East Manufacturing Growth in 2024

Manufacturing across England has seen significant progress, with the latest Make UK Regional Snapshot Outlook 2024 showing improvement in our region, where our spring manufacturing facility is located.

Over the past year, the region has seen strong performance, with an output balance (the number of businesses that report an increase in production) averaging +20%, placing it among the top-performing areas nationwide. Orders to manufacturing businesses in our part of the country have also seen substantial growth, with a balance figure of +22%, indicating a healthy demand for UK manufactured goods.

While employment here hasn’t quite kept up with the national average—growing just 8% instead of the needed 9%—there’s good news. The government has put forward plans to help bridge this gap and support continued growth in the region. For example, various initiatives that fall under the larger umbrella of the National Engineering and Technology Workforce strategy are planned to support T-levels, enhance diversity in STEM workforces and promote apprenticeships.

UK Government Supporting Apprenticeship Growth

With engineering and technology set to expand rapidly by 2030 to meet the nation’s NetZero targets, there’s pressure to equip young engineering students with the necessary skills. To achieve this, the new Labour government is focusing on apprenticeships and tailored training opportunities to meet current demands and drive future innovations, including major projects like Great British Energy. This plan is aimed at increasing the UK’s energy security and sustainability by investing in a diverse range of green technologies and advanced technologies that will need young, intelligent engineers to understand. It focuses on increasing domestic renewable energy production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering innovation in energy storage and grid management.

EngineeringUK and the National Engineering Policy Centre are advocating for a National Engineering and Technology Workforce Strategy. This strategy is essential for aligning education and training with industry needs, ensuring that young people are not only entering the workforce but are also equipped with the skills necessary to thrive.

With all this support, we predict that the labour and skills shortages that have challenged our industry will be a thing of the past, with many more young people seeing the benefits of joining our industry and many more employers seeing the benefits of this inclusion as we have for many years.

How Do Apprenticeships Support Businesses?

Engineering apprenticeships provide an excellent employment solution for UK manufacturers as they allow new talent to join an industry where skills gaps have been present in the past. They also give employers the opportunity to develop young engineers in line with the company’s demands at the time. For example, as technology and processes evolve, such as the invention of synthesised nanosprings, apprenticeship programs will adapt, keeping the potential workforce up-to-date with the latest industry advancements.

They also offer clear career progression and continuous learning opportunities, which increases employee loyalty. We’ve seen how apprenticeships not only lead to long-term employment but also contribute to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting market demands. We believe that investing in apprenticeships is crucial for ensuring the future success and competitiveness of both our company and the manufacturing industry.

Engineering Apprenticeships at European Springs.

Every year, we at European Springs are glad to take on new aspiring engineers to support their growth and studies and eventually become valued members of our industry.

Our highly successful apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity for young engineers to earn while they learn. By combining the latest classroom instruction with experienced hands-on training, the apprentices who choose us gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become qualified engineers. This programme not only leads to an industry-recognised City & Guilds or BTEC qualification but also provides a direct pathway into a rewarding career in engineering. Many of our apprentices go on to secure full-time positions with us, continuing to develop their expertise and contribute to our success.

You’ll work alongside experienced professionals making the various products we sell, such as classic compression springs and pressings, learning by shadowing, conducting supervised work, and practical assessments. The flexibility of our programme allows you to grow at your own pace, with the potential to become fully qualified within 1-4 years.

We believe in investing in our nation’s future workforce and recognise the importance of supporting the growth of new talent. If you or someone you know is looking to start a profitable career in spring manufacturing, apply to our apprenticeship programme today and benefit from the solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in engineering.

Author: European Springs Web Team