European Springs Web Team, Author at European Springs

As an experienced spring manufacturer, we see many uses for our springs throughout the transport sector, particularly within the rail industry.

Custom springs are used frequently throughout the rail network for suspension systems, pistons and as supports. In this blog, we’ll explore how springs are a vital component in trains and their functionality.

Springs and Bogie Systems in Trains

The hydraulics system within trains helps them to run smoothly along the tracks. The weight of a train is supported by a hydraulic system which creates a sliding movement with little friction and abrasion

Engineering within the rail industry has come a long way. From early steam trains to fully spring-reliant electric systems.

In the UK, most trains use bogies to guide the carriages along the tracks. The bogie of a train is the undercarriage and usually has four to six wheels pivoted beneath the end of the vehicle. It is divided into the frame, the bolster, the pivot pin, the wheel assembly, roller bearing, the brake beams, brake block, brake levers and brake cylinders, all of which are vital to the structure of the bogie.

These systems have been developed and improved over years of design and testing. Bogie suspension systems were implemented because the space between the body of the train and the wheel needed a ‘cushion’ to reduce vibrations for passengers. By mounting a leaf steel spring on the axles, engineers have developed a bogie system with a more sophisticated suspension.

Primary Suspension System and Dashpot Arrangement

The primary suspension is made up of a standard spring-damper system that supports the carriage’s structural suspension and entire train. These damper systems are present in every bogie existing between the axle box and the bogie.

The primary suspension component in a bogie is through a dashpot arrangement, which comprises of a cylinder piston. The lower spring seat acts as a cylinder, and the axle box guide serves as a piston.

The bogie bolster, or support, is the central section of the area and will carry the majority of the coach weight. The bogie pivots around using the pin, which is centred and uses parts of the secondary suspension system, typically coil springs and a spring plank.

Dashpots can also be found within door closers to prevent them from slamming shut, as well as in shock absorbers in electrical switch gears, and so much more.

Secondary Suspension System

The secondary suspension connects the carriage’s body with the bogie and ensures the comfort of passengers — isolating the vehicle from vibrations transmitted from the track.

Air springs also help to reduce lower frequency range accelerations in the body of the train. The role of secondary suspension is to function as a pneumatic suspension. This type of suspension is also used in freight trains to keep cargo as secure as possible.

Bolster Support in Suspension Systems

The arrangement of the secondary suspension system is through the bolster springs. The bogie bolster is not structurally attached to the bogie frame. It is, however, connected through the anchor link, which is a tubular structure with cylindrical ends.

The anchor link is fixed to the bolster and the bogie frame with the assistance of brackets. Both ends of the anchor link form a hinge that allows movement of the bolster when the train is in transit.

If your business works within the rail industry and you’re looking for a custom spring manufacturer capable of meeting your business requirements, please contact us to start a conversation or look at our spring brochure for a more details of the products we stock.

We design and manufacture a complete selection of constant force springs that can be used for various applications, across virtually every industry, from healthcare to aerospace and within general household items.

This blog will look at what a constant force spring is, common applications and how we design these widely used mechanisms.

What is a Constant Force Spring?

Constant force springs (or constant torque springs) get their name because their force of motion is at constant exertion. The load is determined by the width and thickness of the material and the diameter of the coil.

The tightly wound roll works in a linear movement and does not obey Hooke’s law (F=kX) but constantly produces force throughout its deflection.

These springs provide a smooth range of motion and a constant load in extending or retracting. The full load of the spring is reached after being deflected to a length equal to 1.25 times its diameter and it can sustain a constant force regardless of the extension length.

Constant force springs can be fitted in a variety of ways and extended either partly or completely, which allows them to be used for a range of applications because of the lack of limitations on extension speed and acceleration.

Fitting a Constant Force Spring

The fitting can be completed in a number of ways. For long extensions, the spring must be laterally guided to prevent movement in a sideways direction — suitable play on each side is 0.5 – 1.5 mm.

When fitting on a bearing or conduit, the spring can be located using its own force providing that sufficient strip length remains on the bearing. If there is no operating extension limit in the application, we recommend that a screw or rivet is used to secure the inner end of the spring.

Our standard springs and slide bearings are normally supplied separately. Fitting is done by loosening the outer end of the spring and winding it onto the bearing (securing it if necessary), after which the complete spring is wound onto the bearing.

Constant Force Spring Applications

A constant force spring is an excellent device for applications where a constant load is required. The many benefits of these springs make them suitable for a number of applications.

The spring itself has a small space requirement which allows it to provide a smooth range of motion. With no inertia to overcome, constant force springs are very versatile and can mount to existing hardware, as well as create a counterbalancing effect.

Constant force springs are widely used across the medical and healthcare industries to improve surgical devices. They are also used regularly in aviation to deploy and retract aircraft doors and efficiently counterbalance aeroplane windows.

You will also find constant force springs in many day-to-day applications, such as door closers, hairdryers, gym equipment, electric motors, cabinet furniture components and much more.

Innovative Design and Technology

We’ve been designing springs for over 70 years, and so our range is exceptionally varied and technologically advanced. Besides our standard range, we can provide customised solutions using design capabilities that feature our advanced, proprietary spring design software.

Our software package has been developed in-house and we can simulate any type of application, which enables us to calculate the force required for your particular design.

Our regular constant force springs are wrapped on a drum with the free end attached to the loading force. However, your preferred mounting method will impact the way we design your spring.

Our skilled design team can help by determining a suitable method to rule out any problems, even if you haven’t decided upon the exact specifications.

As an experienced spring manufacturer, we have the expertise to create a whole host of springs perfect for any application within any industry.

Take a look at our stock catalogue for more information on our range of springs and forms.

As an experienced spring manufacturer, we see many uses for springs throughout the medical industry, and it’s fair to say that the sector would be very different without them. Most of the equipment and systems used on a day to day basis require springs to operate efficiently.

We’re proud to manufacture and supply a wide range of medical stampings for the healthcare industry. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common uses of springs within this sector, including how gas springs are used and how prosthetics are made.

Medical Stampings for the Healthcare Industry

Medical components are always designed and manufactured with the highest quality in mind. With smart technology and streamlined processes, the whole sector relies on products to help patients and continue research.

Bespoke stampings, gas springs and compression springs are all used regularly throughout the healthcare industry. While medical engineering uses slightly different components, they have similar designs and features, including the requirement to comply with industry standards.

Gas Springs Applications in the Medical Industry

Due to their versatility, gas springs can be applied to a wide range of equipment and adjustable applications in the healthcare industry.

The spring itself is made up of a cylindrical body filled with nitrogen gas, a piston rod, a seal and a guiding function that allows the mechanism to extend and compress as required.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular uses for our gas spring and strut range:

Flow control valves
Healthcare beds
Physiotherapy beds
Pressure regulators
Patient trolley systems
Positive pressure ventilator
CPAP machines
Robotic-assisted surgery

Springs in Prosthetics

Progress in engineering and manufacturing has allowed artificial limbs and joints to change the lives of millions of people worldwide, and the field of medical prosthetics is still advancing.

Prosthetics date back to over 3,000 years ago in Egypt, where archaeologists discovered a carved wooden toe with a piece of leather that fits onto a foot. In the 16th century, Ambroise Paré, an innovative French battlefield surgeon, created the first functional mechanical limb — a hand with flexible fingers that worked with catches and springs.

The 19th century saw the creation of articulated prosthetic limbs, and while prosthetic limbs have existed for a long time, their use rose dramatically in the UK after World War I.

Manufacturers of medical prosthetics continue to break boundaries, creating life-like limbs that combine aesthetics with functionality.

The Technology of Today

3D-printed prosthetics are becoming more common due to the nature of them being less cost-prohibitive. They can easily be designed for each individual and are a necessity for developing countries where most citizens can’t afford expensive medical prosthetics.

Award-winning company Open Bionics are known for turning children with limb differences into bionic heroes with their fascinating 3D-printed limbs. The UK-based company also works closely with the NHS, working to help amputees write, walk, and shake hands again.

With over 70 years of experience as a spring manufacturer, we have the expertise to create a whole host of springs perfect for any application within any industry.

If you’d like to find out more, please take a look at our ‘springs in various industries’ brochure (PDF) or browse our spring catalogue to find the correct medical springs for your medical components.

Over the last 12 months, we have endured tough, restrictive lockdowns, and as a result, consumers have adapted their shopping habits. The number of online transactions and the demand for products has been record-breaking, but what does this mean for manufacturing?

While smart manufacturing has already enabled streamlined processes, demand and growth in online shopping have boosted the manufacturing industry.

As an industry leader in spring manufacturing, we believe it’s not going to stop anytime soon. This new shopping behaviour has been integrated into our routine.

In this blog, we’ll discuss online shopping, including the positive impact of this consumer behaviour on manufacturing, new norms and the increase in demand online.

Adapting to High Demand

The pandemic urged more shoppers online and the demand for certain products is now booming as a result of this increase. Items such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have driven the demand for components like spring pressings and battery contacts directly from our manufacturing customers.

With many manufacturers feeling the pressure to produce high-quality items in larger volumes, the relationship between manufacturers and their customers is becoming more important.

Many manufacturing firms are attending to the direct needs of their customers by investing more time and budget into data-driven insights, which can inform their operational strategies.

Expansion and Job Opportunities

The increase in online shopping can extend your global reach and provide a boost for workers, who can become more involved in logistical, technological and strategic tasks.

With the implementation of new smart technologies coupled with the boom in online sales, we believe that manufacturers are placed to offer better-paying and more rewarding jobs in the near future.

You can invest in hiring skilled employees to operate equipment, manage websites and stock, as well as work toward running a more sustainable and efficient business.

Continued Digital Investment

The impact of COVID-19 exposed many manufacturing companies that relied solely on a physical workspace and large labour force.

AI and Smart Factory technology have been around for a while, and those who have invested in smart-tech are reaping the rewards from online sales and much more. By building your businesses and streamlining your processes, you can benefit from working at normal capacity under most circumstances.

By investing in technologies such as machine learning, robotics, edge computing, the 5G network, sensors, and cloud computing, you can enrich your supply chain, build for the future of online shopping and identify areas for machine investment and growth.

The future of manufacturing is indeed nodding toward a more automated approach, so it’s essential to keep up with not only your competitors but your customers, who are now spending more time online than ever.

By shifting to a digitally-led approach, you can quickly improve your offering to customers worldwide. It’s never too late to invest in automation, including taking steps like training your team on the latest technologies. Implementing a robust process can safeguard against future pandemics, save time and money, as well as build your business for the future.

Localising Production and Sustainable Working

Online shopping has advanced significantly, so much so that more people are now thinking about their consumption habits, especially with regards to environmental pollution and the ethical impacts of imported goods.

Many manufacturers are moving toward a more conscious approach, and their online shop is an extension of this.

When you combine consumer behaviour with ongoing trade wars and tariff negotiations that have affected supply chains, the future of manufacturing will likely consider the benefits of purchasing and selling local goods.

At European Springs & Pressings, we’re committed to ensuring that our supply chain remains as robust as ever, and you’ll find that our products proudly display the ‘Made In Britain’ logo.

Access to data surrounding online trends means that manufacturers can reduce waste, promote recycled materials, or even switch to green energy sources.

As one of the most reliable and highly praised spring manufacturers in Europe, we’re excited to see what the future of manufacturing has in store.

We’re confident that we will go from strength to strength as the manufacturing industry evolves. If you have any questions about our products and services, do not hesitate to contact us.

Here at European Springs, we’re always busy developing and creating bespoke springs and wire pressings for several applications and industries.

We’re proud to offer our services to the defence industry. We design and manufacture various parts for next-generation airborne smart decoys, high spec electrical connectors, Eurofighters and much more.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the job we do to support the defence industry and the parts we create for their high powered systems and equipment.

Capabilities and Proficiency

We understand the precision, durability and reliability that the defence industry demands. With the help of our experienced technicians and the latest CNC equipment, we’re able to manufacture custom spring designs and create unique components for vehicles, weapons, and electrical products.

We take the time to understand each brief so that we can consistently produce springs, wire forms and pressings that exceed expectations. We appreciate just how important it is for each functional component to be of the highest quality, guaranteeing safety and precision.

Products and Equipment

We’re renowned for our comprehensive range of springs and wire forms, including compression, tension, torsion and much more. Over the last 70 years, we have established ourselves as one of the most reliable spring manufacturers in the UK and Europe.

Take a look at the list below to see what products and equipment we’ve worked with:

Next-generation airborne smart decoys
Ruggedised and high spec electrical connectors
Antenna for both communications and emergency beacons
Rocket motors
Small arms and squad support weapons
Magazines and magazine springs for sniper rifles
Fighting vehicle parts
Warship sonar and torpedoes
Sights
Eurofighter

Materials and Finishing

We specifically design and manufacture our products to withstand the immense pressures, extreme weather, and conditions present across the defence industry.

Our experienced engineers are trained in working with various materials, including high carbon, high-temperature alloys and corrosion-resistant matter. We only utilise the very best materials in our spring manufacturing processes.

If you’d like to find out more about the high-quality products we offer to various industries, be sure to get in touch with the team here at European Springs and Pressings today. Or, for a more detailed look at the products we produce, take a look at our spring catalogue, where you will find an extensive range of springs and wire forms we make regularly.

At European Springs & Pressings, we have found that the automotive industry is one of the sectors where our products have the widest application. Custom springs are used frequently for building new cars, in everything from disk brakes to suspension and even in your steering wheel.

Continuing our ‘springs in industry’ series, we’d like to look at how springs and pressings are used in the automotive sector, particularly in Formula 1 cars.

Racing Cars

Springs and pressings are one of the most important components in racing cars. Each Formula 1 car is carefully crafted to give each vehicle optimal performance. In fact, it is estimated that an F1 car consists of 16,000 parts, of which only 10 percent are carried over year on year (Formula1.com).

The build of the race car spring takes into account the speed, cornering ability, grip and downforce. All of these elements are aided and improved by experienced engineering, incredible technology and high-quality components.

Disk Brakes

You wouldn’t necessarily associate F1 driving with braking, but disk brakes are implemented to stop the cars safely when travelling at high speeds.

Almost every car currently in production, including commercial vehicles, uses disc brakes, and they have proven to be more effective than traditional ‘drum’ style brakes.

In F1 cars, disc brakes are fitted with rotating discs that are attached to the wheels and then squeezed between the brake pads — this creates a force that helps to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop.

Pull-rod and Push-rod Front Suspension

Pull-rods were first brought into F1 in the 70s running from the outer end of the upper wishbones diagonally to the lower edge of the chassis. They pull on a rocker that operates the damper spring, alleviating any harsh impacts or uneven surfaces the course may entail.

This suspension system ensures a strong mechanical grip as the pull-rods make the car’s nose lower, thus lowering the height of the centre of gravity and improving handling.

Most F1 cars now use push-rods as they are easier to install and fit nicely under the vehicle’s low nose. The push-rods flex with the wheels as they encounter any bumps, providing better aerodynamics for a more streamlined race.

The latter is more widely used by teams competing in Formula 1 today due to the vast difference in fitting; push-rods are a lot easier to install.

For both suspension methods, the spring is essential due to the absorption of shock. Energy is transferred with the help of a sound suspension system and can significantly impact the team, regardless of driver skill.

Springs in Suspension

Torsion bars, leaf, coil and air springs are among the different types of springs used in cars.

Most modern vehicles are fitted with standard coil springs made of steel. High-quality suspension systems are created by a strong spring absorbing the shock forces while driving on uneven roads.

To see our full range of springs used in various industries, please check out our brochure now.

With over 70 years of experience as a spring manufacturer, we have the expertise and machinery to create a whole host of springs perfect for any application within any industry.

If you would like any more information about any of our products or services, please contact our friendly team here at European Springs.

Author: European Springs Web Team