Category: Engineering

Wearable technologies are electronic devices designed to be worn on the body, serving a variety of purposes, including training, education, and monitoring health, wellness, and fitness. Wrist-worn devices, such as smartwatches and fitness bracelets, are the most common type of wearables. However, the market also offers a wide range of alternatives, including smart glasses, headbands, belts, clothing, and footwear.

The growing recognition of wearable technology for applications such as patient monitoring is particularly noteworthy.

Currently, wearables are most commonly purchased by individuals who already lead a healthy lifestyle and wish to track their progress.

The Importance of Engineering for Precision, Reliability and Performance

Although traditional electronic materials are rigid, structural engineering advancements have led to the development of soft electronic materials that can conform to the complex shapes of the human body. This skin-like flexibility significantly enhances signal integrity and minimises motion artefacts. Additionally, improved mechanical flexibility allows for the creation of highly sensitive sensors for measuring physical parameters.

Comfort is also a key consideration in the design of wearable devices, as it directly influences a user’s willingness to wear them. For instance, some individuals avoid wearing watches or rings due to discomfort. Therefore, precision engineering approaches must be developed to enhance wearability and ensure a seamless user experience.

At European Springs and Pressings, we have produced and assembled headband assemblies for a range of sectors, including defence and health and safety. We have also made pressed straps for prison inmates to wear around their ankles, and components for battery contacts in sensory straps and watches.

Key Components in Wearable Technologies

So, how are springs and pressings employed in wearable technologies? The integration of springs offers a set of design challenges. However, the role of springs in enhancing the functionality, comfort and durability of wearables is set to extend. Springs carry out significant roles in wearables; they contract to accumulate energy and expand to release it to stimulate movement and support. Springs are utilised in various wearables to enhance performance.

Medical Wearables and How They Enhance Patient Care

Wearable medical device technology is revolutionising health care in multiple ways. It allows persistent monitoring of vital signs, helps detect abnormalities, and enables intervention. Patients can take proactive measures to prevent severe health issues at early stages as soon as an abnormality is present.

Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps deliver insulin into the body constantly throughout the day via a catheter or cannula that’s inserted under the skin. Springs are employed in insulin pumps to regulate the correct quantity of insulin that’s being delivered into the patient’s body to guarantee accurate dosage delivery. They ensure precision and accuracy to avoid under or overdosing the patient.

Prosthetic limbs

Prosthetic libs are assistive devices used to enhance mobility. They can help maintain your musculoskeletal health. The moving parts at the joints might include mechanical springs and gears or a microchip. Some prosthetic limbs may even include hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to make motion smoother.

Springs in prosthetic limbs are used to store and release energy during movement to imitate the natural functions of muscles, providing smoother movement and stability.

Smart medical devices

Springs are an essential component used in a wide range of medical equipment and devices. Their use play an important role in the innovation and manufacturing of medical instruments.

Exoskeletons and Assistive Devices in Supporting Mobility

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that use springs to imitate human motions. Like the functions of human muscles, springs are powered by exoskeletons to carry out tasks like lifting heavy objects, running or standing for a long period of time.

To put it into perspective, picture a worker trying to lift heavy boxes. The springs expand to store energy as the worker bends to lift, and when the worker stands up, the stored energy turns into kinetic energy to assist the worker.

Regardless, the spring extension must suit the specific user; it is highly customisable as the required tension differs depending on the user’s physical characteristics and use of the exoskeleton. The spring improves the exoskeleton’s functionality, safety and user experience. A spring with the correct dimensions and tension should improve the performance and protection of the exoskeleton.

We have created small clips to fit within larger medical components to produce medicine aids. This works as an indicator flag, so that the patient knows if the medicine is being received.

How Springs Enhance Efficiency to Reduce Fatigue

These springs work by absorbing force when they are condensed or stretched and then releasing this force when the load is removed. They are used to deliver the required tension or contraction required for efficient energy transfer.

The exoskeleton helps reduce fatigue by assisting with movements and taking some of the physical load off the user’s muscles, leading to less muscle strain and exhaustion, particularly during physically challenging duties; this also means an improvement in physical endurance.

Examples of Assistive Devices That Relies on Springs and Pressings

In mobility aids, springs and pressings are commonly used to provide adjustable tension for shock absorption to ensure smooth movements. These are often seen in features like seating, adjustable heights, leg rests, folding mechanisms on wheelchairs, crutches, and more. When selecting springs for mobility aids, it’s essential to choose them carefully to ensure they serve their specific purpose effectively. They should be made from high-quality materials that are durable, prioritising safety. Luckily, at European Springs, we are the leading manufacturer in Europe, only providing clients with the best springs and pressings designed for reliability and sustainability.

Future of Wearable Technology

Wearable medical devices have transformed healthcare over the last decade. They have developed from simple gadgets to advanced technologies.

The future of wearable technology is expected to see more blending with everyday life, with devices decreasing in size to be more discreet and more personalised. Implementing smart textiles to wearables containing electronic elements to enhance detection and analysis is also an innovation that might alter the future of wearable technology.

As a custom spring manufacturer, we understand that it’s crucial to have the right component for a product, which includes wearable technologies. So, make sure to contact us if you require springs that need to be tailor-made for a specific product.

Springs are vital components in highly dynamic machinery, ensuring durability, stability, and smooth operation. These machines are widely used across industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, making springs essential for various applications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role springs and pressings play in dynamic machinery, key factors to consider when designing and manufacturing them, and the industries that rely on these precision-engineered components. From automotive and manufacturing to construction, we’ll examine how springs contribute to performance and longevity.

At European Springs and Pressings, we provide expert design, prototyping, and specialised surface treatments to ensure your springs and stampings perform optimally, even in the most demanding environments.

What is Highly Dynamic Machinery?

This term refers to machines that experience fast movements, a high volume or frequency of cycles, and intense force or pressure as part of their operation. It is important that these machines can endure heavy loads and high speeds without failure, and springs form a central component of their existence. Here are some examples of highly dynamic machinery:

• Vehicles: Suspension systems in various vehicles such as cars, lorries, and airplanes utilise springs for maintaining smooth movement.
• Automated Packing and Sorting Machines: Machines used in logistics and distribution centres that rapidly sort and package goods, often with high-speed conveyor belts.
• Construction Machinery: Equipment like cranes experience heavy loads that need to be managed effectively and safely.
• Aerospace Components: Things like landing gear and actuators in aircrafts must be able to handle quick movements and sudden changes in force and pressure during take-off, flight and landing.

These are just a few examples of highly dynamic machinery that incorporate springs in their operation, but equipment of this sort can be found in a variety of different sectors and applications.

Static Load vs Dynamic Load

When designing springs for machinery, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a static load and dynamic load.

Static Loads are loads which feature an unchanging load or force. An example would be a weight resting on a support. In this case, the spring’s function is to support the load without changing position, keeping it securely locked into place.

Dynamic Loads involve forces that can vary over time. An example of a dynamic load would be a car’s suspension system, where the load changes constantly as the vehicle moves over uneven surfaces. Forces can change based on motion, shock, vibration or acceleration, meaning that the springs must be adapted to these adjusting factors.

Factors to Consider when Designing Springs for Machinery

If you have a dynamic application, then it’s important to consider the different elements that could impact the design and functionality of the spring. Here are some examples:

• Load Requirements: Both the static and dynamic loads must be considered when designing a spring for this kind of application. Understanding the magnitude and frequency of loads is a vital step in the spring manufacturing process.
• Material Selection: Since these applications are subject to quick motion and heavy loads, it’s important to select a durable material that will not deteriorate quickly. For instance, stainless steel and carbon steel are favoured in these environments for their strength.
• Spring Type: This factor is subject to the type of application, as each of the springs we offer provide different advantages. For example, compression springs are used within suspension systems, as they provide resistance when they’re compressed. Alternatively, constant torque springs are utilised in areas where continuous tension is needed.
• Surface Treatments: We offer a selection of surface treatments that can be added to your custom spring to make it more adapted to a highly dynamic application. If corrosion resistance is something needed within your spring, then we can cater to this requirement through surface treatment.

Highly Dynamic Machinery in Different Industries

Machinery of this nature is found in many different sectors. For example, in the automotive industry, springs are crucial for vehicle suspension systems and safety mechanisms. They must be able to perform in conditions of acceleration and deceleration, as well as instances of unpredictable movements. Within this environment, it is imperative that vehicle components can function reliably under dynamic driving environments.

Similarly, springs are often found in manufacturing and automation. Equipment like packing and sorting machines need to run effectively at high speeds, relying on springs during the process. They are found in actuators, sorting mechanisms, and conveyor belts, absorbing shock and enabling the smooth movement of items.

The construction industry involves a great deal of machinery, often involving heavy and dynamic loads. For instance, excavators use springs within hydraulic systems to control movements of the boom, arm, and bucket. Equally, the suspension systems in loaders and cranes use springs to provide smooth rides and assist with shock absorption.

At European Springs and Pressings, we understand the importance of reliable spring and pressing products within these applications. Our team of experts offers end-to-end support in the design, prototyping, and testing of springs, ensuring that every solution is tailored to the specific demands of machines. To learn more about our processes, or to enquire about springs for your highly dynamic application, please feel free to contact us.

When it comes to spring and pressing manufacturing, finding the correct spring type is only one step in the process. Selecting the perfect spring material is almost just as important as the spring type itself. Material can influence how effective the product will be, and different materials are adapted to different kinds of applications, such as those with non-corrosive properties.  

So, whether you’re manufacturing compression springs, clock springs, or torsion springs, choosing the right spring material is an integral step. We will be discussing the variety of spring materials we offer and why our customers choose each of these for their applications. At European Springs and Pressings, we specialise in creating spring and pressing solutions that are customised to your needs, ensuring you get the best possible result for your application.  

The Importance of Choosing the Right Material

Choosing the right material for your springs is a crucial part of the spring design process. The material chosen can influence the reliability and performance of the spring, so this is a decision that requires much deliberation. Spring materials are all made up of properties that make them suitable for various applications. For instance, springs used in the marine sector will last longer if they are made from a non-corrosive material like stainless steel. Alternatively, many applications require their springs to be either strong or weak conductors of electricity and heat, so selecting materials like copper helps to improve the overall performance of such applications.  

Selecting the right material is furthermore important for the construction of a spring. Some spring materials are more flexible and malleable than others, so knowing a material’s limitations simplifies the design process and helps consider its restrictions. From design to manufacturing, choosing the right materials ensures the highest possible standard for the finished product. This is an aspect that should be considered throughout the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the delivery of a final product.  

What Materials Are Used to Manufacture Springs?

What Materials Are Used to Manufacture Springs? 

As expert spring manufacturers, we can make our springs from a wide range of high-quality materials to create an end result that is reliable and durable. Here are some of the materials that can be used to manufacture springs: 

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an iron alloy that must contain at least 10.5% chromium and can often be made up of metals like nickel and titanium. The presence of chromium in this material makes it corrosion-resistant, as it creates an oxide layer on the surface, which works to protect it against oxidation and exposure to weathering. Stainless steel can be customised to meet different needs by adjusting the proportions of metals it contains, so if you need it to be resistant to high temperatures, this is a possibility.  

• Low-alloy Steel: Low-alloy steels are ferrous metals created by adding elements like nickel or molybdenum. These steels have high-temperature properties such as hot compressive strength, which means they can last a long time under axial stress – which is a vital component for springs. 

• Carbon Steel: Manufacturers often choose carbons steel for its strength, which comes from its high carbon content. Like stainless steel, the properties of carbon steel can be adjusted depending on the carbon content – the higher it is, the stronger and more expensive it will be. For a material that can withstand high amounts of pressure and weight, carbon steel is an ideal selection.  

• Copper and Titanium Alloys: Although steel and its various alloys are in high demand, we also work with copper and titanium alloys. Titanium alloys can be crafted from a range of elements, including aluminium and molybdenum. Still, titanium is more costly than steel which means that it is generally used only for projects where precision is important and the cost can be justified, such as military aircraft and space travel. 

In addition to the range of spring materials we carry, we also offer surface treatments for springs and pressings to make them more adapted to the requirements of certain applications. This can be anything from hardening and tempering to plating, so be sure to consult our team to see if our range of material finishes can assist you in your application.  

Factors to Consider

A methodical process is required to select the highest quality materials; several factors, including chemical, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and environmental properties, need to be considered before a process of elimination is utilised to choose the best material. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the best material: 

• Strength and Load Capacity: The material should be able to withstand the maximum load requirement without becoming permanently deformed.  

• Corrosion Resistance: In environments where exposure to moisture, salt, or chemicals is common, materials like stainless steel or protective coatings may be necessary for preventing rust or deterioration. 

• Temperature Range: Consider the temperature in which the spring will be used, as springs used in higher or lower temperatures must be able to retain their properties despite this. 

• Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: In applications where the product is involved with electrical or thermal systems, materials with appropriate conductivity levels should be chosen. 

These are just a few factors to consider, as ultimately, this should be dependent on the industry and application of your spring.  

There are so many important uses of springs and wire forms in our modern lives, so it’s important that whatever you and your business are making, that you get it right by choosing a manufacturer who creates your parts from high-quality materials as we do. As spring and pressing manufacturers, we offer top quality springs that are custom to your requests. For further information or details about the quality of our springs, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of experts.

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.