Engineering Archives | Page 19 of 22

With the recent release of the IDC report “IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Predictions 2018”, the team here at European Springs couldn’t help but think about what the future holds for the industry. When this firm conjured up its predictions they examined experiences and ecosystems, greater intelligence in operational assets, processes, data and convergence of IT.

While many of these predictions consisted of a change in digital transformation on a wider scope, there will be many impacted technologies; a prominent one being the evolution of cloud-based technologies. With this in mind, what are some of the notable changes and developments we will see, not just in 2018, but beyond?

Enhancing Investments Through Digital

One of the predictions is that by 2020 a huge 60% of top manufacturers will be relying heavily on digital platforms to enhance their systems. It is said that these platforms will support as much as 30% of their entire revenue.

The main system to become prominent is thought to be cloud-based. Employees, customers, suppliers and partners can all benefit from the easy information exchange and simplified connectivity, whilst still ensuring high-security levels. It is also said that by 2019, 50% of manufacturers will be collaborating through cloud-based crowdsourcing.

Dependent on Embedded Intelligence

It is predicted that by 2021 20% of the biggest manufacturers will depend on a secure backbone of embedded i ntelligence using IoT, blockchain and cognitive which will allow them to automate processes on a larger scale and speed up execution by up to 25%.

Most manufacturers will look for ways they can automate processes, mostly using embedded intelligence. Most will find the outcome through intelligent ERP systems with integration into the IoT. These systems will also make use of cloud technologies.

Industry Cloud and Data Contributions

A third amazing prediction for the industry is again cloud-related. By 2020, 75% of all the manufacturers in the industry will be a part of industry clouds, however, one-third of these only will be monitoring their data input.

Industry clouds are an appealing option for many businesses due to their sharing and analysing capabilities. Manufacturers will also look to them for sourcing and supplier management.

Analytics-Driven Capabilities

By the end of 2020, a third of all supply chains within manufacturing will be making use of analytics-driven cognitive capabilities. This is thought to increase the efficiency of costs by 10% and further increasing service performance by 5%.

The data gained from utilising this technology will help to create a supply chain that accounts for all kinds of data, including environmental, seasonal and economic as well as being able to predict inventory and logistics requirements accurately.

This will not only help with managing inventory, but it also helps with customer demand and can reduce overall supply chain operation costs while increasing service levels.

The Gig Economy and Augmented Reality

Independent contracting became more common because of the 2008 recession as full-time workers were replaced with part-time or temporary work. The ‘gig economy’ has now become a sizable portion of the global workforce, especially in countries which have digital infrastructures. After all, it enables talent accessibility.

It is predicted that by 2020, augmented reality and mobile devices will drive the transition to the ‘gig economy’ in the service industry with ‘experts to hire’. Beginning with durables and electronics, this is predicted to replace 20% of dedicated customer and field service workers.

In the manufacturing industry, an increase of ‘experts for hire’ is predicted as customer demand increases. This can not only save costs through a variable workforce but can help with customer demand and customer service. This is all made possible by mobile devices and augmented reality.

Technology is surely progressing, and springs will be a part of it all. We are proud to be a part of such a growing sector and we look forward to what the future holds for further development in technology and intelligence. If you would like further information about our range of springs you can simply get in touch with our highly skilled team at European Springs.
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2018 is rearing its head, and the engineering industry is already looking to the expected trends the New Year will bring. Tension springs look set to play a key role in some of the big engineering movements of 2018, as the age-old mechanical component continues its efficacy in line with hi-tech innovations.

Tension springs are metal coils wound tightly to operate with varying levels of tension. They are designed to stretch to a predetermined length when a load or force is applied to them. This is usually used to ensure the components that stretch the springs will always return to their original position.

Automation and Robotics

With the fourth industrial revolution taking place as we speak, new advances in technology are driving unprecedented demand for engineers, technicians and technologists in numerous industries. One industry that is expected to continue trending in 2018, and which demands the input of tension spring designers and manufacturers, is the automation and robotics industry.

There is widespread adoption of plant automation systems and robotics that is set to continue impacting productivity in the foreseeable future. Springs are a fundamental component of robotic movement, contributing essential tension and compression for smooth, human-like mobility.

Every single component of a robotic device is vital for it to function in the way it is supposed to, so the quality of tension springs must be fit for purpose. Manufacturers of quality tension springs are sure to see demand from the robotics industry in 2018.

Digital Manufacturing Outlets

Another prominent expectation for engineering in 2018 is the growth of digital manufacturing outlets like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The demand for solutions and services in the online space looks set to continue growing, and suppliers of components and tech are an important part of the chain.

With increasing use of this type of manufacturing for automobile parts, tools and medical devices, the demand for quality tension springs from the supply chain will keep spring engineers and manufacturers busy in the foreseeable future.

Collaboration with Manufacturers and Suppliers

Open innovation is expected to proliferate further in 2018, as modern research practices continue to promote collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers, underwriters, engineering services firms, consultants and freelance engineers. These collaborative projects promote innovation and ingenuity, and the role of tension springs is sure to escalate as many of the more cutting-edge technologies rely on them for essential mechanical functions.

The engineering industry is going through one of its most exciting transitional phases of all time. Trailblazers in invention, electronics, computing, robotics, and general technological research are driving this industrial revolution, and the demand for skilled engineers is soaring year upon year. 2018 looks set to see engineering lead the way in the continuing march into the future of the digital age, so anyone involved in the industry has plenty to be excited about.

A New Place for Tension Springs?

With all the technological advances in the modern age, there is still no better mechanical component for certain jobs than the humble and reliable spring. Tension springs are finding new places with each move forward in engineering, and they are sure to play a huge role in the engineering trends of the new year.

European Springs are leading experts in spring manufacturing and high-speed press technology. We have over 50 years of experience, proving that we have the knowledge and expertise to provide the highest quality tension springs to all our customers.

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We know that springs have a multitude of uses, many of which we take for granted and are even unaware of. However, at European Springs, we have been drawing attention to the many uses of these springs, highlighting just how essential they are in our everyday lives. We have already discussed the use of springs in industries such as robotics, rail, health and much more. This time, we will take a look at the use of springs in cars and how they work.

Suspension System

Within the car, springs are most commonly used in the suspension system. However, over the years, a number of different types of spring have been utilised to provide a smooth driving experience.

You may find leaf springs being used in older cars and vehicles. This spring works through the use of multiple layers of curved metal. When force is applied to the leaf spring, the layers compact together and straighten out, giving a suspension effect.

In newer cars, you are more likely to find compression springs which are placed over suspension struts. When force is applied to the compression spring, the coil compresses before bouncing back. This action absorbs the shock from driving, providing effective suspension for a vehicle.

Steering Wheel

In modern cars, it is essential that electrical connections are maintained. The problem is, that with countless moving parts, maintaining an electrical connection between them can be challenging. This is where the clock spring comes in.

A clock spring is used between the steering wheel and the steering column, acting as an electrical conductor between the steering wheel and the devices that require a connection, such as the airbags and the horn. This means that the steering wheel can continue to turn without losing the electrical connection with these elements.

Brakes

It is essential that all parts and mechanisms work together to ensure the safe and smooth running of a car, and the brakes are one of the most important parts to the safety of the vehicle.

Drum brakes are often found on the back wheels of a vehicle and work by releasing brake fluid into the wheel cylinder which then forces the brake shoes down onto the brake drum, applying enough fiction to bring the vehicle to a stop. Once you take your foot off the brake, you expect the wheels to be released, however, this would not be possible without the return springs. These small springs pull the brake shoes back into their original position, allowing the vehicle to continue its journey.

There are a huge number of uses for springs in your car which you may never have been aware of. These springs should be of the highest quality in order to maintain safety and efficiency.

At European Springs, we know just how important this quality is, which is why we endeavour to only produce the best springs, pressings and wire forms for our clients. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team who will be more than happy to help.

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You may not realise how many times a day you use something that requires springs to work. From light switches to car brakes, these things would be useless without the springs within. The history of springs goes back further than you may think, evolving over the ages allowing us to produce and use more complicated designs today that open up a whole world of possibilities.

The First ‘Spring’

Before metal was moulded into helical shapes to create the well-known compression spring we recognise, the spring concept was put to use. The bow and arrow are thought to be one of the earliest examples of ‘spring technology’. When the string is pulled back, tightening to create the bounce when it is released, this is considered a ‘spring’. It works in much the same way as a tension spring, just without the coil.

The bow and arrow is a prehistoric weapon, in fact, bone arrow points have been dated back as far as 61,000 years ago, suggesting that spring technology is at least this old.

Early Suspension Systems

Around 1300 BC, the ancient Egyptians advanced the evolution of springs and spring technology through the use of suspension systems in chariots. When the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened in 1922, his personal chariots were unearthed, allowing archaeologists and historians to discover more about the technology used over 3,000 years ago.

The chariots featured a complex suspension system which used springs and shock absorbers – sophisticated technology for these ancient people.

Spring Loaded Pistol

The guns and firearms of today are far more complex than their predecessors. In fact, it wasn’t until 1493 that springs found their way into pistols. It was Leonardo Da Vinci who saw the possibility to use small springs to allow a pistol to be shot using just one hand, completely changing the way firearms were used and the face of warfare.

The Discovery of Hooke’s Law

In 1676, British physicist, Robert Hooke stated what has come to be known as Hooke’s Law which says that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance scales linearly with respect to that distance. Simply put, the extension is proportional to the force.

The equation has been essential for the creation of many items that use springs, such as clocks and watches that use a balance wheel.

The First Coil Spring

In 1763, the first coil spring was patented by R. Tradwell. This was considered a huge advancement from leaf springs as they didn’t need to be spread apart or lubricated.

Each advancement throughout history has led us to where we are today, allowing for the creation of complex spring designs which are used in a huge range of applications. At European Springs, we work with a range of different types of springs which can be used for a number of industries.

If you would like to speak to us about how our springs and wire forms can be used for your next project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team who will be more than happy to advise you further.

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In engineering, it’s vital to ensure that products are optimised to the highest of standards (and with the utmost trust). With the industry manufacturing and constructing many important components in society for constructions such as bridges and buildings, designing a prototype is essential.

A prototype is an experimental model of a needed end product, helping to conceptualise a streamlined result and validate ideas. It is a quicker and less expensive version that showcases flaws and problems in the design.

Many companies, including us, utilise prototypes to guarantee a high-quality and optimised end product – but where does the prototyping process fit in in engineering?

The Design Process

Rapid prototyping is typically done down the line in the design process, providing a scaled down version of a product early in manufacturing. Prototype springs, for example, allow us to test designs before the final manufacturing process, which provides our clients with a sample of the requested product.

Although defined by five stages, the design thinking process isn’t a linear one. In engineering, the stages are revisited when needed in order to optimise products. From, empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, projects often find new solutions to existing problems.

Virtual Prototyping

Prototyping allows for the assurance of manufacturing the right products for clients. Designs are explored, completed, and printed quickly, which provides a physical model to test.

Combining both virtual and physical prototyping can help to speed up the manufacturing process. They take a project from concept development into preliminary engineering, in which varied tools and methods allow for expert design. This process often involves building a virtual model, which allows for a faster testing of any flaws and issues. These virtual prototypes showcase improvement from the very first design until the physical prototype.

CAD design is often utilised, making use of math modelling and simulation and with the manufacturing process in mind. It helps to create a design that ensures the working success of a physical model.

The involvement of the clients in the prototyping phase showcases the product before its completion, which allows for feedback. The client and engineer cooperation aids in improving the end product and giving it a more detailed approach. Misunderstanding can happen, and having a prototype ensures that all requirements are included in the design. It also minimises human error, bringing potentially non-technical people together with engineers who are able to showcase how the product will work.

With almost 70 years of experience, here at European Springs Ireland we are experts in providing both spring and pressings solutions. Our cutting-edge technology and knowledgeable team always ensure that you have the best possible service.

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On Tuesday, 11^th July, the British Government announced a huge increase in the UK satellite sector. This boost will see a new step forward – or upwards as the case may be – for the satellite sector here on our small islands. Especially when considering the huge competition that we face from bigger powers such as the USA’s NASA programs.

Here at European Springs we couldn’t be more excited by this boost and what it means for the future of Britain’s journeys to space.

British Satellites

Starting in 1962 until 1979, Britain was home to the Ariel programme that developed six satellites which were launched with the help of NASA, America’s space program. However, one satellite was launched by a British rocket and this was the Prospero X-3 in 1971. A long-term mission, communication only ended with Prospero in the late 1990s.

More military focused operations launched by the UK Ministry of Defence includes Skynet, which provides strategic communication to the different branches of the British military and even engaged NATO forces. The most recent of these was launched in 2012. Skynet is the most expensive space project that the UK space program currently has underway. Although, due to this recent boost this may change in the future.

Cold War satellites were also in air during this period of international political tension. The Zircon satellite intercepted communications from the then USSR and other European countries, the true nature of which was revealed following its subsequent cancellation in 1987 due to being too expensive. The resulting scandal became known as the Zircon Affair.

The Boost

The boost comprises of a £99 million injection into the Harwell science campus located close to Oxford, aiming to help extend the test facilities for satellites. With a further £4 million being spent on developing rocket motors in Buckinghamshire. This injection into the sector has come because of the fast-growing nature of the technology and the need to keep up with worldwide trends.

The government has provided funds to help the industry stay at the forefront of such technologies, as is their responsibility according to science minister Jo Johnson.

In the past, many companies have had issues with having to send their space equipment abroad for final testing due to the fact that the UK simply does not have the testing facilities for such an enterprise. This boosted budget is an attempt to allow British companies to keep their space projects in the country. Is this a stab at independence for a post-Brexit UK? Possibly, as it can be seen as a way to keep investors on the home shore rather than outsourcing to European countries due to simple necessity.

Here at European Springs, we understand the importance of engineering and how the future will look, be it in regard to space travel or robotics. Working within the spring industry, we are Europe’s leading spring manufacturers, with our products used in major industrial environments all over the world. Perhaps soon, thanks to this boost, out of this world too!

If you would like to know more on what we offer, get in touch with a member of our team today.

Category: Engineering

The Design Process

Virtual Prototyping

British Satellites

The Boost

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