Category: Engineering

The engineering industry is always requiring skilled workers to ensure the continuation of its development. Modern society requires the input of several areas of engineering to guarantee that well-functioning of all of its components, such as lifts, bridges, and building design.

This year, the UK has placed a focus on the advancement of its engineering industry to help the encouragement of students in the pursuit of careers in the industry. In addition to ensuring that young children are interested in engineering, it’s also vital to encourage girls so that the 9% of women engineers in the UK is increased quickly.

News Roundup - computer with news and graphics

International Women in Engineering Day

Taking place on June 23rd, International Women in Engineering Day focused on the achievements of women in both technical and engineering roles. Established by the Women’s Engineering Society, which dates to June 23rd 1919, the annual event was celebrated worldwide for the first time this year.

Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the gender imbalance in engineering with less than half of women computer science graduates. Today, only 18% of women follow the profession, according to Girls Who Code. The International Women in Engineering Day aims to continue to draw attention to the importance of the presence of women in engineering and to continue to celebrate their achievements.

students learning about chemistry

1.8 million Skill Shortage

By 2025 the UK will require approximately 1.8 million engineers – a fact that will require the encouragement of young children to pursue engineering careers. As children start thinking about their careers from a very young age, it’s necessary to encourage and guide them in the direction of engineering.

Primary school children need to have the opportunity to explore and see in action all of the latest cutting-edge technology that is involved in an engineering workplace. Exposing them to the wide array of career possibilities will be a positive step towards closing the 1.8 million technicians and engineers gap.

Robot Games to Encourage Children for STEM

Held July 1st, these robotic games will see children and air cadets engaging with engineering in order to promote their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). With more than 100 people expected to attend, students will have the opportunity to learn electrical skills, design and technology, radio control, wood and metal working skills, and basic electronic engineering.

Through constructing customised robots, children will not only acquire these valuable skills but also become more interested in STEM. Introducing children, particularly girls, to these fields will ensure that the skill shortage and the gender gap are reduced.

robots holdings hands

At European Springs we are always excited about the future of the engineering industry – which is why we always keep an eye out for any developments and updates. As leading experts in the design and manufacture of springs, we understand the importance of a skilled workforce. To see the products we offer, or to know more about our bespoke solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

The world of engineering is fast paced, it is something that we here at European Springs know well and live by with our own projects. It is little surprise that everyday engineers and companies are announcing one new discovery or another. However, some of these announcements hold much more promise for the future of engineering than others.

So, halfway through 2017, what are the best engineering inventions so far?

Greatest Engineering Inventions - cogs

Evergreen

Have you ever noticed the fading of a photograph? How, over time the ink breaks down and gives your pictures a sense of age that is now always welcome? Well, engineers may have created a substance which negates this issue forevermore.

At the Technical University of Denmark, engineers have created a polymer metal which with the help of tiny diffracting structures on the surface is able to reflect colour that never fades. An image coated in this could potentially never fade over time and would never need to be replaced either, according to the university team. The substance is also cost-effective to produce and as such would not be an expensive investment for printing companies in the long run.

photographs drying on a wire

Electric Roads

Electric cars are slated to be the next ‘big thing’ when it comes to motoring, with many companies racing to create a viable and fully electric car as we speak. However, many question the reliability of a car that needs charging every other mile. For these naysayers, a team at Stanford University has been working on a charging pad which can charge the cars from a distance of up to 70 centimetres – a distance which is perfect for wireless charging.

Installing charging pads in garages is one way that this technology could work, helping to recharge the vehicle every time it came home. If an optimum frequency can be found for both the charging pad and multiple cars, then, it is theorised, these pads could be embedded into roads themselves and make for constantly charged electric cars on the road. For a future without petrol or diesel fuelled cars, this could be revolutionary for greener modern cities.

Obviously not practical for every road in the country, major city thoroughfares could benefit immensely from such a project. Making the future of electric cars that much more viable.

Logo 'charge your car here' on blue parking lot

Skyscraper Rope

If you ever stood at the bottom of a truly magnificent skyscraper and looked up, you might not believe that there was anything restricting the growth of such behemoths. However, even in a world of giant cities and modern architecture, there is a limit to how tall a building can be. This is largely due to the limit of elevator cables, which the larger they become are too heavy to haul and thus limit the potential height of a building.

Cue UltraRope, an invention by Kone which has a carbon fibre core and friction coating has the potential to double the current length of elevators. That could mean a building as tall as 6,560 feet. This is possible as UltraRope weighs an astonishing 80% less than its elevator cable counterpart, without any loss of the integrity and stability of the rope. Energy consumption is also reduced by half thanks to these new cables.

The potential for such tall buildings means more living space without expanding city limits, which is good for the natural world as it will be unharmed by human expansion into the skies.

Inside an Elevator Shaft

Of course, all of these projects involve the application of precision engineering and no doubt a spring or two. If you would like to know more about our spring expertise and what we make springs for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

The spring has been bouncing into businesses since the early 15th century, and manufacturers, engineers, scientists and even artists have found a huge array of uses for it. From torsion springs to compression springs, the list of uses for different springs could go on and on, but when you’re in such a specialised industry, you need specialised springs to match that. Whether you are working on a valve of a car or the mechanism of pens, custom springs may be your go-to option.

Here at European Springs, we aim to supply only the best for our customers, whether that’s a simple order of standard springs or a collection of bespoke springs. Even at our Yorkshire facility, we stock over 12,000 items of which are standard springs. But when it comes to having springs made for your specific needs what considerations need addressing?

Understanding Custom Springs

Length and Force

European Springs standard catalogue is made up of several types of strokes, forces and lengths, but with creating springs you can tailor the variables of your spring to a particular project or specific type of spring you may need. Some projects may need more specific rules or measurements, and sometimes standard isn’t what you are looking for. Any specific measure of force, any length of spring, any type of stroke, we can help you!

Movement, Damping and Connectors

Our skilled team can adapt any speed and oil volume for your requirements, which means we can also tailor the movement patterns of your bespoke springs. The damping can also be altered as needed to link with the movement pattern and amplitude.  The connectors are usually inclusive of threaded and welded loops in terms of our standard range. The demanding market calls for these as the most desired. However, if your venture requires a more bespoke connector, we can do it. Any gas springs with alternative connector types or an unconventional end fitting, we can produce them for you.

Various types of custom spring

Cylinder Colour and Finish

Through high demand of our stainless-steel range, the cylinder of our gas springs are commonly painted in black RAL9005 with the piston rod being finished in black nitrite, however, we can customise the colour and finish of any spring cylinder.

Gas Springs and Dynamic Dampers

The longitudinal groove located on the inside of the cylinder has control over the speed of the extension. This factor of a spring can be changed and adapted to the required movement. With dynamic damping, a huge advantage is that the braking of the stroke can easily be achieved without the piston rod pointing down.

Within the dampers, oil is found, which can be used to slow down a falling hatch or any other similar asset which should be dampened during movement. The dampers can be adjusted appropriately with custom spring design and manufacturing.

Lockable Gas Springs RLC and EL

An RLC lockable spring can be suitable when a solid locking design is needed. This may be where heavier loads may occur in the compression direction of the gas spring. This specific spring has a fixed high locking force in compression and may be the bespoke option when it comes to hospital beds, massage tables, adjustable chairs, desks and gym equipment. When the load is heavier this may also be the best lockable compression option.

On the other hand, EL lockable gas springs would be more suitable when an energy absorbing function in both directions is desired. This could be useful in products such as furniture, where more comfort is needed. When an adjustment is needed in products such as computer chairs, or a reclining seat, this would be the best option.

Compression custom springs

All high-quality springs can be manufactured to your needs and tailored to all shapes and sizes. If our standard catalogue isn’t quite up to your job, European Springs are in the position to allow our customers to choose and create their springs as they need. When a specific force or set position is required, as custom spring manufacturers we can work directly with you to guarantee the best possible outcome. To find out more details on how you can customise your springs or how our services work (including our prototype creation), simply get in touch with our team at your nearest location. We will spring to the phones!

Producing a three-dimensional model of a product alongside a digitally-rendered visualisation, modern rapid prototyping projects are created through additive layer manufacturing technology. This relatively recent technology became available in the late 1980s and quickly became an important asset for a wide range of industries and applications, such as springs.

Spotlight on Rapid Prototyping.1

 How Does It Work?

Rapid prototyping is an additive process, which means that it utilises materials such as adhesives, thermoplastic, and photopolymer. It differs from conventional processes, which are compressive and subtractive. Rapid prototyping, however, constructs objects through joining particles or layers of a variety of raw materials.

Additive layer manufacturing requires the design to first be made through the use of CAD software. This digital blueprint allows engineers to predict the final end product and how the structure will behave, so the design itself is a vital part.

The CAD design is then converted to a .stl file, or standard tesselation language, to allow the printer to interpret the instructions. Both the printer and the orientation fo the design must be configured properly before the manufacturing process. When the printer is working, occasional checks will be required to ensure that no errors are occurring during printing.

woman typing on computer

Why Use Rapid Prototyping?

This technology is utilised for 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and free-form fabrication. It allows for quick and inexpensive manufacturing through the construction of a prototype before the final end product. Differing from conventional prototyping, which can take weeks or even months to produce a prototype depending on the method and the raw materials, rapid prototyping makes these prototypes much quicker. The technology provides several benefits for a wide variety of industries:

  • High-quality end product
  • Short lead times
  • Extreme accuracy before construction
  • Increased cost-efficiency

Able of building parts with small cavities and components, it also allows for a quick manufacturing process of complex systems that could otherwise take a long period of time to be developed. The real product of the project can be seen in an early stage of the process, if not at the beginning of it, ensuring that every detail is accounted for from the beginning.

3d printing

 Rapid Prototyping vs Conventional Methods

Conventional prototyping methods are unlikely to disappear completely, particularly in the near future. Although still widely utilised, some projects benefit more from rapid prototyping. Providing a highly effective way of working for many industries, it requires less intervention from engineers while still providing higher precision levels.

As rapid prototyping allows for direct printing from a CAD model, it reduces the possibility of human error that can compromise a project. The creation method utilised by rapid prototyping makes this technology completely different from any other, as it is an additive method. Eco-friendly and efficient, it allows for bigger and more intricate designs to be produced in prototype form.

Inexpensive and highly cost-efficient, rapid prototyping is an ideal solution to view projects before the end result. At European Springs we always ensure every project is of the highest possible quality to ensure that we meet your requirements. From springs found in our catalogues to bespoke solutions, you can get in touch to know more about our services.

There are numerous talented individuals who have created inventions and brought new ideas that have changed the world.

Transport such as trains, cars and planes were all creations from individuals and once did not exist. Can you imagine a world without the little things we use today and more than likely take for granted? Everyday new things are being discovered across the world, hoping to improve what and how we do things. Here are 5 engineers that changed the world as we know it.

Exploding Light Bulb

Thomas Edison (11th February 1847 – 18th October 1931)

We all know Thomas Edison for being the inventor of the light bulb, but over his many years as an engineer, he also invented or influenced many other things we use today. Edison invented the motion picture camera and the phonograph – the forerunner of the record player.

He was also one of the first inventors to make use of mass production techniques with his inventions which allowed him to create on a larger scale.

Archimedes of Syracuse (287 BC – 212 BC)

Archimedes is famously known as a gifted mathematician, engineer, inventor, astronomer, and physicist, becoming one of the most influential engineers of all time. His contributions include the Archimedes screw, the block and tackle pulley systems, and the creation of several war machines used to defend cities. These inventions led to him becoming perhaps the most famous Greek inventor.

The Wright Brothers – Orville Wright (19th August 1871 – 30th January 1948) and Wilbur Wright (16th April 1867 – 30th May 1912)

The Wright Brothers together are credited with one of the biggest inventions that changed our world. In 1903, after years of experimenting with unpowered gliders, it is believed they created the world’s first successful powered airplane, publicly demonstrating this five years later. In their creation of the airplane, they explored the use of aerodynamic control on the objects surfaces rather than engine power.

Leonardo da Vinci (15th April 1452 – 2nd May 1519)

Leonardo da Vinci is more recognisable in the world of art, but did you know he also had a keen interest in science and mathematics? Although he may not have built his creations in the way other engineers have, it was his designs he penned which were of huge significance.

The most significant includes a huge hang glider and a machine similar to a helicopter. In 2001, the Norwegian highway department built a bridge based on one of da Vinci’s designs.

da vinci glider

Nikola Tesla (10th July 1856 – 7th January 1943)

Nikola Tesla worked for Thomas Edison in his early years, in which his pioneering work included the radio, X-ray machines, and induction motors. Due to his expertise in the use of electricity and electrical engineering, Tesla can be thanked for the alternating current and electrical motors and for his part in the Industrial Revolution.

Its hugely fascinating how some individuals were the prime source of so many technologies we use in our everyday lives. Here at European Springs, we understand the importance of engineering. Working within the spring industry, we are Europe’s leading spring manufacturers, with our products used in major industrial environments all over the world.

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

 

Whether developing a completely innovative design or remaking one for optimised results, in engineering it’s vital to ensure only the best possible service every step of the way. The design process is a complex one that results in optimised end products, which answer the needs of both clients and society.

From the first moment that the engineering problem was brought to attention and until the last moment in which the problem has been addressed and a design completely tested and manufactured, engineers across the world share their expertise and knowledge in order to provide only the highest quality of service.

3d cad, plans, prototype, computer

 Defining the Problem

The design process in engineering typically occurs in response to a human need. In the industry, engineers are often directly involved with defining the problem but they might not be the first ones to recognise it. Clients or the market itself define these problems, often bringing them to engineers’ attention.

To instil a problem-solving process, the problem needs to be clearly defined. After identifying the clients’ need, engineers identify it from their point of view. Running experiments, collecting data, and computing variables are involved.

Considering that each problem is unique, engineering teams from different backgrounds gather to ensure that each criterion of the problem is addressed.

Exploring Solutions and Optimising Design

After the problem is expertly defined, it’s necessary to explore the different possible solutions. This step benefits from software such as CAD design and 3D rendering, which allows engineers to quickly formulate several variations of a design.

Building and testing concepts that address the problem is done thoroughly to ensure that the final solution is the most accurate one. Accuracy in engineering is vital, as many problems addressed by engineering are responses to human needs like lifts in buildings and bridges.

3d printing design with machine

Implementing the Design

Testing the design, whether by simulation, by rapid prototyping, or both, ensures that a working version of the design is put to test under real conditions. Only after a prototype is thoroughly tested is the final manufacturing phase put into place.

This phase can sometimes involve going back to the drawing board, as testing shows both the weaknesses and the strengths of the design. Taking in the strong points in a design and working over the weak ones in order to surpass them, engineers test, re-design, and optimise every aspect of design in order to ensure that the final product is the best it could possibly be.

 

At European Springs, we always ensure every step of the design and manufacturing process is put through rigorous testing, guaranteeing the highest possible quality of our products. Take a look at our catalogues or simply get in touch for a bespoke design!

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