European Springs, Author at European Springs

23/09/2016
The previous three industrial revolutions introduced the initial mechanisation of the work force, including water and steam powered machines, mass production, electricity, the assembly line, computerised systems and automation.

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution and the modern trend of both automation and collaboration of data on manufacturing technology. The Smart Factory of the future is categorised by efficiency in the production processes, with all procedures being performed and conducted smoothly and effortlessly.

The Principles and Main Components of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 will have interoperability as a main factor; the Internet of Things (IoT) will ensure that all smart devices are connected to each other, providing a connective feature to all components. Communication is vital between smart factories, humans, and technologies, in order to guarantee a cooperative environment that includes assembly lines, people operating them, and the products themselves.

Decentralisation will allow for quicker decision-making, ensuring that all systems comprising the Smart Factory are able to make decisions distinctly. This process will, however, maintain in the path towards the decisive goal within the organisations.

Shaping the Industry 4.0 will be autonomous robots or, more precisely, artificial intelligence. Robots have been present in manufacturing for many years, but they will continue to evolve and improve, becoming completely autonomous in the near future. Their use as tools will end, and they will become integral units working alongside humans.

Potential Challenges

With a new industrial revolution emerges obstacles that need to be overcome, to allow for a full implementation of successful changes. In Germany, an investment of 250 billion in the next ten years will be required for manufacturers to adapt and implement all processes of the Industry 4.0.

Similarly, systems and machines capable of sustaining the demands of Industry 4.0 are required so that all production processes are effectively completed. Connectivity and standardisation across all industries all over the world will open way to international standards for an organised interaction.

The question with Industry 4.0 is how quickly it will finish being implemented, as traditional manufacturing business models are opening the way to the emergence of the digital transformation and new business models focused on the future of automation and artificial intelligence.

As compression spring manufacturers and leading experts in high speed press technology, here at European Springs we understand the importance of the new industrial revolution is optimising all parts of the manufacturing process. Our team of experts always ensure the highest possible service, and you can get in touch with us on +44 (0) 208 663 1800 to know more about how we can help provide you with high quality springs and pressings.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

European Springs

21/09/2016
Small objects that have been stamped or pressed are vital for many industries, which means they need to be created with the utmost accuracy and quality.

These values are always crucial, but more so in industries where precision is not just preferred, but absolutely critical to the workings of machinery and equipment.

We’ve previously mentioned that there are many different items and objects that you may not realise were stamped or pressed, so now we’re taking a look at some industries that depend on these processes in one way or another.

Automotive

This industry is one of largest in the UK, as well as one of the most profitable, given that car manufacturing reached a new high with a growth of 3.9% to 1,587,677 vehicles produced. Pressings and stampings are incredibly versatile and are used in this sector often, mainly in order to manufacture a large number of parts with limited resources or manpower. The result is the mass production of precise components that work together perfectly.

Electronics

Electronics are at the core of many modern technologies, and they tend to be made up of small parts and components, some of which are created through stampings or pressings. For instance, many contacts used within electrical components are manufactured through these processes, as are the connector sockets inside computers.

Aerospace

Another industry where accuracy is king. High-quality pressings and stampings are used to create components that are strong, light-weight and precise, as anything other than this could mean the failure of a craft or piece of equipment.

This field also benefits from cutting-edge technology, which is why we use the latest technology available to manufacture efficient, superior quality stampings and pressings. Also, this focus means that objects stamped or pressed can face even the harshest of environments, so characteristic of the aerospace industry.

High-quality pressings and stampings allow companies to meet the challenges of their industries, especially because they can be applied where exact tolerances and high volume productions are required. From the choice of raw material to the affordability of our processes, we always make sure that you’re getting exactly what you need for your project.

European Springs

09/09/2016
Here at European Springs we’re proud members of the Lesjöfors Group and have been since 2007, providing us with invaluable access to a global group of more than 20 manufacturing companies. Lesjöfors worked in close cooperation with Öhlins Racing to help develop innovative chassis motor springs for the 2012 Lamborghini’s hypercar, the Aventador LP700-4.

Characterised by its modern design and lightweight technology, the Lamborghini Aventador was unveiled in March of 2011 at the Geneva motor show. Considered the beginning of a new generation of sports cars, the Aventador has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any vehicle in its class, showcasing a 6.5 litre V12 engine that produced 700hp that allows for 0 to 62mph (or 0 to 100km/h) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217mph (or 350km/h). The Lamborghini Aventador is estimated at a value of 324,000.

In close collaboration with Öhlins Racing, Lesjöfors designed two different springs for the front and rear of the vehicle, with the diverse demands of the shock absorption system in mind; these were also required to comply with the standards set by the Volkswagen Group. Employing a new type of lifting system for levelling the front of the car, the springs needed additional requirements in their design to withstand the Aventador’s innovative systems.

The designed front and rear springs were created with specific stiffness, as the chassis springs provide the vehicle with the exceptional driving qualities the brand is known for, as it simultaneously manages the loads transferred from the wheels into the vehicle.

With the Aventador, the springs are open and non-ground with unusual end fittings. They have a shim composed of rubber between the springs and the spring seats to prevent noise. Through the glass back bonnet both the springs and the dampers are plainly seen.

The spring manufacturing was carried out in Lesjöfors, Sweden, and the comprehensive 28 page long document of specified requirements was the focus for the design process and for testing of these bespoke springs. The entire procedure of teamwork with Öhlins Racing was a close, two-and-a-half year process that carried out wide-ranging tests to ensure the springs had corrosion and fatigue strength resistance. Some steps of the project required both extremely short manufacturing processes and deliveries, and Lesjöfors successfully delivered a high quality product, up to the required standards of the partnership and of Lesjöfors themselves.

According to the Project Manager for the Lamborghini damper at Öhlins Racing, Rade Catovic, Öhlins Racing were highly satisfied with our cooperation with Lesjöfors. Quick responses and innovative problem solving are qualities we have experienced and appreciated much in our contacts with the company.

Showcasing the impressive expertise of the Lesjöfors Group, the Lamborghini collaboration is an excellent example of the innovative designs European Springs believes in and manufactures. Through our Tate Modern and our Liberty in London case studies, our highly skilled engineers surpassed the requirements and demonstrated our leading skill in spring manufacturing. Don’t hesitate to contact us to know more about our services.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

European Springs

26/08/2016
A few weeks ago, we at European Springs received some amazing news – we have been accredited with the ISO 14001:2015 certificate. The certificate has been accredited to our London based site in Beckenham and it was due to the introduction of an effective and successful environmental management system.

We are so delighted with the whole team that was involved that we wanted to acknowledge their fantastic achievement.

What is an Environmental Management System?

An environmental management system (EMS) is the process that manages a company’s or business’s environmental programs in a well-organised, succinct, methodical manner. In a nutshell, the main goals that are laid out for an EMS are that it needs to be compliant with legal requirements and to reduce the amount of waste a company produces. However, for the last point, there is more to it.

If a company simply reduces the amount of waste for a small period of time, they will not be certified. The EMS ensures that there is an official development, implementation and coordination of environmental policies. For example, waste reduction starts off with ideas in order to prevent pollution and minimise waste. This results in the desired outcome and it is something that a company has to continue with maintaining.

How Does It Benefit the Company?

It was found in one study (de Vries et al. 2012) that, by following the standards of the ISO 14001:2015 certificate, harnessing the above certification has been shown to have a positive impact on environmental performance. In addition to this, a company that has this certification can identify cost effective methods to manage their waste and energy systems.

Massive congratulations are in order for our London site. The next step now is to ensure that our sites will thrive and develop. During this, the Leeds and Cornwall sites will start on the journey to be accredited with the same ISO certification. The future of Europeans Springs is a bright and prosperous one.

Well done everyone at European Springs!

European Springs

22/08/2016

The process of choosing materials is a vital step in custom spring design, as the reliability of the design depends on the materials chosen. Minimising costs and improving efficiency is easily achieved through thorough material testing – ensuring that you’re choosing options with structural integrity and quality.
From design to manufacturing, choosing the right materials ensures the highest possible standard for the finished product. This is a consideration that should be taken into account throughout the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the delivery of a final product.

Factors to Consider

The mechanical properties of materials will relate to the design’s strength; the material must possess the appropriate strength and stiffness to allow for proper use in engineering industries. Wear of materials is another concern when designing – manufacturing techniques may put pressure on a product, meaning further wear resistance is necessary.

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. Depending on manufacturing techniques, different materials will perform differently under certain conditions.
When choosing a material, it’s vital to determine its flexibility for design and manufacturing. By knowing a material’s limitations, the design process is simplified and its restrictions taken into account.

Sustainability

Becoming a more environmentally conscious business involves the selection of manufacturing materials. The right choice for the products will have high energy efficiency and recyclability levels, allowing you to assure your clients that all practices adhere to legal obligations. By wilfully reforming your business and its efficiency policies, you will be demonstrating sustainability concerns.

Through receiving the ISO 14001 certification, here at European Springs and Pressings Ltd we guarantee an environmental management system that reduces our impact on the environment while improving efficiency.

The right materials elevate a design and showcase engineering expertise; for instance, being similar to the design of springs utilised in BLOODHOUND SSC (SuperSonic Car), our springs were showcased at the Royal Cornwall Museum. Our method of choosing the right materials complements our proficiency in perfecting spring design and manufacturing procedures.

We are leading spring manufacturers and experts in high speed press technology. Here at European Springs and Pressings Ltd we provide optimised and durable products by specialising in high quality source materials. As compression spring manufacturers and tension spring manufacturers, we offer a range of products. For more information about our bespoke springs services contact our highly skilled team on +44 (0) 208 663 1800 and we’ll happily answer any query you have.

Alternatively, you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

European Springs

18/08/2016
This month we’ve been getting more than a little excited about the Bloodhound SSC – a SuperSonic Car that has become the focus of a recent exhibition in the Royal Cornwall Museum – and thinking about that car’s beauty and style has also got us thinking about some of the design principles that make it all possible.

One of the most crucial design elements, and something which every engineer should know about (especially those involved in car manufacturing!), aerodynamics means everything that relates to the study of what happens when air hits a solid object and, of course it’s practical application.

And, while we’ve been thinking about it in terms of vehicles lately, it’s actually a crucial element of many items that we see or use each and every day. From wind turbines to bridges, and even the planning for how to lay out entire towns, aerodynamics plays such a vital part in day-to-day life, we thought it was worth putting together a guide laying out the basic principles for those of you who work in other areas to get to grips with

Ancient Origins

While they might not have been discussed as such, the basic principles behind aerodynamics have been known for 1000s of years; key principles such as drag (which we’ll get to in just a moment) would have been needed to power objects such as sailboats and windmills in ancient civilizations, while specific information relating to them appear in the work of writers such as Aristotle (384-322 B.C.).

As early as the 17th Century, aerodynamics began to take shape as the modern discipline that scientists and engineers make use of today. Thanks to brilliant minds such as Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Renard, ideas surrounding aerodynamics have developed over time to become the set of knowledge that we are able to utilise now.

The Fundamentals

As we mentioned earlier, the basic principle of aerodynamics is to work out how an object, such as the wing of a plane, will interact with the air. Essentially, this allows you to consider the forces that will impact the movement of the object, and consider how to limit or enhance them.

One which you’ll almost certainly be familiar with is drag, a force which acts in opposition to the relative motion of an object which is to say, it tries to stop you from moving. A lot of drag can cause turbulence, which has a negative impact on the stability of a vehicle, so designers need to take this into account by making vehicles as streamlined as possible. This will also mean that the vehicle needs less fuel to get up to speed, making it great for conserving energy and helping the environment.

The other important force to know about is lift, which can be calculated by working out the velocity of the air. For something like an aeroplane’s wing or a boat, higher velocity will make for lower pressure – and this is what allows for lift. For a design team, understanding these forces and the relevant equations ensures that a finished product will be faster, more efficient and more stable.

Everyday Application

The uses of aerodynamics that we’ve listed above play an active part in our lives every single day. For instance, aerodynamic clothing allows cyclists themselves to become more streamlined, giving them increased speed. Even better, the way that the air moves over the cyclist means that there will be less drag when it hits the person behind, allowing them to hit quicker speeds with their bike too.

Exactly the same principle also applies to motorsports, allowing the 2nd place vehicle to benefit from the clean air that passes over the lead car. This means that coming up behind a 1st place car as a racing driver can give you the boost needed to accelerated into the lead position.

There’s so much more that we could tell you about the fascinating science of aerodynamics, but hopefully this info has been enough to get you interested!

European Springs

Author: European Springs

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