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. Alternatively, get in touch with us directly at info.bec@oldeuropeansprings.sqsite.co.uk, we’d love to hear from you.

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:

  1. Flow control valves
  2. Healthcare beds
  3. Physiotherapy beds
  4. Pressure regulators
  5. Patient trolley systems
  6. Positive pressure ventilator
  7. CPAP machines
  8. 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.

We’re delighted to announce that four budding engineers have firmly developed their careers by achieving industry-recognised qualifications at European Springs & Pressings.

As industry-leading spring manufacturers, investing in the future of manufacturing is important to us. Our next generation of engineers has successfully achieved either CITY & GUILDS or BTEC qualifications following a nationally recognised manufacturing apprenticeship framework.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of European Springs & Pressings, says, “The value of apprenticeships can never be underestimated. Training the next generation of our people is crucial to ensure the business has the skills in its people for the future”. 

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of European Springs & Pressings, presenting our apprentices with their certificates.

Celebrating our Apprentices

Tyler Stevens

Tyler joined us in 2013 as a Production Operator at the age of 17. Having worked for two years in this role, Tyler enjoyed the challenges he faced at European Springs but wanted to develop and improve his skills. He decided to take a pay cut and became an apprentice at the age of 19. 

The apprenticeship has helped boost his self-confidence and has developed his skills significantly. Tyler did admit that he found the studying difficult, but his motivation to succeed saw him achieve his goal in April 2021.

Tyler is a significant member of our Small Order Springmaker team, working on complex projects, often with the Technical Director.

Well done to Tyler on your ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3.

Alan Lowing

Alan started in 2015, at the age of 18, having already been through sixth form at school. He spent time working in each department during his initial training but developed a specific interest in wire forming. 

While completing his studies in performing engineering operations, he became heavily involved in the productionisation of a new FMU4. Although Alan’s apprenticeship journey has been longer due to his initial studies, he managed to complete his apprenticeship in 2020 whilst working full time. Alan is currently an essential member of the wireforming team and principal setter for the FMU4.

A huge congratulations to Alan on being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. 

Rob Jenkins

Rob started in 2016 at the age of 19 and spent time working in each department. He developed a real passion for the Press Shop — probably because it had a good rhythm and was loud, like the music his band makes!

Having developed significant skills in this area, Rob has become heavily involved in Bruderer presses and stamping technologies. He is an instrumental part of the Press Shop team in the layout and commissioning of the new press shop extension. 

Rob managed his studies whilst building a life with his partner and recently achieved his goal of being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. Congratulations Rob!

Tom Hever

Tom joined us in 2016, straight from school at the age of 16. Initially, he spent time working in each department during his training but developed an interest in toolmaking, where he liked the order and accuracy of the work.

Having developed a wide range of skills in this area, Tom spent time working on tool repair and assembly. Sticking to his studies, at the end of 2020, Tom achieved his goal of being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. Well done, Tom! 

Tom is currently honing his skills and experience on the EDM machines as a trusted member of the toolmaking team.

Our Managing Director Stuart McSheehy speaks about the importance of our apprenticeships, saying that “not only is this a fantastic achievement for personal development it also inspires the next generation of engineers and spring makers. With the challenges of 2020 behind us we are all very proud to present our latest apprentices with their qualifications.”


By welcoming apprentices every year, we see the benefits of having a development plan in place, and many of our qualified apprentices continue to develop their skills as spring technicians. 

It’s essential to strengthen our knowledge and introduce more diverse skillsets into our workplace, including preparing for future growth within manufacturing.

If you’d like to discuss the potential of joining our team or then please get in touch with our friendly team.

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.

Military officers meet to discuss recruitment. They are using a laptop.

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

HAMPSHIRE, UK - JULY, 2016: The Eurofighter "Typhoon" with full afterburners . July 16, 2016 Hampshire, England

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.

Engineer check and control welding robotics automatic arms machine in intelligent factory automotive industrial with monitoring system software. Digital manufacturing operation. Industry 4.0

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.

Race car racing on a track with motion blur. 3d model scene.

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.

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