FastenersAsia November 2020

Industry news

Taking new steps into the space sector ❍ Lesjöfors company JWSL developed and manufactured volute springs for a space vessel

In July 2020, the US company Purdy Engineering contacted John While Solutions in Singapore to develop and manufacture volute springs for a space vessel. The American space industry is still very active, but is transforming from government sponsorship to being entrepreneurially driven. One of the best-known space projects is Falcon 9, which took two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in June. It was the first rocket ever designed and manufactured by a privately held company – Space X, founded by the Tesla entrepreneur Elon Musk. Another player in developing the American space engineering business is Bill Purdy, of Purdy Engineering. Mr Purdy has worked in the space industry for decades, with system engineering innovations and troubleshooting in

many space projects. In July 2020, he contacted the Lesjöfors company John While Solutions in Singapore (JWSL) for a request regarding volute springs. Purdy Engineering needed volute springs in stainless steel for a space vessel in progress. Over the following weeks, discussions took place regarding dimensions, force and spring design that would fit in the assembly constraints. Making springs for space vessels is not an everyday task for JWSL. The technical engineers made quality improvements to the springs that were beyond the customer’s request, and the smooth development process resulted in the manufacture of 40 prototype springs that John While Solutions shipped to Maryland, USA. Explaining why the American company selected a spring manufacturer half the world away, Roy Loh, vice president

spring technology Asia, said, “We got the response upon the question that JWSL was the most responsive company to the request and that it was just as easy to work with a company in Singapore as it is to have the supplier next door. We are very happy to contribute with our knowledge and capability to such an exotic business for us.” The Lesjöfors Group provides a wide range of springs and pressings to customers in diverse industries around the world. With expertise in highly technological, custom-made solutions and a flexible manufacturing capacity, Lesjöfors is a partner for all spring requirements. Lesjöfors, owned by Beijer Alma, comprises almost 40 manufacturing and sales companies in various countries. Lesjöfors Springs & Pressings www.lesjoforsab.com

Graphics bigstockphoto.com/Artist Kumruen Pakom Photo by NASA on Unsplash

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Fasteners ASIA – November/December 2020