The profession of spring manufacturer deals with the production and processing of springs of all kinds, which are used in various industrial applications. These include, for example, vehicle springs, technical springs for machines and devices or fine springs for writing instruments and watches. Spring manufacturers work with different materials, mainly different metal alloys, and must know the properties of these materials in order to make the right choice for the respective application.
In their daily work, spring manufacturers use special machines and tools to shape, cut, wind, grind and treat the springs. Precision and care are of the utmost importance, as the quality of the springs is crucial to their functionality and durability. Quality control is also an essential part of their work to ensure that the springs produced meet the technical requirements and standards.
Training to become a spring manufacturer usually takes place as part of specific vocational training in metalworking or a related field. During the apprenticeship, trainees learn the basics of metalworking, the various spring manufacturing techniques and how to use the relevant machines and tools. In addition, technical understanding, manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination are particularly important for this profession.
Ein/e Federhersteller/in ist ein Facharbeiter/in, der/die sich auf die Produktion verschiedenartiger Federn spezialisiert hat. Diese Federn kommen in vielen unterschiedlichen Industriebereichen zum Einsatz, wie beispielsweise im Automobilbau, in der Luftfahrt, im Maschinenbau und in der Feinmechanik. Die Anforderungen für den Beruf des Federherstellers/der Federherstellerin umfassen typischerweise:
- Eine abgeschlossene Ausbildung in einem metallverarbeitenden Beruf, wie z.B. Werkzeugmacher/in, Industriemechaniker/in oder eine spezialisierte Ausbildung zum/zur Federhersteller/in.
- Fundierte Kenntnisse in der Materialkunde, da verschiedene Materialien wie Stahl, Titan oder auch Kunststoffe für die Herstellung von Federn verwendet werden.
- Präzision und handwerkliches Geschick sind unerlässlich, um die Federn nach exakten Vorgaben und Maßtoleranzen herzustellen.
- Kenntnisse in der Bedienung von speziellen Maschinen und Anlagen, die für die Produktion von Federn notwendig sind, wie z.B. CNC-gesteuerte Federwindemaschinen.
- Technisches Verständnis und die Fähigkeit, technische Zeichnungen und Arbeitsanweisungen zu lesen und umzusetzen.
- Qualitätssicherung ist ein wichtiger Aspekt des Berufs, daher sind Kenntnisse in Messtechnik und Qualitätskontrolle erforderlich.
- Problemlösungskompetenz und die Fähigkeit zur Durchführung von Wartungs- und Reparaturarbeiten an den Produktionsanlagen.
- Sicherheitsbewusstsein und Kenntnisse der geltenden Sicherheitsvorschriften sind wichtig, um Unfälle und Verletzungen zu vermeiden.
- Teamfähigkeit und Flexibilität, da in der Produktion oft im Schichtbetrieb und in Teams gearbeitet wird.
A spring manufacturer usually starts the working day by checking the production facilities. This includes checking that the machines are working properly and ensuring that all the necessary materials, such as wire or plastics, are available in sufficient quantities. The settings of the machines are adjusted according to the specifications for the respective production series in order to produce the desired spring shapes and thicknesses. This can include springs for industrial purposes, for furniture, vehicles or writing instruments.
During the day, the spring manufacturer monitors the production process to ensure that the springs meet quality standards. Defective products are sorted out and the causes of production errors are analyzed. Fine adjustments to the machines may be required to ensure the accuracy of spring production. At times, the spring manufacturer may also carry out manual work steps, such as setting up tools or reworking springs.
At the end of the working day, the spring manufacturer carries out maintenance work on the machines and documents the quantities produced and any problems encountered. The working environment is tidied up and prepared for the next day. Finally, a short meeting is often held to inform the team about the day's performance and set the goals for the coming day.
A spring manufacturer is involved in the production and processing of springs for various applications, such as in the automotive industry, in mechanical engineering or in furniture production. Earning potential in this profession varies depending on training, experience, region and the specific job market. The starting salary is often above the statutory minimum wage and can increase with more professional experience.
Spring manufacturers can further improve their earning potential as their career and specialized skills progress. Additional qualifications and the assumption of more responsible tasks, such as team leadership or specialization in complex spring products, can increase the salary. However, performance-based commission or bonus payments are generally not common in this career field.
In contrast to professions with direct customer contact, such as in the hospitality industry, receiving tips is not typical for spring manufacturers. The main source of income comes from the regular salary. Additional financial incentives could arise from overtime or shift work, if these are offered in the respective company and remunerated accordingly.
The profession of spring manufacturer specializes in the production of various types of springs, which are used in numerous applications such as vehicles, machines or even in the stationery sector. Explicit training as a spring manufacturer is rather uncommon; instead, training in a metalworking profession makes sense in order to acquire the necessary basic knowledge. These include professions such as industrial mechanic, tool mechanic or precision mechanic, which can be learned in a dual training program that usually lasts three to three and a half years and includes both practical and theoretical instruction.
After completing training in one of the above-mentioned professions, it is possible to specialize in spring production, which is usually done through internal training courses or special further training measures at companies that are active in this field. These further training courses can include courses on specific machines, material science or spring manufacturing techniques and aim to impart specific specialist knowledge required for the manufacture of different types of springs. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control is also important here, as the precision of the springs is crucial to their function.
In a constantly evolving industry, it is also important for a spring manufacturer to undergo continuous training in order to stay at the cutting edge of technology. This can be done by attending trade fairs, participating in workshops or through additional certificates and training courses. Knowledge of CAD (computer-aided design) can also be an advantage for the design and development of new springs. Overall, a high willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes is of great importance for the profession.Feather manufacturers are typically employed in the stationery and office supplies industry, where they work on the production of writing instruments such as fountain pens, ballpoint pens and other specialized writing tools.
Another area that offers employment opportunities for feather manufacturers is the textile industry, especially in companies that specialize in high-quality feather products such as down jackets or bedding. Here they are employed in the processing of natural feathers.
In the furniture industry, spring manufacturers can also work in the production of upholstered furniture, where they are responsible for the production of spring cores for mattresses and upholstered furniture.
In the automotive industry and mechanical engineering, spring manufacturers find employment in companies that produce technical springs for vehicles and machines. These can be used in a variety of applications, from vehicle suspension to small precision springs in electronic devices.
At ZNAPP you will find employers who are actively looking for spring manufacturers.