Advanced Research & Development
CGR’s STRAIN laboratory
Advanced spring designs often require a good deal of research and development, involving material sciences as well as process engineering. CGR International runs its own R&D laboratory to support the co-engineering activities of its production sites around the globe. The facility, labelled STRAIN (Spring Technology ReseArch Institute) has been set up in close cooperation with the Clement Ader Institute (CAI) and the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) in Toulouse. CGR’s STRAIN lab thus provides access to the highest level of academic resources.
Non-Conformity Analysis
STRAIN combine advanced material characterization with deep expertise in manufacturing processes to uncover the root causes behind non-conformities. From wire drawing and coiling to heat treatment, we go beyond identifying defects to pinpoint their exact origin and understand the mechanisms behind failure. By transforming complex technical investigations into clear, actionable recommendations, we help drive effective corrective and preventive actions, improve product reliability, and strengthen manufacturing performance.
Applied Research
STRAIN bridge scientific insight and industrial expertise to unlock the full potential of spring design and performance. Through advanced analysis of spring geometry, stiffness, and stress distribution, we investigate mechanical instabilities, buckling, vibrations, and dynamic behavior. By understanding how manufacturing processes, defects, and variability influence performance and reliability, we transform real-world experience and engineering intuition into robust predictive models, enabling smarter designs, greater reliability, and optimized performance.
Fundamental & Innovative Research
STRAIN explore the frontiers of science to shape the future of elastic components and mechanical systems. By challenging conventional designs, pioneering breakthrough concepts, and unlocking new spring architectures and mechanical behaviors, we transform fundamental research into tomorrow’s technological opportunities. Our commitment to long-term scientific excellence drives innovation beyond today’s industrial limits, paving the way for the next generation of high-performance solutions.
Meet the team
Hervé Orcière
R&D Manager
Guillaume Cadet
Technical Expert, PhD
Manuel Paredes
Teacher / Researcher, PhD
Hugo Font
Calculation Engineer
Scientific publications
Papers and conferences
Julien Vaissette, Hervé Orcière, Catherine Mabru, Manuel Paredes (2024): Understanding Flexural and Tensile Moduli of Small Drawn Wires, Wire Forming Technology, pp74-78, Winter 2024.
Vaissette, J., Mabru, C., Paredes, M. & Orciere, H. (2021). Proposition d’une méthode de caractérisation des contraintes résiduelles dans les fils tréfilés de faible diamètre. Colloque national S.Mart. 31 mars - 2 avril 2021.
Paredes, M., Stephan, T., & Orciere, H. (2019). Enhanced formulae for determining the axial behavior of cylindrical extension springs. Mechanics & Industry, 20(6), 625.
Paredes, M., Stephan, T., & Orciere, H. (2019). Influence of Machine Loops on the Behavior of Extension Springs, Wire Forming Technology, pp38-41, Spring 2019.
Paredes, M., Stephan, T., & Orciere, H. (2019). Experimental and analytical approaches for Determining the Axial Behavior of Cylindrical Extension Springs, International Conference on Graphics Engineering, 19th -21st June 2019, Logroño.
