The Iron Age 1927-05-12: Vol 119 Iss 19

THE IRON ACE New York, May 12, 1927 ESTABLISHED 1855 119, No. Train Employees for Better Jobs Courses Educational Program American Rolling Mill Co. Cover Wide Range tion Hands Practical Men a BURNHAM FINNEY* Member the Welding Class Doing Commercial Job the Welding Department fail, rule, because they are not will- ing pay the price the things they want. They are not willing work hard enough prepare themselves thoroughly for the place life they want.” For those who are willing pay the price ad- vancement time and effort the training department the American Rolling Mill Co., Middletown, Ohio, has courses instruction which now have total enrollment over 1000. mapping out the program carried out the artment, the director training has kept mind desirability having courses that would fit the needs all classes employees and all divisions the company. The main qualification for entrance any particular course willingness learn, although some the technical subjects demand some previous knowledge least elementary nature. “Plant Group” Classes Cover Practical Subjects what have been termed the “plant groups” there “re regular classes welding, blue print reading and drafting, electricity, combustion, open-hearth practice, products, and inspection for sheet defects. who will upon use the knowledge they acquire are given the preference enrolling for attempt made restrict the number each class that every member will get benefit personal attention the instructor. For the welding consists six seven members who meet hr. once week for approximately weeks. Instruction every class practical nature and most cases the hands operating man. cite example, Process” under the direction the superintendent open-hearth fur- naces. The course study this class First week........ General dis cussion Second week...... Furnace design and construction Third week........ Furnace operation Fourth week...... Furnace operation (continued) Fifth week Casting and pit operation Miscellaneous units Metallurgical fuels Seventh .week..... Chemistry and metallurgy the process Bighth week...... Raw materials and their use Ninth Defects ingots Tenth week....... General data For the study sheet defects there are two classes, one for inspectors and another for sheet mill employees. Their purpose acquaint the men with the things look for when subjecting the finished product rigid inspection. Students Familiarized With All Departments Too often employees organization the size the American Rolling Mill Co. know little nothing about the work done departments other than their own. encourage greater appreciation the part played all divisions the successful functioning the entire organization class products held each week over period weeks. Each ses- sion devoted inspection trip some depart- 1357 Be | 4 4 i . ment and explanation the routine that de- partment. addition the plant group classes there technical division, composed principally men having college degrees, with courses chemistry, metallurgy and metallography. the metallurgical section two types courses are given, the first designed for sales- men and the second for operating men. The technical courses usually extend over nine months, with classes each week for hr. satisfy the demand for general knowledge various subjects, classes mathematics, economics, business law and public speaking are held, the length the courses ranging from four nine months. Here the interest become pronounced that admission classes has been thrown open citizens Middle- town who have connection with the American Roll- ing Mill Co. Training for Office Work 1919 the training department has conducted cooperative commercial training class for girls who want qualify for responsible office positions. Class room instruction the morning coordinated with employment one the Armco offices the after- noon that the period training may afford the maximum progress minimum time. all class work the illustrations are Armco illustrations and the problems are Armco problems. advanced students typing practice use Armco letters; short- hand dictation and dictaphone classes letters dic- tated are Armco letters, received from the transcrib- ing department; the spelling classes the Armco vo- cabulary studied, well list words fre- quently misspelled; the business English and cor- respondence classes the subjects are treated terms company experience. The commercial training depart- ment usually has students, who not only prepare themselves for good positions but also consti- tute emergency squad care for the peak loads and substitute for absent employees. Training Salesmen Thorough Training salesmen one the most important functions the educational department. Each man who becomes identified with the Armco sales organiza- tion put through months intensive training and education. goes out into the mills and rubs shoul- ders with the gang there; learns through personal experience how Armco ingot iron and the company’s finished products are made. During his stay the operating divisions often doffs his white collar and white shirt for work shirt and shovel. result, when sells material manufactured the American Rolling Mill Co. knows about technically and can discuss its merits intelligently. 1358—May 12, 1927, The Iron Age tn the spec- = ment Where They Familiar with All the Many Sheets Made the Com- pa With the idea that salesmen for its culvert custom- ers should brought Middletown receive in- struction the manufacture and properties ingot iron, the training department started customers’ sales- men’s classes seven years ago. This custom since has been extended other than culvert men. Classes from six eight salesmen are brought for period one week. The program includes lectures dif- ferent members the organization and study the manufacturing methods the plant. typical course given for culvert salesmen follows: Outline and purpose the course Short history Armco Why Armco ingot iron was developed Electrolytic explanation corrosion Blast operation and manufacture pig iron Manufacture Bessemer steel and wrought iron Headquarters organization Strength culverts Study open-hearth and blooming and bar de- partments open-hearth and manufacture ingot iron Culvert durability Recent developments culvert applications Study sheet mill and processing departments Discussion sheet mill and processing departments Tests vs. service Culvert metals Culvert laboratory Study galvanizing department Discussion galvanizing practice Culvert publicity Discussion review questions Visit research department Coating determinations Trip through central works discussion Armco products Picture groups Final get-together Citizenship Classes Not Restricted Employees Twice each year citizenship classes are conducted for those employees who are not citizens the United States but wish take out citizenship papers. These classes are not restricted employees, living Middletown also are admitted. That the valu the course has won recognition indicated fact that the preliminary hearings the court are held the headquarters the training depart- ment. The help given the department, however, does not stop with the classes. extends into the work locating papers, verifying statements and transacting other details connection with filing citi- zenship papers. Foremen Play Important Part Foremanship Course Believing that the foremen are the key men the organization and that training them properly the essential factors insuring successful plant erations, the educational department has put into system foreman-training. The problem working out the most beneficial course has been placed the 7 a 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 hands foremen’s cabinet, made ten dozen who have shown the greatest interest the sub- men meet each week with the director and representative the employment de- They bring the conference the problems they have encountered the mill and sift out the worth the consideration the class. They also undertake, with the help the class instructor; ize the points that they may best pre- Everyone understands that his service only tem- porary, that there hard feeling when foreman the cabinet displaced. addition the cabinet advisory com- mittee operating superintendents, which has ro- tating membership. serves keep the course prac- tical rather than theoretical academic. The prob- lems handling men and operations are regularly coming before superintendents for solution. Therefore, these men usually are excellent sources informa- tion for suitable topics. Weekly Bulletin Feature Foreman-Training Distinctive foremen’s training weekly bulle- tin sent not only all members the class, but also every foreman the plant. designed de- velop and keep the interest the work. gives the conclusions any have been reached. Furthermore, serves invitation the next gathering and announces the subject, proposing questions that will provoke preparation and discussion for the meeting. These bulletins have been doubly valuable, because they have aroused the interest foremen and have also reached the desks department superintendents, stim- ulating them discuss the matters with their men and among themselves. that way information about foremanship training disseminated throughout the entire organization. The method which the bulletins have been pre- pared doubtless accounts for large part their value. They have not been written exclusively the training The Foremen’s Cabinet Mapping Out Ten Weeks’ Course Foreman- ship department, but instead have been the product many cases the various members the foremen’s cabinet. This plan has effected not only desirable variety the style the bulletins, but also has given them much more personal appeal. Moreover, has made the bulletin practical for foremen the job and has en- abled present the real live problems with which they daily are confronted. Expenses Training Courses Borne Company expenses the training courses, including the cost books, instructors’ salaries and equipment, are borne the company. special building, which the training department has its executive offices, has been set aside for class-room instruction. The only thing which the company asks that the men and women at- tend classes during their leisure hours instead company time. Results accomplished the program just outlined, few industrial companies throughout the country, may expressed the one making better workmen and developing better understand- ing the company’s products and their manufac- ture the department directly contributing the efficiency the organization whole. The National Safety Council, 108 East Ohio Street, Chicago, has announced poster competition for dent prevention drawings. First, second and third prizes $500, $300 and $200 respectively will given. The competition being conducted under the technical regulations the National Poster Art Alliance, Inc., New York, and all entries must before Nov. 1927. Particulars may obtained from the council’s poster competition secretary the above The Riverside works the National Tube Co., Benwood, Va., again are idle after several months part operation experimental work. fur- naces this plant have not been operated for almost two years, and the by-product coke ovens have been operated the Semet-Solvay Co., which owns them. 7 sented the hour. keep the cabinet from becoming too large, names constantly are being dropped new ones are added. 7 t The Iron Age, May 12, Where Castings Tests Are Faulty Neither Combined Carbon Nor Hardness Measure Wear and Machinability, According Ex- periments Automobile Plants LOWRY* HERE are some people who still persist the that chemical analysis tells the complete story cast irons. This unfortunate idea, because nothing more misleading far quality concerned. for instance, Keep, his researches published 1902, states that “silicon more effectual found some irons than others.” Different prop- erties were found irons like analyses his ex- periments, which made him come forth with this statement. Analysis cast iron but guide for manufacturing operations. Another question which has been misleading engi- neers the factor hardness. Today, many in- stances, automobile plants are accepting castings hardness specifications. The tooling operations are set for definite hardness limits. Everything seems bed roses until casting comes along that tears down the tools. Correlation Between Combined Carbon and Hardness Engineers believe that hardness and combined car- bon hand hand. Yet one the largest auto- mobile shops the country series tests was made showing that for 0.49 per cent combined carbon the hardness may vary from 140 190 Brinell. And again for 170 Brinell the combined carbon varied from 0.42 0.68 per cent. evident from this practical work that hardness and combined carbon are not correlated. Another striking illustration what hardness means annealing castings. There shop that buys castings for annealing permit subsequent ma- chining operations. buys them Rockwell hard- ness specification. accepts castings from the foundry and expects that after the anneal the cast- ings will and over. the major part the cases, the castings meet with the specification. But there are many instances where the original Rockwell drops and 70, and immediately everyone draws the conclusion that there something wrong with the annealing cycle. That not so, however, be- cause careful check the practice has shown that the low Rockwell castings may come out the furnace between two the high readings. No, it’s condition the iron that permits this phenomenon take place. very much like three pieces malleable iron which come out the same pot, one with white fracture, another with partially transformed fracture, and the third with completely malleableized fracture. All three pieces may have been side side the anneal, identical analysis and yet made from different heats. All irons are not equally susceptible heat. This point well worth remem- bering when hard bores which must withstand core- annealing are desired cylinder blocks. Hardness Index Wear Then, there the question wear. Practically everyone adheres the belief that hardness requi- site wear. Yet there have been tests cylinder *The author metallurgist, Hickman, Williams Co., New York. Abstract paper read the annual meeting the Society Automotive Engineers held Detroit January. 1360—May The Age blocks which prove the opposite. The wear these blocks increased with the closeness the iron. The blocks were run for 75,000 miles. This test checked experimental researches which tend show that max- imum wear gained with open grain and com- bined carbon about 0.20 per cent. This holds true not only automobile work but high compression cylinder work. Wear also function carbon struc- ture and small degree based upon the matrix being pearlite. analysis and carbon structure. directly related the amount expansion under temperature and the percentage primary carbon present. secondary carbon increases, does the wear. There misunderstanding the term “machin- ability” applied cast iron. Engineers and con- sumers cast iron believe inverse propor- tion hardness. There does not seem any direct relation between the two. block with 600 Brinell could machined, while block with 241 Brinell could not and yet one with 183 hardness could. The structure the iron seems have more bearing machinability than hardness. instance, like analyses cylinder blocks cast different days had different machining qualities. Too little attention paid this factor, and machine shop costs increase almost unknowingly. These increases would more than offset the cost investigating proper materials for the making cast iron. What Tests Automobile Cast Irons Showed The charts and tables are from extended re- search automobile cast irons. The results were tained from tests performed various automobile plants. was only with the kind cooperation the executives and employees these plants that the ex- periments were completed. The test most interest was that showing the dif- fences four brands coke irons and one charcoal iron, varying the proportion the latter from per cent full charcoal iron mixture. the instance the coke irons, the mixture contained only one brand time during the test. Thus, there comparison not only various coke irons but also coke iron and charcoal. During the test, like analyses were arrived at, and also, like Brinell hardnesses. was thought best cast test cylinder blocks, well test bars, that actual practical evidence could obtained. The analyses the casts were made the foundry laboratory and later checked outside chemist. The samples were analyzed for different constituents the latter. There seemed appreciable dif- ference the rarer elements, and therefore they not listed. Photomicrographic work was conducted sections from the test bars, taken like positions that the conditions presented the pictures would nearly constant possible. The melting was performed cupola using by- product coke for fuel. The cupola practice, well the foundry practice the shop, was excellent. was taken insure that the metal should uniform a 7 7 7 7 7 7 | 7 Analyses Mixtures Charged and Castings Poured Table 42.5% 0.059 0.146 3.57 0.099 0.134 0.34 45% 0.058 0.135 229 0.091 0124 O81 42.5% 2.23 0.059 0.142 3.51 0.50 2.09 0.081 41% 0.063 0.157 0.73 3.62 0.49 0.140 0.070 10% 2.22 0.058 0.145 0.74 3.60 0.49 1.95 0.090 0.128 0.065 20% 2.22 0.058 0.150 0.71 0.48 0.102 0062 0.36 30% pig iron H 10%C 2.23 0.056 0.155 0.67 3.57 0.50 2.30 0.099 0 131 0.67 0.070 0.35 41% 2.2 0.056 0.163. 0.63 3.61 0.51 1.98 0.090 0.139 0.65 0.020 0.33 15% pigironB30%C 2.10 0.059 0.71 356 2.03 0.038 0.35 the above percentage steel scrap remained per cent with the exception mixture which carried per cent, The silvery iron used varied within Ib. the 1000 Ib. the mixture. Mavari iro percentages was also added the mixture, and high chrome was added the Pig charcoal iron, whereas the others are Central Western coke irons. analyses charged the cupola and those found the castings are given order show that there amount consistency the melting and that the charges received about the same amount oxidation. possible and that the pouring temperatures were “D” seem give like results, whereas the other mix- within fair limits. Accompanying tables show the analyses mixtures and the hardnesses, strengths and machinability the cylinder castings. Machinability Not Measured Hardness normally supposed that irons like hardnesses should machine reasonably the same and that the varia- tion hardness gives corresponding change the tures change the aspect the graph. instance, pig iron “B,” giving Brinell 146 with power con- sumption kwhr. and combined carbon 0.50, could compared with pig iron with hardness 166, combined carbon 0.51 and yet power consumption only 0.45% kwhr. every case, the charcoal iron mixtures required less power the machining operation. When the machinability mixtures “J” and “K” Machinability 0.30 040 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 Kilowatt-Hours The Machinability Various Charcoal Iron and Coke Measured Power Consumed Kilowatt Hours, Shows Relation Their Hard- ness. The combined carbons the castings were held within range 0.49 6.53 machinability irons. Experiment did not confirm these The machining was done electrically-driven boring mill performing the cuts two bores. The amount metal removed varied with the cylinder but this was corrected the final computation, shown Chart recording watt-meter was attached the motor driving the boring mill. The watt-meter was sensitive that hard spots could detected the mill performed its cutting operation. Two cylinder blocks selected from each cast, and the power consumed, observed. This was done order check the results. will noticed either Table Chart that the power consumed did not vary with the hard- ness the combined carbon. There does not seem any well established relation between these factors. The Brinell varied points and the combined carbon points, while the machinability power factor varied Cylinders made from pig iron “A” and per cent are compared, becomes evident that steel scrap calls for increase the power consumed machining. Annealing Affects Machinability interesting note here that two cylinder hardnesses similar that “K” were annealed point where the Brinell was not destroyed, and the machining power consumed dropped from 0.71% kwhr. kwhr. From this experiment, has been felt that the carbon forms influence strain hardness, which im- pairs the machining quality cast iron. The next phase which requires attention that wear. Table III gives the work performed 1000 hr. The specimens were placed rotating spindle 630 r.p.m. The specimens were held constant tempera- ture water cooling. The specimens were “worn” brake shoe similar material, which was attached lever arm extending ft. and carrying weight the end. Both the brake shoe and specimen Combined Carbon, Hardness and Compared Table Machinability Combined Brinell Hardness No. Test Bar Grade (Per Cent) Cylinder Rockwell Scleroscope per In.) Pig iron A..... 0.49 179-163 80-70 38-29 0.60 Pig tron 146 167-156 78-72 38-26 0 61% Pig 0.50 207 207-196 80-72 40-3: 170 179-163 78-70 38-31 2850 0.60 Mixture 0.49 181 84-80 0.54% Mixture 0.50 185 223-217 91-88 Pig trom 0.51 166 196-196 0.45% Mixture 0°50 161 196-163 5-70 37-30 2960 6 60 149 217-196 43-33 3350 0.71% From hat the combined carbon above group figures, apparent nesses cast are not related combined carbon. number varies points. This shows that hard The Iron Age, May 12, varies but five points, while the Brinell | Gra de Pig iron Pig iron B f Pig iron Mixture 7 Mixture Mixture Pig iron H Mixture Mixture erat certal | 7 7 7 3 were weighed definite intervals show the loss wear. The results were checked tumbling barrel method. Table III shows not only this feature but also weights per cu. in. From Table III will noticed that there appreciable difference the wear irons and that Per Cent Wear 100 300 Brinell Numbers Brinell Number Not Measure Wear Chart Line “A” Shows Wear Relation Brinell Cylinder Block Irons with Combined Carbons 0.48 0.53 Per Cent Line “B” Shows Wear Relation Brinell Cylinder Block Irons with Combined Carbons 0.12 0.93 Per Cent little correlation can seen with either hardness carbon. Wear seems more less governed the carbon forms and perhaps the pearlitic formation. the same time that the wear tests ation, the openness grain was tested. pected that the closer the grain longer the wear would be. The results, however, the contrary. was found that, when hard casting worn against soft piece, maximum Wear occurred the first 100 hr., but the end 1009 br. the soft piece had worn less than the harder one. The only apparent answer this the fact that the piece allows almost colloidal shell rmed the slipping the metal. When the final hardness was taken, after the wear test had been performed, become almost glass-like. further test showed that, Were oper. was ex. What Wear Tests Showed Table III Wear Test 1000 Hr. Veight Grade Per Cent Lb. per Cu. 2.16 0.2571 when hard piece put into friction with piece similar hardness, both pieces wore away readily. The analysis, except for combined carbon, was kept con- stant possible. was attempted prove that the number gave approximate measure wear. Chart II, how- ever, shows that there little relation between wear and combined carbon Brinell. appears question materials used making the cast iron, the carbon forms and possibly third unknown factor. Wheeling Skelp Mill Start Early June The Wheeling Steel Corporation has practically completed and expects have operation early next month its new 14-12 in. 10-stand 2-high continuous skelp mill Benwood, Va. This mill will produce all the widths skelp required for pipe in. and smaller diameter and will produce the full require- ments those sizes both the Benwood and Steuben- ville mills. obviates the necessity purchases skelp from outside sources and the same token means increased use the company’s own Bessemer steel, the amount 40,000 50,000 tons, which the past few years have been the totals annual pur- chases skelp. Changes have been made the blooming mill Benwood provide billets the proper dimensions for the new skelp mill. Starting this mill will make possible considerable saving costs, expected, be- cause electrically driven and can operated with small crew and there also saving handling charges. Formerly, the practice was make the steel Benwood and ship billet form the Belmont works, Wheeling, rolled into skelp and then shipped Benwood Steubenville converted into pipe. The movement the steel Belmont elimi- nated the new mill. Pittsburgh Foundrymen’s Association Daniel Avey, editor Foundry, will the speaker the regular monthly meeting the Pittsburgh Foun- drymen’s Association the Fort Pitt Hotel, Monday evening, May 16. His subject will be: Put- outs and Shutouts.” The election officers for the ensuing year takes place this meeting. The nomi- nating committee has recommended: Carey, American Steel Foundries, Verona, Pa., president; 1362—May 12, 1927, The Iron Age Bradley, American Bridge Co., Ambridge, Pa., vice- president; William Brant, secretary-treasurer; Stevens, Locomotive Stoker Co., Frank, Damas- cus Bronze Co., Mesta, Mesta Machine Co., Herr, Jr., Co., and Robert Cook, Eclipse Pattern Co., for members the executive com- mittee. Reducing Fuel Costs Making Refractories Substantial economies the operation plants manufacturing refractories, with improvement the quality the wares produced, were effected the result series firing tests conducted engineers the United States Bureau Mines, Department Commerce, seven large establishments this char- acter. The plants visited the Bureau Mines gineers included magnesite-brick, silica-brick, and fire- clay-brick plants located various eastern States. The specially-equipped laboratory car “Holmes” was used the investigation. Changes made the the operation the kilns resulted the time burning and the clay consumption most the plants visited, and some cases resulted better burning which gave large percentage first- brick. This investigation was conducted cooperation with technical committee, selected the Refractories Manufacturers Association. large measure burning problems conducted the bureau for the Four Heavy Clay Products Associations. The results this investigation are contained Bureau Mines Bulletin 271, “Problems the Rice, Ogden, and Sherman. Copies may obtained from the Superintendent Government Printing for ’ | | | | | | | | 7 7 7 7 Profits Sheets Problem Metal Branch, National Hardware Association, Discloses That Jobbers Well Mills Get Insufficient Return—Other Problems Distributers Occupy Cleveland Meeting can the distribution sheet metals made more profitable?” was the keynote the sixteenth annual meeting the Metal Branch, National Hardware Association, the Hotel Cleveland, Cleveland, May and Jobbers are con- fronted with unusually keen competition, narrow margin profits and high overhead and they feel the necessity trying bring about better conditions their industry. Various suggestions were made for making the business more profitable. Jobbers pro- that new fields for sheet metal products de- veloped that sales will increased, that the manu- facturers bring out new products, that price not cut increase sales, and that closer cooperation with the nills fostered. More efficient organizations and cut- ting down overhead were other suggested remedies. The consensus opinion was that the volume busi- ness should inereased but not the expense prices and that the cost doing business should reduce d. Three business sessions were held and the jobbers liscussed their problems frankly. One that has in- creased importance that free trucking over con- siderable territory. Reports indicated quite general observance the simplification plans covering the elimination material lighter than the prescribed thickness and that makers galvanized roofing had discontinued the making material lighter than gage. was brought out that keen competition has resulted some attempt market other light-weight products and efforts will made apply corrective The disposal galvanized seconds was again brought but still unsolved problem. While are now generally stenciled, was re- ported that some had come the market with the final marked out and additional ‘words added making the stencil read none.” Chairman Columbus, Ohio, who introduced President Donlevy, declared ‘hat underdying are sound, but the present “hectic” situation required study. “Competition,” “is keener than ever before and lower prices have profits many producers.” measures, Weakness the Sheet Steel Industry rather disheartening picture the condition sheet steel industry brought about low prices Central Alloy Steel Corporation, Massillon, Ohio. Stuart, spite illness, came the meeting address “Some Thoughts Regardirig the Steel Industry,” but had not proceeded far be- his compelled him stop speaking and his room. Keen disappointment was expressed ‘use was finish his speech. “The sheet steel industry large that does proper return becomes menace busi- Mr. Stuart. “Anything wrong with the whole. There nothing wrong with consumption. have seen the price structure find ‘er levels and price declines cause fear for the the industry. have per cent mar- sufficient show satisfactory earnings. With consumption should have been able bring able market our product prices that bring ‘dence the sheet industry the entire steel the sheet steel business with tremen- dous resources have developed uncertainty where are going.” Making the Jobbing Sheets More Profitable general discussion how the distribution sheet metals can made more profitable was opened Newport Rolling Mill Co., Newport, Ky. The speaker urged that the jobbing trade persuaded confine its requirements such sizes and gages sheets have been advocated simplification recommendations. said that the number gages and sizes that job- bers carried stock had increased from few stand- ard sizes 1900 300 500 1924 and that per cent the demand has been confined per cent the sizes. During the war substitute materials made the sheet market and this competition now very highly developed. combat this consider- able effort must made and being made selling the service that sheet metal will render competition with substitute materials. The salesman must point out the buyer the long life and low maintenance cost sheets compared with substitutes. The speaker mentioned the benefits that have already come from the sales promotion efforts the Sheet Steel Trade Extension Committee and declared that many cases the jobbers are capitalizing this movement. Lack Profits Sheets Stressed Several sheet manufacturers took part the dis- cussion and touched the present mill price situation. Some the observations were: Fuller, American Sheet Tin Plate Co. “The sheet mill tonnage satisfactory, but the remuneration another matter. think the present situation respect prices unnecessary, but this situation prob- ably carries its own remedy and hope the remedy will applied shortly. are hopeful the outcome the balance the year.” Carroll, Inland Steel Co., Chicago. “The present condition the sheet steel industry due the fact that the producers have been doing the dog- in-the-manger act. They should change their wobbly backbones backbones the ramrod type. There only one reason for advance sheet prices and this dire necessity. Because there dire necessity think advance will come. What need not less production, but fewer units production and those units stronger hands.” Brueckel, Weirton Steel Co., Weirton, Va. “The distribution and consumption sheets large usual the first and second quarters, and hope that corrective measures respect prices are placed effect.” John Follansbee, Follansbee Brothers Co., Pitts- burgh. “Jobbers the steel industry are wearing black socks, but the public longer interested black The public wants something bright and some- thing new. have been making the same sheet metal products for thirty-five years. Jobbers have lost much their tin roofing, terne plate, stove pipe and sheet zinc business and what are they going get take its place? One bright spot what has been ac- complished the Copper Brass Research Associa- tion. Another bright spot the automotive industry which consumes per cent the sheets, but that goes the mills. must find something bring the industry back. Seamed tin roofing not SOCKS. The Iron Age, May 12, i ‘ 7 | 4 7 7 > th \} 7 7 7 7 wanted. Builders now want new 1928 model roof- ing. can now show the public new color schemes sheet roofing which may help bring back busi- ness. must get customers use more sheets. The average order jobber’s salesman $35. Business should increased that salesman can visit fewer buyers and get larger orders.” Says Jobbers Not Know Their Costs Lyon, Lyon, Conklin Co., Inc., Baltimore, Md. “One trouble that not know enough about our business. not know our overhead what proportion should applied various items. Consequently cannot establish selling prices that net profit. Many are too anxious increase the volume sales regardless profit. Mills are selling sheets jobbers’ customers close jobbers’ prices. There should closer cooperation between the manu- facturers and jobbers. Each jobber wants keep sales his pre-war levels and tries take business from competitors. Thousands tons steel are sold less than ton profit. Our keynote should profit. Overhead should reduced and profits in- creased. important thing consider whether mills are out and sell consumers the same prices they sell jobbers.” Long Distance Trucking Costly Jobbers Nickerson, Congdon Carpenter Co., Provi- dence, said that his company has two cash dis- count days per month which proves satisfactory im- proving business and collections. referred the big expense trucking and believed there should less free delivery. Ryan, Sanderson Co., Boston, emphasized the importance keeping jobbers’ business date and putting new blood the or- ganization. Mr. Donlevy took the subject long distance trucking, particularly large cities. said this the result competition and was afraid that would expand. Several the Philadelphia dis- tributers have recently met discuss this subject and see trucking could restricted. Philadelphia job- bers are making deliveries far miles. knew remedy, but did not see why jobber should compete with transportation companies; one jobber alone cannot remedy the situation competitors are making long distance deliveries. said that his company makes deliveries within radius approximately miles Cleveland without charge. Outside that area transportation rate plus cents added. This rate charged trucking com- panies that handle the material the outlying dis- tricts orders are for less than truck load lots. McNeive, William Potts Son Co., Inc., Philadel- phia, said that his company trying hold free de- liveries 15-mile radius. Success Attends Efforts Eliminate Light Galvanized Roofing Sheets That the efforts the Metal Branch eliminate the use galvanized sheets for roofing lighter than gage are meeting with success was brought out Carroll, Inland Steel Co., the report the sheet steel simplification board review. The report stated that manufacturers who were making gage galvanized roofing for certain districts have discon- tinued the practice. However, dangerous factor still present. This the pressure certain buyers the Southwest sellers roofing have the material rolled light order that they may secure some advantage price. These buyers are trying buy the basis lb. for No. gage which should weigh lb. This another way securing price advantage, the jobbers buy the pound and sell area. The committee held that practices this kind should stamped out. committee submitted the following figures production: 1923, 941,000 net tons galvanized sheets were produced and these 225,400 tons were roofing, per cent the total galvanized tonnage. 1924, 1,110,000 tons were produced, 239,000 tons 21% per cent which were roofing. 1925, 1,322,000 tons were produced, which 280,000 tons 21.1 per 1364—May 12, 1927, The Iron Age cent were roofing. 1926, 1,363,000 tons were duced, which 287,000 tons per cent were roof. ing. the early days the sheet steel roofing dustry, per cent the entire production, proximately 150,000 tons, estimated, wer ng. The chair remarked that was regrettable that the percentage roofing had fallen off and said that the committee felt that the use light gage roofing was partly blame. Terne Plate and Copper Strip Problems Strong protest was expressed over the action one manufacturer terne plate, who had notified the committee its cancellation the agreement make terne plate lighter than 107 base, coated, and now making terne plate with base. That this manufacturer had broken away from the adopted standard was brought out the report the terne plate specification board review submitted Brueckel, Weirton Steel Co., chairman. repre- sentative the manufacturer defended his course the statement that they had found that buyers were getting terne plate from other sources. How- ever, Mr. Brueckel stated the secretary had re- ceived letters from all other manufacturers declaring that they were not making lighter grade. resolv- tion was adopted recommending that the prescribed thickness and weight adhered to. The mill that had broken away from the agreement announced that would once discontinue the manufacture base material. bad situation with respect the marketing copper strip has developed some sections, particu- larly the East, brought out the report the eaves trough and conductor pipe board review pre- sented its chairman, McHale, David Sons Co., Philadelphia. Some fabricators are securing lighter material which creates bad situation for jobbers who sell full weight The mills were blamed for turning out the lighter material and resolution was adopted urging the mills dis- continue making copper strip below the full weight. The committee reported that galvanized eaves trough and conductor pipe still being made gage ma- terial the Southern belt, but most other sections are adhering gage and heavier material. Direct Shipments Mills Still Problem Direct shipments mills jobbers’ customers was one the problems considered the discussion. Job- bers have chance when mills will ship less carload lots, declared Karl Roth, Braden Mfg. Co., Terre Ind. Mr. Lyon suggested that the mills get together and charge extra price for direct shipments car lots less. also contended that mills should have fundamental basis for determining who jobber order protect the real jobber. The chair was thorized appoint committee five jobbers from different sections confer with the National Associa- tion Sheet Tin Plate Manufacturers with regard charging extra price for direct shipments jobbers’ customers and other matters that may arise. That committee consists Lyon, man; Hoffeld, Ferdinand Dieckmann Cincin- Another subject that brought out considerable dis- cussion was the disposition galvanized Karl Roth complained that the seconds compete primes and that jobbers cannot compete with which said should used for specific ing purposes. blamed the manufacturers for situation. Mercer, Central Alloy Steel Corpors tion, declared that this was vexatious problem didn’t know the solution. Mills cannot avoid ing seconds and must sell them. One suggestion was that the association made clearing seconds. Mr. Donlevy thought there was jobbers tried sell seconds some consumers use this grade where they should use prime 7 7 J for roofing purposes. While the gain from 159 000 tons 280,000 tons looks satisfactory, the fact that the total production sheets had increased from 1,000,000 tons 4,000,000 tons indicated that there q 7 John Follansbee suggested that blanks for manufactur- ing purposes cut out the good parts seconds. Schoedinger declared that this was problem that the sheet manufacturers themselves should try solve. Use Steel for Home Building Increase large increase the demand for steel the building steel houses was predicted Bennett Chapple, director publicity the American Rolling Mill Co., Middletown, Ohio, address the sheet steel home. believed that the metal home coming surely did the skyscraper. Advantages metal houses, said, include low maintenance cost and safety from fire and Several now working out their ideas for steel homes and his own company has set aside $10,000 build metal six- room and bath house Middletown. Engineers are now working the design. This will have metal frame, spot welded, and the metal lathe will welded the frame, which will covered with stucco. will have metal trim, metal metal windows, metal tile and vitreous enameled roof. Close estimates show that its construction will cost only per cent over other types houses. Mr. Chapple declared that vitreous enamel shingles for houses provide wonderful colors for roofs and this industry already established. Quite few houses have been built Detroit with this type roof. The manufacture vitreous enamel metal tile, said, getting under way. Sheet Steel Committee Enlarge Program New plans for promoting the sale sheets were outlined Harry Rogers, director sales and pro- motion the Sheet Steel Trade Extension Committee, who stated that July the committee will enter the second stage its work and through national adver- ising department will conduct aggressive cam- paign rounding out its advertising with publicity all trade and technical fields. Three years have been spent creating knowledge and demand for sheet steel and now the committee will forth and take the matter service. addition the present con- tributing members the committee, said, will have the support other manufacturers, giving the back- ing producers with tonnage capacity over per cent the industry. Rogers submitted figures showing the relation shipments sheet steel total capacity during the five years. Capacity increased per cent from 1926 and shipments the latter year showed per cent gain over 1922. There was per cent surplus capacity 1922, but spite the increased capacity, the surplus capacity 1926 was only per cent. need, said, increase shipments and the excess capacity. Monthly figures show valleys the demand. The automotive in- per cent the output and the demand must developed create more even the building field the demand should Sheet steel products are not treated fairly building codes many cities. Tests the United States Bureau Standards will bearing new building codes. tural colleges are encouraging movement for steel buildings for farms. toward standardizing sheets, stated that the committee had conferred this matter with the American Zinc Insti- which had promised its cooperation. address the work national committee utilization, Chattin Wetherill, director utilization, Department Commerce, Wash- that widespread industrial standardization its infancy. has good technical support adherence lacking. One complaint r takes too long adopt standardization. Mass Wetherill suggested that committee confer with his department any mat- ters that might taken connection with stand- The suggestion was adopted and Lyon, Baltimore, was named chairman. Pros and Cons Hand-to-Mouth “Has Hand-to-Mouth Buying Been Overdone” was discussed Oppenheimer, president Apollo Steel Co., Apollo, Pa., and Latta, manager Wheeling Steel Corporation, Wheeling, Va. Mr. Oppenheimer said that hand-to-mouth buying itself not bad, but increases the cost manufacture and the additional cost should placed where belongs. larger stocks have carried, the consumers must pay. Mr. Latta expressed the opinion that hand-to-mouth buying had about run its course and adds the expense not economical. Larger stocks would justified, said, jobbers could find new markets their terri- tories and new uses for their sheets. recommended that jobbers cooperate with mills the extent buy- ing firm contracts only. Such policy, said, would prevent over-buying, would cause more orderly operation the mills, more stabilized industry and reduced costs. Business Situation Generally Sound Business and financial conditions were discussed George Camp, chairman Federal Reserve Bank Cleveland, who declared that the business situation generally sound. Financial panics, said, have been eliminated the Federal Reserve Bank system and business depressions may done away with more careful study business statistics. Prior 1919 there were few data available show the trend business the distribution. listed present favorable and unfavorable aspects the business situation, including the latter the narrow margin profits for pro- ducers, slight reduction automobile production and the agricultural situation. attributed the hand-to- mouth policy buying the excellent transportation situation and productive capacity excess the demand and pointed out some the disadvantages this policy from the standpoint manufacturers. These were brought out questionnaire sent manufacturers the fourth district the Federal Reserve Bank which includes Ohio and western Penn- sylvania. Some the objections hand-to-mouth buying were that manufacturers must base their manu- facturing schedules estimates which may too high too low, productive costs are increased, costs manufacturers more produce small lots, manufactur- ers have carry larger stocks, there degree uncertainty operations and delays delivery, less even operating basis, manufacturers being rushed times and running light other times and small lot buying results dickering and often price con- cessions. One new member was elected the com- mittee, Severense, Continental Steel Co., Indian- apolis. Six retiring members were re-elected for three-year period. They are: Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk Co., St. Paul, Minn.; Thompson, Conklin Tin Plate Metal Co., Atlanta, Ga.; Walter Carroll, Inland Steel Co., Chieago; Wilkening, Standard Metal Co., Indianapolis; Moeschl, New- port Rolling Mill Co., Newport, Ky., and Howe, vote was taken expressing appreciation the services Donlevy chairman the branch during the years has acted that capacity. The branch was invited hold its next meeting Boston. The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute has been communication with George Biles, director public works, Philadelphia, effort have Ameri- can made reinforcing bars used extensive sewer project, awards for which have just been made. Speci- fications, present written, not exclude foreign steel. similar protest has been lodged with the high- way authorities New Jersey effort forestall the use foreign made bars New Jersey viaduct. The Iron Age, May 12, t ay 7 4 7 4 Foreign Trade, Immigration, Taxes United States Chamber Commerce Discusses Many Problems Annual Meeting—Closer Re- lations with Latin America WASHINGTON, May 9.—Resolutions concerning flood control, farm relief, tax reduction, the merchant marine, trade relations, postal rates, immigration and other leading problems were adopted the Chamber Commerce the United States the closing ses- sion here, last Thursday, its fifteenth annual meet- ing. was one the greatest meetings ever held the chamber, being attended about 2000 delegates. The meeting was replete with papers devoted the new business era. Among the many presented was one President Henry Sharpe, Brown Sharpe Mfg. Co., Provi- dence. “What’s Ahead for Business; Foreign Com- merce.” far exports are concerned, Mr. Sharpe said, the most striking development has been the in- crease manufactured products. the import side, declared, seen that the United States combing the markets the world for raw materials for in- dustries and for tropical foodstuffs, and one after an- other, American industries are more consciously de- pendent imported materials. Pointing out that the present fast moving age, Mr. Sharpe said that “If only education and the creative imagination men the great undeveloped countries can speeded up, shall see development the near future scale and rate that will surpass anything the past.” Advocates Closer Relations With Latin America Mr. Sharpe presided joint session the Cham- ber Commerce and the third Pan-American com- mercial conference. This conference likewise adopted series resolutions regarding improvement and de- velopment trade relations between the United States and the other republics the American continent. These resolutions covered wide range, from recom- mendations for study looking gradual reduction so-called high customs duties that, was said, may prevail some the countries, and for simplifica- tion and standardization customs and consular pro- cedure, recommendations for wider application and use the metric system inter-American commerce. well known, adoption the metric system the United States has been vigorously opposed the rail- roads, manufacturing interests and many others. Another resolution called for organization permanent committee composed representatives the automobile industry, construction firms and bank- ers the United States and Latin America, for the purpose disseminating information the neces- sity developing the utmost the construction national and international highways. The Chamber Commerce elected the following officers: Chairman board directors (newly-created position): Judge Edwin Parker, Houston, Tex., umpire the American-German Mixed Claims Com- mission. President: Lewis Pierson, New York, chairman the board, American Exchange-Irving Trust Co. Vice-presidents: Eastern Division, Brosseau, New York, succeeding Mr. Pierson; Southern Divi- sion, Robert Ellis, Memphis, Northern Central Division, Butterworth, Moline, Ill., re-elected; Western Division; Paul Shoup, San Francisco, re-elected. The chamber resolution taxes called for re- duction the corporate income tax, and repeal the Federal estate tax and the remaining war excise taxes. The merchant marine resolution opposed Government operation ships, while that concerning postal rates 1366—May 12, 1927, The Iron Age urged revision these rates for the benefit ness. The resolution trade relations urged tion all wasteful practices and trade abuses the forma