The Iron Age 1927-08-04: Vol 120 Iss 5

THEIRON New York, August 1927 ESTABLISHED 1855 VOL. 120, No. Excels Mass Production New Pontiac Works Outstanding Example Close Coordination Straight Line Operations with Material Handling Equipment PRENTISS* arrangement and the high efficiency methods that have been developed the automotive in- dustry during the past few years, the new Pontiac Six plant the Oakland Motor Car Co., Pontiac, General Motors Corporation subsidiary, believed represent the last word automobile plant con- struction and layout. Beginning with unoccupied tract land, the Oakland company laid out and built complete automobile manufacturing unit without being hampered any way tying its construc- tion work with any previously existing manufacturing departments with the revamping old buildings. OMBINING what are regarded the best practices *Resident editor Cleveland. = re This said the largest plant project ever undertaken one time and the largest factory construction work done the United States last year. There are acres floor space. remarkable record was established having the plant completed and operation less than seven months from the time construction began. was designed for maximum output 1000 cars per day and this production has been attained. outstanding fea- ture that everything under roof from the time that freight cars loaded with parts and other ma- terial reach the totally inclosed loading docks the finished automobiles leave the shipping department. The arrangement conspicuous example Regarded the “Last Word” the Construction and Arrangement Automobile Assembly Building. The high ceiling provides well lighted middle assembly bay. Material flows the assem- bly lines from the mezzanine floor both sides and cross-over aisles. the foreground are two lines cars about ready leave the lines under their own power | _ q 261 straight line production methods. Lost motions are avoided. Aisles are wide, and assembly lines and various departments are arranged give workmen ample working space. Entire Plant Under One Roof Three parallel structures have been built, motor manufacturing building, assembly building and storage building. The three are connected unloading docks, ft. wide, for incoming material. third unloading dock located the receiving side the motor building. All the docks are roofed and make, effect, continuous structure from the re- ceiving side the motor building the outer wall the shipping building. The docks are sufficiently wide provide considerable storage space for incoming material. Material brought into the docks de- pressed tracks, bringing the car floors level with the unloading platforms. Each unloading bay served 10-ton electric traveling crane, which there are six the plant. Among the notable features extensive system conveyors. Overhead conveyors are used wherever ASSEMBLY Motor Manu- facturing Ft.; the Assembly Building, 180 1260 Ft., and the Motor Car Storage Build- ing, 432 762 Ft. possible. Leaving the motor assembly line, the motors are handled conveyors through the motor test de- partment, spray painting booth and from there the second floor the car assembly building, where they are delivered point from which they are lowered into the chassis during the car assembling operations. The conveyor systems are supplemented electric trucks the lift-platform type, which handle portable racks material unloaded from cars, small parts throughout the plant and the scrap accumula- tions. Six 4-ton high-speed freight elevators are provided for transporting material between floors. Parts Move Directly from Unloading Dock into Motor Plant Motor castings and other parts used the manu- facture motors are unloaded the first receiving dock adjoining the outer side manufac- turing building, which single-story monitor-type structure, 530 ft. wide and 830 ft. long. The aisles are ft. wide, and the bay spacing, ft. Under one section basement 200 480 ft. The receiving 1927, The Iron Age BUILDING dock not separated from the motor building partition. The raw stock passes straight line from the car from which unloaded the bay which machined, that bay adjoins the point the motor assembly line where the part wanted for assembling. Gravity roller conveyors are provided wherever they can used for handling work from one machine operation another. Before ma- chine operations are begun the cylinder blocks they pass through washing machine and then are spray- painted, both the inside and the outside. Two motor assembly lines extend down the middle the plant. the end the line the picked electric hoist and carried tram rail aisle the side the test blocks. Here other tram rails, operating right angles, take the motors the test blocks and another conveyor after testing. The latter conveyor carries the motors through the spray-painting station over the second receiving dock and the second floor the car assembly department. automobile plant every part sub-assembly gravitates the assembly line, which might called the heart the plant. would not much exagger- ation say that the Pontiac plant parts reach the assembly line from every direction. Material must kept moving steady stream keep production, and requires enormous amount material, much bulky character, manufacture 1000 motor cars per day. There covered unloading dock each side Plant En- tirely Under One Roof, Consisting Three Parallel Struc- tures Connected Covered Railroad Docks. Material passes uninterrupted pro- gression various operations with virtually lost mo- tions the assembly building, previously mentioned. From these docks frames, axles and numerous other parts flow into the building from each side. Bodies are brought the second floor power-driven con- veyor, quarter mile long, running covered bridge from adjoining plant the Fisher Body Corporation. Steady Stream Parts Assembly Lines Assembly Building The assembly building, 1260 ft. long and 180 ft. wide, three-story and basement structure except the main, middle bay, from which the floors have been omitted with the exception wide cross aisles connecting the two opposite sides the second mezzanine, floor and extending over the assembly lines. This provides high assembly aisle, ft. wide, which situated between two 60-ft. wide, three-story por- tions for housing and furnishing material the assembly line. Above the high, well lighted middle bay monitor-type roof. Small balconies extend out from the second floor into the assembly bay. This CAR STORAGE TORAGE | | PLANT a EAVY Traffic Requires Open Passageway across the Plant. This has been provided arch the assembly line giving short section “roller effect. Some assemblies are added when the frame passing over the peak the arch the mezzanine floor level. Various parts the chassis are sprayed with Duco the. booths the foreground arrangement facilitates the handling parts and bodies the assembly line from the storage bays the second floor. Heavier assemblies, including motors, transmissions and bodies, are lowered from the secend floor directly the assembling line. Wheels, fenders and batteries are brought the lines conveyors, which deliver them the points which they are needed. Wheels are assembled the basement. conveyor pit which men work fastening the bodies the chassis. unique feature the assembly line that provided with hump that carries the second floor, where connects with one the crossover aisles. The hump forms under which the workmen and trucks can pass, thus avoiding long haul going from one side the plant the other. one There are two assembly lines, each approximately 900 ft. long. There one break few feet the conveyor line the point where the bodies are put on. Beneath the second section the assembly point the assembly line the frame passes through spraying booth, where various parts are given coating Duco. Then the frame passes the in- cline the hump, and while the second floor NCOMING Material Flows into the Plant over Three Wide, Roof-Covered, Crane-Served Unloading One the two 75-ft. wide docks—the one between the motor and assembly shown thie picture The Iron Age, 1927—263 | | | | : ke level running boards and fenders are attached, thus avoiding the necessity lowering these bulky parts the floor below for assembling. Racks Loaded with Bodies Are Pushed Air Cylinders Bodies, reaching the second floor, over the long endless conveyor from the body manufacturing plant are run off into four-wheeled steel racks. These are moved down their place above the assembly line tracks one flat, and one channel, rail, the latter keeping the rack the track. The loaded racks are pushed along air cylinders located between the rails the loading end. When the power applied, equipment has eliminated hand labor. Parts, after being suspended from conveyor, are washed, dried oven, enameled twice and baked twice and de- livered the point unloading with only one han- dling all these operations, and that lifting the work from one conveyor another. Operating with the enameling and baking unit washing machine and drying oven for cleaning the parts and drying them before enameling. The washing and enameling equipment occupies sections three floors, having required two-story addition above section the second floor. The washing machine ft. in. high and ft. wide, being partitioned the entire line racks shoved along one length and the track ready receive another rack. similar method used for moving the empty racks return tracks. One the important production jobs auto- mobile plant large capacity wash, dry, enamel and bake the pressed steel parts and have steady flow these the assembly floor the rate they are needed. one continuous enameling and baking unit large size, parts are enameled and baked for 750 hr. This work includes the seven larger pieces, four fenders, two running board aprons and radiator splash. These pieces weigh approximately per car, and the parts are given two coats enamel and baked twice the rate 6250 per hr. The work moves through the two ovens speed approximately in. per min., and slightly more than min. from the time that loaded the conveyor until reaches the unloading end. Hand Labor Virtually Eliminated Enameling Plant The department an_ interesting example the extent which mechanical handling 1927, The Iron Age ODIES Are Brought from the Fisher Body Away, Conveyor Lo- Tracks and Lumber Yards. This delivers them the mezzanine floor the assembly plant. This assures low cost for the delivery bodies through the center into 5-ft. sections. has three compartments, one being the washing zone and the other two the first and second rinsing zones. The work handled through the machine continuous conveyor the monorail type, from which sus- pended, passing down one side, looping the end and returning the opposite side. Leaving the washing machine the second floor, the conveyor carries the work the third floor through the drying oven. the washing machine the water sprayed the work from high-pressure jets, the pressure the water supplementing the cleaning compound remov- ing the grease. the water cascades through the grease skimmed off and the water goes through second screen before returning the re- ceiving tank for reuse. each cleaning compartment 1200 gal. water used per min. Going through the drying oven the same con- veyor that serves the machine, parts are sub- jected temperature 500 deg. Fahr., which addition drying the work burns off the grease that may not have been removed the washing machine. This oven ft. wide, ft. high and ft. long. 7 4 ‘ 4 work remains this oven min., and leaving, lifted from the conveyor and placed the enamel- ing oven conveyor. The enameling ovens are ft. high and ft. in. wide, and, following the course the conveyor line, the distance through each oven 100 ft. The work goes through the first dip tank, then elevated into the first rubber coat oven, then moves down into the second dip tank, then the second oven, and finally carried down the second floor, where unloaded. Enameling Conveyor, When Fully Loaded, Carries 13,000 Lb. interesting feature the oven its conveyor. ‘This double-strand conveyor, 750 ft. long. carried wheels in. diameter, equipped with rolier bearings, and runs channel track. There one wheel for every 12-in. conveyor chain link. The two strands are ft. in. apart and are connected each link with cross bar which the work hung. When fully loaded, 13,000 lb. work suspended from the conveyor. There are sprockets the oven except the two driving sprockets, the track being curved whenever there change the direc- tion the conveyor. Because its design and the use roller bearings the conveyor easy running that stated that requires only 0.9 hp. move loaded speed in. per min. The ovens were especially designed allow for contraction and expansion. They are supported H-sections the center and near the two ends have bridge rollers resting girders that they can expand both ways from the center. Expansion joints are provided the track each end the oven take care the conveyor. Enameling Ovens Have Automatic Temperature _Control The ovens are heated with standard high tempera- ture heaters with thermostatic control that auto- matically regulates the oven temperature and the heater delivery temperature. around 480 deg. Fahr. maintained the hot zone, but this varies according requirements. These. and other ovens for japanning and drying and the wash- ing machine are oil fired. The work unloaded closed room order prevent drafts and preserve the static balance PECIAL Conveyors Various Types Are Used. This one located one the receiving material docks for carrying axles the mezzanine floor the assembly plant air through the enameling plant. Filtered air sup- plied 20,000 cu. ft. per min. three points balance the air that exhausted the loading end. This air screened twice before going through the heaters order keep the work entirely free from dust. The japanning ovens and the drying ovens were designed ‘and built the McCann-Harrison Corpo- ration, Cleveland. The washing machine was built the Detroit Sheet Metal Works, Detroit. separate cleaning and enameling unit was pro- vided for small parts. This includes washing ma- OTORS, Well Bodies, Are Lowered Electric Hoists from the Mezzanine Floor the Frame the Assembly the right special hoist with which one man turns the frame right side after the springs and have been assembled The Iron Age, August 1927—265 if t 7 4 chine, burn-off oven and japanning oven, supplied the Paul Mahler Co., Chicago. There another enameling oven for gas tanks, these requiring sepa- rate oven operated lower temperature, 250 deg., because the usual oven temperature would melt the solder. The completed car, leaving the assembly line, goes under its own power the car storage building through tunnel which connects that building with the assembling building. the car storage building the cars are loaded for shipment without having been exposed outside weather conditions. The car storage building one story height, 762 ft. long and 432 ft. wide. has 56-ft. aisles and 20-ft. bays. Its storage capacity 1000 cars. This building the monitor type, and has roof trusses new design. served three loading docks and five railroad tracks. All the buildings have structural steel frames and are faced with fire brick and concrete trim. Their interiors, including the structural steel work, are painted white. The buildings required 12,000 tons structural steel and over 500,000 sq. ft. glass. They have more than mile skylights and acres wood block flooring. The Austin Co., Cleveland, was the architect and engineer for the plant and also had the contract for its erection. United States Exports Tin Plate Exceptionally Large Outward Movement Has Persisted Since Last Summer —January Provided Peak Higher Than Any Previous History interest has been aroused through the large export movement tin plate from the United States. While portion this may have resulted from the bad situation England last year, nevertheless fact that the movement the seven latest months reported (September March in- clusive) has been greater than any equal period the past and has made larger total than that any full calendar year previous 1926, with the exception 1916, 1918 and 1920. Even the largest those three years—1916, with 227,348 gross tons—has exceeded the present seven-month total 211,876 tons only 7.3 per cent. Study the figures imports and exports tin plate since the time when the commodity was political issue 1892 shows that 1910 and earlier the import movement each year exceeded the exports. 1911 and later the export movement each year has far ex- ceeded the imports. the nine years, 1902 1910 in- clusive, imports averaged 60,705 tons per year, with remarkable uniformity the yearly tonnage. The highest was 70,652 tons 1904, less than per cent above the average, while the lowest, 47,360 tons 1903, was per cent below the average. Beginning with 1911, however, only one year’s imports has reached 16,000 tons, that being 1913, with 20,680 tons. three other years have reached 3000 tons, those being 1911, 1914 and 1923, all between 10,000 and THOUSANDS Gross Tons 16,000 tons. 1918, during the stress the great war, the entire import movement tin plate dropped tons, and from 1917 1921 inclusive, five years, the total incoming amount was only 1252 tons. This less than the average weekly imports 1910. Exports, the other hand, have shown sharp rise from the 11,000-ton average 1909 and 1910. The smallest year since 1910 was 1913, with 57,812 tons. Only four other years showed outward movement less than 100,000 tons, while the average exports for the years, 1915 1926 inclusive, aggregated 175,491 tons. During the past three four years the monthly average for the year has exceeded the annual average 1909 and 1910. 1926 record shipment 250,736 tons was es- tablished. This was aided largely the great and increasing shipments the last four months, begin- ning with 26,608 tons September and gaining each month over the preceding. peak for that movement was reached January, with 41,874 tons. This the largest month’s shipment ever recorded. The previous record was May, 1918, when 37,350 tons was sent abroad. The accompanying illustration gives the history the outward movement from the beginning 1915 the end March, 1927. The monthly peaks various periods are labeled. Plate Ex- ports from the United States Have Been Re- cently Heights Never Before Reached. The drawing shows the month-by- month movement the past years JAN. JAN. JAN. 266—August 1927, The Iron Age a 41,874 Points That the Purchaser Should Consider—Charges for Tools Important Element—Causes Defective Work INCREASING use pressed drawn metal parts suggests the pertinence article de- scribing the points that should considered the prospective buyer, particularly for the first time utilizing metal stampings place some other material. Among the things which have been stressed -the selling stampings are the relatively low cost, light weight, lack the necessity for machining, saving assembly time, saving freight cost, negligible breakage, increased strength, and their susceptibility good finish low cost. These, course, are all selling arguments. The purpose this ar- ticle, however, point out the other factors taken into account when the prospective buyer ready give thorough consideration the use stampings. The would-be buyer must acquaint himself with some the pitfalls into which the unwary may led through The Filling Sta- lack knowledge. Also, should tion Pump know what steps are necessary for trated Weighed take obtain maximum ad- Com- should stated the outset pared with 104 that the progress that has been made Lb. Previously stamping work now makes possible Made Other the construction present metal Materials. parts which not long ago were thought impracticable, not impossible, make. The development various meth- ods welding has contributed small degree the ability the metal stampings makers produce some the more intricate forms finished work. Many Difficult Jobs Now Performed few examples work that has been done will best illustrate the flexibility pressed metal opera- tions. One illustration shows oil pan made for portable pipe-threading machine manufacturer. This seamless pan had the advantage weighing only material. example freight savings shown pump for oil filling station. This pump pre- viously made weighed 104 but pressed metal weighed only lb. Exemplifying the avoidance machine work and easier assembly the lower crank case used automobile engine. This case was built No. gage steel and has reinforce- ment built into the front end. has removable tray. This complicated pressed metal part, made *The authors are members the firm Funk Shore, Inc., Church Street, New York, Eastern representative the Geuder, Paeschke Frey Co., Milwaukee. The Adaptation Pressed Metal Complicated Parts Shown This Lower Crank Case for Automobiles. delivered the automobile plant ready for the assembly line, requiring time prepare for mounting the car assembly great many parts, lead coated protect all edges, and delivered the automobile manufacturer ready for his assembly line, requiring time equipment prepare for mounting the The car builder thereby saves machining equipment, space for machining and rejects either be- fore after machining. Stampings are being more and more frequently used replace wood parts, due largely the fact that stamping may frequently lighter than wood structure for the same purpose. Further, all working the part hand machine eliminated and assembly made easy. Are Stampings Always Practicable? Coming now the question whether stampings are always practicable, there are several points given consideration. The service rendered the piece and the desirability making changes design must carefully weighed. There are instances where the changes necessary produce stampings successfully would vitiate some the advantages the particular device, where the shape the piece would prohibit the use stampings. further factor that may bar the use stampings the market for the product manufactured. When the market limited and production must held minimum, times more economical make set wood even metal patterns than the expense making set dies for stampings. the above points, the only one that cannot overcome, generally speaking, the question the potential market. Stampings are most economical large production work. Complete Information Should Accompany the Inquiry When prospective buyer has determined look into the possibilities metal stampings and inquiry sent company equipped render pressed metal This Seamless Oil Pan for Portable Threading Machine Com- bines Lightness Weight With Durability engineering and manufacturing: service, the most com- plete information possible accompany the in- quiry. drawing the piece replaced should furnished. the part complicated, might well send sample with the drawing. the buyer inquiring for service covering job originally de- signed for pressed metal, should also send complete drawing possible. Under any circum- stances the supplier should given all possible in- The Age, August 1927—267 What Know Buying Metal Stampings formation how the part used and the service conditions that must met. This will give the supplier opportunity select the proper weight material and also check the weight any materials that may specified the customer. addition this, the supplier given opportunity check the design details. such instances the supplier can frequently suggest changes which would possibly strike the buyer inconsequen- tial, but which might mean the elimination several drawing operations other manufacturing difficulties. Such suggested changes have, great many cases, materially reduced the cost parts. mistake sometimes made purchasers stampings the insistence certain tolerances. Frequent'y blue prints are sent out with tolerances for that might necessary the case machined casting, but would not necessary stamping. possible produce stampings very close limits, but needless expense put the specifications tolerances closer limits than are necessary. Still another point which the buyer should post the supplier asking for bids stamped work information covering the type finish desired. This will enable the supplier figure the kind mate- rial best adapted take the style finish wanted and also figure the best manner preparing the part for shipment from his plant. Full Information First Saves Time All the above calls for considerable information furnished the customer. However, gen- eral thing, can furnish the first place easily later on, and furnished when the inquiry sent out considerable time can saved arriving the answer. After prices are and tabulated there are several things decided importance considered. The first cost not always indicative the final cost. When pressed metal manufacturer bids work this character, will quote the parts much each lots certain quantities. addition there will charge for the making special tools dies that may needed produce the parts. This tool charge generally estimated closely possible stamping manufacturers obtain profit the tool work. The tools remain the plant the supplier, and, while the buyer has paid for them, will have further charges maintenance replace- ment case wear breakage, that assured additional expense this score until change design becomes necessary. Instances have occurred where tools quoted exceptionally low prices, and, other things being equal, that bidder would receive the business. This would work out very nicely for the buyer were not compelled the next time the market that same supplier, having his tools that supplier’s plant, only find that the price per piece the second lot had jumped out proportion. some cases this kind has been found cheaper for the buyer have second set tools made another manufacturer. distinction from this practice, there have been many instances which companies whose prices are not always low first cost, have volun- tarily reduced the prices after certain quantity runs had been made. This mentioned merely caution the buyer against being misled tool prices that may appear out line. frequently found de- sirable make more tools more expensive tools for the sake eliminating operation improving the product. all means there must full be- tween the buyer and seller. The buyer must have full confidence the seller, his engineering ability, his policy and his ability give service. This can had real consideration what the seller has accomplished for other customers. Instead watch- ing the first cost only, the ultimate cost the thing that the buyer must consider the final analysis. Poorly designed dies dies made poor grades steel may mean lower first cost, but wear rapidly that interchangeability lost after short run. Causes Defective Stampings Most buyers have without doubt seen stampings that are wrinkled scored. These defects are due usually one two things: Poor cheap materials materials not suited drawing, dies that are poorly designed constructed, poor quality steel. job undertaken and engineered incompetent personnel may often very costly the long run. Due consideration should given what will prob- assembled the job. Also, well -watch the results other jobs purchased first tions only and determine from them how exgensive may the low first cost after the parts service for while. Low first cost the most costly. fact that get the best results with pressed metal, its use should considered the original design the machine apparatus. Frequently this not the case. The job first laid out for some other material, then changed pressed metal. the designing engi- neer appreciates the use pressed metal when designing the machine and has this mind while designing, the stampings that are finally used are always more simple and easier manufacture, there- fore cheaper. Bronze Welding Steel Roof 1927, The Iron Age interesting application welding structural construction noted Tips” for July. This particular design roof requires light tee rafters (resting channel iron purlins) support precast cement blocks. order avoid unnecessarily large amount drafting details, and care for dormers and valleys, was proposed that the tee bars delivered mill-run lengths, trimmed fit the required loca- tion with the cutting blowpipe, and then welded the purlins the flame, using bronze welding rod. erecting crew two three men pulled the light rafters the roof with hand lines, located clamped them position with small C-clamps, and cut the protruding ends. The welding crew had then only make the necessary welds the intersections. Results are said quite satis- factory. material saving steel effected, because larger section than required for supporting the load must used surround bolt head. American Iron and Steel for Canada Our Largest Customer Takes Nearly Two-Fifths Our Exports—Changes Thirty-Five Years ANADA’S strong predominance export mar- ket for the United States iron and industry strikingly shown analysis shipments going from this country. Indeed, Canada the sheet anchor for the domestic producers, who are facing in- creasingly keen competition the markets the world. Situated the same continent and immedi- ately the north, geographically natural cus- tomer. affording lower transportation charges and quicker delivery, the proximity offsets either entirely largely the lower costs production Europe, well preferential tariff duties applicable much the tonnage coming from the United Kingdom. The United States not only holding its share the Canadian import trade, but making gradual gains. the same time Canada has made important strides toward being self-contained some iron and steel lines. The result that the United States and other countries not enjoy trade with Canada such extent was the case before the World War. Since that time Canada has built great deal steel-making and rolling capacity, and the decline imports reflects this activity unmistakable way. Especially has Canada developed number fin- ished lines such degree that present-day imports are but fraction what they were prior the war. Steel rails constitutes the outstanding example. The efforts the Canadian Government through subven- tions have not been the success that had been hoped for the way establishing domestic iror and steel industry, but they have been factor. The growing demands that large, rich and expanding market has ANADIAN iron and steel Great Britain value, showing proportion ing from the United States comparison with receipts from and other coun- tries. itself been the contributing reason for building the industry Canada through private enterprise. The chief competing country with the United States the Canadian market the United Kingdom. Fig- ures both values and tonnages the ascen- dancy the United States has taken over the United Kingdom. The latest volume “Trade Can- ada,” issued the Canadian Government, shows the value imports iron and steel into that country for the fiscal years (ended March 31) 1891 1926, giving aggregate $3,041,010,757 for the 35-year period, which $2,620,377,687 (86 per cent) represented im- ports from the United States and $354,204,221 (11.6 per cent) from the United Kingdom. The sharply reversed positions the two countries participants the Canadian trade shown the fact that 1891 the United Kingdom led, with value $8,585,959, against the United States value $5,885,- 220, out total $15,142,615. For 1926 the United States value was $158,027,944, compared with the United Kingdom value $17,907,204, out total $181,196,800. The fact that the British industry was handicapped during part 1926 the coal strike cannot considered connection with these figures, inasmuch the fiscal year had ended before the strike began. The remarkable industrial activity 1920 brought Canada the largest imports iron and steel ever received, the total value for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1921, being $245,625,703, which the United States shared the extent $226,855,725, against only $16,698,085 for the United Kingdom. Turning pre-war tonnage figures, however, the Great Britain States Great Britain 1926 The Iron Age, August 1927—269 States decline imports iron and steel later years marked. the fiscal year ended March 31, 1913, im- ports these products into Canada total 3,010,582 tons, which 1,518,570 tons, 50.4 per cent, came from the United States. While not entirely comparable, because use the calendar year basis, the shipments shown from the United States well other coun- tries into Canada are adequate reflection the drop. For the calendar year 1926, the United States exported 833,856 gross tons iron and steel Can- ada, representing 38.5 per cent the total export trade (2,167,213 tons) from this country for that year. The tonnage going Canada undoubtedly would have been somewhat smaller had not been for the coal strike England, which curtailed shipments from that country. the calendar year 1925 exports iron and steel from the United States Canada amounted only 614,661 tons, out total exports 1,762,572 tons, 34.8 per cent. For the five months ended May, 1927, the United States exported 356,337 tons iron and steel Canada, being per cent the total move- ment from this country, against 329,333 tons, per cent the total, for the corresponding period 1926. Taking from “Trade Canada” the most important products only, which are shown weight instead purely value, the percentage United States ton- nage imported into Canada ranks exceptionally high when compared with total Canadian imports. list selected for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1925, the total imports are shown have been 1,141,586 gross tons, which 808,430 tons, nearly per cent, came from the United States, while 164,934 tons came from the United Kingdom. The listed products, how- ever, are far from including all the imports. They included pig iron, ferroalloys, semi-finished steel, scrap, locomotive and car wheel tires, forgings, hoop steel, bars, rails, plates, sheets, tin plate, wire rods, cast iron pipe and wire. But they omitted such important items steel tubular products, structural shapes and num- ber the lighter lines. largely similar but not wholly comparable list Imports Iron and Steel into Canada During Fiscal Years Ended March (By Value) United United Other Kingdom States Countries Total $8,585,959 $5,885,220 $671,436 $15,142,615 16,991,249 71,882,597 3,094,334 91,968,180 1921(a) ... 16,698,085 226,855,725 2,071,893 245,625,703 ees 17,794,428 113,541,924 3,348,089 134,684,441 17,907,204 158,027,944 5,261,652 181,196,800 (a) Peak year. Expansion Canadian Imports Rails and Bars, Tin Plate and Sheets and Plates (Net Tons) Year Ended Rails Sheets March and Bars Tin Plate and Plates 52,320 37,111 116,923 122,550 53,417 254,637 135,109 64,820 262,314 565,084 67,482 407,021 Imports Iron and Steel Products Into Canada During Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 1925 (In Gross Tons) United United All Other Source States Kingdom Countries Total lee 19,685 6,706 1,098 27,489 Ferroalloys ..... 198 186 Ingots, blooms, slabs. 1,578 499 3,348 466 5,679 9,493 Locomotive and car wheel tires........ 5,753 3,225 8,986 Band and hoop steel. 43,333 19,549 624 63,506 Bars, including rails. 355,259 14,345 134,935 504,539 Plates, black sheets, shapes, skelp...... 267,157 62,344 4,869 334,370 Galvanized sheets.... 15,804 13,238 29,042 12,007 7,010 22,504 Cast iron pipe....... 1,248 1,32 9,620 12,191 Wire, all kinds....... 16,609 2,801 227 19,637 808,43 164,934 168,222 1,141,586 1927, The Iron Age prepared the Iron and Steel Division, Department Commerce, covering the fiscal years ended March 31, 1922, 1923 and 1924, gives imports into Canada 401,217 net tons, 777,250 tons and 902,562 tons, re- spectively. was stated that 1924 nearly per ceut these imports came from the United States. The keen competition from abroad some prod- ucts, especially raw material such pig iron, together with the expanded iron and steel Canada, account for the contraction Canada market for certain lines exports. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1913, the United States exported 287,022 tons pig iron, which 222,184 tons went Canada. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1925, total imports pig iron into Canada amounted only 27,489 tons, which 19,685 tons came from the United States. Many the finished lines give similar emphasis the situation. the fiscal year ended June 30, 1913, the United States exported 138,439 tons steel rails Canada out total 452,545 tons exported. For the months ended June 30, 1927, exports steel rails Canada totaled only 28,632 tons, Japan being the leading American market for this product, taking 38,947 tons. Exports barbed wire Canada during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1913, were 14,369 tons, out total 87,520 tons, while during the fiscal year only 4279 tons went Canada. Other Ameri- can wire going Canada the fiscal year ended June 30, 1913, amounted 43,749 tons, against only 12,418 tons for the months ended June 30, 1927. Exports steel bars Canada during the fiscal year 1913 total 111,193 tons, compared with 69,553 tons during the recent months. Structural steel the amount 240,402 tons was exported Canada during the fiscal year 1913, against 115,989 tons during the months. Tin plate exports Canada during the fiscal year 1913 amounted 52,042 tons; they were almost the same rate the last months, with total 48,450 tons. Steel plates the amount 196,916 tons were exported Canada during the fiscal year 1913, but dropped 107,533 tons during the past year. United States Export Iron and Steel Canada Compared With Total Countries (Gross Tons) Year Canada Total Canada Total 222,184 287,022 18,217 25,208 75,467 102,201 66,212 104,738 Ingots, blooms, and 78,543 230,728 6,496 7,091 73,636 74,821 9,820 19,646 10,511 22,957 2,674 5,171 nuts, rivets.... 2,874 21,632 2,289 15,257 Hoops, bands, 8,424 18,312 39,869 46,912 242 1,157 228 661 Nails and tacks...... 2,601 63,539 709 19,667 Railroad spikes...... 552 13,381 107 5,528 Pipes and fittings.... 70,194 282,224 23,139 321,933 138,439 452,545 26,343 187,557 Structural 240.402 366,654 141,356 233,631 196,916 263,307 119,602 143,979 Galvanized iron sheets 37,058 114,674 32,487 178,636 Black iron sheets and 13,900 32,025 8,300 19,252 125,274 132,917 65,211 175,740 Barbed wire ........ 14,369 87,520 46,563 *Including alloy stéel bars 1926. cold rolled strip steel 1926. items not specially reported 1913: Skelp, 93,865 tons Canada (93,865 tons, total); ferroalloys, 261 tons (793); splice bars and switches, 4413 tons (34,206); 11,059 tons (16,404); car wheels and axles, 4439 tons (16,679) forgings, 1260 tons (2644). 7 ‘ ‘ Respective exports black sheets were 125,274 tons and 73,136 tons. While Canada has expanded capacity and succeeded supplying her own needs number lines, the high cost production, and dis- tances from markets, have made impossible for her compete some products with producers other countries. The present-day capacity Canada esti- mated approximately 2,000,000 tons ingots and PER CENT Other Items le PER CENT Pipe and Fittings Tin Plate ‘Pig Iron United States Exports Iron and Steel, with the Proportion Going Canada Shaded. Areas are proportional tonnages, both totals and Can- ada’s takings castings. The blast furnaces Canada are rated 1,697,500 tons. Figures the American Iron and Steel Institute for the period 1913-1923 show that the highest Canadian output pig iron was 1913, with 1,015,118 gross tons, while the second highest produc- tion was 998,814 tons, 1920. With total 1,109,922 tons, 1920 saw the greatest production ingots and castings, 1913 being the next highest, with 1,042,503 tons. Finished steel production reached peak 1913, with 871,216 tons, against 864,106 tons 1920, the next highest year. But the tion has shown sharp gains. 1913 was 145,309 tons. was 266,170 tons 1921; 282,415 tons 1919, the largest production; 227,967 tons 1920; 124,728 tons, the lowest mark, 1922; and 208,492 tons 1923. Excepting some declines, there has been progressive increase production structural shapes and wire rods, the highest output being 246,582 tons 1920, against 141,978 tons 1918. The output plates, sheets, nail plate, merchant bars, tie plates, etc., was 714,021 tons 1918 and dropped 281,837 tons 1923. Plates exported Canada generally are over in. thickness and over in. width. They into tanks, shipbuilding, bridge construction, building con- struction and railroad cars, the latter probably being the largest source consumption. Canada has large plate rolling mills. While the United States supplies good proportion plates and plain structural mate- rial, cannot extensively penetrate the Canadian mar- ket for fabricated material, because the duty per cent and the fact that Canada self-sustaining this line. The preferential duty tin plate also gives fair proportion the market for this product the United Kingdom. rails Canada has become almost self-contained. Shipbuilders Combine for Purchase Materials for Navy Contracts WASHINGTON, Aug. 2.—The three shipbuilding cor- porations which have been awarded contracts for the construction Navy scout cruisers Nos. 26, 27, and have organized the Marine Engineering Corporation with offices Philadelphia prepare working plans for the three shipyards, negotiate the market and prepare purchase orders for the materials required. The three corporations include the Bethlehem Ship- building Corporation, Quincy, Mass., which will build cruiser No. 26; the American Brown Boveri Electric Corporation, Camden, J., which will build cruiser No. 27, and the Newport News Shipbuilding Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va., which will build cruis- ers Nos. and 31. The corporation organized prepare plans, etc., has assembled force engineers, naval architects and draftsmen, with the staff drawn from men formerly with the Cramp shipyard. organi- zation also has set purchasing staff buy the required steel, machinery and other materials. hav- ing central office, pointed out, the shipbuilders insure the greatest degree uniformity detail the various vessels class and the same time utilize the best technical force that can brought together. The Navy Department explained that the decline shipbuilding since the war there has been large falling off technical personnel engaged it, par- ticularly draftsmen, and combination the best talent available, thought, will get better results than would the case the personnel were divided into three independent groups. Great advantage also will come the Navy, was stated, maintenance and replacement the use spare parts, due iden- tical units being various ships service. Capt. William Robert, N., and Commander Albert Penn, N., will represent the bureau and repair and the bureau engineer- ing respectively. Cruiser No. will built the Puget Sound Navy yard and cruiser the Mare Island yard. Design Data for Welded Roof Trusses extended series experiments full-size Fink-type roof trusses welded with gusset plates in- serted the plane stress (noted briefly THE AGE Aug. 26, 1926, page 544), described detail handsome 72-page brochure entitled, “Ox- welded Roof Trusses,” issued the Linde Air Products Co., New York. presents all the diagrams, computa- tions and cost data the structural engineer would re- quire design ani «stimate similar trusses for other conditions und loading. tests welded and trusses were made, with results which indicate saving cost and weight and in- crease stiffness the welded design. reported that welded trusses have been used extensively recent buildings erected The Prest-O-Lite Co., Inc., associate the Linde compeny. Total revenue freight loadings the railroads for the week ended July amounted 1,016,782 cars, decrease 59,590 cars from the corresponding week 1926, but increase 3928 cars over the same week 1925. Total loadings thus far this year all districts have amounted 28,204,078 cars, compared with 28,048,720 the same period last year and with 27,194,436 the similar period 1925. The Iron Age, August | | Sheets Steel Treaters Announce Program Wide Variety Subjects Covered Over Technical Papers —Other Events and Arrangements VER papers, representing practically every phase the industry, will presented the annual convention the American Society for Steel Treating held Detroit the week Sept. 19, the same time the National Steel and Machine Tool Exposition. The schedule papers pre- sented the Detroit convention follows: Monday Morning, Sept. Keshian, Chase Metal Works, Waterbury, Conn. mantown, Philadelphia. “Uses Gas Steel Treating and Forging,” W. M. Hepburn, Surface Combustion Co., Bronx, New York. “Hardening Reheating After Cold Grossmann and Snyder, Central Alloy Steel Corporation, Canton, Ohio. “Practical Experience the Field Heat Treat- ment Wire and Rods for the Making High Strength Wire by the Process of Patenting,’ by J. S. G. !rimrose, Manchester, England. Monday Afternoon, Sept. Fatigue Strength Case Carburized Steel,” N. J. Alleman and H. F. Moore, University of Illinois, Urbana, “Corrosion Fatigue Alloys Nickel, Copper and of Aluminum,”’ by D. J. McAdam, Jr., Engineer Experiment Station, Annapolis, Md. “Testing Automobile Body Sheet Steel,” by Joseph Winlock and Kelley, Budd Mfg. Co., Philadelphia. “Graphic Magnetic Pictures Internal and Ex- ternal deForest, American Chain Co., Bridgeport, Conn. Critical Study the Bend Test Applied Iron and Steel,” by A. B. Kinzel, Union Carbide & Carbon Research Laboratories, Long Island City, Tuesday Morning, Sept. “Steel Melting Practice,” White, Duquesne Steel Foundry Co., Coraopolis, Pa. Dornin, Gathmann Engineering Co., Baltimore. “Armco Ingot Iron,” Kenyon, American Rolling Mill Co., Middletown, Ohio. “The Manufacture and Uses Wrought Iron Present Day Industry,” James Aston, Carnegie In- stitute of Technology, Pittsburgh. Simultaneous Session Iron Mixtures Hydrogen and Sykes, General Electric Co. land. , Cleve- Homerberg, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. “Gas Cnrburization of Steel,” by R. G. Guthrie and Dr. Wozasek, Peoples Gas Light Coke Co., Chicago. “Studies Normal and Abnormal Carburizing University Minnesota, Minneapolis. Tuesday Afternoon, Sept. Steel Co., Bridgeville, Pa. “Manufacture and Use Hacksaw Blades,” Wednesday Afternoon, Sept. Joint meeting with Institute Metals Division the American Institute Mining and Metallurgical En- gineers Liempt. “Quantitative Spectrum Twyman and Smith. “Monel Metal and Crawford. Thursday Morning, Sept. “Significance Physical Properties Steel De- termined Elevated Temperatures,” Foley, Midvale Co., Nicetown, Philadelphia. Herschman, Bureau Standards, Washington. “What Happens When High-Speed Quenched,” DeLong and Palmer, Car- penter Steel Co., Reading, Pa. “Plastic Deformation Metallic Crystals,” Wilson and Hoyt, General Electric Co., Schenectady, “Expansion Properties High-Nickel Steels,” Howard Scott, Westinghouse Electric Mfg. Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa. Thursday Afternoon, Sept. “Determination the Heterogeneous Field Nickel Alloys,” Dr. Kotaro Honda and Sansaku Muira, Tohoku Imperial University, Sendai, Japan. “Ball Bearing Steels,” Dr. Bengt Kjerrman, S.K.F. Industries, Gothenburg, Sweden. “Physical Properties and Structure, Longitudinally and Transversely, Heat-Treated Chromium-Molyb- denum Sheet Various Sizes,” Moore and Sisco, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. “X-Rays and the Constituents High-Alloy Bain, Union Carbide and Carbon Res. Lab., Long Island City, “Economic Use Nickel-Chromium Alloys Gray Houston, International Nickel Co., New York. Acid Plants,” Mitchell, Central Alloy Steel Corporation, Canton, Ohio. Friday Sept. “Design from the Heat-Treating Eaton, Molybdenum Corporation America, Pittsburgh. “Forging Machine Die Frost, National Machinery Co., Tiffin, Ohio. “High Temperature Treatment Castings and Forgings,” Merten, Westinghouse Elec. Mfg. Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa. “Special Heat Treating High-Carbon Steel for Cold Forming Wright, Atlas Ball Co., Philadelphia. “Locomotive Forging Steels,” Green, Read- ing Co., Reading, Pa. Friday Afternoon, Sept. “Comparison Brinell, Rockwell and Scleroscope Moore, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. Norton Co., Worcester, Mass. versity Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. “High-Speed Diffraction, Using High-Voltage Radia- Dr. Ancel St. John, New York. The Large Exposition H. B. Allen, Henry Disston & Sons, Inc., Philadelphia. “Evaluating Quality High Speed Steel Tools,” Mudge, Western Electric Co., Chicago. “The Constitution of Hardened Steels,” by W. P. Sykes and Zay Jeffries. Wednesday Morning, Sept. Annual Meeting American Society for Steel “Campbell Memorial Lecture,” Dr. Zay Jeffries. 1927, The Iron Age The ninth annual National Steel and Machine Tool Exposition Convention Hall, Detroit, will open noon daily from Monday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Sept. From noon until daily there will special executive period which will reserved holders special executives’ invitations. Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights exposition week, the hall will open until m., while Tuesday and Steel Its Majority” American Industry After Years—Electrode Cost Sharply Lower—First “All-Electric Steels Have Vastly Improved DR. JOHN MATHEWS NOME branches electrochemical industry are not even old this society. this occasion sev- eral them are relating their progress during the quarter century since the American Electrochemical Society was formed, but the first few volumes our Transactions you will find nothing the subject electric steel. When children attain their twenty-first birthday, customary celebrate the event, and parental minds are inclined reminiscence and relate the outstanding events the child’s earlier years. some- what this attitude venture record some the trials and tribulations pioneering electric steel. One the First American Heats April 1906, the first heat was tapped from the 4-ton Heroult furnace the Halcomb Steel Co., Syra- cuse, interesting record that this fur- nace had variable voltage control. that time was not considered possible that the original melting would ever done electrically, and this furnace was intend