The Iron Age 1927-08-11: Vol 120 Iss 6

AGE New York, August 11, 1927 ESTABLISHED 1855 VOL. 120, No. Active Year Bureau Standards Staff Investigates Corrosion, Wear, Endurance and Quality Various Steels and Non-Ferrous Alloys and Studies Foundry Sand cal research problems which are supported public funds, also the methods and equipment used the work the Bureau Standards, Washington, have been described articles THE IRON AGE Aug. and 27, 1925, and Sept. 1926. rule, problems sufficient magnitude deserve study Govern- ment laboratory are too complex for completion twelve months, the nature the work does not change radically from year year. reporting here- that guide the choice metallurgi- *Chief, division metallurgy United States Bureau Standards. Published permission the director. with the work the metallurgical division for the fiscal year closed June 30, 1927, attention will con- fined the “high spots” the research projects, and chiefly those dealing with iron and steel. Several other divisions the bureau much work metal- lurgical interest, but space forbids comment this report. The extent the work which may done any in- stitution degree dependent upon the funds avail- able. Here may stated that round figures metal- lurgical division funds for 1926-1927 were $97,500 and funds transferred from other Government departments Unusual features ferrite commercially pure iron; etched with per cent alcoholic picric acid Open-hearth iron showing “veining” within the alpha grains. 100 diameters "23 Open-hearth polished and heated hy- drogen for 100 hours 750 800 deg. 500 diameters 327 d | <4 > iron containing per cent Note the coarse network which records the pre-existing delta grain structure, also the vein- ing the existing alpha grains. diameters Etching figure cleavage face ferrite. 800 diameters LA * — were $10,000. general bureau overhead included, about $130,000 public funds was utilized the work the metallurgical division. This total does not in- clude expenses other divisions joint prujects, research associates fellows cooperative work. order show the relative effort put the differ- ent research projects, there given percentage figure showing what portion the funds administered the division was upon that project the past year. Thus, each per cent stands for total outlay around $1,300. Fundamental Properties Metals The starting point, consideration the proper- ties industrial metals and alloys, the determination the properties the pure metals. Notwithstanding the antiquity iron and the vast amount work done it, there still much that unknown about its properties. Some the obscure metallographic properties iron have been studied (0.60 per cent) cooperation with research fellow from the Swedish American Foundation. The structure the delta grains which exist just after the metal freezes and before changes austenite may traced many specimens ferrite room temper- ature. Interesting twinned crystals and etching pits well peculiar veinings the microstructure have been revealed this work. Studies nickel cooperation with the Inter- national Nickel Co. and other divisions the Bureau (0.65 per cent) have prepared fused metal with purity 99.94 per cent, probably higher than hitherto reached. Pure thorium, made available the cooperation the Westinghouse Lamp Co. and the Kemet Labora- tories, being studied (0.35 per cent) determine its melting point and its lattice constants. Progress has been made, cooperation with the chemistry division, work platinum metals (1.60 per cent), especially the purification, melting and working pure rhodium. The melting and working platinum and its alloys for use the Bureau now being successfully carried out, considerable sav- ing. The successful substitution rhodium for plati- num resistors for high-temperature electric fur- naces used much experimental work the Bureau would save still more money. melting extremely pure metals, contamination from the crucible has avoided. Pure magnesia, suitably bonded, serves well for iron and nickel, but zirconia crucibles are better for melting platinum. outgrowth previous experience, satisfactory electric furnace lining was developed for the furnaces used making special steels the Bureau, where the service severe because intermittent use (0.50 per cent). The behavior rutile bond for mag- nesia refractories, brought the attention the Bureau the Metal Thermit Co., also being studied, and more thoroughly examined cooperation with the Washington Navy Yard. Further work (0.30 per cent) fundamental prop- erties that done cooperation with the division weights and measures the density hot rolled carbon steels. The decrease density carbon steels quenching and the increase tempering has also been determined. Similar work progress alloy steels and cold worked carbon steels. Some work (0.50 per cent) was done the solubility carbon pure iron. Still another project this class work quenching media and the hardening properties steel (1.80 per cent), which being continued. Metallurgical Research Methods study the technique metallographic polish- ing with special reference automatic polishing methods undertaken. Similar work the tech- nique X-ray spectrographic examination metals (2.65 per cent), including the sensitivity the method, the usefulness various types specimens and the application the densitometer the study the ray films has been under way for several years. The properties pure metals the temperature liquid hydrogen are also studied. Gases Metals Pioneering work has been done the Bureau the analysis steel for oxygen and hydrogen (1.40 11, 1927, The Iron Age per cent). fusion method has consistently been advocated the Bureau rather than the use drillings, which intro- The use solid samples the vacuum duces errors due air adsorbed the surface. This now admitted essential precaution Ger- man investigators who previously took the opposite view. make possible comparison different methods analysis for oxygen, analyzed samples have been distributed English, Swedish and German met- allurgists working gases metals. The vacuum fusion method has also been applied the determination nitrogen steels (1.10 per cent), the nitrogen evolved being caught calcium vapor, and the calcium nitride then analyzed for nitrogen. The General Electric Co. sent guest worker the Bureau study our methods, preparatory applying them the determination nitrogen silicon transformer steel. Another phase the work gases metals deals with the determination gases blow holes those dissolved but not combined, and which are released drilling grinding under mercury. Still another exten- sive phase, just being started, studies the solubility direct observation the behavior the gas when confined over the molten metal (2.15 per cent). Corrosion Aircraft Metal studying accelerated corrosion (3.40 per cent) the electrolytic method test, prescribed the cooperating American Society Testing Materials Committee, was found useless. The conclusion was reached that electrolytic study sufficiently wide range low current densities offers promising method for the prediction behavior under corrosion. Comparison the results various cooperating laboratories other types corrosion tests show large variations, the chief cause which probably va- riable degree aeration and consequent oxygen con- tent. Accelerated corrosion zinc-coated materials, car- ried out for the American Society for Testing Mate- rials (3.30 per cent) indicates that the salt spray test unsatisfactory, since only material bad detected cursory inspection fails within period weeks. The “simulated atmospheric” test, car- ried out atmosphere and offers more promise. The intercrystalline corrosion and embrittlement duralumin (9.85 per cent), which must avoided aircraft, especially those exposed salt air, are have reasonable life and the safety pilot and passen- gers assured, not materially avoided using extra pure materials alteration compo- sition within limits set requirements strength. Embrittlement very materially diminished rapid quenching cold water; sign embrittlement shown after year’s exposure seaside with pro- tective coating whatever. Since unalloyed aluminum not subject inter- crystalline embrittlement, coatings metallic alumi- num over duralumin were studied. Metal-sprayed alumi- num coatings gave maximum protection laboratory tests and year’s exposure test shows both the coating and the duralumin beneath good condition. the last few months the Aluminum Co. America has succeeded producing duralumin sheet coated with aluminum another process and their independent experiments this type material corroborate the Bureau’s previous tests. Oxide coatings, such those obtained anodic treatment chromic acid, give some protection, espe- cially oiled. Various varnish and pigmented coatings offer some protection, varying the length time for which they are effective and the weight added. The avoidance the embrittlement duralumin therefore seems fair way toward solution, not already solved. There indication that spectrographs, taken the pin-hole method, may offer sensitive means detecting the progress inter- crystalline embrittlement, and this being studied detail. The effect stress upon corrosion also examined. less important than the problem corro- sion metals that wear. For several years the Bureau has been steadily increasing its studies the | 7 Gg | | 7 q > fundamentals wear and wear-resistance metals (2.30 per cent), and has published several papers this field. Work hand planned refers abrasive wear sand blasting, tumbling and lapping, and metal- to-metal wear steels, cylinder irons, and babbitt metals, various methods tests. The wear problem complex and methods determining wear far from standardized that progress, order sure, iron. Chromium-aluminum steel gages given nitride coating heating ammonia approach the chro- mium plated gages wear-resistance, and excel other gage materials. The wear chill-cast and sand-cast leaded rail- road bearing bronzes has been studied (3.10 per cent) cooperation with research associate from the Mag- nus Metal Co. Wear, impact and other properties room temperature and operating temperatures are tests sheet duralumin (above) are the made various places. Material form tension bars, and one bar each sct removed stated intervals and tested tension show, means comparison with similar bars kept DRY atmosphere the laboratory, what extent the tensile properties have been affected the atmospheric corrosive agencies. Haigh endurance testing machine (at right). axial loading test piece. (Below) Apparatus used for high-temperature im- pact tests. has slow. Cursory tests may quite mislead- ing. Brief tests some wear problems have been made guest workers the Bureau, and this cooperative work resulted the decision the cooperating firm install wear-testing apparatus its own for more exhaustive study the alloys with which deals. Besides the more fundamental work general methods wear testing, the Bureau has studied the wear-resistance plug gages (3.80 per cent) and railroad bearing bronzes some detail. Chromium-plated plug gages, previously reperted superior for gaging hardened steel, are also found superior gaging aluminum piston alloy, and cast Re- peated tension and compression thrown into speci- men alternating the electric field underhung magnets. Delicate extensometers verify the correct being studied. The specifications for railroad bearing bronzes are widely variant, situation which shows lack understanding the properties bearings needed for given class service. High-Temperature Properties Metals High-temperature mechanical tests (3.65 per cent) oriented with those research committees the American Society Mechanical Engineers and Ameri- can Society for Testing Materials have been directed page 377) The Iron Age, August 11, 1927—329 4 | = its AF 7 | Fabricate Bridge Crane Welding Rigidity Secured Use Arc Process Bridge Members— Lighter Trolley Permits Use Smaller Travel Motor ELDING was used for making all joints the construction 10-ton, 60-ft. span electric traveling crane recently built the Cleveland Crane Engineering Co., Wickliffe, Ohio. The crane was designed for arc welding, order secure the greatest possible rigidity with the same weight and incorporate new features, including roller bearings, increase the speed acceleration both the trolley and bridge travel. The bridge girders are the “fish belly” box type, each girder being made two webs and top and bot- tom cover plates. The cover plates are welded the webs fillet bead welding rod running the entire length the girder. slight difficulty was caused expansion, which tended distort the plates, but this was overcome using the step-back method weld- ing short distance time and allowing the metal cool before resuming welding that point. The weld makes the two webs and the top and bottom plates integral box section steel. However, this joint not depended upon take the entire stress the girder, being simply auxiliary connection give maximum rigidity. Greater strength secured welding round re- inforcing bar along the webs and cover plates each the four corners the box section, shown the cross-sectional view. This weld continuous for in. from each end the girder and over the re- maining distance the bar tack-welded the web and cover plate intervals in. welds in. long. This construction gives three-point connection be- tween the webs and cover plates. The area the bar section equivalent that the angle section which The Complete Crane Assembly Before Erection. the ground the construction the end truck may noted the Sectional Views, the Right, Fig. Shows the Method Constructing Riveted Box-Section Crane Girder, and Fig. the Three-Point Welded Construction 11, 1927, The Iron Age ordinarily would used riveted construction. the stress the bar pure tension the bottom the girder and compression the top the girder, pointed out that the round section least efficient the angle section. Following the common method constructing riveted, box-section crane girder, reinforcing angles are used fasten the webs the cover plates means single row rivets. This construction gives two-point connection between the webs and cover plates. The welded crane girder said offer greater re- sistance side strains than riveted girder the same weight, because the webs can spaced farther apart while using cover plates the same width. This wider spacing possible because the reinforcing bar, while has the same cross-sectional area, occupies less space than the reinforcing angle and consequently can located nearer the edge the conveyor plates. Flange Angles Dispensed With The bridge girders are reinforced the customary diaphragms spaced suitable intervals. The dia- phragms are joined both webs and the top cover plate fillet welds, thus dispensing with flange angles. These welds, estimated, give strength slightly greater than that the plates themselves. slight saving weight effected eliminating the flange angles the reinforcing diaphragms, but this not special importance, The chief point interest this connection that the diaphragms are rigidly at- tached the cover plates well the webs. the bridge was designed with view securing the greatest rigidity possible without changing the Fig. | 7 7 | fj Fig. the Right, the Completed Welded Troiley. This shows the reinforcement ing points weights customary for crane this size, attempt was made take advantage any possible saving the weight the plate sections the use welded construction. other words, plates the same thick- ness were used would have been employed for riv- eted construction, which the weakest point along the line rivet holes. stated that test under 100 per cent overload showed less deflection than nor- mally encountered rivet construction, indicating that the objective was attained. Notch Construction Used Attaching End Trucks The end trucks are the box-section type, the side members being standard rolled sections and con- nected top and bottom plates and having stiffening diaphragms, all joined welding. Usually bridge girders are bolted the truck ends which they rest. These bolts are shear, and any movement between the girders and end trucks tends loosen the bolts. This tendency avoided the design this crane what known notch construction. The girders are fastened both the top and the sides the end trucks, that half the bolts are tension, insuring rigidity. The trolley frame built entirely structural steel and all joints are welded. The side members are stand- ard channels. The bed for the hoist and trolley travel mechanism made steel plates, with reinforcing plate sections welded under the bearing points secure positive alinement the shafts and bearings. Welding Said Result Greater Strength Wherever pads and bosses are required form seats for the hoist and travel mechanism, these are made welding sections plate the trolley frame. stated that the greatest advantage welded con- struction was found the trolley, because there was considerable saving weight and the same time greater strength and rigidity were obtained. Such other parts lineshaft brackets, cross-walk supports and bridge-driving machinery brackets are also welded the members which they are joined. The bridge wheels and the trolley travel and hoist mechanism are equipped with roller bearings. the Left, Bottom View Trolley, Showing Method Tying Side Frames and the Reinforcement Under the Top Plate stated that the reduced weight the trolley and the use roller bearings the trolley wheels made pos- sible use smaller trolley travel motor and get faster trolley acceleration than with the trolley the standard riveted type. The elimination the laying out rivet holes, punching and reaming and the driv- ing rivets, well some saving material, were factors reducing manufacturing costs. July Building Contracts Below June Building contracts during July the States east the Rocky Mountains amounted $534,390,900, according the Dodge Corporation. This decline per cent from the record total the previous month, but per cent increase over the July figure last year. The area covered the returns represents approximately per cent the country’s construction volume. The July figure brought the total started during the first seven months the year $3,722,383,200, increase per cent over the first seven months 1926. July contracts include $186,- 935,100 for residence buildings, $143,915,800 for public works and utilities, $83,010,100 for commercial build- ings, $36,433,600 for educational buildings, and $30,- 302,900 for industrial works. Contemplated new work last month amounted $692,959,700, decrease per cent from the June total and increase per cent over the July figure last year. July contracts New York State and northern New Jersey showed drop per cent from the preceding month, but were per cent ahead the July, 1926, total. Contracts New England were per cent below June and per cent behind July last year. The Middle Atlantic States had the high- est July record, increase per cent over July, 1926, but per cent decrease from June, The July figure the Pittsburgh district was per cent from both the June, 1927, and July, 1926, totals. Contracts the Central West were also below the totals for the previous month and the correspond- ing month last year, but the Northwest there was increase per cent over June. The South- eastern States total was per cent under June and per cent under last July. Texas the July total was approximately the same June, but was per cent ahead last July. The Iron Age, August 11, 1927—331 | | 3 — q ‘ Studebaker Axles and Crank Shafts Normalized and Hardened Continuous Furnaces, Oil Fired and with Recuperators, Giving Per Cent Gross Efficiency important parts the modern automobile. The former must convert the explosive power behind the piston into succession overlapping impulses, driving the car ahead smoothly and without vibration. The axle bears with the steering mechanism the major responsibility for safety; should fail only good luck avoids serious accident. Under these circumstances the utmost care given these parts during manufacture. alloy steel required—on the crank shaft alone close separate operations are performed between the bar stock and the assembled motor. Studebaker crank shafts were the first finished all over. The rough stock in. diameter, ft. long and weighs 194 ished weighs 124 lb. and balances within 0.002 in. The first operation the manufacture either crank shaft front axle drop forging, and the forge shop the Clark Avenue, Detroit, plant equipped for both. completely equipped with steam ham- mers, power presses, shot blasts, forging furnaces, heat treating units, overhead conveyors and other auxiliaries for economical mass production 600 cranks 625 axles per day three shifts. stock first heated billet furnace ft. long, ft. wide ft. high, which will hold billets inclined hearth. the billets roll through they receive their heat from two oil burners located close the discharge end. The hot stock swung 12,000-lb. Erie steam hammer, which holds blocking die, and shaped for the finishing hammer. Reheated furnace which ten feet square and five high, fired with two burners side, the blocked shaft put into single im- pression die another 12,000-lb. hammer and fin- ished. From there swung into power press and the flash trimmed off. head flange for the fly- wheel then put 5-in. Acme header after heating another furnace the same dimensions and design the preceding. overhead traveling crane spans the width the forge shop for handling material bulk, while over- head monorail and several hand operated air lifts aid handling the stock and out the furnaces. That section the building where the front axles are made similarly equipped. After the stock sheared length, one end heated furnace and upset 5-in. National header for the yoke section, the flash trimmed off press and the high spots ground off. The same operations are next performed the other end. The axle then reheated another furnace and the yoke section forged under steam hammer. The other half then heated and the operation repeated. Reheated still another furnace restruck 1000-lb. hammer for forging the spring pads and then put directly into press which stretches correct length. Another press trims the flash, and the yoke section ground and high spots re- moved. The front axles then receive the same heat treatment the crank shafts. Heat treatment rough forgings consists nor- malizing heat, followed immediately hardening heat and oil quench. Heating done special fur- naces designed and built Surface Combustion Co., shafts and front axles are among the most *Vice-President Surface Combustion Co., New York. 332—August 11, 1927, The Iron Age with automatic control both temperature and heating period. They also utilize waste heat through recuperation. The normalizing furnace ft. long, ft. wide and ft. high, and heated with three oil burners firing under the hearth from front rear. transfer the heat from the flame into the cham- ber most effectively the combustion ducts below the hearth are covered with carborundum tile, which heated incandescence, and from which heat radiates into the stock. Waste heat leaves through flue located the arch the charging end and used re- cuperator preheat the air for combustion. Axles shafts ride through the furnace riders shoes, guided rails placed lengthwise through the furnaces. fit materials various lengths four these rails are provided, each made channel-shaped heat-resisting metal supported I-beams. Forgings are pushed through the furnace with mechanical pusher, operated with Stromberg time clock, thus insuring the exact heating period for the work. There also automatic temperature control provided the normalizing heat (1650 deg. Fahr.) maintained all times. The tracks protrude some ft. from the charging end this furnace. Cranks are brought trucks and loaded the tracks one one the aid overhead monorail hoist. After being discharged from the far end the fur- nace the work allowed cool air 1000 deg. Fahr. and immediately recharged into the hardening furnace. The hardening furnace similar design the normalizing unit and placed immediately alongside. The charging end next the discharge end the other, minimum travel necessary between the two. the discharge end equipped with airtight heat seal. The furnace ft. long, ft. wide and ft. high over all. provided with charging table and mechanical pusher like the normal- izing furnace, but instead discharge table has chute leading below the surface quenching tank. Combustion accomplished means low-pressure oil burners; air from these burners preheated re- cuperators. The requisite temperature maintained controller operating conjunction with oil-air flow valve. the normalizing furnace the heating period controlled through Stromberg time clock the pushing mechanism. Combustion these two units maintained high efficiency means firing chamber re- circulating type, used conjunction with preheated air. uniform temperature obtained the heating chamber the use carborundum arch tile over the combustion chamber previously described, recir- culating the products combustion, and correctly spacing the flues between the combustion and heating chambers. The recirculation portion the spent flue gases with the products combustion, they issue from the combustion tunnel, further reduces the possibility overheating any point, thus increasing the life the firebrick the combustion chamber, well the quality the work performed. The quench tank, which ft. long, located below and the discharge end the hardening fur- nace. The hot forgings are discharged into auto- matically through air seal chute which extends from the furnace into the oil angle deg. ‘ a 7 q q | | | Shaft Being Blocked (at right) Hammer Fore- ground; Reheating Furnace Cen- ter; Finish Forg- ing and Headers Rear FTER Heating (below) Hardening Tem- perature, Drop Through Chute Into Quench- ing Tank, from Which They Are Withdrawn Traveling Pan Conveyor, and De- livered Charg- ing Table Draw- ing Furnace Left HARGING End (at Right) Continuous Nor- malizing Furnace. Blocks for carry- ing axles through furnace piled floor center. Pusher mechanism below table | The Iron Age ge, August 11, 1927—333 apron conveyor, starting from the bottom the chute, removes the work and delivers the charg- ing table the drawing furnace. test the normalizing furnace showed very con- clusively the high efficiency and fuel economy obtained this type heat treating unit. had been heat for two and half hours before starting the test, and production Studebaker “Big Six” crank shafts, weighing 143 lb. each. Each crank was mounted two rail blocks shoes, each weighing 11% lb. The cranks were pushed into the furnace several rates, varying one every min. and sec. min. and sec The rate oil consumption, when the burners were the high setting, ranged from gal. per hr., but during the low setting this was re- duced below gal. per hr. The maximum air pressure was but the adjustment for the low setting was approximately oz. Cold atomizing air was maintained full pressure all times. The area the main air port about 2.28 sq. in., while that the cold atomizing air port approximately 0.44 sq. The oil used tested deg. Baumé deg. Fahr., with calculated heating value 147,700 B.t.u. gal. The test lasted hr. min., which time 115 cranks were treated 1650 deg. Fahr, with gal. oil. Efficiency may computed follows: Weight crank 143 Ib. 115 16,450 Ib. net Weight shoes Ib. Gross weight 166 115 19,100 Ib. gross Dividing these figures gives 209 net, 242 lb. gross, heated per gal. Since steel requires 256 B.t.u. raise its temperature 1650 deg. Fahr., the efficiency the furnace 256 36.1 per cent net efficiency 41.9 per cent gross efficiency 147,700 This efficiency high for this class work; addition, heat and time control assure uni- formity product. Where American Steel Went June Canada Usual Takes the Most, Showing Gain—Japan Ranks Sec- ond—South America and Europe Take About Equal Amounts the exports June, Canada, leading usual, took 76,082 tons, and for the six months ended with June, 1927, exports that country aggregated 432,419 tons against 403,889 tons for the corresponding period one year ago. Japan ranked second our steel exports both June and the six months ended with Destination Iron and Steel Products Exported from the United States (In Gross Tons) January Through June June, Country Destination 1927 1927 1926 North and Central America and the West Indies..... 96,738 558,537 541,828 Canada and Newfoundland... 76,201 432,937 404,292 6,805 41,694 44,216 650 4,360 7,334 British West Indies.......... 7,698 4,505 Other West Indies........... 2,235 8,475 8,388 Other Central America....... 696 6,605 8,381 South America ............ 26,096 185,966 168,961 7,458 2,629 30,368 3,424 17,302 18,150 Other South America......... 1,077 6,061 1,378 3,13 6,911 5,325 19,493 9,307 Dutch East Indies...... 1,518 20,128 16,514 Japan and 7,251 148,403 130,340 2,898 14,863 7,197 Philippine Islands ........... 5,782 26,059 30,457 Other Asia and Far East..... 638 8,097 4,580 ds 1,141 10,474 8,174 British South Africa......... 397 4,593 4,155 Portuguese East Africa...... 678 3,099 847 184,364 1927, The Iron Age June the present year, the shipments amounting 17,251 tons and 148,403 tons respectively. For the six months ended with June, 1926, exports Japan totaled 130,340 tons. Japan led the source business rails, black steel sheets and tin plate during the fiscal year ended with June, while Canada led most the other important products. the 9911 tons black welded pipe exported June, Peru took 2979 tons; United Kingdom, 1088 tons; Japan, 1006 tons; Argentina, 842 tons, and Mexico, 701 tons. Galvanized pipe exports June totaled 3989 tons, -of which Brazil took 667 tons; United Kingdom, 610 tons, and Cuba, 388 tons. Three South American coun- tries, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, took 12,272 tons American galvanized sheets during the six months ended with June, Brazil leading with 5932 tons, while Argentina was second with 5128 tons. Chile took 1212 tons. United States Exports Iron and Steel (In @ross Tons) Semi- All Iron Finished and Steel PigIron Material *Average, 1912 1914... 2,406,218 221,582 145,720 *Average, 1915 1918... 5,295,333 438,462 1,468,020 *Average, 1919 1921... 3,804,910 185,315 162,048 *Average, 1922 1924... 1,927,988 34,906 124,789 Calendar year 1925....... 1,762,571 32,674 108,681 174,585 1,663 4,388 157,187 1,478 5,616 Fiscal year 1926......... 1,948,860 30,587 103,271 182,071 2,173 12,569 Calendar year 1926....... 2,167,048 25,208 120,602 January, 215,235 3,734 5,531 192,339 3,753 8,748 202,708 4,115 8,230 Fiscal year 2,278,168 38,631 129,632 *Calendar years. 147,700 B.t.u. 242 256 Work Greenwich Village, New York, Dates Back Nearly Century be? i “22 Rail, Shown Above, ample Gothic Iron Work During the Early Victorian Period. The house 646 Hudson Street ELOW Rail the House West Twelfth Street Mentioned Above. shows the Grecian influence its top and bottom portions Erected Lacy Iron Work This Old House West Twelfth Street, Shown the Left, Almost Perfect State The house was built about 1845 Rail the Right Shows the Grecian In- fluence. This house Abingdon Square was erected before 1835. Pro- vision has been made for foot scraper Rare Ex- Bila § We Con 4 j Decadent Period American Iron Work Well Illustrated the Pho- tograph Above. more recent installation, appar- ently, with precedent design The furnished Charles Johnson, 214 Madison Ave- nue, New York 7 7 > 7 4 The Iron Age, August 11, Manganese Tariff Helps Leaner Ores Producers Meeting Washington Give Assurances In- creased Production Under Plans for Beneficiation Domestic Ores WASHINGTON, Aug. 9.—Outstanding the meeting held here Tuesday last week domestic pro- ducers manganese ore was the emphasis placed re- sults that are being obtained from the beneficiation ores less than standard manganese content. stated THE IRON AGE Aug. the American Man- ganese Producers’ Association was organized, and de- cided set headquarters Washington. will conduct campaign further the production, beneficia- tion and use domestic manganese bearing ores and continue the work for retention the existing tariff duty per lb. manganese content. The meet- ing was attended about persons, chiefly repre- sentatives the domestic industry, also representatives the Tariff Commission, the Geological Survey and the Bureau Mines. Favors Lowering Duty The one dissonant note came from Edward Goltra, president Mississippi Iron Co., St. Louis, who has made application the Tariff Commission, under the flex- ible provision the tariff act, reduce the duty per cent. Mr. Goltra, who said that his blast furnace shut down present because inability make profit from the present prices pig iron, prepar- ing make ferromanganese. had carefully searched available domestic deposits manganese ore and found that they are too low grade make standard ferro- manganese. His agents also have made investigations, said, the Caucasus, Brazil, Australia and South Africa, and had found deposits the last named coun- try which will meet requirements, but cannot im- ported profitably under the present duty. said, however, that was altogether sympathy with the development domestic manganese industry and would much prefer use the home product provided measures specifications and can bought price that will afford profit the ferroalloy. Leonard Miller, Cleveland, representing man- ganese mines the Batesville, Ark., district, responded that even though the duty manganese ore were en- tirely removed Mr. Goltra would better posi- tion than now, because other consumers the foreign material would likewise get the benefit free entries and therefore could continue compete equal basis. asserted, did others present, that through beneficiation and research the domestic pro- ducers will able supply ores the standard grade and urged that they given encouragement the retention the duty. One producer submitted Mr. Goltra analysis ore that had been produced Montana, which, was stated, would meet speci- fications. Mr. Goltra said that would glad consider the offer and accept shipments they are satisfactory. Developments the Domestic Industry The conference was presided over Carson Ad- kerson, Woodstock, Va., president the Hygrade Man- ganese Ore Co., who was elected president the new- organized association. outlining the purpose the meeting pointed out that the manganese ore industry this country its infancy. The famous Crimora mines Virginia produced close 200,000 tons. 1914 the production from domestic mines was reported 2653 tons; 1918, during the war, 305,- 869 tons; 1922, 13,404 tons, and 1925 the recorded shipments were 98,324 tons. 1926 the shipments from domestic mines were approximately 48,000 tons. named States producers manganese and added Cuba and Porto Rico. The annual consumption the United States, Mr. Adkerson declared, approx- imately 800,000 tons high-grade per cent plus 336—August 11, 1927, The Iron Age manganese ore and 2,248,000 tons per cent ore. Practically the entire tonnage low-grade man- ganese ore, said, produced this country. Stimulation Domestic Production Credited Tariff Since the passage the tariff act carrying duty per lb. metallic manganese, $11.20 per ton per cent ore, equivalent but 16c, per ton steel produced, the speaker said, propaganda against domestic manganese has been spread large. Rep- resentations are being made that there practically manganese ore the United States. “The ones behind this movement,” said Mr. Adker- son, “seem certain American capitalists now op- erating Russia. Opponents the tariff claim that our total reserve ferro grade ore only 1,493,200 tons. They fail show that mines the United States have already shipped more than 1,493,000 tons high grade manganese ore and that the deposits have hardly been scratched. They fail show that various developments have gone forward under the en- couragement the tariff and instances have shown reserves times greater than was admitted exist and that new discoveries are being reported month month. They fail show that the United States has already shipped more than 14,000,000 tons per cent ore and that the admitted reserves this grade such ore are the neighborhood 40,000,000 tons.” “We have reserves far greater than have been cred- ited,” said Mr. Adkerson. “We have substantial inter- ests operating the fields; have operations the eve production. have the tariff, and simply necessary maintain it. With the cooperation all parties concerned there little doubt that the tariff can maintained.” Domestic Producers Announce Plans Discussion the situation was engaged prac- tically all those attending the meeting. Joel Hurt, Atlanta, Ga., the Georgia Minerals Co., said that his organization has 55,000 acres Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee and preparing into manganese production placer mining, proposing put out 20,000 tons year the start. declared his company willing give contracts stated price and necessary will give bond. continue pro- duction, said, necessary that the tariff re- tained. the tariff removed the operations research, experiment and mining manganese ores the United States will dealt death blow, Miller said. Arkansas has large resources ore the Batesville and Cushman districts. urged continued and in- creased operation rather than having the mines shut down and said was not political matter, but issue involving the prosperity the industry and its workers. was asserted that the duty continued there will substantial gain production and the industry will take large proportions. Mr. Miller re- ferred the presence the meeting George Bran- ner, Arkansas State Geologist, attending the request the acting governor that State and who had looked into the ore reserve situation there. the re- cent meeting Cleveland the manganese ore sit- uation Mr. Miller said had created laugh when estimated manganese ore deposits 50,000,000 tons, but that since that time had increased the tonnage. declared that through beneficiation much ore can transferred into the ferro grade for the steel in- dustry’s requirements. (Concluded page 353) 7 7 Better Rails from Heat Treatment French Process Uses Water Quenching Rail Head —Deep Hardness and Greater Strength Shown Tests interesting patented process for the heat treat- ment rails, worked out ata French steel plant, described recent article the Revue Métallurgie, the authors being Thibaudier and Viteaux. The article opens with discussion the rail question, largely based paper delivered Cushing, the Pennsylvania Railroad, before the International Railroad Congress May, 1925. Mr. Cushing reaches the conclusion, based ex- periments carried out Altoona, Pa., that heat treatment which appears promise solution the rail problem. This supported the conclusion other authorities who are quoted. Next comes short discussion the methods heat-treating rails, given the treatment outlined Stead 1903, followed experimental work 1906, and the well known Sandberg process. IG. (Right)—De- tails the Method Holding the Rails the Double Appa- ratus for Quenching Rails Neuves-Mais- ons, France (Below)— General Appearance the Double Appa- ratus for Quenching Rails the French Method ~ Head Rail Quenched Cold Water The process the authors called the Neuves- Maisons process, from the plant where was worked out. protected patent the United States and also protected other countries. The process con- sists intermittent quenching the head the rail only definite quantity cold water, the quan- tity depending the weight the rail. The treatment carried out the apparatus shown Figs. and which consists fixed beam carrying succession rollers and guides. Below this beam carried tank holding the water for quenching, mounted such way that up-and-down movement given eccentric. The stroke and the frequency can varied will. leaving the hot saw the rails are pushed, one one, into the quench- ing apparatus with the head down, the flanges sliding 7 The Iron Age, August 11, 1927—337 between the rollers and the guides. When the rail entirely engaged the apparatus, tightly held, shown Fig. with the head hanging freely. The tank holding the water given the proper movement and the head subjected succession quenchings, which the number, frequency and relative times are determined experience with the metal treated and the results desired. The rail held straight dur- ing the treatment and the head quenched definite depth from one end the other. The treatment stopped before the head cold, the rail pushed from the machine the cooling beds and cooled under the usual conditions. The tank then emptied and filled with fresh water for the treatment the next rail. Several Advantages Are Claimed The principal advantages claimed for the process are the following: Quenching definite quantity water, the quantity depending the weight the rail, allows the intensity the quenching limited somewhat automatically. The bath water rapidly heated, and its quenchine intensity diminishes rapidly its temperature raised. Stopping the quenching before the rail com- pletely cold allows the heat stored the center the head, the web and the flange flow the quenched part and produce very appreciable tempering drawing. The heating the bath water and the tem- pering drawing action are more marked the initial temperature the rail high. Because this, rails leaving the rolls different finishing temperatures, varying much 100 deg. Fahr. more, have prac- tically the same hardness after treatment. The intermittent immersion constantly changes the contact steel and liquid, thereby modifying the formation bubbles steam and gases. This brings about more regular hardening and avoids cracks, soft spots, etc., often produced ordinary quenching. suitable regulation the time the rail re- mains the quenching bath and the time with- drawal, and the other hand regulation the volume the quenching bath, effects may produced which are intermediate between simple water quench- ing and air cooling. The authors mention that actual work they have found advantageous place feed pipe along the bottom the quenching bath, pierced with small holes very close together. Cold water fed under constant pressure compensate for that lost being thrown out lost steam. The feed regulated according the kind steel treated and the degree hardness desired. the case street car rails, the feed pipe only under the main body the head, not harden the guard rail too much. Detailed Results Effect Treatment The rest the article gives detailed results ob- tained rails made under French conditions and therefore made basic Bessemer steel, low carbon when compared our practice. The first lot rails was made French railroad specifications calling for tensile strength equal greater than 92,450 per They were treated give tensile strength equal above 113,780 lb. per sq. in., and elongation not less than per cent 3.94 in. The test piece was machined from the corner the head. The rails had withstand the normal drop test. average the 133 tensile tests carried out gave, the untreated steel, 103,100 lb. tensile strength with 15.4 per cent elongation, and the treated steel 125,900 lb. per sq. in. tensile with 11.3 per cent elongation. Another long table gives the detailed results test lot 150 tons rails made 1923 showing great regularity. Thirty-eight heats were tested, the ten- sile strengths varying from 117,340 132,270 per sq. in., and the elongation from 9.5 per cent. Hardness Extended Below Normal Wear Standard Brinell hardness tests indicate that the hardening effect extends depth more than mm. (1.18 in.), that is, beyond the depth normal wear. Photomicrographs show the change structure from one with pearlite and great deal ferrite one with sorbitic pearlite and very little ferrite. Further results are given lot 1000 tons rails, 500 tons untreated and 500 tons treated. The average analysis was carbon, 0.314; manganese, 0.971; phosphorus, 0.071; sulphur, 0.038; and silicon, 0.161 per cent. The untreated steel gave average tensile strength with 24.1 per cent elongation, and the treated steel showed 99,420 lb. per sq. in. tensile strength with 19.1 per cent elongation. Lower-carbon steel when treated gives better re- sults than higher-carbon steel untreated. Experi- ence with street car rails laid since 1923 would indicate that treated rails should give double the service untreated rails. The paper finally gives results obtained with the Amsler wear testing machine samples from treated and untreated material, showing the superiority the former. Pig Iron Being Transferred from Barge Car Cincinnati increasing number iron and steel companies are making use the river-rail terminal Cincinnati, operated the Cincinnati River-Rail Transfer Co. has been service about six months. The Jones Laughlin Steel Corporation has been employing transfer material enroute from its mills its warehouse. Another large user has been the Belfont Steel Wire Co., Ironton, Ohio, which has been moving pig iron from its Ironton furnace barge Cincinnati, where transferred the terminal crane railroad cars for delivery melt- ers the Cincinnati metropolitan switch- ing district. Other iron and steel produc- ers are negotiating for the use the ter- minal. 338—August 11, 1927, The Iron Age | Steel Dumping Alleged Hearing American Mills Present Their Side the Case Washington and Representative Otto Wolff Co. Denies the Charges WASHINGTON, Aug. 9.—Domestic producers steel presented testimony hearing here Wednesday, Aug. before officials the division customs, Treas- ury Department, the matter alleged dumping German steel this country. Application the anti- dumping act sought American interests the ground that rolling mill products are being sold the United States less than the German home market prices. Combatting their appeal, importers, represented George Dix, American agent for Otto Wolff Co., Germany, vigorously denied the charge, stating that imports from Germany are not being dumped and rep- resent only negligible tonnage, particularly when compared with United States output. was asserted that there proof, required under the act, show that the domestic industry being injured likely injured. Those appearing for domestic producers included vice-president Bethlehem Steel Co.; Johnston, assistant the vice-president Bethle- hem; Bretland, district manager sales the structural department, New York; McIntosh, sales engineer Bethlehem, Pa., and Leonard, Wash- ington representative; Holliday, manager export department Jones Laughlin Steel Corporation; Uphouse, Philadelphia district sales manager Donner Steel Co.; Foss, assistant president Wheeling Steel Corporation; Argetsinger, assistant general counsel Youngstown Sheet Tube Co.; Miller, Pittsburgh Steel Co.; Miller, Gilbert Bennett Mfg. Co., Georgetown, Conn., appearing for producers poultry netting and wire cloth; Southwell, counsel Wickwire Spencer Steel Co., Inc.; George Clark, counsel Hot Rolled Strip Institute. The proceeding the outgrowth complaints made originally that German pig iron and steel for ex- port were being subsidized through payment boun- ties. The Treasury Department issued countervailing order, the matter was taken through the German Government, investigation was made American rep- resentatives for the State and Treasury departments, and subsequently the order was withdrawn the strength the report that there was evidence bounties being paid pig iron and rolling mill prod- ucts. Application was later made for anti-dumping order, which has been followed broad investiga- tion the division customs, Treasury Department. anti-dumping order was issued imports German pig iron and now effect. States Case for Bethlehem The opening statement the hearing was made Mr. McMath. asserted that importations iron and steel products have reached such tonnage and are sold such low prices that their effect has been felt throughout the domestic industry. Figures presented showed that imports rose from 120,000 gross tons 1921 1,100,000 tons 1926. The actual incoming movement for the six years, Mr. McMath pointed out, amounted 4,136,912 tons, which pig iron consti- tuted about per cent and steel products per cent. The total invoice value was $184,708,000. Germany, source iron and steel imports, was stated, showed growth from unimportant position 1921 leading place 1926. support this statement, Mr. McMath read abstract from article THE IRON AGE Feb. 1927. “Taking the Department Commerce figures for the importation German structural shapes and bars only, have importations 34,418 tons, and, assum- ing value $40 gross ton, had $1,276,720 worth these commodities alone entering the United States from Germany last year, and the same basis the total value the 114,450 tons all steel products imported from Germany last year was $4,578,000,” said Mr. The explanation was made Mr. McMath that, while imports are small when compared with domestic production and consumption, should borne mind that, because the cost railroad freight from the seaboard inland points, is, practical matter, difficult for the German producers compete with American producers points remote from the seaboard. For this reason, was urged, the most substantial part the imports remains and consumed the Eastern part the United States, particularly the Eastern seaboard, and the effect felt chiefly American pro- ducers who depend for their market largely upon con- sumption the Eastern district. The Bethlehem Steel Co.’s production rolled steel and other finished products 1926, Mr. McMath said, was 4,337,957 gross tons, while the importations steel products for the same year amounted 664,172 tons, more than per cent the Bethlehem output. The importation this foreign steel was declared have definitely replaced like amount steel do- mestic manufacture, some which would have come from the Bethlehem company. Large Foreign Sales Seaboard Cities 1926, Mr. McMath stated, German structural shapes imported