The Iron Age 1927-12-15: Vol 120 Iss 24

THE New York, December 15, 1927 ESTABLISHED 1855 VOL. 120, and Drags Are Conveyor Lift. The molds are then closed prepar- 4 Foundry Output Increased Sand-Handling Equipment GUNTHER South Bend, Ind., plant the Studebaker Corporation the parent works from which the Detroit branch sprang, and here that the methods and the policies the entire organization are worked out. one the largest automobile factories the country and covers many acres ground, greater portion which under roof. efficiency operation unquestionably stands high, and excellent example how mass production and accurate workmanship may hand hand under the proper management and with the right equipment. Throughout the plant mechanical methods han- dling materials have been adopted, resulting better and more uniform product both quality and workmanship and also making possible determine with accuracy the number hours labor that into each car and every part. This information enables the factory figure its require- ments months advance and regulate the flow raw materials through the plant such manner that there neither shortage nor surplus. permits production maintained without peaks valleys, flowing steady stream, unhurried and constant. This article, particular, deals with the plant’s latest foundry improvement, which known con- tinuous molding and sand-conditioning unit. was installed the Chain Belt Co., Milwaukee, and its design was result the cooperation the Stude- baker foundry experts and the Chain Belt conveying engineers. This equipment combination con- veying, elevating and sand-conditioning units ar- ranged that none the sand entering into the making the castings handled hand, nor any the heavy lifting, typical foundry work, done man power. Man, with hardly exception, directs the machinery the proper design the work. the present time, cases and fly- wheel housings are the particular pieces that are being molded this unit. The actual molding the transmission cases takes place two revolving turntables which are mounted 4 — ~< ' three stripping machines, equipped with similar pat- terns. turntable provided with the pattern equipment from which the drag the mold made and the other with patterns from which the cope made. The speed each turntable set permit sandslinger operator ram each flask without undue exertion. soon the turntable brings the molding machine within the range the sandslinger, the opera- tor rams the flask. the time has that flask, the next machine position for ramming. Mean- while his helper strikes off the surplus sand from the flask that has just been rammed, drops the pattern from the sand, and the drag the mold ready lift running trolleys over each turntable. soon the drag the cope, whichever the case may be, removed the mold conveyor the pattern sprayed and another flask placed the machine, and again ready for ramming. Cores Placed Mold While Conveyor Motion The first machine rams the drag, and the second the cope. When the drag transferred the mold con- veyor, the cores are placed. This done while the grating, where the flasks are removed and placed flask conveyor, which carries them back the mold- ing machines. The sand falls through the grating into knockout hopper, and the castings are ready taken the cleaning room. Sand Recovered from Knockout Hopper Steel-Flight Conveyor The sand the knockout hopper carried means steel-flight knockout conveyor magnetic belt conveyor, where the stray metal, gaggers, etc., are removed from the sand and the sand delivered revolving screen. the knockout conveyor auto- matic watering device, which wets the sand just enough keep down the dust while the sand going through this part the system. From the revolving screen, where the large cores are removed, the sand feeds into elevator which discharges belt conveyor running over the top two 75-ton storage bins. The belt conveyor fitted with plow which feeds the sand either bin, depend- ing upon where the sand stored. Throughout these transfers from one conveyor elevator another the sand being cooled, and fur- Molding Transmission Cases Two Rotating Turntables Have Been Provided, One for Copes and the Other for Drags. Three stripping machines are mounted each turntable, the speed which regu- lated permit sandslinger operator ram each flask without undue exertion conveyor motion, its speed being timed that the cores are place when the drag reaches position opposite the cope turntable. Hence the cope may lowered the drag and the mold closed without stop- ping the mold conveyor. The cope, like the drag, carried the mold conveyor means air lift. The mold then taken hand two men, one either side the conveyor, who place the clamps and ram the runner boxes. The mold then ready for pouring. Pouring the mold continuous operation and accomplished with the mold conveyor motion. The metal brought the floor means electric monorail crane. The pouring not confined lim- ited length the conveyor, the monorail system runs along the mold conveyor point very close where the molds are cloged near the molding machines. After pouring, the clamps and runner boxes are re- moved from the molds and the mold conveyor carries the poured molds the knockout floor. Here they are removed from the conveyor means air hoist mounted trolleys and are dropped knockout 1646—December 15, 1927, The Iron Age ther cooling takes place the large storage bins. The bins are provided with revolving bottoms and plows, which are adjusted feed the required amount sand into the system. Sand from Storage Bins Discharged Tempering Belt Conveyor When the sand discharged from the bins received tempering belt conveyor the base- ment, which located another automatic watering device, which tempers the sand the proper degree. The tempering conveyor discharges into which properly fluffs the sand, and then fed into distributing scraper conveyor for delivery the molding units. The scraper conveyor elevates and con- veys this conditioned sand apron feeders, which turn discharge into sandslinger hopper directly over the molding turntables. There always surplus sand circulating through the scraper conveyor in- sure unlimited sand supply for molding purposes. Strikeoff sand from the revolving turntables falls through the gratings the tables and transferred FTER the Molds Are Poured the Con- veyor Carries Knockout Floor OURING Continuous eration and Done with the Mold Con- veyor Motion. The metal brought electric monorail, which runs over the mold conveyor point close where the molds are closed AND Discharged through the Knockout Grating Carried Steel-F light Con- 4 Belt Conveyor, Where Stray Metal, Removed and the Sand Delivered Revolving Screen The Iron Age, December 15, 1927—1647 = ingenious arrangement sweeps belt con- veyors under the tables. The conveyors discharge the sand directly into the lower run the scraper con- veyor, from where again circulates through the sys- tem. result, the strikeoff sand not conditioned second time, but conveyed and elevated again the apron feeders supplying the sandslingers. Flywheel Housings Molded Auxiliary Unit The flywheel housings are molded auxiliary unit, which receives its sand from the main scraper conveyor means cross belt conveyor. This unit consists scraper conveyor very similar design the main distributing conveyor. the bottom this conveyor attached series hoppers feeding the jolt machines which the flywheel housings are molded. each flywheel housing mold completed hoisted means air lift mounted trolleys and transferred gravity conveyor, which carries the completed molds the mold conveyor for pouring. There always surplus sand flowing through this distributing conveyor also, that the jolt machines are never held for want sand. through this last unit that the entire system cleaned sand. When desired clean the system the revolving bins are stopped, are the molding operations, and the other units are run, which means that the auxiliary unit receives the sand, which conveyed the knockout conveyor means overflow cross conveyor. From this point SCRAPER Con- Distrib- utes the Sand Apron Feeders, Which into Hoppers. Discharge Sandslinger Flywheel housings are mold- unit, which receives its sand from the main veyor means veyor 1648—December 15, 1927, The lron Age carried through the system the large storage bins, where stored for immediate use the next morning. The entire installation characterized its sim- plicity operation and construction. Each part designed keep the working parts down minimum and still permit them withstand very severe service. All the wearing parts are easily accessible and can replaced few moments case any the parts wear out, which cuts the main- tenance cost the equipment minimum. System Turns Out 1100 Molds 9-Hr. Day the present time, and the unit has been oper- ation but short while, tons sand being han- died per hour and 850 transmission cases and 285 wheel housings are being produced per 9-hr. day. both the auxiliary and main units molders are re- quired, men are employed the shakeout, and three men are used for pouring, get the above men- tioned production. Two maintenance men are required, namely, one millwright and one oiler. the job was previously handled when made the floor, men molding and three men pouring and shaking out were necessary produce 300 transmis- sion case castings per day. get 300 flywheel hous- ings required men molding and three men pour- ing off and shaking out. both cases, course, the sand was tempered separate gang night work- men, and the castings were removed still another night shift. Everything considered, estimated the Revolv- ing Large Cores Are Removed, the Sand Fed into Ele- vator. The latter de- livers the sand belt conveyor run- ning over the top two 75-ton storage bins — Machines Used for Molding Flywheel Housings Are Supplied with Sand Overhead Hoppers. each mold completed transferred air hoist gravity conveyor, shown the background that there approximate saving $220 per 1000 castings the transmission cases and $100 per 1000 castings the flywheel housings making them the unit rather than the floor. This saving does not include the saving floor space, which important item, nor does include any saving flask equipment, pattern equipment or, fact, any economy Undertake Standardization Speeds Driven Machines general conference determine whether there shall set national system standard speeds for driven machinery, called the American Engineering Standards Committee connection with request from the National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association, was held the Engineering Societies Building, New York, Dec. was the sense the conference that some kind standardization machine speeds should under- taken. discussing scope, was felt that the scope the project should broader than machine speeds, the technical committee deal with this work would also have give consideration pulleys, gears, sprockets and other elements machine drives or- der able solve the problem speeds driven machines. Accordingly, the following resolution was unani- mously adopted: “That the scope the work the sec- tional committee defined dealing with such ele- ments mechanical power transmission are the functions the speed the driving and driven ma- chinery.” Further action the conference included the recommendation that the American Society Me- chanical Engineers requested undertake sponsor- ship the project. special committee, advise questions which might arise before sponsorship has been assigned, was maintenance charges. Not only does this equip- ment save the castings themselves, but conserves the energy the men working them, holding them uniform pace without allowing them exceed it. results better and more uniform qual- ity workmanship, and gives continuous, reliable line production. appointed the chairman the conference, Skin- ner, chairman the American Engineering Standards Committee. Adams, representing the National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association, chairman the special committee. Other members are: Stew- art, chief engineer the Gleason Works, Rochester, Y., representing the National Tool Builders’ Association; Berry, associate editor Power, representing the A.S.M.E.; Walter Jones, Brunswick- Kroeschell Co., New Brunswick, J., representing the Refrigerating Machinery Association; and Marble, president the Curtis Marble Machine Co., Worces- ter, Mass, and vice-chairman the textile division the A.S.M.E. One item the agenda called for discussion on: “Does the conference wish recommend tentatively that such uniformity (standardization machine speeds) based certain conditions developing out present practice, national system pre- ferred numbers?” was voted recommend the sectional committee that system preferred num- bers, tentatively approved the A.E.S.C., followed closely possible establishing standard speeds. Before the discussion noted above, résumé in- formation obtained the A.E.S.C. the general sub- ject the conference was presented John Gaillard, mechanical engineer the staff the A.E.S.C. Mr. Gaillard read abstracts correspondence with Amer- ican organizations and briefly reviewed European na- tional standards the subject. The Iron Age, December 15, 1927—1649 3 Machine Tools Feature Shop Practice Meetings feeds for machine tools and the maintenance plant and equipment were two the major topics discussed the shop practice sessions, held under the auspices the machine shop practice division the Amer- ican Society Mechanical Engineers and the Ma- chine Tool Congress during the forty-eighth annual meeting the New York, Dec. 5-9. comprehensive interest both users and builders machine tools was paper devoted the question machine tool development influ- enced the demands users. This paper, pre- Large User Discusse ACHINE tool development has been influ- enced users’ demands was discussed Mr. Spencer the light experiences the Western Electric Co. The rapid development recent years, particularly developments tending increase the suit- ability standard tools for manufacturing purposes, was pointed out and was machinery for production work that was dealt with particularly Mr. Spencer’s paper. “If look backward and consider the machine-tool equipment available from ten years ago, shall find that the manufacturing requirements that period were met, not much improvements the design the machine tools themselves, the use clever tooling, ingenious handling methods, and special- purpose machines designed users meet their par- ticular needs,” Mr. Spencer said. “Very few machine tools designed for performing specific kinds opera- tions were available. Furthermore, machines were neither designed nor built for high-production service, and consequently when used were short-lived and costly maintain. “During the last ten years, however, many improve- ments have been incorporated machine tools prac- tically all types. some instances radical changes have been made, but many the improvements have been simply adaptations features already “proven in” years service other types equipment. For example, not unusual today see featured machine-tool advertisements such statements “roller bearings,” “ball bearings,” “wick oiling,” “continuous pressure oiling,” “hydraulic control,” and “built-in motor drive,” although only few years ago these entirely practical features, which mean much the matter obtaining continuous high-speed production, were conspicuously absent. “Many new types production machinery have been originated within the last decade, and the demand for these indicates clearly the opportunity for the develop- ment equipment more adaptable for certain kinds machining operations than the general-purpose machine tool. being appreciated that the more nearly general-purpose machine approaches special-purpose machine, the more efficient and the more valuable for manufacturing purposes becomes. Users and Builders Now Collaborate “During this same period many the larger users have taken active part machine development, and many improvements have resulted from suggestions originating with them. This has been true large extent the automotive industry. Today the builder welcomes, and fact, solicits, suggestions, condition quite different from that which prevailed years ago. This collaboration the user with the builder ma- chine development the utmost importance the 1650—December 15, 1927, The Iron Age sented the last the three shop practice sessions manufacturing development, Western Electric Co., Chicago, given part the following para- graphs. That the papers arranged the executive committee the shop practice division were substantial and timely interest was reflected not only from the attendance, which was unusually large, but also from the character the discussion. From this standpoint the symposium hydraulic feeds for machine tools was outstanding interest. Production Tools builder, must recognized that must pro- duce that which the user will buy. The user controls the situation and consequently improvements are made must assume his share the development responsibility and cost. buying additional machin- ery the user often specifies the production expected, knowing from careful analysis the factors in- volved that the demand entirely reasonable, although considerably beyond the possibilities existing equip- ment. The equipment finally developed usually capable greater production than the output specified. “The engineering and design machine tools strictly function the builder and should remain so. Not all users employ the kind talent necessary for this work, and those who usually have sufficient amount special equipment design keep this talent constantly employed without attempting alter the designs standard machines develop new types. order that satisfactory returns may real- ized from the investment machine tools, however, imperative that the user assist the builder furnishing all the manufacturing information necessary produce machines which his experience has taught him will more adequately meet the requirements continuous quality production. Machining Methods and Machines Studied Corps Engineers “In the plants the Western Electric Co. large quantity medium-sized production machinery needed produce the parts required every year for the manufacture and maintenance the telephones and associated equipment the Bell System. The prob- lem manufacturing this equipment economically de- pends for its solution mainly upon the machine tools selected for the job. The magnitude the problem will more fully appreciated realized that the telephone equipment manufactured this company consists 13,000 different kinds apparatus assem- bled from 110,000 different component parts. For sev- eral years has been necessary purchase build from two three million dollars’ worth machinery per year for the purpose reducing manufacturing costs for increasing capacity. “The selection the machine tools for this job one the functions the development organization Hawthorne. This organization originated some years ago when the demand for telephone equipment was constantly increasing. This increasing growth made necessary reanalyze each job frequently and revise manufacturing layouts that advantage might taken the larger requirements make use more productive equipment. became evident that standard manufacturing methods were many instances not suitable for manufacturing interchange- able parts large quantities. few experienced engi- neers, therefore, were assigned the job studying the problem detail, and from this small beginning grew the present development organization, consisting several hundred engineers whose function study constantly every factor affecting the cost pro- duction from the raw material the finished product. “About engineers this group are employed the study machining methods and the standardiza- tion machine equipment, and about designers are required provide the designs for special-purpose ma- chinery and changes design additions stand- ard machines when necessary meet the requirements this company. These engineers develop all machin- ing methods and select the standard machine tools which are required meet the production schedule. Policies governing the design and construction ma- chine tools all types have been established. Machinery Standards Established “The standards adopted this company affect the design machines both with regard their economic and humanitarian aspects, and include the following: Minimum floor-space requirement; elimination ac- cident hazards far possible properly designed guards; reduction physical effort the provision convenient operating arrangement; cleanliness, se- cured preventing machine and cutting lubricants from leaking being thrown from the machine; and “To meet established standards satisfactorily, man- ufacturing machinery must compact occupy little floor space possible; must ruggedly designed insure accuracy; must efficiently lubri- cated reduce maintenance; all parts must easily accessible, though moving parts should inclosed properly safeguarded remove accident hazards, and they should arranged for individual motor drives, preferably with the motor located the base. They must conform the latest and best practice with respect materials, bearings, gears, and chains, and workmanship must high order. “All these requirements are incorporated most tool-room machines, but until all production machines are built accordance with these general specifica- tions there will continue opportunity for im- provement. insure standard high quality the Western Electric company finds necessary dis- mantle practically every machine bought that can thoroughly inspected and replacements made workmanship improved necessary, before the ma- chine placed service. Standards Take Account Human Factor “It should not inferred that all the standards adopted the Western Electric company meet the approval all builders even all users. Machine standards depend largely the point view, and the broad one, depending the type management. The importance the economic factor determining policies well recognized. However, management whose policies not provide attractive well safe working conditions has been blind the economic value them. few years ago when this country was the midst great business activity and shortage labor was acutely felt all localities, the company was faced with the problem maintaining operating force approximately 40,000 persons. During this trying period the company was able keep satisfactory operating force and hold the labor turnover re- markably low. There question but that the un- usually satisfactory operating conditions and shop en- vironment were largely responsible for attracting and holding high-grade class employees. “The design manufacturing equipment influ- enced large extent these considerations. Sev- eral years ago when the first multi-story buildings were erected Hawthorne, the only equipment hand and obtainable was belt driven, and the group method driving was adopted being the best avail- able that time. The belts and overhead shafting, pulleys, and motors obstructed the light, increased the hazard, and made all departments equipped gloomy places which work. Motorizing 4500 Machines Completed “Up 1914 very few machine tools were available with well-designed motor drives. that year was decided motorize the entire plant consisting about 4500 machines. The plan adopted involved, first, the development individual motor drives for each type belt-driven machine considered sufficiently modern and suitable for manufacturing purposes, and the re- placement all types machines unsuited such drives; and second, the policy purchasing only motor-driven machines for additional capacity. The motorization the belt-driven machinery involved great deal expense for design and construction work but has now been completed. “In addition doing away with forest belts and overhead work, endeavor has been made limit the heights the machines, would obviously inconsistent the great trouble and expense in- volved the motorization program and then permit the machines themselves obstruct the light. Late- model multiple screw machines, for example, ordinarily furnished with the motor top, are arranged with motor drives built special bracket located that the height the machine not increased, and are radical departure from standard Changes Made Punch Presses section the paper devoted punch press equipment. “There probably manufacturing ma- chine that has undergone less change since the early designs than the punch press,” said Mr. Spencer. “Credit must given those who have had the vision and the courage depart from conventional designs and bring out low underdrive machines capable high speeds. For blanking operations these presses are perior gap-type presses because the ram guided more satisfactorily and there very little chance misalinement the tools. the gap type the frame opens slightly with each stroke the press, and more expensive sub-press tools must built over- come this inherent fault. For second-operation work, however, the gap type preferable, but most cases the designs could greatly improved. “In plant using hundreds medium-size presses and blanking and forming millions parts per year, the utmost importance, first, that these ma- chines safe prevent injury, thus obviating lost time and demoralized morale, and second, that they constructed that maintenance will low order that they may kept constantly active. Western Electric company punch presses are individually motor driven, having incorporated their construction special design friction motor drive; the bearings are bronze bushed throughout and the crankshaft bear- ings are split angle that the upper bearings the frame take all the upward pressure and the caps none. The crankshaft made heat-treated chrome- nickel steel matter safety. The ram connection provided with shearing ring protect the press from overload and the arrangement such per- mit easy replacement the ring whenever necessary. U-bolt used for clamping the cap against the punch shank. U-bolts are used here because they are easier replace case breakage than the usual studs. The clutch the rocking-key type. The fly- wheel, which mounted ball bearings, provided with several key-locking grooves effect minimum clutching time. “These presses are completely guarded, balanced swinging gate operated the treadle such manner that place front the die space before the clutch tripped, and side gates prevent the operator from reaching around the front guard. These are arranged that when swung open the clutch rod locked and the press cannot op- erated. “The flywheels are webbed that there chance anything getting caught them possible when spokes are used. Also the webbed wheels eliminate the usual flicker light due the rotation large number spoked wheels. This has reduced fatigue and helped eliminate accidents. Punch-press accidents The Iron Age, December 15, q q § 7 Hawthorne are extremely low; more than 600 presses are operated and far this year there has not been major accident. “To secure clean operating conditions attention has been given preventing oil from leaking out ma- chines being thrown off revolving reciprocat- parts. Wipers and shields are required obviate is. Little Change Drilling Machines for Thin Material Another section the paper was devoted drill- ing machines for thin material. “Many well-designed high-production semi-automatic drilling machines are available for automobile parts and larger, but equip- ment for drilling small holes through comparatively thin material has undergone but little change many years,” said Mr. Spencer. “The only important improve- ment that has been made the increase the spindle speed the adoption ball bearings. The aim seems have been provide machines for small work with relatively high drilling speeds, with the idea se- curing more nearly the same cutting speeds obtained with larger tools, though far the reduction the cost drilling small holes concerned, this has never been important factor. could shown that the amount time saved due the higher drilling speeds small percentage the amount time required for the complete operation loading jig, drilling, and unloading. true that automatic feeds have been developed, the principal advantages which have been reduce fatigue. They are step the right direction, however.” Automatic drilling equipment bench type and with dial feed; horizontal, duplex semi-automatic ma- chines, and multiple-spindle unit with hydraulically- operated head—all which were developed the company—were briefly described and illustrated Mr. Spencer. speaking machine guards and electrical equip- ment, was pointed out that the purchase price machinery never the entire cost. “Often the cost installation, including guards and electrical equipment, amounts several hundred dollars. Much this could saved the machine builder would build into his machines fuse boxes, switches, light brackets, and the necessary conduits, and would provide adequate and well-designed guards. This matter has been given more attention recent years, but still found necessary buy many machines which these important features have not been provided.” Possibilities for Future Development hydraulic operation machine tools was stated that there are advantages sufficient justify the adoption the hydraulic method operation wherever possible. “The use the hydraulic means for controlling, timing, and transmitting motion does away with the necessity gears, cams, screws, and the bearings and shafts which they are mounted; con- sequently the maintenance comparison would ex- tremely low. Another advantage the flexibility the system, being possible obtain very easily any speeds either direction, any variation speeds either direction, without difficulty.” For small screw-machine work was said that would seem practicable design vertical screw- machine unit which could mounted singly mul- tiple suitable frame and which would take much less space than the usual type. unit this type could designed which would have larger out- put than the present types machines.” Interest Hydraulic Feeds for Machine Tools addition the session reported part above, there were two symposiums, one which was devoted hydraulic for machine tools. Papers this ses- sion, which was presided over Dixon, works manager the Singer Mfg. Co., Elizabethport, J., contained wealth information relating the gen- eral characteristics and the application the hydraulic drive drilling, milling, broaching and other machines. Characteristics hydraulic feeds and drives for cutting tools was comprehensively dealt with paper Walter Ferris, vice-president the Oilgear Co., Milwaukee. Mr. Ferris outlined the general prin- ciples hydraulic devices used for driving feeding apparatus for machine tools, particular attention being given speed control and adaptability control inertia forces. was pointed out that the hydraulic drive may applied either straight line device rotary device. Regulating devices and the various types the application hydraulic drive, particular, the variable-delivery pumps with closed hy- draulic circuits vs. constant delivery pumps with by- path circuits, were described. was consid- ered the most obvious peculiarity hydraulic feeds. Interesting data were presented Sol Einstein, chief engineer, and Hans Ernst, research engineer the Cincinnati Milling Machine Co., Cincinnati, paper hydraulic feeding mechanism for milling ma- chines. This paper describes the hydraulic system de- signed meet the conflicting requirements which power-driven feeding device milling machines should meet. important component this system the differential pressure control valve employed. The development hydraulic feeds multiple drilling machines was outlined Galloway, Na- tional Automatic Tool Co., Richmond, Ind. Three types hydraulic pumps general use for feeding machine tools were briefly taken up. These three types are, the gear pump, arranged operate pressures 250 and capable delivering constant volume constant pressure; the multiple-piston pump, with variable stroke, built deliver variable amount 1652—December 15, 1927, The Iron Age these two pumps arranged deliver large volume oil 250 pressure, from gear pump, and smaller volume from variable delivery piston pump, both pumps being built into the same housing and inter- locked control. Waldo Guild, chief engineer the Heald Ma- chine Co., Worcester, Mass., contributed paper “Hydraulics and Modern Machine Tool Design.” This paper includes the application hydraulics several types machine tools, comments being made the valves employed and air accumulation the oil lines. Written discussion was contributed For- ward and Hammond the Diamond Machine Co., Providence. Those entering the discussion from the floor included Flanders, general manager the Jones Lamson Machine Co., Springfield, Vt.; Hall, professor mechanical engineering, Brown Uni- versity, Providence; Boston, professor Shop Practice, University Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Peets, engineer, Singer Mfg. Co., Elizabethport, J.; Montgomery, Gridley Machine Co., Hart- ford, and Clergue, president the Waterbury Tool Co., Waterbury, Conn. line with suggestion from Brul, general manager the National Machine Tool Builders Association, Cincinnati, the effect that conference hydraulic engineers could well get together and exchange experiences, and thereby perhaps reduce development costs general, motion was made recommend the executive committee the machine shop practice division the Society the formation sub-committee hydraulic feeds for machine tools. The second symposium, reported briefly THE IRON AGE Sept. page 1587, was devoted plant and equipment maintenance. Proper lubrication was among the points emphasis, well the budgeting maintenance expense, and servicing machine tool builders. The presiding officer was Burt, vice- president and general manager the Pratt Whitney Co., Hartford, and president the Machine Tool Con- gress. Cost Savings Materials Handling Salvage Value Equipment, Under Plant Changes, Per Cent—Economics Production the Main Problem—Large Return Investment OINTING out that the engineer must good business economist,* George Hagemann, asso- ciate editor Manufacturing Industries, New York, stressed the economic phase the materials handling installation problem. stated that not much case presenting management with re- quest for new handling equipment showing how economies can made and what extent. pre- dicted that the great advances the past ten years, the savings made result studies along this line, will duplicated bettered the next ten years. particular, called attention the gains which can made small plant, with outlay for equipment, and said that these are comparable with those which can made large plant with cor- respondingly large outlay. All may save labor and other handling costs, though possibly varying degree. Specific cases definite savings from the use combinations hand-lift trucks, with electric lift trucks other types handling equipment, were pointed out Lewis, president Lewis-Shepard Co., Water- town, Mass. cited instances from ten major in- dustries, one case from each industry, show the nation-wide and universal scope the field for this type equipment. Exceptional Returns Investment Industry must get away from the idea that mate- rials handling equipment must paid for cost sav- ings within months, according Matthew Potts the Alvey Ferguson Co., New York. Much the equipment obtainable today will that. However, seems foolish manufacturer ask such result, and period two years more ought avail- able. pointed out specific case where recom- mendation was made for equipment save labor certain operation. The management could not see its return inside year, and delayed six years before putting the equipment. The loss computed $8,000 year, total $48,000, against which the equipment, which now has been put in, cost $13,000. Mr. Potts took the common objection manage- ment that “conditions are continually changing,” and that equipment put today will not serving the same purpose six months from now. Against this stated that most the equipment for handling ma- terials given factory may flexible that prac- tically all can made conform with plant changes they materialize. this connection, later speaker called attention case where practically the entire layout fac- tory had been changed since last May, accommodate new conditions. this instance all the conveyors and other equipment have been used the new arrange- ment, except for one thing. The curves the con- veyor layout, the original arrangement, radius ft. Shorter radii had used the new ar- rangement, and consequently the curved units could not used over again. Smoothness Surface Used Trucks Condition the surface upon which lift-trucks and other types floor-operated hauling equipment are used was touched Willard Brinton, president Terminal Engineering Co., New York. spoke estimate $10,000 acre for putting concrete surface factory yard. This necessarily would have heavy enough permit the use motor trucks *This digest the discussion two papers the Materials Handling session, Dec. the annual meeting the American Society Mechanical Engineers, New York. upon it. Ordinarily this expense will not justified, particularly changes the layout frequently call for underground piping, other disturbance the sur- face the ground, short notice. Unloading steamers means materials han- dling equipment was stressed Mr. Brinton par- ticularly fine example labor saving. spoke one instance which bags materials were taken away from the ship electric trucks fast was previ- ously possible with ten times the number men, but operating simply men without mechanical assistance. This matter handling materials away from the ship was brought out concrete instance con- nection with cargo 4,000,000 brick now being un- loaded from steamer which has brought them nearly 4000 miles from Belgium. These are competing with brick from the Hudson River plants, many which are shut down. The brick are taken off the pier electric trucks and carried through city streets about two blocks place storage. Horizontal Movements Easier Than Vertical Lifting materials relatively difficult and their hori- zontal movement relatively simple, the opinion Spencer Miller, consulting engineer and formerly for many years with the Lidgerwood Mfg. Co., New York. Mr. Miller spoke the ease movement after box skid once the truck, comparison with the much heavier task getting the truck. Belt conveyors, which have been used for the past years, were referred the speaker having been the making the Duluth grain elevator system. told about how his brother uses conveying systems extensively his Chicago packing house that has made fortune profit %c. from his product. expressed it, hogs are wheels from the time they enter the plant alive until the hams and other parts into the cold storage department. There continual movement and all conveyors some type. Shipment Standardized Skids Standardization heights and widths platforms handled electric lift-trucks was advocated Merritt Lum, Chicago. referred particularly the practice the Hudson Motor Car Co., requiring that certain materials supplied from outside delivered skid platforms definite dimensions. Furthermore, these platforms have packed cars definite manner, that they may easily unloaded. The edu- cational effect these practical requirements upon the people who supply the materials, while not measurable, must great. Fabrication materials the course their han- dling was referred John Gillette, National Car- bon Co., Cleveland, the greatest contribution the en- gineer has made modern industry. stated that manufacturing costs dry cells under the present sys- tem conveyor fabrication predetermined speed are only about one-fifth great the old bench method formerly employed. “Off-Peak” Delivery Materials Another saving which told about has with the delivery much the material during the night for the operations the next day. Raw material from railroad cars sent into the basement his plant chutes, the lower end which high enough that the material can placed the platforms skids without having lifted. night, while the man- ufacturing processes are not operation, definite quan- tities these materials are placed the needed points The Age, December 15, 1927—1653 — t | 3 | | | | q 4 2 4 P q without interfering with manufacturing. This avoids the congestion elevators and the aisles which ac- companies the usual method handling materials dur- ing manufacture. pointed out that the indirect sav- ing, through non-interference with the men the fabricating line, while not measurable, very great. Electricians’ kits, well those millwrights and other maintenance groups, are handled the Na- tional Carbon plant skids. There may some cases cumber the floor and too much handled quickly manually. makes, however, only single skid loud and much expedites the service required these maintenance forces. Production Scheduled Automatically There need for schedule boards plants which automatically schedule their production conveyor other similar lines operating predetermined speeds, according statement Harold Coes, vice-president Belden Mfg. Co., Chicago. This par- ticularly observable modern automobile plants. the material not where needed when needed easy find out why without having inquire clerical help schedule boards. this connection drew analogy our present movement from the complex the simple with that which mankind has gone through changing from the steam turbine Hero the steam engine Watt and later back again the steam turbine Parsons. similar change was cited the effort obtain direct current from alternating current, which has given place movement which alternating current only the goal. Handling systems may built unit unit and accordance with the expansion This point was brought out Prof. Frank Eidmann, Princeton University. not necessary tear cut conveyor systems other types handling equipment. They may relocated otherwise adapted the newer conditions, and they may added to, for the purpose obtaining further economies given plant, carry the economy through into larger one, that larger one develops. Metal Tiles for Reducing Noise Ceiling Covering Standardized Units—May Decorated Scrubbed Without Damage ERFORATED metal tiles, each backed with 1-in. thick absorbent material, are being produced the Burgess Laboratories, Inc., Madison, for in- stallation ceilings for the purpose reducing noise factories and offices. This new product known the Burgess Sanacoustic tile. Its advantages are that non-combustible; dust dirt can sponged scoured off the surface with- out any way harming the absorbent the artistic effect the original application; can repainted and redecorated indefinitely, without reducing the ab- and can taken down sorbent factor noticeably; Each Tile (Left) forated Metal Tray Which are held the ceiling means light metal clamp-strips. (Above) — 1654—December 15, 1927, The Iron Age and salvaged desired removed another location. install the tiles necessary fasten light metal clamp-strips the ceiling 16-in. centers. Into these clamp-strips are inserted the 16-in. 16-in. per- forated metal tiles, each one which locks automati- cally into position. metal, light wood plaster molding can used finish off the edges, and blend into the wall surfaces the remainder the ceiling the case may be. Any decoration, such flat finish stencil work, may applied. Sanacoustic tiles are made with either bevelled plain squared edge. and Redecorating Not No- ticcably Reduce the Absorbent Factor + « fy ol ~ ¥ Defining Industry’s Social Obligations Taylor Society Recognizes That Scientific Management Must Consider Human Element Industry Prosperity Fully Realized NDUSTRIAL efficiency the United States has been carried far. Scientific management opened the door even greater achievement the future. But industry must realize that the human ma- chine has been the great contributing factor our present prosperity, and that full recognition the human element necessary the greatest potentiali- ties the years come are realized. Upon these things was emphasis laid the annual meeting the Taylor Society held New York Dec. 10. Although certain sessions the meeting were given over practical studies such questions intro- ducing scientific management into the textile business, the conducting economic and social surveys and the use time study the factory, great deal inter- est was aroused such topics the planning future prosperity and the formulation ideal platform for American industry. Consideration was also given the need for international cooperation scientific manage- ment problems and recognition was given the lead- ership the United States their solution. Technical Advancement Reducing Labor? Has the rapid development American technical methods anything with the relative disappearance human labor? This was question asked Brougham, executive secretary the Pollak Founda- tion for Economic Research, White Plains, Y., paper the planning prosperity. According the census manufactures, pointed out, there were per cent less wage earners 1925 than 1919, and during the same time the country’s population in- creased per cent. “Is possible,” Mr. Brougham asked, “that automatic machinery and highly developed management methods now for the first time are dis- pensing with human labor general scale, and the same time cutting off consumer purchasing power, hitherto expressed the earnings those dispensed with?” Further prove his point, the speaker quoted Sec- retary Labor Davis follows: “In the long run new types industries have always absorbed the workers displaced machinery, but late have been developing new machinery faster rate than have been developing new industries. Inventive genius needs turn itself this direction.” Dangers Over-Capacitation pointing out the economic unsoundness con- dition which efficient machinery over-capacitating industry and throwing men out employment, Mr. Brougham cited the iron and industry. “The Labor Department estimates,” said, “that the iron and steel industry, with its present equipment, could produce seven months all that our markets could take year; moreover, all the plants this indus- try were made efficient its best plants already are, two-thirds the present army employees the iron and steel industry might dispensed with pro- ducing the same output. Resulting from this condition the speaker pointed out that savings process, whether superior force organization improved machinery, tend accumulate the form unused facilities; that is, into the concrete unused savings the nation, corpo- rate individual, unless increment purchasing power can provided balance the steadily increas- ing store physical savings. Such widening pur- chasing power has been provided the extension bank credits. This extension has led constantly increasing standard living, and Mr. Brougham said that “it impossible for the United States, for any other country, use the facilities already has sufficient extent keep business prosperous unless continues expand bank credit sufficient rate connection with the building new facilities.” Machinery Offsets High Wages That the introduction labor-saving machinery and power into industry has been largely responsible for the high wages existent the United States was sug- gested paper Henry Williams, superintendent the French Co., Philadelphia. Using the steel industry example, Mr. Williams said: “In the steel industry, according the president the Cham- ber Commerce the United States, machinery has brought about extraordinary savings labor. Two furnaces; seven men cast much pig iron 60; open-hearth operation one man does the work 40, and two men can unload much pig iron day formerly 128 did.” The increased productivity industry brought about machinery must disposed one three ways. may remain the hands capital, may given labor the form higher wages and may distributed the entire population the form lower prices. But management, the speaker pointed out, essentially opposed higher wages; labor, the other hand, seeks increased wages, not only higher actual wages, but higher real wages. voiced the opinion that the prosperity the country would hastened and increased more than any other way rapid increase wage rates where machinery makes this possible. “Management,” said, “stands with great determination athwart this path prosper- ity, because the widespread distribution any form increased production machinery not consistent with the immediate welfare management.” discussing Mr. Williams’ paper, Howard Coonley, president Walworth Co., Boston, who presided this session, stated that management the coming year should particularly concerned with the increase the margin manufacturing profits. his eyes 1928 will year considerably heavier production than 1927, but profits will continue small unless management gives especial attention them. Meeker, economist, New Haven, Conn., was the opinion that prosperity entirely independent the price level. “Changes the price level affect prosperity,” said, “and stability what should con- cern management.” Mr. Meeker went say that our national prosperity should more carefully planned with consideration the future, and was supported this contention Carl Scholz, as- sistant professor economics the University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Professor Scholz urged some sort national scheme industrial planning, based sound economic principles, which felt would lead the greatest prosperity among all classes society. Platform for American Industry paper entitled Platform for American Indus- try,” Wilfred Lewis, president Tabor Mfg. Co., Philadelphia, which had been presented the inter- national management meeting held Rome, Italy, during September, brought out considerable discussion. This paper was dealt with Ace Nov. 10, page 1319. Silcox, director industrial relations, New York Employing Printers Association, stated that s