The Iron Age 1929-01-17: Vol 123 Iss 3

ESTABLISHED 1855 Piston Rings Day About 2500 Sizes Produced Perfect Circle Co.—System Daily Reports Keeps Record Each Molder and All Castings daily performance the gray iron foundry the Perfect Circle Co., Newcastle, Ind. This company’s main plant located Hagerstown, Ind., with another plant Tipton, Ind. Until recently purchased its cast- ings from jobbing foundries, but its demands became heavy and specialized that has now established its own foundry make piston ring castings. Devising whereby 2500 different sizes piston rings can made conformity with the needs the company’s customers and with appreciable loss the economies practised the average foundry problem which would tax the ingenuity any foundry executive, but such system has actually been placed operation this new foundry. Benefits from lowered production costs have accrued from close control manu- facturing schedules, from effective use overhead mono- rail conveyors for transporting materials, from installa- 175,000 individual castings the Makes 175,000 201 THE IRON AGE New York, January 17, 1929 tion special molding machines and from the continuous pouring practice the casting piston rings. Simple System Records Details Production simplify the matter following work process and assuring its completion the proper time, the manager has, the wall his office, production board the left side which are listed the name each molder and his machine number. the left top the board the name the month, while the board are vertical columns designated for each day the month. Every Friday the production manager receives from the company’s main office schedule orders covering the next seven days’ requirements. Each order then placed the board the date due. order check the daily progress the work process, card giving the daily output moved horizontally across the board from day day. INGLE-RING, ring and six ring flasks are used and single ring can made any them. The pattern plate base each flask interchange- able with that every other flask, provided for patented design four- edt . } ’ q ~ 4 | Information for this card obtained from form called the “molder’s daily production which lists the name the molder, the customer, the pattern num- ber, number molds poured, pieces each mold, total pieces made, number good pieces, number bad pieces, number pieces for which scrap allowance will made the management, number pounds good castings and number molding hours. Part the data filled the timekeeper the end the working day, while the remainder added the inspector when the piston rings pass through the inspection department. Daily Production Record Keeps Track All Molders The “molder’s daily production record” history From the ascertained the amount work they turn out and the wages which each molder has earned. the activity each molder the foundry. comparative value molders can order have accurate information regard piston ring castings, the company each day makes de- tailed check all operations. From eight reports, stating the happenings throughout the foundry, obtained the necessary information for daily condensed report sheet. This report sheet furnishes the information for the weekly report, and the latter, turn, supplies data for monthly summary. Report No. gives the facts about the chemical and physical properties pig iron, scrap and deoxidizers, and the results check the shippers’ analysis made Yo foundry (right) unusual that two 60-in. cupolas and the molding department are the sec- ond floor. There are sections the molding depart- ment, each floor being operated molder 202—January 17, 1929, The Age the foundry laboratory. similar way report No, deals with coke and lining material sand. From both these reports information taken for mixing and melting the iron. The cupola report (No. contains the propor- tional mixture; its estimated and actual analysis; the amount bed coke, charging coke and flux used; their physical and chemical properties, and the weight lining material. order insure uniformity the tempera- ture the iron, the room temperature, the barometric pressure and the blast pressure and volume the cupola are recorded. The heights the bed and the iron and coke charges are controlled, and chill, fluidity tests and slag analysis are made. Report No. gives information about the original proportional mixture the sand heaps the floors, their weight, chemical and physical condi- tions, Besides the molder’s name and the pattern and gate number, remarks regarding sand, iron, and ladles are put report No. Because defective castings can pro- duced impaired condition the molding equipment, equipment faults are recorded, the accurate tracing defective rings thus being made possible. The night re- port (No. accounts for missing and broken rings. changes sand heaps, means cutting and the amount water added. The inspection report (No. gives de- tailed information about the amount and percentage factory loss. Samples the rings shipped are sub- jected thorough physical, chemical and micrographic examination, the number and percentage sand and gas ASTINGS are carried through the inspection department (left) large metal containers suspended from monorail conveyor 7 § molder’s daily production record history activities each molder. record each heat kept file the testing laboratory case any question about piston rings might arise Fire Lighted Blast On PM _Bottom Droppe Time of Heat Melting Ratio Condition of Iron holes, hardness, tension and tensile strength being determined. Cupolas Located Second Floor The layout the foundry differs considerably from regular practice. The two 60-in. cupolas and the molding department are located the second floor, while the receiving department, tumbling mills, inspection and ship- ping departments are the first floor. Material goes into and comes out the foundry the north end the building, being transported means Louden over- head monorail system. Charging cupolas done two men. One man makes the charges, which are carried elevator the charging floor, where second man does the charg- ing hand. Incidentally, these two men charge from tons day. Castings are poured continuously from hr. per day. There are “floors” sections the molding depart- ment, each floor being operated molder. The depart- ment divided into four sub-departments, each which Sand Mow Per Bond molding machine the 274-J Osborne type, rebuilt for the specific purposes the Perfect Circle Co. consists plain squeeze with flask and sprue controlled com- pressed air, shown illustration head this article. The sprue and draw the pattern are operated valve conveniently situated the machine that can regulated the knee the molder. The vibrator lever located the squeeze lever the machine. Thus the molder has only two simultaneous operations perform. the squeeze plate and the pattern electric heater which keeps the plates the proper tem- perature, thereby making the sand more workable. The use this machine has increased production such extent that the average daily output per hr. from 1000 1200 molds per machine. Last year only four countries out made more pig iron than steel; 1913 six countries out made more iron than steel, while 1924, was seven out 21. The Iron Age, January 17, 1929—203 | 7 a \ Promote Employeesfrom the Ranks Armco Policy Preparing Men for Advancement Has Resulted Better Esprit Corps and Lower Labor Turnover train employee thoroughly and then lose him. This seldom happens the plants the Ameri- Rolling Mill Co., Middletown, Ohio, and the reasons are found the methods which the management has aided its employees develop their abilities, and thereby realize their ambitions. Promotion within the organization policy consis- tently adhered the company. This plan followed wherever possible and has many advantages, the most important which the stimulating effect workers throughout all op- Men who know that they will con- sidered for promo- tion whenever opportunity opens naturally not only take more in- terest their work, but also are encouraged pre- pare themselves study and extra effort for more important This policy has re- stantial saving time and money required train inexperienced men, and has done away with the necessity for “breaking in” men under oper- ating Operators Are Given Thorough Examination and Must Pass Certain Tests Before Their Final Selection. Eligible men are assigned practice hours their own time causing loss ma- terials tributing mis- direction labor. Promotion from the Ranks Company Policy Knowledge the part employees that the company promotes them whenever possible has automatically set competitive condition all departments. Each man seeks raise the standard his work above that his fellow employee and thereby win recognition. thus becomes the obligation the management keep itself constantly informed the progress being made all employees. Offhand, seems impossible for the management keep intimate, touch with some 10,000 em- ployees; nevertheless effective way doing this has been established. The director employment, who re- ports directly the management, visits each the company’s plants every month, talking with the works manager, the local personnel supervisor, the foremen and 204—January 17, 1929, The Iron the individual workmen. this manner familiarizes himself with the situation each plant and acquires defi- nite information pass along the management. All the men the organization, from the top the bottom, know the purpose the visits. fact, the men are told the local personnel supervisor that the director employment wants know them and ac- quaint himself with their records that can accu- rately convey the management information their qualifications for more important positions. Whenever promotion made, the director employ- ment sends the works managers, assistant works managers, general superintendents and the heads departments di- rectly concerned letter informing them the change. The letter, bearing the signature the director em- ployment, repro- duced the Armco Bulletin, which goes every employee. Thus “Armco” men are apprized the fact that changes are con- stantly being made within the com- pany and are pro- vided with definite evidence that the management de- sirous reward- ing each employee whose record and ability show that has outstanding merit. How Candidates Are Groomed for Better Jebs means the periodic visits the director employment, well the close contact with the men maintained the local personnel supervisor each plant, the management has presented for its consideration only few selected names when vacancy important position occurs. The selection based experience over long period time rather than hurried investiga- tion made result the necessity for new appoint- ment, and under the circumstances the possibilities making mistake are almost entirely eliminated. certain hazardous and difficult jobs, where man cannot replaced green man, candidate selected the management and trained for the work his own time. case point that electric crane- q 7 7 4 q | man. operate crane competently requires consider- able skill, and man cannot handle the job with safety himself and his fellow workmen without adequate training. The candidate selected receives from his foreman release card, bearing the approval the chief electrician and the medical department, which passes his physi- cal condition, especially his eyesight. then goes after working hours the craneman for practice period, punching practice time card when starts and finishes No mark—Presebdt fil dey Am Absent Early F—Finisned S—Sunday ploy- ment (PERSONAL RECORDS) establish reputation for dependability unless they their part. fail that performance would mean the loss business which, turn, would result less work for them. give the executives the company intimate picture the personnel, book reposing the desk the president, the general manager and every works manager contains the photograph and history every technical and well trained man employed recent years. Accompanying that information are notations giving ATTENOaNcE RECORD the Op- posite Side the Attend- ance Record the Payroll Record the Same Worker (Below) INOMIOUAL Pay Rou Recoro fromm mo. vers (12-26-60) ance Record Each Employee (Above) The practice time card turned the each lesson. management, which keeps accurate check the time spent training the candidate. Incidentally, the crane operator, knowing that better position may open for him, anxious give the candidate thorough instruc- tion possible. This system training followed many depart- ments. assures minimum lapse efficiency and enables the company anticipate its needs and avoid emergencies. System Makes for Steadier Operations Middletown, where the company still operates hand mills, the company has not lost turn, even the sum- mer months during the hottest weather. Since there are breaks production, the company has been able keep its promises customers and run capacity without interruptions. The attainment this record has been possible only winning the confidence employees and instilling them sense responsibility. They realize that the company cannot hope prosper and estimate the man’s ability, with possible reference the future position for which being trained. The policy promoting men all along the line when vacancy occurs the ranks might not desirable from the company’s standpoint were not for the fact that every man who advanced has made close study the job just ahead him, result practical courses offered the training department. Unless has voluntarily indicated willingness familiarize him- self with the duties his immediate superior, not considered worthy promotion, because lacking ambition. The simultaneous appointment number men new jobs ordinarily would disconcerting the efficiency organization, and the procedure would expensive, but under the Armco system there mini- mum interruption normal activities. The plan appointing superintendent and hiring laborer, because all the men intermediate positions are promoted, has contributed to, rather than detracted from, general effi- ciency. There still another important consideration that has The Iron Age, January 17, 7 March | | | } | least partly determined the management’s adherence the policy just described. promoting its own men, the company has intimate knowledge the qualities and characteristics the employee chosen for each specific undertaking. the other hand, outside man were given responsible position, would take him year two become familiar with the company’s policies the men under him. Since the company’s products are mostly specialties, would have the added disadvantage lacking the right kind experience. Therefore would have the double burden training himself Armco poli- cies and learning the peculiarities the company’s products. not surprising, therefore, that the system employment has lent itself admirably the develop- ment young men who can thoroughly grounded Armco policies. The company has attempted give preference men superior education, experience and training adding its roster employees. This has led the creation “employment reserve,” which functions emer- gency squad filling temporary vacancies the ranks mill employees and from which permanent employees are recruited. Establishment the employment reserve has positions requiring least some small degree skill group men who fit into the regular organization with less than normal amount disturbance. Labor Audit Made Annually Once year the company makes what known labor audit. The record every man reviewed con- ference with his superior and often with his associates. The audit begins with men such rank the general nanager sales, works managers and other division ads, and the discussions the man’s availability for ition considered. After the audit has been completed, the information carded and indexed, and the men are divided into three classes: first, those who are making excellent progress; second, those who are holding their own, but have not made any noticeable advancement; and, third, those who apparently have failed live expectations. the case the latter group, the man- agement attempts learn the reason for the lack prog- ress and often supplies remedy transferring man position better suited his ability and temperament pointing out ways and means which can improve his standing. The annual labor audit and periodic visits the com- pany’s piants enable the director employment keep before him fresh data about every man the organiza- tion. matter how remote man may think his work from the eyes the management, need not fear that his efforts will remain unnoticed. Employment Department Has History Each Worker history card every worker kept file the employment department. This contains the usual per- sonal description, date and place birth, number de- pendents, date employment and every transfer from job job change rate. addition, lists the out- standing things the worker has done and any serious dif- ficulties which may have been involved. The individual attendance record each employee filed the employment department, space being provided each card for information about attendance during entire year. the opposite side the card the pay- roll record the same employee, with information about straight-time pay, bonus pay and gross pay for each the weeks. When employee fails report for work, the time- keeper replaces his time clock card with red absent card. does not return work the following day, rep- resentative the personal service department “lifts” the absent card and ascertains from the employee’s foreman whether the absentee has been laid off for legitimate reason. this not the case, the representative visits OCCUPATION DATE OF BIRTH DEPARTMENT ENGLISH UTSTANDOING CHARACTERISTICS PUBLIC, PRIVATE, BUSINESS. HIGH, TRADE, COLLEGE TIME ISSUEO T EMPLOYED BY | SIGNATURE POSITION KEY D. DISCHARGED €. EMPLOYEES FURLOUGHED LAID OFF i. INJURED @. PLOYMENT DEPARTMENT RECORD NAME | NATIONALITY CITIZEN VU. PLACE OF BIRTH CHURCH Reao, Write, Srean RELAT VES HERE DEPARTMENT RELATION DEPENDENTS HAIR TABOR ORGANIZATION, LODGE, ETC. PHYSICAL RATING FOREMAN | REMARKS “— W ED. RAND SERIAL NO. PHONE. NO. arr’ PERMANENT ADDRESS city | ow ADORESS | rr. InN. _iss. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT HRS. PER wk. R. E. RE-EMPLOYED s. SICK PT. RETURNED T. TRAPSFCRACO W. A. WAGE ADVANCE W. 0. WAGE DECREASE History Card for Every Worker Kept File the Employment Department 206—January 17, 1929, The Iron Age 7 7 7 resulted having available for mill work and for other Form |! 1928 V — | WHY EMPLOYEO | INTERVIEWER'S OPINION — | | | —+ . | 2 | | THE AMERICAN ROLLING MILL COMPANY MIDDLETOWN, OHIO PERSONAL SERVICE DIVISION REPORT ABSENT EMPLOYEE FOREMAN’S REPORT: REPORT OF VISIT: SIGNEL Representative the Personal Service Depart- ment Reports His Visits Absentees the employee his home find out whether ill. The representative then fills out report about the ab- sentee, which filed the personal service department. order resume work, the employee must get from the personal service department his red absent card, must examined and declared “able resume work” the medical department, and must take the card the timekeeper, who gives him his clock card. New Men Recruited Employees Many desirable men have been recruited the Amer- ican Rolling Mill Co. through its employees. When addi- tional workers are not available within the organization, the employees are invited recommend someone. Some executives might think this questionable procedure, but has proved successful here. Employees know the work and the qualifications required it; they know that will their credit they recommend man who makes good; and they have better knowledge the char- acter and ability acquaintance and how will fill the job than employment man can have stranger. Men all classes have been secured this method. one employed the company until has been given thorough physical examination, which assists ma- terially determining the kind work for which best fitted. Employee Insured After Year Service When new worker conducted the department which has been assigned and introduced the fore- man, his period probation begins, Whether becomes permanent member the Armco organization depends. first, how satisfied with his work and with the treatment receives, and, second, how satisfied the company with the way performs his duties. during the probationary period that selection really made. man considered permanent member the organization until has been employed one year. that time his life insured cost himself amount equal one-half his anticipated annual in- come, with minimum $1,000 insurance. Further- more, can purchase cost equal amount insur- ance addition. After has been continuous service for one year, eligible vote for members ad- visory committee his department and elected the committee. addition six departments devoted personal ser- vice work, contact with the employees maintained through advisory committees, which there are approxi- mately 150, representing every group the company. entitled four wecks PRACTICE the This card may renewed the Employment Depart- Superintendent. Employment Dept. Entitling Employee Practice Running Equipment Prior Promotion Members these committees are elected annually se- cret ballot. the duty each committee take with the department superintendent anything which, their opinion, not being properly handled. may question production personal matter. The super- intendent likewise may call upon the committee for ad- should possess. Management Explains Policies Employees’ Committees Each department committee meets whenever need for its action for its services arises, call, all the committees assemble general advisory committee un- der the chairmanship the general manager the com- pany. This committee holds the same relation the gen- eral management the department committee the indi- vidual department. Its functions are advise and learn the policies the management, convey, the em- ployees whom they represent understanding these policies, and reflect the sentiment the employees such matters may help the management. the opinion the company that definite state- ment carefully formulated policies, whereby the work- ers know the management’s stand matters prime im- portance, creates confidence among the employees. For instance, the matter compensation, the published statement the American Rolling Mill Co. declares that “It Armco’s wage policy pay for every class service standard compensation high current competitive industries.” Furthermore, “it ambition develop organization such spirit, loyalty and efficiency that will possible for individual mem- bers earn and receive better compensation than per- forming similar service other fields effort.” The attitude the management has been well sum- marized Charles Hook, vice-president and general manager: “From its very inception, Armco has pinned its faith men. ‘It has admitted and insisted that must stand fall according its ability gather around group able, earnest, loyal and thoroughly trained men, suf- ficient number meet the need each succeeding period. “It the ambition and purpose the Armco manage- ment all its dealings combine proper proportion spirit fairness, square deal always, both theory and practice, big broad view every problem, spirit unselfishness, loyalty and courtesy and considera- tion for every one.” The Iron Age, January 17, | | CALCA NUMBER (OVER) 7 7 q 4 Mill Roll Split Rails into Bars Head and Base Run Simultaneously Through Same Stands—Building House Fabricating Plant, EROLLING rails will hot split midway between tread and flange the first break-down stand new 10-in. mill recently erected the Barton Spiderweb System, Inc., Chicago, fabricator steel rein- forcing bars. The rolls the first and succeeding passes are designed that the head and flange sections the rail, each which retained part the web, will rolled concurrently, with the one heating. The steel structure which houses this mill consists single bay 100 ft. wide 604 ft. long. The roof Charging Side the Rail and Furnaces, Which Are Oil-Fired. the roll-turning room covering tile, made the Federal Cement Tile Co., Chicago. The framework was erected originally the Sparrows Point, Md., shipbuilding plant the Bethlehem Steel Co. Later the building, dismantled and shipped Chicago, was erected the west end the Barton property, which bounded the north the Chicago drainage canal and the south the main right-of- way the Santa railroad. This location the suggests the construction dock which will facilitate the distribution bar mill products barges operating the Illinois deep waterway system, now being constructed. 10-ton overhead crane (Whiting Corporation, Har- vey, Ill.) travels the full length the building, serving for unloading and stocking rerolling rails and billets. 17, 1929, The Age Also Random lengths rails shorter than ft. will stored received. Long rails will cut this length motor-driven, jaw-type shear. This crane will deliver rails the duplex oil-fired furnace, ft. wide ft. long, which was built the Chicago Flexible Shaft Co., Chicago. Fuel oil unloaded gravity from tank cars. Above the doors the discharge side the furnace are overhead jib cranes, from which are suspended forks means which heated rails billets are removed from the furnace and un- The brick structure beyond the furnaces loaded the motor-driven transfer rolls for delivery the first break-down stand. Designed the United Engineering Foundry Co., Pittsburgh, the mill consists six three-high 10-in. stands, which four are designated the break-down units. They are direct coupled one the other and are driven, without reducing mechanism, 250-volt, 150 300 r.p.m., 500-hp. direct-current motor. This, like all other electrical equipment, was furnished the West- inghouse Electric Mfg. Co., East Pittsburgh. The other two 10-in. stands (finishing) are coupled together and are driven 300-hp., 225 450 r.p.m., 250-volt d.c. motor. One end each roll grooved roll the head section the rail and the opposite end designed take the = Four Break-Down Stands Are Direct Driven One Motor and the Two Finishing Stands (at left) Are Similarly Driven 300-Hp. Motor. 10-ton overhead crane traverses the building. The substation shows, outside, right urnaces flange section. This combination bar and merchant mill having rated capacity about 2000 tons the 9-hr. shift, when rolling either billet stock old rails. Sections which will rolled include rounds from rods 2-in. diameter bars; squares corresponding cross sectional area; angles from %-in. in. in. and beams from in. in. Looping floors slope away from both sides stands Nos. Raw stock, having been heated, split and rolled, passed from No. stand set motor- driven transfer rolls which extend along the north side the 18-ft. 6-in. 200-ft. cooling table. This table was erected along the south building wall. roller transfer the opposite side the table delivers the finished product United vertical-type shear, which will cut length the full range sizes and classes products made this mill. large section the building, opposite the cooling table, reserved for the storage finished products mill lengths, and for reinforcing bar fabricating shop. this way there are housed under one roof the raw material, rolling mill operations, storage finished prod- ucts and fabrication. Rolls are turned United 18-in., high-duty, double- Cooling Bed Ft. In. Wide 200 Long. The two finishing stands and their pinion set are front end cooling bed. Space the far end and the left table will used for storage and fabrication The Age, January 17, end lathe, placed brick inclosure accessible the roll- ing mill. The mill crane serves the lathe shop. Electric current purchased from the Commonwea!th Edison Co. High-voltage cables lead substation which stands adjacent the mill building. Transformers step down the voltage for use miscellaneous motors throughout the plant and motor-generator set furnishes direct-current power for the two main mill motors. With the addition this rolling mill the name becomes the Barton Steel Co. Its officers are Francis Barton, president; Darling, vice-president and treasurer; and Petersen, secretary. Thomas, formerly associated with the United Engineering Foun- dry Co., works manager. I-Beams Welded Butt Plate Make Efficient Splice PLICING girders necessary evil since both mill limitations and transportation requirements restrict the lengths sections. Design the riveted splice has been thoroughly standardized and andempirical considerations. date, conventional welded splice has simulated the riveted splice. other words, consists top and bottom flange plate and pair web plates. This set plates designed develop the section modulus the beam, and the lengths the plates are determined the amount welding required trans- fer the stresses from beam plate and vice versa. Even this arrangement has decided advantages over the riveted splice proved many thousands these joints use. Yet careful study will reveal that greatly over-designed, and that therefore not eco- nomic, put more correctly, this splice welded cover plates not economical enough. Welding differs fundamentally from other methods joining metals, since the make the joined metals literally one. The ideal weld may therefore described partition metal having all the properties the joined parent metals. Welded splice plates are far from such ideal. The butt joint suggests itself nearer however, presents two major objections: (a) lack ductility, and (b) impossibility developing full strength economically. Thus, two I-beams are butt welded together, directly end end, and then subjected transverse bending, will observed that the deflections are much larger for successive increments loading than for plain unspliced beam the same dimensions similarly loaded. Further- more, the elastic limit reached very quickly. correct this condition necessary build such large volume weld metal the joint that its cost becomes too great attractive. The author recently designed splice which seemingly meets the foregoing objections. plate placed between *Chief engineer, Electric Welding Co. America, Brooklyn, the ends the beams spliced and fillet weld de- posited for the full perimeter the section both sides the plate. The size the fillets below the neutral axis designed take the tensile stresses set the flange while the fillets above the neutral axis can made lighter. Incidentally the partition plate acts stiffener for the web and flanges. Experiments Columbia University were made Krefeld, engineer tests the Department Civil Engineering. Four 6-ft. lengths 5-in. stand- ard I-beams were tested, two unspliced and two with central butt plate, in., illustrated. The fillet weld extended about 7/16 in. from the contact. Each was tested beam 5-ft. span, one pair under central loading, and one pair third points, the latter throwing some shear into the weld. Deflections were measured 500-lb. increments; few the readings are given the table. was found that the welded splice developed the strength and stiffness the continuous beam (within the limits accuracy the test) either variety loading. All failures were caused buckling the upper flange; failures were produced the welds. Results such studies verify the theory upon which the design this new splice based. Its practical ad- vantages and the economies effected are obvious, despite its somewhat bizarre construction, that hoped will arouse the ultra-conservative engineer the many other advantages welding. Deflections Beams with Welded Splice Central Loading Third Point Loading Welded Plain Welded Plain Lead Lb. Beam Beam Beam 2,500 0.032 0.029 0.022 0.026 5,000 0.071 0.062 0.056 0.056 7,500 0.105 0.097 0.087 0.086 10,000 0.144 0.131 0.115 0.115 12,500 0.186* 0.164 0.146 0.142 Load at failure: 19,900 19,100 21,250 21,900 *Appreximate proportional limit. Butt Spliced Loading Until Upper Flange Buckled Damage Done Joint 210—January 17, 1929, The Iron Age Steel Shows Overproduction Large Volume Consumption Causes Heavy Demand—Prices May DIRECTOR ITH the production steel and pig iron nearly peak levels now the case, unusually important note the pres- ent conditions and prospects con- sumer activity. anticipated, our composite de- mand line declined November. This was due sharp reduction the automobile output and moderate de- cline building, which were only partly offset increases mining and oil production, general manufac- turing and farm purchasing power. Railroad requirements showed little change. This decline activity among con- suming industries, however, was at- tended reduction steel produc- tion November that left the output good adjustment with the indicated current requirements. Demand and Production Close Adjustment ECEMBER data, however, indi- cate increase the rate steel production, since which occurred was less than seasonal. This leaves the production steel ingots but little below peak levels again. What the potential demand Close estimates show that railroad freight traffic fell off more than usual. Building and con- struction contracts declined and were the lowest annual rate since last March. Automobile production ap- parently made considerable gain. Owing unfavorable price trend for agricultural products does not seem that farm purchasing power quite favorable. Probably, there- fore, the actual requirements for December showed moderate de- cline that will bring the composite demand line very close the produc- tion curve, though still remains true that overproduction indicated. The situation resembles somewhat that the latter part 1926, both the levels demand and supply and the trend the production and demand curves. Production, how- ever, now higher comparison with requirements than then, that there less room for expansion. course, will noted that are talking here potential current requirements. Actually good deal anticipation future requirements Now High They Will DR. LEWIS HANEY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY BURBAU OF BUSINESS RESEARCH occurred December, forward buy- ing being stimulated announce- ments price changes. Orders re- leased December appear have anticipated first-quarter requirements considerable extent the case sheets and nails. Conditions Specific Lines Activity the future, find the rail- road outlook fair and moderately im- proving. November earnings were favorable; both gross and net wefe under the same month 1926, but were well over 1927. The ability the carriers show net income recent months favors larger purchases steel, especially view the economies that have been practised maintenance during the last two years. The prospects for equipment manufacturers are better than year ago, and current reports indicate gains orders for both freight cars and locomotives, which will tend sustain the demand for plates. The outlook for the automobile business favors high rate pro- duction during the first three four months the year, though what will happen thereafter doubtful. The manufacturers are advertising heavily and are offering better values than ever. Export business automobiles continues good. The sharp curtail- ment the latter part 1927 leaves room for continuation expansion for time. still seems, however, that before the year over good many the manufacturers will forced curtail. The building situation discussed below. The general trend building erection downward, but the situa- tion relieved prospects occa- sional large construction items the nature public works, utilities, etc. Trade reports indicate keen compe- tition fabricated structural steel, while new business sight rela- tively small and the fabricators’ back- logs are reduced. Oil drilling continues active and record-breaking production has de- veloped. These developments are af- fording considerable business cas- ing and tank material, which should continue for least another month two. These seem the chief develop- ments affecting the near future the demand for iron and steel. They sug- gest well sustained volume con- sumption during the first quarter. Building Trend Now Downward the year 1928 closed, construc- tion contracts awarded were the lowest level since January, De- cember totals embracing 65,201,000 sq. ft. comparison with 63,717,000 sq. ft. the earlier month. January contracts, however, are normally the low point the year. must make allowance for seasonal varia- tions. Considering the season, and taking the monthly average for the years 1921-1927 100, find the December contracts 120.7, comparison with 124.8 November and June peak 130.9. Thus seems fair say that the trend moderately but distinctly downward. Moreover, contemplated new con- struction December, considering the season, was the lowest since Feb- ruary, 1927. The value plans, reported Dodge Corporation, usually increases December. This time the figure was only $725,000,000, against $931,000,000 November, and $989,000,000 year ago. The trend has been clearly downward since the middle the year. Contracts awarded, too, are high comparison with contemplated new construction. may add that Bradstreet’s building permits show decline 6.9 per cent from November and were nearly per cent under year ago. Fabricated structural steel lettings amounted 243,800 net tons No- vember, which slight increase from October and per cent above the average for the years 1921-1926. Official December figures are not yet available. According trade reports, however, the trend was sharply downward during that month, and both the awards and the pending new projects were small the first week January. Heavy Steel Production Continues VERAGE daily production steel ingots decreased less than usual December. Our adjusted index, which allows for both seasonal changes and normal growth, was 116.6, against 114.6 November and 89.8 year Thus the year ended with steel production 16.6 per cent above normal, which means re- The Iron Age, January 17, end lathe, placed brick inclosure accessible the roll- ing mill. The mill crane serves the lathe shop. Electric current purchased from the Commonwea!th Edison Co. cables lead which stands adjacent the mill building. Transformers step down the voltage for use miscellaneous motors throughout the plant and motor-generator set furnishes direct-current power for the two main mill motors. With the addition this rolling mill the name becomes the Barton Steel Co. Its officers are Francis Barton, president; Darling, vice-president and treasurer; and Petersen, secretary. Thomas, formerly associated with the United Engineering Foun- dry Co., works manager. I-Beams Welded Butt Plate Make Efficient Splice PLICING girders necessary evil since both mill limitations and transportation requirements restrict the lengths sections. Design the riveted splice has been thoroughly standardized and andempirical considerations. date, conventional welded splice has simulated the riveted splice. other words, consists top and bottom flange plate and pair web plates. This set plates designed develop the section modulus the beam, and the lengths the plates are determined the amount welding required trans- fer the stresses from beam plate and vice versa. Even this arrangement has decided advantages over the riveted splice proved many thousands these joints use. Yet careful study will reveal that greatly over-designed, and that therefore not eco- nomic, put more correctly, this splice welded cover plates not economical enough. Welding differs fundamentally from other methods joining metals, since the ideal make the joined metals literally one. The ideal weld may therefore described partition metal having all the properties the joined parent metals. Welded splice plates are far from such ideal. The butt joint suggests itself nearer approach; however, presents two major objections: (a) lack ductility, and (b) impossibility developing full strength economically. Thus, two I-beams are butt welded together, directly end end, and then subjected transverse bending, will observed that the deflections are much larger for successive increments loading than for plain unspliced beam the same dimensions similarly loaded. Further- more, the elastic limit reached very quickly. correct this condition necessary build such large volume weld metal the joint that its cost becomes too great attractive. The author recently designed splice which seemingly meets the foregoing objections. plate placed between *Chief engineer, Electric Welding Co. of America, Brooklyn, - the ends the beams spliced and fillet weld de- posited for the full perimeter the section both sides the plate. The size the fillets below the neutral axis designed take the tensile stresses set the flange while the fillets above the neutral axis can made lighter. Incidentally the partition plate acts stiffener for the web and flanges. Experiments Columbia University were made Krefeld, engineer tests the Department Civil Engineering. Four 6-ft. lengths 5-in. 10-lb. stand- ard I-beams were tested, two unspliced and two with central butt plate, in., illustrated. The fillet weld extended about 7/16 in. from the contact. Each was tested beam 5-ft. span, one pair under central loading, and one pair third points, the latter throwing some shear into the weld. Deflections were measured increments; few the readings are given the table. was found that the welded splice developed the strength and stiffness the continuous beam (within the limits accuracy the test) either variety loading. All failures were caused buckling the upper flange; failures were produced the welds. such studies verify the theory upon which the design this new splice based. Its practical ad- vantages and the economies effected are obvious, despite its somewhat bizarre construction, that hoped will arouse the ultra-conservative engineer the many other advantages welding. Deflections Beams with Welded Splice Central Loading Third Point Loading Welded Plain Welded Plain Lb. Beam Beam Beam Beam 2,500 0.032 0.029 0.022 0.026 5,000 0.071 0.062 0.056 0.056 7,500 0.105 0.097 0.087 0.086 10,000 0.144 0.131 0.115 0.115 12,500 0.186* 0.164 0.146 0.142 Load at failure 19,900 19,100 21,250 21,900 location proportional limit. Butt Spliced Loading Until Upper Flange Buckled Damage Done Joint 210—January 17, 1929, The Iron Age Steel Shows Overproduction Large Volume Consumption Causes Heavy Demand—Prices May DIRECTOR ITH the production steel and pig iron nearly peak levels now the case, unusually important note the pres- ent conditions and prospects con- sumer activity. anticipated, our composite de- mand line declined November. This was due sharp reduction the automobile output and moderate de- cline building, which were only partly offset increases mining and oil production, general manufac- turing and farm purchasing power. Railroad requirements showed little change. This decline activity among con- suming industries, however, was at- tended reduction steel produc- tion November that left the output good adjustment with the indicated current requirements. Demand and Production Close Adjustment ECEMBER data, however, indi- cate increase the rate steel production, since which occurred was less than seasonal. This leaves the production ingots but little below peak levels again. What the potential demand estimates show that railroad freight traffic fell off more than usual. Building and con- struction contracts declined and were the lowest annual rate since last March. Automobile production ap- parently made considerable gain. Owing unfavorable price trend for agricultural products does not seem that farm purchasing power quite favorable. Probably, there- fore, the actual requirements for steel December showed moderate de- cline that will bring the composite demand line very close the produc- tion curve, though still remains true that overproduction steel indicated. The situation resembles somewhat that the latter part 1926, both the levels demand and supply and the trend the production and demand curves. Production, how- ever, now higher comparison with requirements than then, that there less room for expansion. course, will noted that are talking here potential current requirements. Actually good deal anticipation future requirements Now High They Will DR. LEWIS HANEY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY BUREAU OF I occurred December, forward buy- ing being stimulated announce- ments price changes. Orders re- leased December appear have anticipated first-quarter requirements considerable extent the case sheets and nails. Conditions Specific Lines Activity the future, find the rail- road outlook fair and moderately im- proving. November earnings were favorable; both gross and net wefe under the same month 1926, but were well over 1927. The ability the carriers show net income recent months favors larger purchases steel, especially view the economies that have been practised maintenance during the last two years. The prospects for equipment manufacturers are better than year ago, and current reports indicate gains orders for both freight cars and locomotives, which will tend sustain the demand for plates. The outlook for the automobile business favors high rate pro- duction during the first three four months the year, though what will happen thereafter doubtful. The manufacturers are advertising heavily and are offering better values than ever. Export business automobiles continues good. The sharp curtail- ment the latter part 1927 leaves room for continuation expansion for time. still seems, however, that before the year over good many the manufacturers will forced curtail. The building situation discussed below. The general trend building erection downward, but the situa- tion relieved prospects occa- sional large construction items the nature public works, utilities, etc. Trade reports indicate keen compe- tition fabricated steel, while new business sight rela- tively small and the fabricators’ back- logs are reduced. Oil drilling continues active and record-breaking production has de- veloped. These developments are af- fording considerable business cas- ing and tank material, which should continue for least another month two. These seem the chief develop- ments affecting the near future the demand for iron and steel. They sug- USINESS RBSEAKCH gest well sustained volume con- sumption during the first quarter. Building Trend Now Downward the year 1928 closed, construc- tion contracts awarded were the lowest level since January, De- cember totals embracing 65,201,000 sq. ft. comparison with 63,717,000 sq. ft. the earlier month. January contracts, however, are normally the low point the year. must make allowance for seasonal varia- tions. Considering the season, and taking the monthly average for the years 1921-1927 100, find the December contracts 120.7, comparison with 124.8 November and June peak 130.9. Thus seems fair say that the trend moderately but distinctly downward. Moreover, contemplated new con- struction December, considering the season, was the lowest since Feb- ruary, 1927. The value plans, reported Dodge Corporation, usually increases December. This time the figure was only $725,000,000, against $931,000,000 November, and $989,000,000 year ago. The trend has been clearly downward since the middle the year. Contracts awarded, too, are high comparison with contemplated new construction. may add that Bradstreet’s building permits show decline 6.9 per cent from November and were nearly per cent under year ago. Fabricated structural steel lettings amounted 243,800 net tons No- vember, which slight increase from October and per cent above the average for the years 1921-1926. Official December figures are not yet available. According weekly trade reports, however, the trend was sharply downward during that month, and both the awards and the pending new projects were small the first week January. Heavy Steel Production Continues VERAGE daily production ingots decreased less than usual December. Our adjusted index, which allows for both seasonal changes and normal growth, was 116.6, against 114.6 November and 89.8 year ago. Thus the year ended with steel production 16.6 per cent above normal, which means re- The Iron Age, January 17, covery from per cent below normal December year ago. The steel production curve shown the chart, however, gives one the that rounding off from high level. The December ad- justed index below September and October and less above November than below October. This im- pression perhaps strengthened the decline the composite demand line, and may also noted that our P-V line has continued its gradual decline. course, the normal sea- sonal trend steel production up- ward, beginning with January and running through March, and influences already are apparent, but doubt the full seasonal expan- sion occurs the first quarter. Unfilled orders reported the United States Corporation made fairly satisfactory gain Decem- ber, the increase being somewhat above the usual seasonal amount. The figure now slightly larger than year ago and also few thousand tons above that existing the end 1926. The difference not great, however, and with those exceptions the unfilled orders are the lowest year- end totals many years. Whether such increase occurred was influ- enced price tactics will become more apparent reports following months. The average price finished steel December, according THE IRON AGE index, was 2.385c., which com- pares with 2.368c. November and 2.310c. year ago. Thus the trend has been slightly upward. present clear trend steel prices ap- parent. Most competent observers ap- pear agree that present prices are part not thoroughly tested. are inclined think that steel prices have reached the peak their mod- erate recovery. Production high and well indicated require- ments, and the average price fin- ished steel relatively high com- parison with the general level commodity prices. Overproduction Pig Iron? Pig iron production continued its upward trend December. allow for seasonal variation an