The Iron Age 1931-06-04: Vol 127 Iss 23

—_ W. W. Macon, Hditur A. Finpiey, Hditor Emeritus L. Lacumr, Managing Bditor Wrieut, News Edéor E. F. Cone 8. G. Koon MILLER G. 8. Herriok F. L. PRENTISs Oleveland R. A. Fiske Chicago T. H. GeRKEN Pittsburgh BURNHAM FINNE? Detroit L. W. Morreri Washington GPRARD FRAZAK Boston Rk. G. MoInTosH Oinciannati IKON AGE PUBLISHING Co 239 West 39th Street New York, N. Y. Cable Address: ‘‘Ironage, N. Y F. J. Frank, President G. H. GrirriTHs, Secretary ©. Baur, General Advertising Manager Division of UNITED BUSINESS PUBLISHERS. Ine New York, N. Y District Offices Muicaco, Otis Building PITTSBURGH, 1319 Park Building CLEVELAND, 1362 Hanna Building PHILADELPHIA, 1402 Widener Bldg 7338 Woodward Avenue WASHINGTON, 536 Investment Bldg CINCINNATI, 402 Traction Building BUFFALO: 847 Ellicott Square Boston, Room 230, 80 Federal St SAN FRANCISCO, 381 Bush Street and 1045 Sansome 8t. Copyright, 1931, by IRON AGE PUBLISHING Co Member, Audit Bureau of Circulation» Member, Associated Business Papers Published every Thursday. Sut scription Price: United States ani Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00 Canada. $8.50; foreign, $12.00 a vear Single Conv Cents June 1931 What About Apprentices These Days? Materials Handling Mass Production Use Special Research Equipment Casting Guns Centrifugal Process Electricity the Steel Industry Present and Future Nitriding Chromium Plating Pattern Problems May Pig Iron Production Dr. Haney’s Page New Equipment News Personals and Obituaries Editorials Markets Construction and Equipment Buying 1803 1806 1811 1816 1819 1823 1829 1833 1850 1855 1835 1847 1852 1856 1859 1882 Proverb OUR story pictures leaves nothing runs the slogan the commercial photo- graphers. Like many slogans, contains bit exaggeration. But most instances the thought transmitted with the least friction happy wedding pictures and text. So, The lron Age illustrations are used liberally. The last three issues, for example, all them typical, contained 176 illustrations the editorial pages alone, not including illustrations used for ornamentation. this subject pictures, Frank works manager the Standard Stoker Co., Erie writes: like see pictures various shop interiors, frequently pick suggestions from these pictures that can —A.H.D IRON AGE | wr wr wr i | ‘ q | | | int JUNE 1931 Just press and lock home The New Departure Double Row bearing rigid, rugged, easily installed Races are solid forgings. Balls are large and numerous balanced design will permit. Separators are light, strong and durable. Preloaded assembly, the Double Row has end-play nor looseness ... never needs adjustments. The angular contact balls with races, combined with other features design, give tremendous thrust capacity and radial stability. The New Departure Manufac- turing Company, Bristol, Connecticut; Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco and London. — Page j NEW DEPARTURE BALL BEARINGS Ww WwW NEXT WEEK most effec- tive way cut- ting labor costs, ac- cording Charles Schwab, improv- ing production facili- ties. “Improve the routing your mate- rials, add modern ma- chinery, pervision ning and other effi- ciencies,” advises. Mr. Schwab’s coun- half century ex- perience practical and successful indus- trialist. carry his thought step fur- ther, modernization equipment and methods not only cuts unit labor costs and tends protect wage scales but also pro- vides the one depend- able way putting business profit- making basis. This concept, while not new one, has been under attack lat- terly because the confused, and times hysterical, thinking set motion business depression. needs new empha- sis the light current conditions. The present, will say our next issue, time for Ameri- can industry fall under the spell false gods. Hard Times Hit Apprentice Training Interruption apprentice training economy unless condi tions are extreme. The investment can not salvaged apprentices 1803 * * * One Way Cut Inventory Safely Keeping all material process con stantly the move usually permits safe reduction inventory, and with lower necessary working capital Page 1807. How Calibrate Optical Pyrometer Calibrated broad-filament lamp matched brightness with optical pyrometer lamp. Current needed the two measured.—Page 1813 * Shrinkage Cavities Absent Centrifugal Gun Casting properly made. The density the metal slightly greater than forging the same composition Page 1817. Centrifugal Castings Can Cold Worked Readily Gun castings can cold-worked twice the percentage bore enlarge ment permissible with Page 1817 Hot-Rolls Phosphorus-Copper Alloys Successfully 0.021 in. thick. But only small ductions thickness should made in each rolling Page 1818 * * You Can Safely Spend $6,700 Equipment Save $1,000 Labor Cost The cost of the investment is us nterest, obsolescence, taxes, nsur ince. etc Page 1819 Where Nitriding Fails Nitrided parts fail stand inder severe abrasion heavy pact They likewise show low resis tance mineral acids Page 1825 1931 Estimates Electrification Would Save Steel Makers 125 Millions Yearly Electrified plant credited with production cost more than $2.50 ton under steam-driven 1819 Continuous Plate Mill Will Have Times the Output the Old-Type Mill Will roll plates in. width, and will produce 50,000 75,000 tons month Page 1820 Keep Down Nitriding Avoid High Temperatures Increase size very slight avoided the initial stages. pieces thin, complicated section, growth may cause distortion Page 1823 Hardness and Wear Resistance Any Steel- Treating Original claim made for nitriding holds Page 1823 Enameled Containers Service for 2700 Nitriding Hours Results obtained seem highly prom ising Page 1825 What with the Apprentice When Work Scarce the indenture does not provide for “unassigned which permits the employment the apprentice uny kind of shop work, a change can easily made with the consent parties concerned Page 1828 Job Shop Can Cut Handling Costs vr YX ork need not be repetitive to get the benefit mechanical handling the possibilities handling ment are properly understood Page Gun-Making Time Cut Two- Thirds Centrifugal Casting or is only two-thirds that of the t-forging-built-up method Page — | THE IRON AGE JUNE Page With new tooling possibilities and greater speed “ be | JONES LAMSON MACHINE COMPANY Springfield, Vermont ig | a} — NEW YORK, JUNE ESTABLISHED 1855 VOL. 127. No. WHAT ABOUT APPRENTICES THESE DAYS? FREUND Apprentice Supervisor, Falk Milwaukee PPRENTICE training, like all other items plant expense, becomes burden hard times. But false economy, according the author, abandon apprenticeship course. Interruption apprenticeship training largely destroys its value the learners. discourages future enrollment training courses and alienates the support the public. Apprentices should put part time, necessary, like the regular force, but, the opinion Mr. Freund, should not dismissed either common council board aldermen and retain merely skeleton organization for main large American city meeting special tenance the buildings and equipment.” session determine ways and means for After some deliberation the plan adopted and lief from the tax burden the community within month the weeds the school grounds have during the depression. influential and respected grown foot high and cobwebs have gathered the member the board seems have found the solu- doors and windows the buildings. tion. contends follows: Has anything like this ever happened? course “It seems that the only way out the diffi not. American people feel that public education may schools. all know under that the schools absorb stances. about per cent the Now, apprentice training industry just exactly what pub- lic education the community, the prepar- ation the young man for the future. The public dead earnest about education. Does industry take apprentice ship seriously? ceptions here and there The board direc- tors machinery- building corporation has met make adjust- tax money. Education not matter immedi- ate necessity, such fire and tion and the lighting and cleaning streets. interrupt the educational process for three months every summer and under the circumstances appears necessary interrupt education for year more until conditions improve. suggest that lay off all teachers — IRON AGE 1803 ments required present business conditions. the moment apprentice training for discussion and the most influential member the board speak ing. “Of course apprentice training laudable and immediate consequence, such raw materials and sales expense. Under the circumstances appears necessary eliminate apprentice training until such time business improves. course, the appren- tices some work, but slow and otherwise ineffective and can done better and undoubtedly cheaper few men. recommend, therefore, that the general superintendent instructed dismiss the apprentices and their supervisors order reduce the payroll.” One two feeble protests are made regarding the agreement under which the apprentices are employed, but these are quickly silenced, the proposal adopted and that evening the apprentices are all told remain home indefinitely and within three more days the supervisor and his assistant and the three instructors have gone also. Has this ever happened? surely has; not once but many times. Frequently all done shop officials long before the question ever put the officers. course, under extreme conditions the training apprentices must discontinued, however unde- sirable may so. For instance, impos- sible train apprentices plant which has been closed down completely, nor can corporation which has been liquidated complete the training its ap- prentices. However, the industries must continue the possible, just the communities will continue the education young boys and girls spite every obstacle. district community apprentice training pro gram has distinct ad- vantage the extreme case plant’s being shut down completely The apprentices from this plant may then distributed among the other shops the as- sociation order complete their training period. One reason why ap- prentice training must continued costs that appren- ticeship extends over takes three four years yraduate apprentice and much longer than that derive from prentice training any appreciable results. 1804—The Iron Age, June 1931 rupted more less regular intervals, results all can expected. manufacturer could not accomplish much building sales organization discharged all his salesmen periodically, tried get along without them for time and then determined once more engage sales force. Few salesmen would care work for him and the effect such procedure upon his business need not discussed. Similarly, busi- ness man’s accounts would always confusion discharged his entire accounting department and permitted all bills, statements, checks and reports accumulate for several months half year and then engaged bookkeepers once more straighten out his affairs. the same token, can expect nothing from apprentice training wants interrupt the work every time there pause the progress general prosperity. Sixty-three apprentices were employed well- known machine shop the beginning the year 1924. number were about graduate, dozen had reached the third year the course and the remainder were distributed equally between the first and second years. few the older boys had become the equal the better mechanics the shop and several had served occasion inspectors and other responsible positions. When business fell off early that year the elimi- nation the apprentice payroll looked like obvious saving, and the superintendent told the apprentices home and that they would recalled soon the depression had passed. Work did pick after few months and the superintendent sent letters all the apprentices di- recting them return. Out the apprentices just reported for work. The remainder had found employment elsewhere; many had become apprentices other shops, where they completed their courses. All effort devoted the training the who failed return was wasted far the original employer was concerned, all that they had learned their ap- prenticeship classes his expense was now devoted the progress and prosperity his competitors, all that they had learned about his product and processes was lost. The superintendent engaged quota new ap- prentices and again went through all the concentrated difficulties which necessarily are associated with the first year apprentice’s work. However, had learned his lesson and when business fell off again 1927 was careful retain all apprentices, and the present depression has done likewise. Confidence Public Essential There another angle this problem. order successful, apprentice training program re- quires the interest and support the public, the people the community. boy will not sign con- tract for steel molder apprenticeship his parents, his teachers, the principal his school, the pastor his church and the scoutmaster his troop all him against it. The confidence the public will soon dissipated the employer thinks that apprentice training can only prosperous years. example will make this clear. manufacturer agricultural im- plements operated the only large industry medium- sized city. Isolated was, felt the need highly trained men and 1922 instituted appren- ticeship meet his requirements. desired high-grade men for responsible positions rather than workers rank and file, made the apprenticeship available only high school graduates. tices his plant, but business was not good that year and measure economy laid off his apprentices for seven eight months. Again 1927 orders fell off and again the apprentices were dis- missed. When business picked 1928 was surprised find that many the boys did not return and, moreover, that was unable engage others take their places. Much puzzled, invited the principal the high school lunch with him his club and discuss the matter with him. few ments the principal cleared the entire Danger “Fair Weather” Policy “The business the school not merely edu cate young men well can but also guide and direct the graduates and help them get estab lished their life work,” explained. advise them get into occupations which promise stability and opportunity and warn them against least refuse recommend others which not seem desirable. have watched your apprentice training work from the start. You have been sincere and course our graduates. 1924 you laid your apprentices off You could not blamed for that because your train- ing enterprise had just begun and adjustments were undoubtedly still necessary. “Last year you laid them off again. began your evident sincerity, was merely weather’ process, carried when business good and discontinued when business dull. Train ing young men and preparing them for their vocation fundamental function the community; trans- cends such comparatively unimportant matters the ups and downs business activity. your appren tice training cannot made continuous simply our graduates any more than could recommend them attend college law which failed continue its courses year after year.” The implement manufacturer took these words deeply heart and dictated them well could from mem ory when returned his office. They are now the first paragraph his “Statement which they were copied for this article. The manufacturer who desires retain the confidence the public, essential the success appren- (Cont. page 1828) appren ticeship training evitably alienates the inter est and support the pub lic. Scoutmaster, teacher minister and relatives dis courage the enrollment boys courses uncertain duration The Age. June 1931—1805 ay ments required present business conditions. the moment apprentice training for discussion and the most influential member the board speak- ing. “Of course apprentice training laudable and necessary general way, but not matter immediate such raw materials and sales expense. Under the circumstances appears necessary eliminate apprentice training until such time business improves. course, the appren- tices some work, but slow and otherwise ineffective and can done better and undoubtedly cheaper few men. recommend, therefore, that the general superintendent instructed dismiss the apprentices and their supervisors order reduce the payroll.” One two feeble protests are made regarding the agreement under which the apprentices are but these are quickly silenced, the proposal adopted and that evening the apprentices are all told remain home indefinitely and within three more days the supervisor and his assistant and the three instructors have gone also. Has this ever happened? surely has; not once but many times. Frequently all done shop officials long before the question ever put the officers. course, under extreme conditions the training apprentices must discontinued, however unde- sirable may so. For instance, impos- sible train apprentices plant which has been closed down completely, nor can corporation which has been liquidated complete the training its ap- prentices. However, the industries must continue the possible, just the communities will continue the education young boys and girls spite every obstacle. district community apprentice training pro gram has distinct ad- vantage the extreme case plant’s being shut down completely The apprentices from this plant may then distributed among the other shops the sociation order complete their training One reason why prentice training must continued costs that appren- ticeship extends over takes three four years yraduate apprentice and much longer than that derive from prentice training any appreciable results. the program 1804—The Iron Age, June 1931 rupted more less regular intervals, results all can expected. manufacturer could not accomplish much building sales organization discharged all his salesmen periodically, tried get along without them for time and then determined once more engage sales force. Few salesmen would care work for him and the effect such procedure upon his business need not discussed. Similarly, busi- ness man’s accounts would always confusion discharged his entire accounting department and permitted all bills, statements, checks and reports accumulate for several months half year and then engaged bookkeepers once more straighten out his affairs. the same token, can expect nothing from apprentice training wants interrupt the work every time there pause the progress general prosperity. Sixty-three apprentices were employed well- known machine shop the beginning the year 1924. number were about graduate, dozen had reached the third year the course and the remainder were distributed equally between the first and second years. few the older boys had become the equal the better mechanics the shop and several had served occasion inspectors and other responsible positions. When business fell off early that year the elimi- nation the apprentice payroll looked like obvious saving, and the superintendent told the apprentices home and that they would recalled soon the depression had passed. Work did pick after few months and the superintendent sent letters all the apprentices di- recting them return. Out the apprentices just reported for work. The remainder had found employment elsewhere; many had become apprentices other shops, where they completed their courses. All effort devoted the training the who failed return was wasted far the original employer was concerned, all that they had learned their ap- prenticeship classes his expense was now devoted the progress and prosperity his competitors, all that they had learned about his product and processes was lost. The superintendent engaged quota new prentices and again went through all the concentrated difficulties which necessarily are associated with the first year apprentice’s work. However, had learned his lesson and when business fell off again 1927 was careful retain all apprentices, and the present depression has done likewise. Confidence Public Essential There another angle this problem. order successful, apprentice training program re- quires the interest and support the public, the people the community. boy will not sign con- tract for steel molder apprenticeship his parents, his teachers, the principal his school, the pastor his church and the scoutmaster his troop all advise him against it. The confidence the public will soon dissipated the employer thinks that apprentice training can carried only prosperous years. example will make this clear. manufacturer agricultural im- plements operated the only large industry medium- sized city. Isolated was, felt the need highly trained men and 1922 instituted appren- ticeship meet his requirements. desired high-grade men for responsible positions rather than workers rank and file, made the apprenticeship available only high school graduates. tices his plant, but business was not good that year and measure economy laid off his apprentices for seven eight months. Again 1927 orders fell off and again the apprentices were dis- missed. When business picked 1928 was surprised find that many the boys did not return and, moreover, that was unable engage others take their places. Much puzzled, invited the principal the high school lunch with him his club and discuss the matter with him. few mo- ments the principal cleared the entire situation: Danger “Fair Weather” Policy “The business the school not merely edu cate young men well can but also guide and direct the graduates and help them get estab lished their life work,” explained. “We advise them get into occupations which give promise stability and opportunity and warn them against least refuse recommend others which not seem desirable. have watched your apprentice training work from the start. You have been sincere and recommended—your course our graduates. 1924 you laid your apprentices off You could not blamed for that because your train- ing enterprise had just begun and adjustments were undoubtedly still necessary. “Last year you laid them off again. began your evident personal sincerity, was merely ‘fair weather’ process, carried when business good and discontinued when business dull. Train ing young men and preparing them for their vocation fundamental function the community; trans cends such comparatively unimportant matters the ups and downs business activity. your appren tice training cannot made continuous simply recommend our graduates any more than could recommend them attend college law which failed continue its courses after year.” The implement manufacturer took these words deeply heart and dictated them well could from mem ory when returned his office. They are now the first paragraph his “Statement Apprentice Training which they were copied for this article. The manufacturer who desires retain the confidence the public, essential the success appren- (Cont. page 1828) aa appren ticeship training evitably alienates the inter est and support the pub lic. teacher minister and relatives dis courage the enrollment boys courses uncertain duration The Iron Age. June 1931—1805 4% | XLE parts the Timken troit plant are carried from tinal machine operations storage assembly this overhead con veyor K HILE undoubtedly the automobile man- ufacturer has done more toward the solution handling problems his machine shop than have others, there is, after all, essential difference between his problems and the problems any production shop. The problem manifestly very different from that job shop where there continuous produc- tion the same article, that is, where there must constant change set-ups and routing. Even the job shop, however, there are many opportuni- ties for increased efficiency, decreased cost, the possibilities handling equipment are proper understood. The most obvious purpose for the installation handling equipment reduce non-productive cost moving handling the product passes through the plant. Not only this the most ob- vious point attack from physical standpoint, but also obvious point attack because the aver- age bookkeeping system will differentiate between productive labor and this type non-productive labor, that cost savings, cost-savings opportu- 1806—The Iron Age. June 1931 MATERIALS HANDLING QUANTITY PRODUCTION SHOPS NORMAN PREBLE Chief Engineer, Jervis Webb Co., Detroit nities, are immediately apparent. Possible savings are large, for has been estimated that manufactur- ers pay almost much for moving mate- rial inside their plants they pay for all outside transportation. obvious that this the point attack which has been most frequent American number instances the manufacturer has stopped here. Savings Are Not Merely Transportation Cost The next most obvious purpose for the installa- tion handling equipment increase the pro- ductive capacity men machines reduction the effort time necessary obtain and dispose the pieces which the operator engaged, the maintenance constant supply the oper- ator machine. great deal has been accomplished along these lines the use trucks, trailers, skid platforms and special racks, together with the more general use slides gravity rolls feed from one ma- chine the next from one operation another, 5 7 = ECHANICAL handling, while having been most intensively developed and applied automotive plants, offers similar advantages “production” machine shops all kinds. Saving cost transporta- tion but one many results secured its proper application. The means securing these results, represented the various types handling equipment, are numerous. make intelligent selection the shop executives must familiar with the means available for accomplishing the results obtained. Mr. Preble, the accompanying article, extracted from paper recently presented him the Birmingham semi-annual meet- ing the American Society Mechanical Engineers, makes broad survey the means and ends production handling. but the possibilities the continuously moving con veyor have been rather neglected except rela- tively few plants. many machine set-ups the con tinuously moving conveyor can accomplish great deal more than intermittent methods; also the use general well might be. The decrease inventory which can produced keeping all material process constantly the move will many cases found item very considerable importance, and this decrease inventory one the less obvious results proper handling methods. Not only will such decrease inventory result lower necessary working capi- tal, but will materially improve production con- trol, and many instances will greatly facilitate in- spection and decrease loss which may occur due faulty workmanship material. by-product proper handling methods the ability operate smaller lots, without increasing handling costs, which many instances will result greater over- all efficiency. fourth advantage, which many instances will important any other, the increased productive capacity per unit floor area which sults from the reduction space occupied stock process, storage banks, etc. This reduction will even greater if, many times possible, the handling method selected the overhead type conveyor, which leaves the floors and aisles entirely clear. Reduction Damage Often Important some shops has been found that far the most important item considered studying the handling methods was the reduction damage the parts process, and this may well have very considerable bearing upon the final selection the equipment used. This is, course, particu larly noticeable the handling sheet metal, which receive final high-luster finish, the machine shops working finely finished gears shafting bearings. addition these various items which can more less definitely analyzed, there definable improvement general operating ciency produced orderly appearance the shop. Proper use modern handling apparatus will also greatly simplify many the problems pro control and supervision, resulting EVENTY-FIVE per cent the truck ing operations have been eliminated the Studebaker plant the past two years through the installation com plete conveyor system. Photograph, courtesy Studet r Corpn Sowth Rend Ind The Iron Age, June 1931—1807 = RUCKS and tractors are good examples inter- mittent-operation, flexible path handling equipment Every machine shop has place for least some type floor handling equipment Fr creased overhead and more efficient work through- ou The extent which these various results will affect the overall cost product will depend largely upon the individual plant more properly ipon its layout. Also the extent which handling apparatus, and more particularly continuous con- veyors, can used will depend upon the plant lay- However, should not forgotten that the mere fact that the plant layout bad, that nec- essary cross streets railroads from one level another and the like, may all the more reason for the installation new equipment. This is, perhaps, particularly noticeable where has been found possible put overhead conveyors ross sireets railroad tracks Eight Moves the Average Handling Problem objects results have been outlined very briefly which should considered analyzing the handling problem the machine shop. These prob lems should considered from the standpoint the various number moves which must general made, and which are roughly eight number. First obviously the handling incoming stock material the receiving department, together with its storage until such time started through the production program. The second movement the delivery the raw material the first the machine operators. Next the movement from machine machine, and may stated that this movement from machine machine the one which deserves rather more study than has received general this time. There should also considered the inter lepartmental movement the movement parts from one battery operations the next. After the machine operations are completed, the material then moved storage, assembly shipment. Also must considered, and frequently very 1808—The Age, June 1931 important item, the disposal scrap which results from the machine operations, which disposal not always simple easy problem. some plants there are other operations considered, which are not truly machine operations, but which fre- quently are necessity part the machine shop. Such operations are assembly, painting, inspecting, plating and the like. Subdivisions Types Handling Equipment The various types handling equipment which are available can divided roughly into two classes intermittent operation and continuous operation, two other classes—fixed path and flexible path, with subdivision semi-flexible path. The most inexpensive and the most commonly used apparatus undoubtedly that which would come under the head intermittent operation and flexible path, namely, the shop truck one its modifications. The shop truck may hand-pushed train. the wheels can taken off the truck and skid platform made it, and this platform used connection with hand-lift truck elec- = = i | tric-lift truck. The platform can also for special racks various forms de- signed for the par- ticular parts moved. still fur- ther modification the special-purpose electric truck, many varieties which have been produced within the last few vears. These in- clude cranes, ele- platforms, shovels, grabs and many other special modifications. This type apparatus is, course, familiar all and occupies very im- portant part any handling equipment. hard conceive any machine shop which would have place for least some type floor-operated wheel vehicle. second type intermittent operating appara- tus, but with fixed path, the overhead hoist, either stationary monorail system, form handling apparatus which has very wide and extensive use. The hoist, when installed mono- rail, can follow only fixed path, and general handle material only directly line with this fixed path. The overhead crane, however, will cover wide area, but still fixed area. The bridge crane can coupled with monorail system, that the hoist can used the bridge beam, and run from the monorail system, thereby combin- ing the advantages the two types equipment, that area coverage and line operation. Conveyors Classified Continuous-Operation Apparatus The question continuous operation comes next, and here one gets into the more newly developed and less well understood apparatus, the conveyor. The simplest form conveyor undoubtedly the gravity roll, which will classed under the head con- tinuous operation, although the flow packages may continuous intermittent. However, not necessary for the conveyor moved from the final delivery point back the starting point order take new load, and for this reason considered continuous. The uses gravity roll are numerous and should means neg- lected any study handling methods. use is, however, limited articles which can properly operate over the rollers, and except where power applied the rolls, one means another, must have certain definite slope, order carry mate- rial automatically from one point another. The next type conveyor considered the helt slat pan conveyor, which but moving platform, operated power drive. general this type apparatus must oper- ate straight line, although can run down the conveyor must occur, and provision made for feeding from the head delivery end one section the tail end the next following section Within its limits, however, this type apparatus has very considerable use and frequently ex- tremely valuable solving particular problems. Probably the most flexible type conveyor paratus the overhead power-driven trolley con- veyor, which sense continuous-operating monorail system. This type conveyor can run down, and turned any direction hori zontal plane. can carry material hooks special design from small light articles heavy and bulky pieces. can carried close the ceiling, clearing floors and aisles, and then brought down the proper height for loading and unloading can run any desired speed from matter few inches ft. per min. and more. can used short lengths for serving battery machine tools can run several thousand feet from one department another from one build- ing another, furnishing continuous transporta tion. modification the overhead-trolley also available, consisting double-track sys tem with free trolleys operating track, arranged pushed the power conveyor, the secondary tracks being equipped (Concluded page 1858) slat conveyor one member the large conveyor family The one shown here handling Majestic radios the car loading platform Photog ph, courtesy Webhater 4&4 Weller Wiha f ch The Iron Age, June 1931—1809 — 1 i= — i at: | : q | PPARATUS for cali optical pyrometers, through matching the bright bration ness the pyrometer light against that (Right ment lamp 1810—The Iron Age, June 1931 Some the Armco Research Equipment charge ground coated enameled sheets ready for firing large ex- perimental furnace used for annealing and enameling purposes. (Left) ACUUM fusion ap- paratus left, tube and coil which metals and alloys are melted under vacuum center and high-fre quency induction equip ment right. Coil fur- nace for rapid melting foreground 4 SPECIAL RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND HOW USED one four major activities the American Rolling Mill ranking beside finance and accounting, sales and publicity, and produc- tion. has been accorded this distinction since Armco’s beginning 1900. article last week described the way which the research division organized, how functions, some its working tools, and the part has played Armco’s growth. The present article describes and illustrates much the special equipment used studying the properties metals and determining how they can applied best advantage ITH the steel-producing capacity the country apparently exceeding present- day demands considerable margin, the industry agreed that must ex- pend more time, effort and money than ever before seeking new outlets for its products. The well- planned campaign the Sheet Steel Trade Exten- sion Division the National Association Flat- Rolled Steel Manufacturers excellent sample what being done collectively. the other hand, the part which the individual company can play admirably demonstrated the research work the American Rolling Mill Co., Middletown, Ohio. special advantage today, when they are help ing open new avenues steel consumption, these research activities were inaugurated some years ago. What they mean Armco, how exhaus- tive their treatment pertinent subjects, how they form inextricable part Armco’s life, graphically portrayed permanent exhibit Middletown. essential and imposing part the exhibit the tools with which the research division works Microscopes Great Power Used the metallographic laboratory the equipment consists two large inverted metallurgical micro- scopes for examination metals magnifications about 3000 diameters; one small inverted metallurgical microscope with magnification range from 1500 diameters (this instrument used more less portable microscope); one micro tessar outfit for photographing samples low mag- nifications diameters); and one binocular microscope with magnification range from diameters. This binocular for the examina tion fractures. Samples submitted microscopic scrutiny are rough ground rough grinding stand and then pass polishing table for the final polishing operation terial, the number phases sample deter mined X-ray and microscopic studies. The ray diffraction apparatus, manufactured the Gen- eral Electric Co., contains water-cooled Coolidge tube with molybdenum target. oil-filled trans former the base supplies the maximum current required—25 milliamperes—at potential about 10,000 volts. Controls for the transformer are located wall panel. addition the current stabilizer furnished with the machine, the installation includes Keleket stabilizer, which has the advantage having moving parts, mounted behind the con- trol panel. water-pressure switch the panel turns the tube off case there interruption cooling water pressure. The amount hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen existing impurities metal determined means vacuum fusion apparatus, which notable for its high The Iron Age, June q 4 & = FTER being sprayed dipped, enameled test pieces are dried oven mixed ball mills behind 1812—The Iron Age, June 1931 AMPLES (Left) are maintained constant temperature oven (cen- ter). Thermal critical points iron, steel and alloys are determined apparatus right. Brinell hardness test ing machine left cal sheet steel studied space factor machine. This shown the view MOOTHNESS electri- left. < 4 laboratory. Equipment includes two large and one small inverted metallurgical microscopes, micro Tessar outfit and binocular microscope. degree accuracy. Metals and alloys are melted under vacuum tube and coil; likewise there coil furnace which they may rapidly melted. Power conducted the various heating coils from high-frequency induction equipment which located close by. unusual interest the method calibrating lamp source light (radiant energy) upon which the telescope for optical pyrometer sighted, the lamp filament the latter being matched brightness with that the former. For every constant broad-filament lamp temperature there definite current which measured shunt (at the left side the broad-filament lamp box) and type potentiometer (before which the operator sits). The current needed il- luminate the optical pyrometer lamp filament for such matching brightness measured second standard shunt and the potentiometer, thus permit- ting the standardization and calibration the opti- cal pyrometers question. The broad-filament lamp originally was calibrated means Bureau Standards artificial optical pyrometer. Extending the Use Sheet Mill Products phase its research program Armco doing more thorough job than promoting the use enameled sheets. Its investigations the vitreous enameling sheet metal are carried laboratory set aside especially for that purpose. Among the equipment are dipping pans for dipping large small experimental sheets, smelting fur- nace, raw material for making enamel (fluor- spar, sodium nitrate, cobalt oxide and manganese oxide), jars for grinding, screens and pans Equipped with Maxon Premix burner, the smelting furnace used for fusing oxides make various enamels. Large small batches can melted rapidly and economically for studies the composition and preparation enamels. room adjoining the laboratory large experimental furnace, made the General Furnace Co., for an- nealing and enameling sheets. The heating units are the form nichrome ribbon. The interior = 4 iy AHY Simplex permeam- permeability and hysteresis magnetic material. The control apparatus also meas- ures magnetic properties ring samples. The Iron Age, June 1931—1813 A | 4 t 4 4 the furnace in. wide, in. deep and in. For drying enameled test pieces after spraying dipping, the laboratory has electric drying oven which samples in. can dried. These tests are virtually equivalent commercial production tests. Spraying equipment consists DeVilbiss spray booth and gun similar those found many enameling plants. There are two ball mills for grinding and mixing enamel. The enamel laboratory contains several exhibits more than passing interest. One shows the in- gredients from which enamel may melted, the preparation the enamel, the various processing steps and Armco ingot iron sheet ready enameled. Directly above this exhibit are photo- graphs portraying the bonding enamel metal. second exhibit study the defects enameling; third illustrates the quired enameled sheet. The metal must able withstand deep drawing and have composi- ion and surface finish which will enable readily enameled. likewise must capable Iron Age, June 1931 exhibit illustrates what extent compli- cated shapes can formed from deep-drawing sheets one drawing operation. being welded easily and spun. The factors which cause variations these properties, well the control these factors, one the most impor- tant problems which Armco’s research forces are engaged. Vagnetic Testing and Permanent Exhibits Armco’s most intriguing research prob- lems have been worked out its magnetic test- ing laboratory, which exceptionally well equipped. Included the apparatus Fahy simplex per- meameter and control equipment for measuring per- meability and hysteresis loss bar sheet samples magnetic materials. The control equipment also used when measuring the same magnetic proper- ties ring samples. The laboratory has Ep- stein tester for measuring power loss core loss electrical sheet steel. Power for this machine provided d.c. motor and a.c. sine-wave gener- ator. Another unusual piece equipment space factor machine for studying the smoothness elec- trical sheet steel. The permanent exhibits cover almost every phase XIDES make various enamels are fused rap- idly ‘Smelting furnace equipped with Maxon Pre- mix burner. enameled ingot iron products are right. . 4 steel making. series charts sets forth the steps the purification the metal from the iron ore the finished product. Neatly arranged table are the miscellaneous materials which are used building open-hearth furnace, furnace lining materials and the charged materials. Another exhibit shows the relation grain structures: that is, the size and shape the crystals the metal and the drawing properties. Still an- other illustrates the various steps the develop- ment corrosion-resistant metal—the crucible which the metal melted, mold into which poured, and the sheet bars and sheets from ingots. Accelerated laboratory tests form pre liminary guide, while actual service tests are final measure the worth the material corro- sion-resistant metal. Large charts demonstrate the methods employed studying ductility. uncommon interest exhibit two auto mobile body side panels, showing what extent complicated shapes can formed from deep-draw ing sheets one drawing operation, which the early days the industry would not have been possible. With the improvement physical prop- erties has come finish such that three coats lacquer are necessary. When auto- mobiles were first built, coats paint were used. Effect Antimony and Arsenic Rolling Copper investigations have recently been made England the Nonferrous Metals Re- search Association the effects impurities copper. part the results these investigations was presented before the spring convention the Institute Metals London, England, Arch- butt and Prytherch the National Laboratory, Teddington, England. Their paper relates the effect antimony and the combined effect antimony and arsenic copper the absence, far could obtained, oxygen and other elements. view the great difficulty removing the last traces oxygen upper limit 0.02 per cent was regarded satisfactory. the antimony-copper series, alloys containing 0.85 per cent antimony have been studied, and the arsenic-antimony-copper series 0.5 per cent each impurity together. the former series alloys containing 0.47 per cent antimony withstood hot rolling and per cent cold rolling from cast billets. alloy containing 0.85 per cent antimony was hot short. the latter series all compositions withstood rolling either hot cold. The investigation deals with methods prepara tion and casting, rolling behavior, density, hardness, tensile properties ordinary temperatures and 250 deg. C., fatigue and impact properties, electrical conductivity, softening temperature cold-worked material, and microstructure. The solubility anti- mony solid copper has been redetermined. Anti- mony highly soluble solid copper and small addi- X-ray diffraction apparatus contains water-cooled Coolidge tube having molybdenum target. Oil-filled transformer base and its controls are located wall panel tions this element copper low oxygen are found improve the tensile strength ordinary tem- peratures and, 250 deg. C., the fatigue properties, and raise the softening temperature (of cold- worked material), without impairing toughness. Copper low oxygen, containing antimony and arsenic together, appears withstand hot rolling better than with antimony alone. The mechanical properties copper low oxygen are improved small additions antimony and arsenic together greater extent than additions either these elements separately. The softening temperature cold-worked material raised. Both these impurities lower the electrical conductivity copper, but anti one appears less injurious than arsenic alone HANDY volume dealing with the engineering feature various types cranes has been put out tne Whiting Corpn., Harvey, This handbook 160 pages with limp cover, which full half-tones and and other data, dealing with overhead electric traveling cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes different types and bridges, trolleys, lifting attachments and other auxiliary equipment for cranes. Erection and lubrication, safety features, typical specifications, clearances and gen eral dimensions and many other points are brought out this handbook. The Age, June ; y + 7 : us 4 =. CASTING GUNS THE ENTRIFUGAL PROCESS Commanding Officer, Ordnance Department, Watertown Arsenal, Watertown, Mass. LONGITUDINAL cross-section through one machine used Watertown Arsenal for casting guns the centrifugal process shown Fig. The rotor thin-walled steel cylinder supported four rollers, two each end the frame. Each top housing contains one roller held contact with the top element the rotor springs allow for expansion. roller supported roller bearings provided with forced lubrication. One end the rotor connected motor. core case lined with refractory, cast iron mold, inserted into the rotor, and flange the end into which the molten steel poured bolted one end the rotor, insure rotation the two unit. The interior the refractory lining the hole the chill mold has the shape, generally conical, and the size the casting required. The end the mold into which the metal poured closed with cylindrical plate, having hole into which inserted the pouring spout through which Rotor 4 DOx / Fig. 1.—Longitudinal section through rotor, chill mold, pouring box and spout ¥ O0.D.Cen? LAIC Fig. content thin cylinders cut from centrifugal cast guns when ladle showed 0.35 per cent. 1816—The Iron Age, June 1931 the metal passes from the pouring box into the rotat- ing mold. The end the mold adjacent the motor closed with plug having axial hole permit escape gas. Chill Area Five Times That Casting For the chill mold, single piece cast iron bored the size and shape the exterior the gun, with proper allowance for shrinkage and machining, and the exterior surface machined fit closely the interior the rotor. The relatively high speeds used require that the center gravity every rotating part shall the axis rotation. The mold designed have chill area five more times the area cross-section the molten steel. While sufficient castings have not been cast one mold determine the number castings obtainable from mold, seems reasonable expect about the same number from ingot mold. Continuous operation machine may require artificial cooling the exterior the chill mold. Exterior and interior diameters fix the thickness metal the wall. For constant angular velocity rotation the mold, centrifugal force varies di- rectly with the radius the interior cylindrical sur- face the molten metal. The rate which the molten steel enters the mold should decrease the radius the interior surface the metal decreases. The rate entrance the molten steel into the mold depends principally the area cross-section the hole the pouring spout and the velocity the metal. Operation Centrifugal Casting Rotor and mold are brought the desired speed before pouring the molten steel commenced. The speed rotation may kept constant during solidi- fication the steel, may kept constant until the steel inserted into the mold and then gradually reduced, which may advantageous when the thick- ness the wall the casting relatively large. the steel always poured approximately the same temperature and other conditions are about the same, the speed rotation should fixed the maximum a { 0D x ~* 4 Cc ry \ | \ Wail inicKness, inches ANY applications thick-walled cylinders, built withstand high internal external pressures, are fo