The Iron Age 1931-06-18: Vol 127 Iss 25

W. W. Macon, Editor G. L. Lacumr, Managing Hditor ©. E. Wrieut, News Editor E. F. Cons 8. G. Koon R. EB. MILLER G. S. Herrick F. L. PRENTISS Cleveland Fiske Chicago T. H. GERKEN Pittaburgh BURNHAM FINNEY Detroit Washington GPRARD FRAZAR Boston R. G. McINTosH Cincinnati IRON AGE PUBLISHING Co. 239 West 39th Street, New York, N. Y Cable Address: ‘‘Ironage, N. Y.' F. J. FRANK, President G. H. GrirritHs, Secretary ©. Batr, General Advertising Manager Division of Unitep Business PUBLISHERS, Ino New York, N. Y. District Offices: CuHicaco, Otis Building PITTSBURGH, 1319 Park Building OLEVELAND, 1362 Hanna Building PHILADELPHIA, 1402 Widener Bidg Detroit, 7338 Woodward Avenue WASHINGTON, 536 Investment Bldg CINCINNATI, 402 Traction Building Burrato: 847 Ellicott Square Boston, Room 230, 80 Federal St San Franoisco, 381 Bush Street and 1045 Sansome St. Copyright, 1931, by IRON AGE PUBLISHING Co. Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations Member, Associated Business Papers Published every Thursday. Sub- scription Price: United States and Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00: Canada, $8.50; foreign, $12.00 a year. Single Copy 25 Cents. | June 18, 1931 Start Apprentice Training Now 1957 Seamless Tube Mills McKeesport 1962 Cooperative Technical Research 1967 Materials Handling for Mass Production 1972 Studying Life Open-Hearth Roof 1976 Golden Gate Bridge 1979 Making Lead-Covered Telephone Cable 1980 Chromium Plating for Wear Resistance 1982 Controlling Surplus Stocks 1985 Dr. Haney’s Page 2005 New Equipment 1989 News 1993 Personals and Obituaries 2002 Editorials 2006 Markets 2009 Construction and Equipment Buying 2030 PARDON, OUR MISTAKE! going little too far when you print two pages type one page paper, you did the copy The Age just received. Please send copy, there article the twice-printed page particularly want read.” We, too, are believers printing monogamy: that page paper entitled but one page type. Bigamous action the part our presses not tolerated. course, ma- chines, like humans, make mistakes times, but the missteps press are usually buried the press room. once biue moon imperfect copy does get into the mails, consideration should given the fact that The lron Age edited and printed with something approaching newspaper speed. happenings are recorded the paper that the mails the way its subscribers the following morning Presses that run all night long make possible this quick news service. { § - 5 ~, 4 q et j $s im “2 | j q 4 THE IRON 18, 1931 Page Another big reason for New Departure endurance New Departure bearing races are forged selected steel. Forging makes them dense and tough controls grain-flow brings longer bearing life. Forging typical all the operations that follow the making New Departure Ball Bearing. Each move carefully aimed the quality. have booklet which deals with certain interesting phases New Departure manufacture. You can read six minutes. Ask for booklet and will gladly send you. The New Departure Mfg. Co., Bristol, Conn.; Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco. | > 4 \ 4 1750 NEXT WEEK employmentis not extension Gov- cracy, the opinion most American business men. But opposition State intrusion into in- not enough. “do nothing” ways opens the way the enactment legis- lative guide. Constructive action replace inaction, according writer our next issue, American in- dustry will have ac- cept legislation con- ceived and forced the statute books politicians and agita- tors. Don’t Wait Until Rains Fix Leaky Roof Some manufacturers stat prentice-training pian when th rushed with work, becaus hey have time bother with Vhen business becomes sl ick, I excuse themselves on the gr« lack energy, enthusiasm, Many successful training have been started depress ods For there is time for ind discussion, just exactly wl equired Starting a few ipprent 1 time will not antagonize ti organization The training expensive It pays for 1957 Heat Loss Through Roof Runs High Toward End Open-Hearth Campaign | + + 4 1 1 1 K ire ( rrace the ises 1 ra re the f rrace loss a ‘ wn hen rises a The ran > Oo er cen root } t rurn T] Lite t 1 pen | siag-f Acco or Avoids Bends, Dents and Other Damage Which Cranes Some- times Give Thin-Walled Pipe In new seamiess tube AA ‘ Vi Keesport conveyors with | t or \ li 1 1] 1 ers cre 5 snop be that the feed the mat rlexiDle Pract uly never ir to pick up the pif I 1 crane until the pit for oading TI pipe < ed to any pair of tnreading I i! ‘ regardless of location and confusion or pil ng up stock The tables are large enough to take care of momentary surpluses “4 Thus the roller conveyors make it Lt possible to operate at the iverage effnciency Page 1964 * * Look Out for Dyna- mite” Cooperative Research Dr. Speller the Tube Co. suggests that cooperative research work be centered in a research boara inder the auspices of an association of iron and steel manufacturers. But, says Dr. “it would take ind broad-minded committee of really Dig men to steer an investigation that uld nce the tainre | wilede would advance the joint kKnowleds ) fundamentals and avoid touching o competitive Loop Conveyor, Costing $49,000, Pays for Itself Six Months It connects all departments General refrigerator plant, } ind ts about three-quarters of a milk iong Han 1iing costs Nave deen spt ize has been reduced, floor spa saved, and tnventories cut It serve a traveimnys stocKroom, nanain ng 1 size ) ew to 1 retr era top Tl stem of m t leveloped and give Keeps Chromium Loss Low Electroplating D 1 14 rt 1x t I tk r ince, 1 unifor t distr t chr lep n up 1 wit ré ma \ VV hree times that hard Ma ta rer ot pr ; ‘ fin h ror pa " 1 prof ( repair 1982 * How Keep Down the Amount Money Tied Inactive Stocks East Springfield plant has charge of dis ing of surplus stock Each department reports its inactive stock department which issues a bulletin to engineering, sh I sales and other departments items are also advertise 1 on 1 boards throughout the plant. ns from employees are soll the stocks can not 1 works, they are advertised throughou the other the company the original suppliers. Only after every < ther possible sale S¢ h inme | h is be en investig ated does the materi il get into the scr ip classification Page 1985 | JUNE 18, 1931 | Le { | 4 | | THE IRON AGE.... 18, 1931 Page NEW BRITAIN SHOP EQUIPMENT New Britain Die Truck All Steel ect rm ! t hrough t reg New | Heavy benctl rite fou witl New Britain Elevating Press Feed Table to he ton New Britain Machine Stand All Steel Other units made this Company include Wi hit tar the Ras Vise S SEND FOR BULLETIN 1 S. I SHOP FURNITURE DIVISION The New Britain Machine Company Shop Furniture New Conn.U.S.A. | | Ip ! \ ist f the 1 4 J > | ; ’ HIS Company has originated and built innumerable items Special Shop Fur- niture Equipment for all industries. Its past experience places enviable position solve your problems. Our Engineering Department will gladly perate none the standard equipment listed below meets with any all the following units will mailed request nat Vork Stat Box NEW YORK, JUNE 18, ESTABLISHED 1855 START APPRENTICE TRAINING NOW FREUND Apprentice Supervisor, Falk Milwaukee trait human nature every day the storage only that which demands immediate attention attention. Some and put off continuously, line the rta years and years, whatever not imperative, breakdown broad Way. care before For instance, manufacturers meet their payroll Starting promptly, pay taxes time, repair ladle those thing which have broken down, make shipment turers who firmly orders for pump shafts special tubing that they cannot else which the customer needs immediately, and pur oung men their hase the material and supplies which are re- for current perations. the same time the rearrangement machinery in order to ecure more uniform material talked about forever ind postp forever because the courage initia- tive ahead with work, even after pla have been upon. The same true replacing orroded rganization under power plant, revising shop regulations and building new floor lil he ma Ca +1 11) \ 4 ton nt appre nti plant ret tal rt iv eal Tine tr “Oh, ‘ + hip. of an mucn nana e round like fir Ni for industry we ley ian Lee] +) tit} } ry ou t ry i We nire al +} as tni ry ve re it ) tice AY? We've orr on running no e to tnink. nere — All these matters need 1 turbi use complete oment, put off ; whic) » to be taken training program one are put off even the system and who pleted VA\ W te d, 4 > (\ 7 have he ird nights and Saturdays and Sundays. The mo- 1957 ment things loosen bit start, but done now. can now get work And now listen the tale: “Yes, but this not the right time. Everybody depressed, there life the place. Appren- ticeship calls for energy and enthusiasm and there none around. Nobody the mood; would only half-hearted cooperation. Besides, there work coming and our people are reduced hours and they would resent flock apprentices oming take more work away from them.” Which actually the better time for installing pprentice training, rush period slack period? One hesitates answer this question. Say that rush times are better, and nobody will ever try get tarted slack times; the decision made dull times, one will get started the time for the installation apprentice train- Countles uccessful apprenticeship program ive been set both busy and dull seasons. However, careful comparison made must fed mitted t} a ] time nave «il Dull Period Best Time Start time lepression, tor ne thing, officials, tment heads and have time give bject the thought and attention which When the shop rushed, all are kept busy rde} 1 ] i th ere ho el t t il The nee machinery and equipment unfortunately gets ant attention and the individual problems the rkmen are hardly thought about the press urgent business. During periods depression ere time relax, time for thought and time prentice training When has been decided ahead with enticeship, the management adopts general plan has been approved local national man- cturers’ association, veloped cooperation State officials vocational educators. next move the management submit general plan the department heads and fore- en. They will asked think all over for ‘lent length time prepare what suggestions they may wish make, based the requirements their own depart- and operations and the knowledge which they may have the habits and tenden- cies mechanics and men the pres- ent time. Their sug- gestions will include work and ules for the apprentice courses, administration, trades arrangements for school instruction, the utiliza- Iron Age, June 18, 1931 unsought hereafter paved with good intentions. Many managements have sincere intentions start appren- tice training course, but never get around it. good times they are too busy, hard times the expense seems un- warranted. What the right time undertake apprenticeship training? Mr. Freund weighs many considerations and concludes that period depression the most propitious time. Then management has ion facilities the various departments and the rye which he the ilve av be able t ake } part which they may able take the training enterprise. When all suggestions have been received either writing the course meeting for discussion the matter, they will have tabulated and discussed once more all ials involved until agreements have been reached. Getting Plan Launched Thereupon committee builds formal plan the system based nearly possible upon the agreements resulting from the discussions, and this formal plan will have submitted once sev- eral times the entire group officials for further correction and adjustment until all with it. When the plan has been worked out and ap- proved, the first apprentices are engaged and once more the foremen and department heads will very busy getting the boys started. Properly introduce regular employee into department easy matter; get ap- prentice adjusted even more particularly when one the first apprentices the plant and the other em- ployees have not yet become used the presence ap- | sufficient time—and much time and patience are required—to work out satisfactory plan and properly introduce apprentices into the departments which they are assigned. Undertaking apprentice training during depression will win the support the public and will insure higher type candidate. unnecessary, and fact inadvisable, engage large number apprentices when the training program introduced. prentices. Friction and misunderstanding are like- arise, especially from the requirement ap- prenticeship that boys changed from one job operation another regular intervals. Foremen and officials will need investigate carefully every problem and difficulty that may arise and solve each after due thought and consideration. Plenty Time Needed All this requires time and lot For this reason period derression preferable for the installation apprentice training programs. Dur- ing periods depression foremen and department heads are not rushed, they can take half day day off intervals devote the apprenticeship problem and they can assume the matter that leis- urely attitude which most conducive mature conclusions. The public also enters into this problem insti- tuting apprentice training plant. matter how sin- cere and enthusiastic the em- ployer and his officials may be, the training apprentices ob- viously cannot carried parents forbid their sons become apprentices. The peo- ple the community must won over and this easy task, the great pub- lic, the great common people, rather suspicious and cynical regarding manufacturers and large em- ployers and frequently ascribes hidden and vicious motives the manufacturer’s actions rather than accept the obvious motive. The best time over- come this attitude during business depressions. This is, perhaps, best explained incident which Chicago the slack period 1927. prominent manufacturer decided under take the training apprentices and the announce ment had been made that was looking for boys become apprentices. Convincing the Skeptical One morning man walked into the em- ployment office. was accompanied clearly his son. There was nothing unusual about the lad, was different from thousands boys the high schools Chicago. However, the ap- pearance and manner the man were singular. was roughly dressed, more roughly than was neces- sary, had made determined effort have his clothes appear so. was uncomfortable and ill ease and bore attitude latent belliger- ence. Scowling and silent, sat down wait and the boy sat beside him. The apprentice director was summoned and ap- proached the visitors. morning,” said pleasantly. The man nodded sullenly. “What can for you?” the apprentice rector continued, somewhat startled. want that boy apprentice.” “Yes, but which trade, what line work?” “What wants; don’t know. want that learn business and get good job. don’t want that bums around like me.” “That’s fine, perhaps can give him appren- tice job. How old he?” “Twenty,” the boy answered when the father looked him inquiringly. little older than usually like start apprentices. Why didn’t you bring him two year “Think apprentice business all fake before. Apprentice business fake many places. Lot work factory, need men work, can’t get men cheap, get boys work cheap; call apprentices. fake, big talk about learn ing trade. Big always cheat, alway rich and poor fellow like alway get more poor. All crooked, everything from big bosses all “Then why you bring the boy here, The Iron Age, June 18, 1931—1959 why you want him apprentice you don’t like the big shops and the big The shadow grin passed over the man’s face. “All right here, all right this factory,” plied. “Here apprentice learns business. Don’t look cheap labor here. Lot men looking for job now, Will work cheap. You want boy for learning rade. Everything here all right.’ “So think that can’t possibly want boys anything besid lal trainin hen start thin right.” Well your ( nad bette nad el some mmendations and perhaps can him ‘ent Ane Ney) ide ) asm le irtied the mans Tace nto contours which was not accustomed. man, who was out sympathy the present der the industrial and made principie that the y \ t! ‘ publi \ mt] | eship hen early did not need help, that will voor +) + } own son to t} ippre ntice proce COUr=¢ parent oO ppre? \ 1] b but men this type can ver period depression, then all parents Higher Type Candidates Available Another advantage starting apprenticeship depression that there are more unem- and there greater likelihood finding high-grade candidates for apprentice ble, but attempt get apprenticeship pro under way with any very high ber will fatal. the start the apprentice- training system will very much trial. The hanics the plant, the foremen, superintendents very officials are most enthusiastic about prentice training will anxious see how works the majority, will tal neutral fails, fail rving thing will help ich high-grade apprentices with enough natural ble tention the men shop and ne harm stupid, irregular and irritating ap- prentices; human nature perverse and the system rather than the boys will blamed, apprenticeship will thrown out and will many years before another attempt can made. needless point out that only times depression will there such choice applicants 1960—The Iron June 18, 1931 available that high-grade apprentices may easily elected. prosperous times young men this are not ordinarily out work. There are ex- ceptions the case young men who deliberately set out find apprentices, but these will usually attempt find work plants which apprentice training long established institution and not innovation. Should Hire Apprentices Gradually The most frecuent objection starting appren- tice training period depression, and one which seems reasonable enough first sight, that dur- ing such periods men are laid off the hours vork are reduced and that unfair introduce large numbers apprentices into the organization, thereby increasing the number among whom the work the shop must divided. The argument assumes that considerable num- apprentices are engaged the start the program. ‘To would serious mistake. the first place, large number apprentices are engaged once, they will all graduate once some years later and the shop may not able take care them. They should hired gradually, that they will complete their training equal in- tervals afterward. Again, the personal difficulties will proportion their number. the ap- prentice organization Just getting under way, the adjustment the training schedules the work the plant, the ironing out the difficuliies ad- ministration and the determination policies the need for them arises will present many problems. great number personal apprentice difficulties are added those involved starting the enter- prise, the combined burden will greater than the apprentice official can take proper care of. The way out start with few appren- tices and thus keep the personal problems mini- mum while the made operat smoothly. When administration becomes partly auto matic, the number apprentices may increased, will then possible pay attention their personal problems. shop organization not resent the introduc- tion one two times depression, the reason for their presence carefully ex- plained. This has been demonstrated experience. Training Not Costly often contended that the expenses apprentice training prohibits the undertaking the work slack times. The argument would valid the training apprentices were costly which fact too often taken for Employers who have successfully trained appren- tices are agreed that apprentice training pays for itself goes along and there direct expense connected with starting apprentice training the printing forms and the salary director supervisor, one employed, and these items are easily absorbed later on. f + . + + Cc « > ~ > — ~ ~ = = = = q % — 4 — : q ENERAL layout the two seamless mills. No. for smaller size tubes, has two heating furnaces and complete equipment rolling mill units. No. for the larger size tubes, has four heating furnaces and complete layout mills for making tube, including the rotary roll- ing mill for expanding tubes from in. diameter upward 4 FLOOR 1 = = ] CJ = = -H4 4 —— — — A tl\t 4 + = q | J = —— { — 44 x > err ) ARTMENT ? b J a= | } | J 1962—The Iron Age, June 18, 1931 S UBSTATION | STORAGE a SEAMLESS 7 | = |] & | | q wa aring D) | | To ) y ‘ — 0) hearing TH LC | = } { i | | | SEAMLESS TUBE MILLS McKEESPORT SIDNEY KOON Associate editor, The New York tube mills, covering range pipe 000 tons pipe comprised the naces needed, and roll from in. two seamless tube mills here described. gravity from the outside diameter, have been Each complete unit itself, but trance the point exit. installed and put into oper- the one makes the smaller size pipe and Over the first half the ation the National works passage through the 80-ft. the National Tube Co. other the larger there practically McKeesport, Pa. No. over-lapping functions. Flexibility skids. Because the much feeding tables for the fur- mill produces handling pipe various stages manu- higher in. in., while No. the lower discharging mill makes pipe from facture feature the layout. end, skids have been in- in. in. troduced here and the bars Much the equipment roll over the furnace bot- the two units similar, tom. except that the main the individual pieces equip- Discharged from the furnace motor-driven ment No. mill are heavier, corresponding with the push bar, the heated billet passes conveyor larger product there made. the furnaces, how- the first two piercing mills, where opened ever, they are almost identical, there being two fur- over mandrel through the action Mannesmann naces feeding the smaller mill and four for the larger. crossed rolls. The pierced blank then run through But the roofs the two No. mill furnaces are the second piercer, which much enlarges the internal different type from those the four furnaces for No. hole, and the same time brings the wall thicknes mill. down nearer what finally will be. Round bars, already center punched and the furnace installed (two furnaces, the case No. length and diameter required make the size pipe mill) just after the second piercer. The tables under order, are delivered from the steel works the taking hot steel from the reheating furnaces have billet storage bay serving both these mills. These individual motor drive each roller. q — Charging platform for the round bars going into the heating furnaces. The far end each bar shown has been center-punched about deep, that end reaches the piercer first. The Age, June 18, 1931—1963 furnace, the bars roll over > 5 | | cee > = 4 q customary, however, for the pierced these billet furnaces and directly Here brought still closer the and wall thickness, through the action grooved rolls, with mandrel the inside the n mil ne pipe passes to tne reelers, nun each mill, the hourly capacity n individ ree le alt t of the equip va) which Leaving the reelers dischai over tables conveyol the two mills differ. No. mill Cooling tables for No. seamless mill. Scale beam foreground weighs each length pipe upon the carriers immediately left pipe right foreground. All transformers and switches throughout the mill are grouped under crane runways, shown left background n ro! whl as i N mill ha nes, and ross-roll machines dlameter the act round One ty} raightener for all ai te) \ ‘ t} ¢ nit t} t tand Ol ro ] Fr n nt +} ] a} \ the cooling bed. The second sizing operation place after the pipe has become cool enough tne heavy keeping them One the 4° 1964—The Iron temperature will not any way motors driving all parts are served with filtered air and avoiding introduction dust. nain features this mill which dif- from many others, both the ar- June 18. 1931 rangements for the het process and those for finishing cold, lies the way the conveyor runs are arranged handle the product. Practically never necessary pick the pipe means crane until this pipe, along with number its fellows, has reached the shipping cradle and must put into car. Conveyors Avoid Use Cranes with live rollers, with alternate live and idler rollers, cross the shop between operating units processes such way that the feed the material may made most flexible. This method handling pipe was developed the Na- Tube Co. about vears ago, and has proved most advantageous. This characteristic flexibility particularly true when come the finishing equipment which, the case No. mill, includes five pairs cutting- off machines, with similar number threading machines. conveyor ahead the cutting-off machines, and fed from the following the last straightener, permits delivering piece pipe any one the five pairs cutting-off machines. after having its ends faced and chamfered, then kicked off another conveyor parallel the one just mentioned, and between the line cutting-off machines and the line threading Here again possible for pipe from any pair cutting-off machines fed any pair threading machines, regardless location and with- out confusion piling surplus stock. There tinal that the effect : ire the din mill, center, driven motor Something the angle the driving spindle may noted box idequate room the tables take care the machines, these lines roller conveyors operate the highest average efficiency, without waiting for crane, and without the bend denting other damage which cranes somet thin-walled pipe. All this pipe tested high hydraulic sure before shipment, and oil Unusual Type Expander One feature which the large No. mill has, hich rather unusual design, consist known the plant the rolling This piece equipment, Ve," msists ol two large disks ana the opera qu ent o keep nen oOIng nd a plu nal! Ay At if Ag if plug mill appears . The two motors foreground drive, gears, two reelers table. Blanks from the plug mill are fed the reelers alter- nately mentary surplus arising from faster operation one some delay another. “1 iT possible coat protect transit its desti ; i ‘ 4 © + aN Particulars Finishing Equipment } | 417 tting-off machin ) ra Mane pipe to e enti LLOTT ti t tne pe be lead ready + } ht nor » | ‘ rine n raisin or Ol po rie qu { ied ) nt net devi ul nere ] off the feed +¥ tne utt acn from here, and developed 4 4 4 — The Iron June 18, 1931—1965 i | mo- drel. All the largest size pipe made upon this machine, its range expansion being from 14-in pipe 24-in., outside diameter, and, course, any to thing in between de- q im a the basis ft tion. lay Ss wn h wo il element h a+ Ine, it ele Val rface feed rollers machines | wf > 4 > owe Plug mill and conveyor No. seamless mill. This roller conveyor left one several traversing the entire width building from north south, and permitting great flexibility distribution partly finished tubes. the National Tube Co., have special cam chucks with holders connected brake band. Operated from the front the machine, these grip and rotate the pipe while being cut. The threading carriage with the die moved air cylinder. The thread- ing carriage advances, while the pipe rotates, but does not advance. Dies the threading machines are made halves, with wedge type adjustment draw them tightly together. This arrangement said give excellent control and accuracy. The wedges are driven down air cylinders, the two halves the die thus set tightly contac Leaving the threading machines, the threaded pipe lengths are kicked off the tables third Transfer table and sizing machine for No. seamless mill, with cross-roll tables just beyond the sizing machine. 1966—The Iron Age, June 18, 1931 long roller conveyor, parallel the two already mentioned. This carries them the hydrostatic test machines, with the same flexibility movement before. Every pipe given water test. There are two machines for screwing the couplings, prior putting the pipe through the test. Two testing machines for pipe in. outside diameter are installed, while the third takes pipe maximum in. diameter and ft. long. Every pipe, after having been completed, both weighed and measured the way the shipping point. The weight and measure are painted upon the pipe. easy, therefore, determine once (Concluded page 2008) py > | 4 1 L 4 "4 = - ee | COOPERATIVE TECHNICAL RESEARC STEEL INDUSTRY Director, Department and Research National Tube Co., for discussion the question how the present methods carrying coopera- tive research can improved and coordi- nated the American iron and steel industry. suggested that plan worked out whereby the in- dustry whole will take responsible part su- pervising and coordinating work non-competitive technical problems. tentative plan organization for this purpose offered for consideration. ” The term “industrial research” now being used (and quite properly) include all kinds in- vestigations that any way benefit producing or- ganizations and the consumers their product. includes investigations marketing conditions, dis- tribution, new sales fields, welfare employees, consumers’ problems, well the study funda- mental scientific and engineering problems which the industry founded. With respect inter-com- modity competition, serves open new fields for old products, develop new products that tend open wider markets, and guard against the en- croachment competitive products. all cases the study market and economic conditions should haps the entific study fundamental possible spend too much time prob lems having with lowering costs and increa ing production and not enough developing field consumption for the product. marketing and technical research should work close contact with one another. The present discussion, however, deals particularly with technical research leading better understanding materials and Research should aim unearthing all the facts the subject under investigation. The term overworked and applied trade propa- ganda which deals mainly with one side que tion. Such improper use term tends bring into disrepute and should discouraged the dustry, for have other term that covers the ob- jective well; that is, the search for facts and Problems Are Competitive and Non-Competitive The technical problems industry, such may divided into those that are competitive, uch the developing improvements The Iron Age, June 18, 1931—1967 4 A ; Tt 4 4 7 igh 3 q | principles princip processes and products, for instance, sisting steels; and those that are non-competitive, which include investigations the princirles Tt? processes employed, for instance, the study the chemistry steel making. The latter tend fortify the position the industry and broaden the field and exert stimulating and beneficial effect ipon the industry whole. Pure and applied scientific work may divided the same way, although pure science research usually non-commercial, includes mainly non- itive problems. Obviously non-competitive problems can usually solved most economically cooperative research, which brings the main subject this paper. Investigative work all kinds has increased such extent recent vears that becomes ter considerable importance study the econ- ics operation. Moreover, experienced research men are none too plentiful. The profits from this have been large many cases that the practical advantage cooperative effort may have I Ve rloo €a Research work Germany and Great ) ed hu +h it this pol American Industrial Research I l naat and iu M al re i Oo tne ‘ \ ] ( De! cle | rge part general rile ne? nave e! lowed itions the Mellon and r tne e of j ad r? ( rit ; ’ R rope he pubis ( nstitu ) sual] ling a nul leading technical societies and tal bureaus. This division control has vantages and disadvantages. group that ates piece work usually includes, can bring together, those most interested, but there ‘ourse lack general coordina- tion, some duplication effort opinion minor that tend obscure the main However, well known that some very useful work has been carried out under these auspices. Iron Age, June 18, 1931 RESENT methods carrying co- operative research the American iron and steel industry can improved and co- ordinated. tentative plan organization for this purpose offered this article, which abstract paper before the May meeting the American and Steel Institute. The suggestion included that, working out such plan, the whole in- dustry shall take responsible part. The United States Bureau Mines for nearly five years has provided laboratory facilities and also men, cooperation with Carnegie Institute Tech- nology and number leading metallurgical con- cerns, for the study the physical chemistry steel making, refractories, abnormality steel and other problems fundamental value, especially the iron and steel industry. This one the best and most recent examples cooperative metallur- research this country and has attracted world-wide attention. detailed summary this work given this Whatever the final economic result may be, our knowledge the reactions the open-hearth bath and the fundamentals steel making has been con- ‘ably advanced this work. Much remains done the practical application these prin- iples the improvement the open-hearth and mer processes and the study the influence non-metallic constituents the physical prop erties, weldability, corrosion, and defects steel. The original five-year program will this The metallurgical advisory board hopes continue the work for another period three and trusts that will possible retain the organization for this purpose. The new program includes further study of: The refining the electric, open-hearth and Bessemer pro esses, strong deoxidizers, elimination non-metal- lic matter, gases steel, quicker methods deter- mining inclusions, and the influence these inclu- sions the physical properties the finished steel, and allied problems. The plant work will carried convenient locations, and bulletins issued from time time that those interested will prompt- informed results. Present Accomplishments The present from work done this problem are, briefly, (1) the deter- mination solubility iron oxide pure iron and the correlation the iron oxide content open- hearth steel with this solubility curve, including the development the aluminum method for determin- a 7 7 | 4 { no nt } Mt. Battelle Institutes, and the Massachusetts Institute and steel industry America present 4 Formation central research board recommended, under the auspices association iron and steel manufacturers, including advisory members representing cooperating interests. The technical prob- lems involved are divided into two classes: competitive and non-competitive. the discussion the paper two leading metallurgists for the most part supported the recommendations the author. ing relatively short time the iron oxide steel, and the determination the relation between carbon and FeO contents liquid steel and slag various composition; (2) completion the entire program formation and identification in- clusions whose base FeO, and work deoxida- tion with manganese-silicon alloys; (3) the develop- ment the electrolytic method for determining non-metallic inclusions steel; (4) the determina- tion melting points and viscosities various slag ystems, these forming solid foundation for future work deoxidation and slag manipulation the furnace; and (5) the application the above open-hearth work the produ tion steel greater cleanliness than has been obtained present-day steel-making practice. Practical tests acid and basic open-hearth heats already show and rejections three plants where these have been put into practice. The Bureau Mines, feeling that its function Government institution initiate and assist investigations this kind until the results justify the interested industry taking them over, has ided utilize its resources other problems Jan. 1932. The advisory board trusts that plan will found whereby this work may ntinued for further three-year period. would seem that this opportunity for the industry whole take over this going organization with the coop- eration the Carnevie Institute Technology and others who may interested. (Since this was written, the board mended, consideration present conditions, that this work concentrated next year plant appli- cation the principles already worked out. The properties steel will also determined. Inclu- sions are not necessarily harmful all cases. ions should checked facts The funds already subscribed will this work through until the end this vear. the same amount contributed the industries for the lowing year, the work can continued this basis with Dr. Herty and some the present or- ganization. ++ Cooperative research often helps retain the use steel field which otherwise might oc- cupied some more durable but relatively more expensive material, and the same time helps develop trained technical men for the industry. Technical data obtained cooperatively and indorsed industry working together sometimes carry more weight than that secure¢ one concern, and can obtained relatively wer cost each the participating interests Most cooperative work naturally centers around committee those best able assist the work, who should responsible for planning and vising the work general way. But unless some yne individual responsible for keeping moving, committee work apt lag, especially the members the committee have many other portant duties. Rarely can volunteer committee carry important investigation promptly and without paid associate whose main busi ness is to follow up the deta Is of the work as advisory committee saved and the work can often carried out shorter time and lower than when directed solely voluntary effort hen there ourse, always the fundamental problem financing projects this kind, but ilt financing well-planned, useful piece P ] the prec dit lé id is to the que ion W) in and ild done the American steel hole toward and erative investigat Conclusions and Recommendations een tha large amount pel na reat heen done n i! ] t | encies, educational institutior (;overnment ire ] ind ‘ nee} The Valuable re ] ilre ned Case through the future similar work can done more efficiently and more economically with proper coordination. would seem therefore that the time near whe! non-competitive problen should sponsored whole, with the full neo able a t ict ict Coordination should result better planning this end, iggested that cooperative work his industry centered research inder tne auspice I al association ¢ ro na SLEC manulat lire] 1udl! TY | r r i emoers repre nting perating interests. The duties this board would (a) investigate, approve, and il pial in competitive ibmitted for considera- The Age, June 18, 1931—1969 | q 4 : 4 | 4 q planned the group. this means the time . + usually difficult, however, estimate the actual cooperative research, through lack sufl cient records | | 4 tion member companies tions engineers r consumers budget the cost each piece work and arrange for fi- nancing after the problem been approved bein interest and ilue the indus l whi nment the worl and abroad iblish means for ition and resu For this official means blication ght desirable, with permanent reneral vould depend upon where ild done the best advant Later tut for steel problems established the industry important ] etallurgical ried Pittsburg! work Dr. Herty, Jr., and his asso- ciates has had wider brought lef ful results, than were hoped for the vas first discussed ight needed information, usable form, ndustry, and has added the prestige ery one the cooperating agencies. Now that work the stage application industry, pity ere not carried along investment already mad Dr. paper timely because the im- for further financing that par- ticular now that the present officials the Bureau Mines have decided cease cooperation timely also because now the logical ime raise the broader question cooperative re irch in general. The board therefore deserves close attention. proposal for permanent central research Since may reasonably judge the future the past, will worth while appraise the cooperative research projects that carried under various have been auspices, the conditions cooperation that failure, and see whether the success would have been at- tained and the failures avoided the scheme sug- led notable success, moderate success, *Director, Battelle Memorial Institute, C +Metallurgical engineer, Bethlehem Steel Co lumbus, Ohio Bethlehem, 1970—The Iron ige, June 18, 1931 gested. From such survey, come the conclusion failure, incomplete more from faulty conditions cooperation than that comes often from faulty technology. success, lutely essential, Dr. Speller rightly emphasizes, that non-competitive problem for all those who back it. Some problems combine non-competi- tive and competitive features almost inextricable For example, certain corrosion problems Speller lists suitable for joint attack, fashion. which Dr. become tied with the development rust-resist- such ing alloys, which classes unsuitable. case, takes wise and broad-minded committee really big men steer investigation that will advance the joint knowledge fundamentals and avoid touching off the competitive dynamite. Economics Not Neglected Even though the problem non-competitive one, possible slip its selection, eco are neglected. Every research worker and research committee should read, once year, Dr. Society, dealing with the need for the cost estimation advance laboratory work avoid wasted effort what may and ingenious, but economically impossible. One feature Dr. ‘lal emphasis. the must Speller’s plan deserves spe- the Such central re- giving the sion that setting itself the sole and coordinator all research iron and else inevitably alienate other groups. always easier than coordinated. board scrupulously avoid searcn upreme + teel, will Certainly the iron and steel industry might well rch that could research groups that have wider interests than utilize resea board cooperate with those relating any single industry. Such groups the National Research Council and the Engineer- but the board could probably further along its own spe- than could the far-flung organiza- Similarly, central research board should it- ing Foundation can assistance, new ial lines more tions. elf cooperate with other more specialized groups. The successful functioning the suggested cen tral board should real service making pos- sible more cooperative research effort non-com- petitive problems, such the “Physical Chemistry Steel Making,” the “Alloys Iron Research,” and the work the Committee High-Tem- perature Properties Metals.” Such problems are too big for any single firm, matter how powerful, handle alone. such problems the cooperative method the cheapest well the most effective. particular division industrial research cov- ered Mr. Speller’s interesting paper has been subdivided him into two classes, namely, those which include problems that are competitive and those which are non-competitive. take that the competition referred between individual manu- facturers the same industry, and understand that the reason for this division that the solution a | + ; problems which are competitive would mean ad- vantage either quality price product. this case the incentive material consti- tute sufficient urge. Where there possibility this kind com- mercial advantage, the adoption cooperation re- moves this very strong incentive, and doubt- ful even the admitted advantages coordinated study the industry would compensate for the loss the stimulus the nerve.’ inclined believe that the field the steel industry wider than Mr. Speller indicates. The case cited him representative the non-competitive class, namely, the study the chemistry steel making, may quite competi- tive, evident from indications that the chem- ical control steel making sometimes the basis patent applications. Two Suitable Fields for Cooperation There are two fields which seem most suit- able for cooperative research. One that funda- mental properties, melting points, heats forma- tion, etc. The other the investigation ques- tions which are competitive, not within the steel industry but competitive between the steel industry and some other industry. these cases have the commercial incentive, but here the goal not the advantage individual manufacturer but the advantage entire industry, and the coop- erative effort has countervailing feature. The character the work and the type personnel which are most efficient differ greatly. quite practicable for the industry coop- erate fundamental research, but own feeling that this more properly the field for institutions the type our Bureau Standards, the National Physical Laboratory the Kaiser Wilhelm Insti- tute. Applied research, which involves problems which are likely have bearing competitive features within the industry problems which have bearing competition between the steel industry and any other industry, should undoubtedly treated common interest and the co- operative work. But all applied research which does involve problems that have bearing competi- tion within the industry should the province the individual manufacturer who will presumably the beneficiary. The steel industry has carried out comparatively little cooperative work research. Undoubtedly there field within which much can done for the general benefit the industry, and Dr. Speller has made most timely recommendation for co- yperative movement behalf our common & Metallurgical Applications High-Frequency Oscillations remarkable effects high-frequency oscillations metallurgical reactions have been reported by M. Fayollet Aciers Spe aus, Metauyx et Alliages, January, 1931). The work Mahoux has shown that, steel nitrided inserted high- frequency circuit, the other conditions such erature, time, alloy composition, gas, etc., being main- ained usual, the depth the nitrided layer con- iderably augmented. seems suggest that the application high frequency would permit equal penetration horter exposure. This not evident the state- ment Mahoux; fact, the surface hardness cated equal that produced the ordinary man ner. Actually the time produce layer equal depth and hardness should reduced one-tenth the usual time. Mahoux’s results were: chrome-nickel-molybdenum steel the com- position Ni3.0, Cr3.0, Si0.25, S0.04, and P0.04 per cent was nitrided the form bar 19/32 in. diameter for hr. 930 deg. ina current ammonia. The mechanical properties were: austenitic valve steel the composition S0.015, and was nitrided the same manner for hrs. Initially the steel had strength 114,000 lb. per sq. in. and Brinell-Vickers hardness 235, After nitriding high frequency, the hardness became 1035 the surface, 570 the depth 0.04 in., and the center. The susceptibility was greatly augmented. Mahoux also tested the effect high frequency hot chromium-plated mild steel. 19/32-in. rod was first electroplated with chromium and then was heated 980 deg. high frequency field for hr. After the test, metallographic examination showed that the chromium had penetrated the steel depth 0.014 in. Without the high frequency, the chromium layer was detached from the steel with penetration. The Iron Age, June 18, § \ tt N j H Before Ord Fre (Brinell-V ers) CONTINUOUS LOOP CONVEYO papers were presented conveyor han- dling session the American Society Me- chanical Engineers Cleveland April 15. One these, “Synchronization Production Control with Conveyor Equipment,” prepared Beattie the Westinghouse Electric and Mfg. Co., Mansfield, Ohio, was published ab- stract THE AGE April beginning page 1094. The other paper, Handling for Mass Production the General Electric read Rundle, planning engineer that company, abstracted succeeding paragraphs. Both these papers were accompanied moving picture films showing conditions operation. The General Electric film was presented with the “talkie” addition, describing what was ing upon what the reel showed. This gave picture installation the conveyor This General Electric conveyor was installed the Jervis Webb Co., Detroit, total cost for conveyor, housing for such parts were out doors, annunciators, celotex insulation, etc., about $49,000, which the conveyor, together with the flooring and sheet steel for the overhead bridges, was about | Iron Age, June 18, 1931 going and comment- 000. This involved length 3890 ft. the com- plete loop and about 1000 ft. overhead housing bridges. was estimated, before this was put in, that the savings expected would pay for the installation about year. practice, however, was found that the savings were great, both labor trans- portation and reduced spoilage material which formerly was hauled outside, that the entire installa- tion cost was covered about six months. This long conveyor has three driving units spaced approximately one-quarter mile apart along the sys- tem. Each these supplied with Reeves speed changer and acts against springs such manner that the imposition load upon the conveyor does not re- sult shock. Mr. Webb, the discussion the paper, expressed the opinion that this system mounting well developed and gives such flexible operation that such conveyor could built any length much miles, and still operate without distress. Limits movement back and forth the drive are from in. This automatically responds stress any section and equalizes the load the chain. The maximum load hanging from the chain terials-handling conveyor the refrigerator de- partment tady. This shows the path the conveyor system through and over several ings, and indicates the locations the three driving units. 3 | and then afterward, show the great contrast. PAYS FOR ITSELF SIX MONTHS CONVEYOR about three-quarters mile long closed loop, running through several buildings and covered passage-ways between and over buildings, serves the refrigerator department the General Electric Co. Schenectady. The system said give such flexible operation that could extended any length twenty miles without loss efficiency. any one time about tons, distributed along the length. Chain Transportation Medium Only manufacturing done upon materials while suspended from the chain. purely means transportation from department department, operation operation. Insp