The Iron Age 1934-06-21: Vol 133 Iss 25

They cases did not nothing led our its roads, otection wisdom face asis for produc- cash his per- without Not Gov- precise then invest- only stand- radio pros- hen you rer, you hat you ex- highly tter car the you twice use and artment decent ve; but ndbergh take vhich all, ry. Lay- its own prop- ebt, and loan the 1erica. NINTH YEAR SERVICE THE METAL WORKING INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT Physical Characteristics Surface and Finish Chemical Characteristics Micro Structure Coils Spools Weight Package Dimensions Package Type Wrapping Wire, accurately evaluated, must considered from every angle. While workability and the service gives use are prime importance, there are other factors that materially affect your cost manufacturing. wire finish related product finish? Are the package sizes and types most economical for your equipment handle? damage storage original partially used bundles expensive nuisance? Wissco Engineers are not satisfied furnish good wire. They study how JUN PROCESSES -:- will used and furnish accordingly. Ask them call, see your production and make helpful suggestions. You will under obligation pay. WICKWIRE SPENCER STEEL COMPANY New York City; Buffalo, Chicago, Worcester; Pacific Coast Headquarters: San Francisco; Warehouses: Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland. Export Sales Department: New York City. Wickwire Spencer Wickwire Spencer manufactures High and Low Carbon Wires— grades and your specific purpose. soft annealed Basic Bessemer Wires— oil-tempered Spring Wire, Chrome Vanadium Spring Wire Spring Music Clip —Pin and Machinery Spring Wire—Reed Wire Clock— Pinion Needle- Bar—Screw Stock—Armature Binding— Brush Mattress Shaped Welding. Flat Wire and Strip Steel, High Low Carbon—Hard, annealed tempered—Clock Spring Corrosion and Heat Resisting Wires. Consult the Wissco technical man your wire problems, however large small. JUNE 21, 1934 WE 00 oun Past : PRICE LONGER THE FACTOR Now that the codes have made futile shop around for the lowest price, you can buy phosphor bronze quality basis. Specifically, you can now buy Elephant Brand Phosphor Bronze extra cost. THE PHOSPHOR BRONZE SMELTING CO. 2200 WASHINGTON PHILADELPHIA, PA. BRAND 4 5 | ay “PHOSPHOR om J Editor Managing Editor Consulting Editor News Editor Machinery Bditor F. J. Winters T. W. Lippert G. Jr. BURNHAM FINNEY GBRARD FRAzZAR Pittsburgh Detroit Boston Cleveland Chicago Editor Emeritus Washington Contents Unionists Disclose Reasons for Open Shop WE DO OUR PART Enameling Forges Ahead Metal Finish Labor the Automotive Front Dodge Uses Hydromatic Welders on: All-Steel Bodies New Things Materials and Processes Choosing the Right Drive Highlights the Development Soviet Union New Equipment News Washington News Automotive Industry Markets Personals and Obituaries Construction and Equipment Buying Products Advertised Index Advertisers THE IRON AGE PUBLISHING COMPANY F. J. FRANK, President G. H. GRIFFITHS, Secretary ©. 8. BAUR, General Advertising Manager PUBLICATION OFFICE: Corner Chestnut and 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. EXECUTIVE OFFICES: 239 West 39th New York, Y., ADVERTISING STAFF Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations Emerson Findley, 311 Union Bldg., Cleveland Member, Business Papers Herman, 675 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Ohicago | Published every Thursday. Subscription Price Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit United States and Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, Charles Lundberg, Chilton Bldg., $6.00; Canada, $8.50, including duty; Foreign 56th Sts., Philadelphia, $12.00 a year. Single Copy 25 Cents Cc. H. Ober, 239 West 39th St., New York W. B. Robinson, 428 Park Blidg., Pittsburgh Cable Address, ‘‘Ironage, N. Y."’ W. C. Sweetser, 239 West 39th St., New York D. C. Warren, P. O. Box 81, Hartford, Conn SEVENTY-NINTH YEAR SERVICE THE METAL WORKING INDUSTRY ~ 130 | executive appreciates the added security that results from using rust-resisting sheets for roof- ing, siding, and other rust-exposed applications around the plant. the past, great deal such work was made materials, because iron steel sheets offered especially for rust- resistance were costly. That’s where the big advantage Beth-Cu-Loy Sheets comes in. rust-resisting and inexpensive. additional cost slight negligible, you can put sheet-metal work dur- able, long-lasting Beth-Cu-Loy. The durability Beth-Cu-Loy Sheets not merely matter opinion. They have the composition (copper-bearing steel) that the exposure tests carried out the American Society for 3 against Rust Low Cost Testing Materials proved first rust-resistance the whole range commercial steels and irons, in- cluding some materials that are decidedly more expensive. Use Beth-Cu-Loy for all metal installations about the and the time when you will again have worry about repairs re- placements. will far the fu- ture. Further, Beth-Cu-Loy Sheets, used your products, enable you give them the strong sales ap- peal added durability, and with hardly any increase your cost Beth-Cu-Loy but one the many types Bethlehem Sheets, which include, addition full range galvanized, flat and formed sheets, hot-rolled, hot-rolled an- cold-rolled, blue-annealed, and sheets, and fur- niture and automobile sheets. Bethlehem can supply virtually any sheet you require, for any purpose. BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY, BETHLEHEM, District Offices: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Bridgeport, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, St. Paul, Washington, Wilkes-Barre, York. Pacific Coast Distributor: Pacifie Coast Steel Corporation, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Distributor: Bethlehem Export Corporation, New York. 7 THE IRON AGE.........JUNE 21, 1934 Page le, on ou co with cost the Sheets, full led an- nealed, heets. any urpose. THE IRON AGE JUNE 21, 1934 ESTABLISHED 1855 Vol. 133, No. Unionists Disclose Convincing Reasons For Open Shop “rank and committee the Amal- gamated steel workers’ union should receive vote thanks from the steel industry for performing public service. The committee has, unwittingly, disclosed the general public com- pelling reasons why the union should not recognized. This disclosure was made the open letter which the rank and file committee, against the wishes the elected officers the union, addressed the President the United States. Here are some pertinent extracts from it: understand you have left for week-end cruise the Sequoia. wish could join you, but must return our lodges report that all got out your National Re- covery Administration and Section was offer tighten the company union chains that bind workers the steel industry. * * & have lost the faith which held your Administration, which promised justice and new deal the nation’s work- abide your own re- covery law, the least you can summon the steel manufacturers Washington for genuine collective bargaining con- ference with the steel workers, waste any more time Washington the national run around, rejecting traps set for us. are return- ing home today prepare for vor the Administration warning you the con- sequences non-enforce- ment Section 7A. the government will not help us, then must use the only means left us. might show this letter any your lay- men friends who think that the steel industry reactionary withstanding the demand vocif- erous minority for “closed shop.” After they have read it, ask them the following questions: Would you willing convey authority and spokesmanship, through recognition, upon men clearly lacking common sense and respect for the highest authority send this scurrilous letter the President? you think that you could sit patiently across the table from men such intemperate and abusive dispositions and bargain collectively with them? Would you invest dollar any enterprise where labor control and representation were such reckless hands? The excuse has been offered union authori- ties that this action was unauthorized and was taken against the advice and wish the union officers and the But here again another compelling reason for refusing recogni- tion. Would you care business with organiza- tion that without legal responsibility and which manifestly unable control the action its subordinates? leaders the steel industry can offer many additional reasons for its adamant stand the matter union recognition, but should not necessary. The reasons furnished the action the “rank and committee should entirely sufficient settle the case the mind any intelligent, fair minded man any walk life. | | = a ‘ ; | 2 af | Va - | «ls | 4 | | | ~ N= we. = Enameling Forges Ahead LeROY ALLISON and MALCOLM CATLIN ONSIDERED metal finish, porcelain enamel readily can said the most popular material for this purpose now use, and decidedly wide mar- gin. Its value and merit have become universally known this country and throughout the world. The notable advances made technique and ac- during the past few years have re- sulted growth that time prob- ably more pronounced than any other branch the metal-working industry. This evidenced almost count- Bathroom Indianapolis home Whitcomb Riley. 14—The Iron Age, June 21, 1934 less examples porcelain enameled ware and equipment for homes, public buildings, commercial and industrial establishments, well products for other service. And what has brought about this wide popularity and de- mand for porcelain enamel? appreciable degree the answer found the practically simultaneous devel- technique, and iron and steel produc- tion for base material, the latter mak- ing possible high-grade, adaptable metal reasonable cost. years ago, the word the commercial sense, was identified large- with granite-colored pots and pans and associated quite generally with cheapness, the evolution this indus- try and its rapid progress present high status indicate ties vast extent. enameling field presents bright mar- ket outlook for large consumption adaptable iron and steel. From the ponderous white-enameled bath tubs, with grotesque legs and wooden rims years ago, the imme- diate stretch imagination trends porcelain enameled skyscrapers, resi- dences, tank cars and many other siz- Typical bathroom years ago. ay an of lal an ta ar at y structures, well automobile abit and equipment parts; likewise, scores arge- smaller products for domestic, com- pans mercial and industrial use. All are with detinitely within the range porce- ndus- lain enameling. Whatever such devel- esent opments will mean that industry will reflected correspondingly the metal-working field, for utilize mar- enamel there must something which apply it—and iron steel that logical something. While meled enamel application possible cer- and tain other base and composition metals and materials, and even glass and clay objects, these are minor sig- resi- Y siz- Bathroom the last decade. niticance compared with the major materials noted. Fortunately, enameling technique has attained high degree perfec- tion almost precisely the time when most advantageous. The definite trend toward units lighter design, the advancing movement for improved sanitation the home and elsewhere, the demand for increased conveniences for higher efficiency, and the rapid rise color the predominating note modern design and public favor have combined give porcelain enam- eling unusual opportunity for im- Neo-Angle combination bathtub. NAMELING both sheet steel and cast iron encompassed the accompanying article. Spe- cific attention the preparation the metal for the enamel coat- ing and notable advances the enameling art have contributed the broadening the fields ap- plication the vitreous enamel finish for iron and steel. These are covered the comprehensive sur- vey and analysis which the authors have made. second article will deal with phases both wet and dry process enameling, and the expanding range utility. Sub- sequent articles will devoted porcelain enameled steel buildings and togeneralenameling technique. mediate development products and markets. Growth the Industry TATISTICAL information regard- ing the growth the porcelain enameling industry exceedingly dif- ficult, not impossible, secure ac- curately. those interested this field have come realize, its impor- f The Iron Age, June 21, a Continuous molding unit foundry bathtub manufacturer. tance has been obscured the prac- tice many equipment manufactur- ers consider the porcelain enamel department merely another type finishing shop, comparable paint and lacquer branches activity. consequence, annual output sel- dom reported terms finish for numerous products enamel primary feature manu- facture, such refrigerators, wash- ing machines, ironers, wringers, cash registers, bakers’ ovens, table tops, balances and water coolers, other specialties great variety. Ordinary observation, how- ever, proves conclusively that there has been sizable increase produc- tion ware and equipment this character. Further, porcelain enamel has come the standard finish for the majority refrigerators and washing machines day, and more than one important enameled kitchen the future home unit. interesting note that one Charging enameled ware into furnace for fusing. 16—The Iron Age, June 21, 1934 Porcelain Enameled Not Porcelain Enameled representative branch the industry has made possible the compilation definite statistics for certain period years. 1927, stove manufactur- ers adopted the practice reporting annual sales terms finish, there- indicating, only indirectly, the growing importance enamel selling stimulus. The ac- companying charts show how purchas- ers gave preference this type finish 1927 and 1931, the latest available accurate figures. the first year noted, 1927, 61.6 per cent the expenditures for cook- ing stoves and ranges and room heat- ers (coal, wood, gas, kerosene and gasoline, but not electric) were for units porcelain enameled type. 1931, this percentage had advanced 75.6 per cent, increase points, per cent. further interest, the detailed figures show that not the city dweller alone who showing partiality for enamel finish, greatest advance found stoves using coal and wood fuel, sold largely the rural population. For this char- acter stove unit, per cent the purchases 1927 were for the enam- eled finish; 1931, the proportion had increased per cent. And high, not higher, today. During the period comparison outlined, the sales enameled gas stoves advanced points, from mind, too, that these increases oc- curred late the history the por- celain enameled stove, time when the rate advance normally might expected slow down, ow- ing the limitations the remaining potential markets. Enameled sanitary ware another field providing some pertinent figures, illustrating effectively the expanding market for iron and steel this branch manufacture. the rela- tive 192 iron per 138 yeal the the rial sani tion dec] ing man whil $23, and eled enar than This num cialt woul their just valu duce enan meta | » 1931 led istry the elain ac- atest 61.6 cook- heat- and for oints, erest, not the stoves char- the ortion arison gas eld por- time rmally aining nother igures, anding this rela- These two diagrams show the increas- ing amount enameling used con- struction cooking stoves and ranges and room heaters. (Sales coal and wood, gas, kerosene and gasoline ap- pliances, but not electric are tively short time between 1913 and 1926, the latter record year for the industry, the annual sales enameled iron bath tubs advanced from 477,972 1,195,142 units, increase 151 per cent. And this may added 138 per cent rise for enameled iron lavatories, 113 per cent advance for enameled iron sinks, and per cent increase for miscellaneous enameled sanitary fixtures the same span years. This pictures rather forcibly the importance single branch the enameling industry base mate- rial producers. The gross output enameled iron sanitary ware 1927 had valua- tion $67,303,685; 1929, year decline for this line trade, the value production was $45,288,155. Dur- ing the last noted year, enameled stove manufacture various types attained total $97,276,820 valuation, while kitchen utensils added another $23,000,000; hospital ware, $750,000, and miscellaneous stamped and enam- eled ware, $11,000,000, round fig- ures, Thus the products these classified enameling fields alone totaled more than $175,000,000 that year, 1929. This compilation does not include re- frigerators, scales, outdoor signs and numerous other enameled metal spe- cialties, for which even approximate figures are unobtainable, stated; these were added, the gross valuation would enhanced many millions dollars. Depression times have had their effect the enameling industry, just other lines, census figures the Government for 1931 giving the value enameled metal ware pro- duced the country that year $130,000,000. Speaking the technical sense, enamel literally glass fused metal. Improved production processes * | Applying bathtub unit the slush coat, which dries white and materials have gone far bring about successful accomplishments different lines porcelain enameling recent years. The knowledge the modern enamel chemist would have had little value, not almost impos- sible initial development, had not been for the advances made the manufacture suitable base metals, the phenomenal improvement cast- ing technique, more efficient methods handling heavy castings, and the notable developments steel-drawing practice. These are few highlights. Among the most essential contribu- tions the industry that the iron and steel mills providing the enamel plant with high-grade, uni- form material for the production desired shapes and ware commen- surate price. This particularly the case steel sheets, for the early days enameling was vir- tually impossible secure the special enameling stock right character, sufficiently uniform and reliable composition insure successful, con- tinuous service commercial manu- Powdered enamel dusted red hot ware the dry process. The Iron Age, June 21, 1934—17 — facture. Through the active partici- pation and cooperation the research organizations different leading companies, types enameling sheets are now available the open market which eliminate culties entirely. this, worthy note that the enameling plant makes slight de- mand the quality and inherent character sheet required when must withstand adequately the depth for different types ware, such washing machine tubs, and then retain its desired shape during the succeeding operations stamp- ing, enameling and cooling. Today such material available and sur- prisingly low cost. the same time, the advances made steel-drawing methods have made possible the pro- duction intricate and complicated parts and special shapes, presenting ever-widening possibilities for the enameling plant. Developments and improvements welding, sand-blasting have been important concern the enameling industry. The preparation clean, smooth sheets necessary for successful enameling practice has been perfected the point almost routine order. Likewise with the fab- rication complex parts and pieces, which now readily can produced efficiently and speed demanded modern manufacture. That the evolution and development large-scale operations the enam- eling industry have been dependent upon adequate and thorough un- derstanding iron and steel produc- tion, metal-making and handling shown clearly brief reference the progress and growth the sani- tary ware industry. Last November signalized the 91st anniversary the introduction the modern bath tub this country, and interesting note that this fix- 18—The Iron Age, June 21, 1934 ture, actually, modern only Amer- ica. The initial development was slow; years later the only bath tubs known were cumbersome and crude affairs, constructed wood framing and lined with copper, lead was not until 1870 that cast iron tubs were believed practical, and that year company known Barrows, Savery Co. began the production such units the rate one per day- good days. These tubs were fin- ished with crude coat white enamel. few years later, about 1874, the Mott Iron Works entered this line manufacture, and were really the first successful producers enam- eled iron tubs. The output was devel- oped four and five such units per day, the casting being done shell patterns crude hand-molding meth- ods, with production losses running high. The castings were cleaned means wire brushes and files, and following, were acid-pickled and given brush coat enamel. can imagined, these castings were tremely clumsy and difficult handle, each weighing 450 500 Although several coats enamel were applied, the layer was rather thin and none too durable. wooden rim around the top the unit completed the job. The first real improvement manu- facturing methods came result investigations the Standard Sani- tary Mfg. Co., Pittsburgh, about 1882 (now division the American Ra- diator Standard Sanitary Corpn.). This company developed the so-called dry process, which the hot tub cast- ings were dusted with enamel the form dry, pulverized powder. This made for much cleaner and brighter surface, with less imperfec- tions. The application the enamel, however, was still one hand labor, and the maximum output furnace was about one bath tub per day. was not until the beginning the ~ Battery porcelain furnaces showing speed forks for handling ware. present century, about 1900, that mechanically operated sieves were de- veloped and perfected for dusting the dry the iron surface. The introduction this method reduced the time for applying the enamel ap- proximately per cent, thus doubling the output per furnace. this time but slight funda- mental advancement had been made Closely following, however, mechan- ical molding process perfected and this proved decided advantage the sanitary ware industry. Pro- duction was speeded considerably. In- terior and exterior patterns, produced mechanically and superimposed the casting position means overhead cranes, made possible marked reduc- tion time required for casting prep- arations. Again, the mechanical proc- ess allowed the casting more complicated designs, feature that was utilized advantage ware design for sanitary service. Still another was found the reduction the thick- ness metal secured through me- chanical mold-making and this, like- wise, brought while economies. Castings for sanitary ware are now being produced less than one-half the weight those former tin chi ma ess tal mo mo me me for oth tar eli poe pic sis tio cor thi no\ — q } porcelain furnaces forks ing ware. that were de- sting the ice. The reduced amel ap- doubling funda- made mechan- ivantage ry. Pro- In- produced the overhead prep- cal proc- more ure that ware ugh me- his, like- while ary ware ess than former 4 times, representing marked savings material, handling costs, freight charges and ultimate installation ex- pense the job. The increased production schedules made possible the mechanical proc- ess developed definite need for sani- tary ware plants adopt adequate methods molten metal and again they drew from the experience foundries and metal-working plants for desirable practice. Broader and more intimate metallurgical knowledge led notable improvements the quality and uni- formity castings. modern Automatic sand-blasting proved an- other important development for sani- tary ware production, many enam- eling difficulties can traced poorly prepared metal surface. Better pickling methods, likewise, have as- sisted considerably the latter direc- tion connection with the production enameled steel ware parts. Some the recent highly satisfactory ac- complishments this line can at- tributed the careful attention given pickling and the best equipment for this service. unquestionably major factor for ultimate satisfactory appearance and wear. Continuous pickling, which intimate study now being directed the steel indus- try, will likely prove another step for- ward the enameling when such process fully perfected for commer- cial utility and initial cost items ad- than present. the subject the preparation enameling stock, interesting ref- erence was made recent issue THE IRON AGE (Sept. 28, 1933, page 30), explaining the use controlled- atmosphere furnaces for this purpose and indicating decided departure from present practice. this was pointed out that some experiments have been made furnace units this type, taking the raw material comes from the presses welders and pass- ing through the furnace. The enam- eling handled later, course, but without pickling, sand-blasting other cleaning. The use such normalizing operation after forming more economical than pickling, stated. The experiments date, in- cluding the actual enameling stove parts, referred the article, show that possible develop surface this means that will retain the enamel coats satisfactorily. Again, modern refractories and spe- taken active part the progress the industry, making possible closer control, more uniform higher quality ware lower cost. design and operation, particularly, both for box-type units, have .assisted greatly mod- ernizing enameling processes for mass production ware commercial and competitive basis. output per man-hour has creased far excess earlier-day calculations. The development the modern bath tub, refer again this sanitary fixture, shown pictorially accom- panying illustrations. Dating back the days the old boxed-in tub unit, with period references leading 4 4 4 1934, this span years indicates some interesting phases progress. only few weeks ago that the latest conception bath tub design, de- cidedly contrasting character, ap- peared the market. Literally, this square unit, with tub section run- ning diagonally. product, trade- named Neo-Angle, the Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co., division the American Radiator Standard Sani- tary Corpn. lustrated effectively the new unit— combination bath tub, shower bath, seat bath and child bath all one. will noted, provides two com- modious seats integral parts the fixture, one the front and one the rear. every position, the water con- trols are easy reach. comparison measurements with the convention- type tub interesting. The latter usually with recess ft., mea- sures in. long, in. front back, and in. high. The new unit has width in., 49% in. front back, and in. high. show the potential market for bath tubs, late survey (April, 1934) the Department Commerce pertinent. indicates the possibilities the months ahead for the cast iron enameled fixture, with the enameled steel bath tub looming most likely early future prod- uct this line. The report encom- passes total 54,300 homes picked random eight cities, and sets forth that nearly one-half these, say 25,000 residences, have bath tubs showers, while third, ap- proximately 17,000 homes, have indoor toilets. this basis, current estimates give total 10,000,000 American inhabitants with- out bath tubs today. Certainly this represents sales outlet mean proportions this line industry. (To Continued The Iron June 21, 1934—19 A : uA 4 : * are: year has passed since Section 7-a the National In- dustrial Recovery Act became part the law the land and thereby the way for the most intensive unionization drive the his- tory the United States. For years union leaders had looked with hungry eyes upon the automobile industry which always had resisted their ad- vances; wasn’t until they were bul- warked the NRA that they had their big chance Detroit. much has been written about the automotive labor situation, mostly about individual incidents and events, that dispassionate review what has appropriate. What the success the American Federation Labor the automotive area? How are so-called company unions functioning? Has the Auto- mobile Labor Board, established President Roosevelt handle the mat- ter collective bargaining machinery, justified the hopes first reposed it? What changes, any, have been made motor car companies work- ing conditions, wage payment systems and attempted stabilization em- ployment? What the worker really thinking? The automobile industry tradition- ally has maintained labor policy and has been remarkably free from strikes and other disturb- fact, the recent threat strike the ances. national 20—The Iron Age, June 21, 1934 Labor the William Collins, personal represen- tative Detroit President Green, forces their drive unionize the automobile industry. American Federation Labor was unprecedented motor car circles. This freedom from labor truble past years all the more surprising that the industry concentrated small area centering Detroit, where the compact grouping sev- eral hundred thousand workers would seem maek the organization union activities relatively easy. The explanation found high wages and favorable working condi- tions. scarcely necessary point out that Henry Ford pioneered the eight-hour day and the five-dol- lar-a-day minimum wage long before any other thought such standards. The in- dustry generally paid such high rates that men were attracted the Detroit district from other parts the coun- try. Factories usually were modern design. The industry never has been backward about adopting safety de- vices and other measures guard the health workers. Child labor never has existed. Judged conditions common most American industries, motor car makers have had clean bill health. Depression Hit Detroit claim that automobile workers were ideally situated during the depression did not nurse justifiable grievances. shrank distressingly and wages rates were lowered the economic stress the times forced curtailment expenditures. Even so, matter record that the De- troit municipal welfare department had standing request from promi- nent motor car companies them any their employees who asked for help. They made their duty look after employees who had been unavoidably laid off. industry went further spreading work, one prominent manufacturer distributed its activities that the bottom the depression its employees were working average 100 hours month. Conditions had grown wages and favorable working conditions the automobile industry gave the American Federation Labor tle opportunity organize work- warked section 7-a NRA. The accompanying article describes the situation southern Michi- gan the time the Federation started its organizing campaign last year and the attempt cre- ate class consciousness hereto- individual plants which needed cor- rection. Group pay rates, some cases, had got out line with those other groups, largely because at- tention had not been drawn them rather than because management’s refusal change them. That is, changes processes manufacture equipment had occurred without the method paying the group that job having been modernized the same time. some factories the policy had grown having men report for work the morning and then send- a 4 ~ » we q ee ing tin sul cal the its sti we el Ww mM Automotive Front forced so, the De- artment promi- who their vho had ndustry one the iployees hours the the work- NRA. escribes Michi- cre- hereto- some those them ifacture without ‘oup had for send- ing them home after hour’s wait without any compensation for their time. general, grievances were mostly minor nature, but had as- sumed exaggerated cause nothing had been done about them. this connection should remembered that the cumulative effect minor irritations often bad that one major grievance. this point perhaps the greatest factor contributing strife thrust itself the lack under- standing between management and workers several large corporations. The president small company frequently knows the machine op- fore absent. The article likewise describes the employee represen- tation plans set General Motors and Chrysler and enumer- ates some the accomplishments so-called company unions the motor car industry. ond article forthcoming issue will give appraisal the the Automobile Labor Board and will discuss other problems directly pertaining the automo- bile labor situation. erator his shop better than the works manager large plant knows his employees. The larger com- pany is, the farther removed the management from the workers and the less touch with the latter’s point view. Absence Personal Contacts tween the manager and the managed created bugaboo automotive cir- cles. Workers believed high execu- tives had appreciation their personal problems and moreover Spokesman for General Motors Corpn., William Kundsen, executive vice-president, declares duties our work- ing people fold: that pay fair and adequate wage; that supply modern equip- ment; and that look after the health and safety our men while they are the plant.” weren’t interested finding out about them. The individual worker was just machine operated for management’s profit. Management, the other hand, acquired the feeling that some its men were long-haired radicals aiming destruction the American sys- tem. They were seeking what didn’t belong them and the thing was put them their place. misunderstanding each other’s motives thus existed when the Roose- velt administration came into control the government. provided fer- tile ground for union organizers step and plant seeds discord when the National Recovery Act gave the American Federation Labor new lease life. After the National Recovery had been assured passage, but be- fore its final enactment, the Federa- tion called its first meeting auto- mobile workers Detroit. was scheduled for June 19, 1933. the light subsequent events, exam- ination its hand-bill advertising the meeting more than passing in- terest. The hand-bill declared. that years the workers the automobile industry have waited for the Ameri- can Federation Labor organize them. For years the Federation has waited for favorable opportunity. This your chance form labor union under the manner the Fed- eration deal with the employers over your conditions employment.” the Federation was genuinely concerned with the interests auto- mobile workers instead with its own aggrandizement, why did wait the rescue the down-trod- den Detroit until after the worst the depression had passed and until after the motor car industry already had granted increases per cent wages? Where was the Federation, the champion labor, during the Briggs strike which occurred one the darkest hours the depres- sion? The hand-bill told automobile work- ers prepared present their demands “for decent working condi- tions.” said that “through trick methods pay, including the bonus system, piece-work system, gang sys- tem, etc., the workers have been de- ceived their actual earnings.” Yet when the Federation threatened general automobile strike March this year its principal spokesmen Detroit, William Collins, admitted that the sole issue was recognition the union. Fortified Section 7-a the Na- tional Recovery Act making tive bargaining mandatory, the thus began June, 1933, in- tensive drive unionize the automo- bile industry. Mr. Collins was the generalissimo this campaign, which (Continued Page 84) The Age, June 21, 4 X& ae é A Dodge Uses Making ROTH variety sheet metal parts used motor car construction, welding becoming more and more ble. Especially during the past few years, welding methods and appli- ances have been improved leaps and bounds, with the result that the latest practices are far ahead the production all-steel bodies Fig. welding machine for welding reenforcement strips front tenders, with total spots. Production amounts 120 fenders hour. Fig. forerunners present-day The underbody parts shown here are clamped into the jigs and welded one time. tor transportation advance the horse-and-buggy era. Dodge Brothers Corpn., division Chrysler Corpn., was one pioneers the design and construc- tion all-steel automobile Due the company’s earlier experi- ences, has become leader the application welding processes. the production Dodge 1934 models, this development culminates perfection number special multi-hydromatic machines the welding steel passenger car bodies. Control for Welding Guns These machines their work with uncanny accuracy and speed. multi- plicity hydro-electric welding guns are mounted, pre-determined posi- tions, welding fixtures. The guns are connected common bus-bar (secondary welding circuits) well common source oil pressure. highly efficient control mechanism automatically operates the welding guns sequence, rapid succession. Every weld applied the precise spot, for the proper time, with the proper amount current. mat- ter how involved complicated may | 22—The Iron Age. June 21, 1934 e ; | bodies ture used ding few appli- leaps the ead mo- nee sion the nstruc- bodies. experi- the es. models, the special the with guns guns bus-bar hanism velding cession. precise ith the mat- may Hydromatic Welders All-Steel YDROMATIC welding gain- ing ground rapidly auto- mobile production because turns out better work higher uni- formity than previously tried meth- ods. makes the work less severe and results faster, more flexible production. saves floor space and contributes materi- ally safety. proving suc- cessful Dodge Brothers Corpn. that its use being extended other divisions Chrysler Corpn. the shape panels welded, the small welding guns contact the work the right position—vertically, horizontally, any angle. Welding the Panels welding, the steel panels, what- ever may their form number, Fig. Hydromatic welder which the underbody welded. are placed the fixture. The opera- tor then opens the valve, whereupon the fixture does the welding automatically. With the panels clamped proper position, the welding guns start work with speed of, let say, two five welds per second. When the welds are com- pleted—they may vary number from 200, according the job —the fixture opens automatically and the operator unloads the machine. One Weld Time Since only one weld made one former sufficient. For large jobs, several groups welding guns may mounted the same fixture, each the groups having its own trans- former and its own hydromatic valve justment provided, take care variations the thickness the sheet metal pieces different jobs. The Iron Age, June 21, 1934—23 Fig. The underbody, after the parts have been welded together. | \ J stance, the welder built immediately } - over the conveyor, arrangement which welds total 160 spots the short time seconds. The component parts the cowl are dis- played Fig. and the finished piece Fig. The machine shown closed position (Fig. ready weld. After the welding completed, the carriage the right the machine slides upward and the horizontal truck the left side moves backward, clear the work for unloading. Here, the operations described previ- ously, the work done with cision unattainable previously-used methods. noteworthy point the fact that all the fixtures these hy- dromatic welding machines are con- structed steel, which arc-welded together. simpler, yet just hydromatic welder illustrated Fig. used welding reen- forcement strips rear-seat panels, total spots being necessary. Fig. 5—One hundred sixty spots are welded seconds this huge Here, too, the gain accuracy and hydromatic cowl welder. uniformity considerable. Fig. shows hydromatic welding The welding various parts Possibilities Application machine used for welding reenforce- the underbody Dodge passenger The examples cited are sufficient ment strips front fenders, with cars seen Fig. The finished demonstrate that the multi-hydro- total spots. One hundred and weld illustrated Fig. while matic method important forward twenty fenders are welded per hour. the machine which the welding step automotive welding. Its great- The work stronger and safer. done pictured Fig. this in- est virtue that producing better a a & Fig. 6—The nine parts making the Dodge cowl shown before welding. 24—The June 21, 1934 wol ren tha fas sav con the smi like for cer flas bile aln duc wel im] plic ble sin firs ing era dey ading the g. 5, The dis- piece weld. the truck rd, Here, previ- pre- the hy- con- reen- anels, ssary. and ant ‘ward better work higher uniformity. also renders the operator’s work less severe that puts less strain him than the old method. results faster, more flexible production. saves floor space the plant and contributes materially safety. The possibilities for the applica- tion multi-hydromatic welding the automotive field are broad. smaller jobs, welding likely replace projection welding. larger jobs, may substituted for portable fixture welders. Under certain conditions, may supplant flash welding. Evolution Welding interesting this connection observe the evolution welding processes employed the automo- bile industry. Resistance welding almost universally used the pro- duction all-steel bodies. Flash welding and spot welding are the most important methods body welding. While flash welding has its special ap- plications where smooth and invisi- ble joint required, spot welding more generally utilized because simpler and can employed wherever lapped joint possible. Stationary spot welders were the first machines adapted body weld- ing. The foot-operated types were soon replaced motor-driven auto- matic machines and later air-op- erated machines, increase produc- tion and make the individual weld dependent the skill the worker. ad i. body stampings increased size, more difficult handle the sheet metal stationary welders standard design. Welding fixtures were developed clamp the stamp- and complete the weld either means bar welders welders, consisting suspended transformer and hand air-oper- ated welding tool connected the 8—Cowl and windshield are welded machine with pre- cision attained. transformer water-cooled, flexible cables. The latter method far from sat- istactory because the operating rate fixture and portable welders varies with different operators. The exact location each spot weld, and many cases the quality the weld itself, subject variations the Fig. 7—The finished cowl. The nine parts are placed jigs less than one minute. The welding time seconds. attention skill the operator. Portable welders are heavy han- dle and the operator apt become tired after several hours work. Moreover, when body parts are com- The Iron Age, June 21, 1934—25 the 9—-A simpler, older type hydromatic welder used welding reenforce ment strips rear seat panels. Thirty spots are necessary; the welding time seconds. plicated, more difficult move the portable welding gun from spot spot and maintain production. some cases, where number spot welds are required sheet- metal part, the so-called projection weld has been used. This method makes possible perform several spot welds welding press, using embossments projections where spot weld has put. However, this process has its disadvantages that imposes heavy load the power supply and that the number spots that can welded this manner limited. Dodge Brothers Corpn. adopted the new method handicaps various types equip- ment employed heretofore. The multi- hydromatic welding process ready proved effective nomical that has been extended into other divisions the Chrysler manu- facturing organization. French Book Drawing Steel Wire NOTABLE book Drawing Wire (Le Trefilage has appeared under the authorship Maurice Bonzel, the Bohin Works, fact the reviewer cannot wrong referring this book unique. Books wire drawing can counted the fingers one hand, and each author treats the subject from different angle. Bonzel seems particularly desirous finding scientific explanations for all wire mill mysteries, sound which tie with each other and with current scientific thought, and seems the reviewer have been amazingly successful. Practical mat- ters are means neglected, but the author’s interest fully en- The treatise opens with discussion the three raw materials available Europe, Thomas (basic converter), Martin open hearth), and elec- tric steel. Rolling defects are dis- cussed, and rules set for inspec- tion and grading rods. brief but adequate chapter describes drawing equipment. pages devoted 26—The Age, June 21, 1934 dies the author begins his excursion into theory. The present reviewer cannot indorse Bonzel this mat- ter, but will admit that the chapter adequate presentation theo- ries widely held respecting die stresses. less than pages are devoted die friction and lubrication, fric- tion being treated physico-chem- ical phenomenon. Six groups lu- bricants (mineral oils, fats, soaps, brewery waste, meals and minerals) are treated detail. particularly valuable section devoted mill tests and control methods for plating and baths. Forty pages are given cold work phenomena, and about 250 heat treatment, including thorough dis- perature effects. The last pages this section are practical na- ture, dealing with furnace design, pages, the discussion closing with the quotation the old wire mill maxim which cannot repeated too often, wire well cleaned half drawn.” After 30-page chapter corro- sion from both the theoretical and the practical angles and description the various protective coverings and meth- ods applying them, the author goes into shop organization, layout, rout- ing work, “paper work” the mill and office, methods payment, cost accounting and prices, The system wire drawing, side issue the English speaking except fine sizes, has al- ways been the chief, practically the sole, method Europe, and while the northern countries are swinging stead- ily the British and American prac- tice, France still regards dry drawn wire specialty. While Bonzel refers lime, baking, dry drawing and cast iron dies seems speak observer only. The book seems linguist well written, the crisp and precise style which the French language lends itself beautifully. The editing most respects excel- lent, with practically complete free- dom from misprints. rather relief find one defect worth report- The book has total some 630 pages and 414 illustrations, and published Dunod, rue (6th), France, fr. ($10.75) bound and 151 fr. ($10) paper covers, p ( rout- mill ting rawing, has al- the hile the stead- prac- drawn Bonzel rawing peak crisp French tifully. excel- free- ther report- 630 10) Materials Processes EDWIN CONE Stainless Steel from the Open-Hearth? license litigate,” often hap- pens that one these distinctive least indicating certain important trends. Late 1933 (December), patent was granted Simpson for “method for making chromium steel.” course, there have been many such patents, and the issuing the patent has often been the final chapter. But the case the particular patent referred to, led believe that unusual significance should at- tached it. Briefly, process for making the stainless steels open-hearth furnace. Finely divided chrome ore mixed with equally finely divided ferrosilicon (or some suitable reducing material), and specially constructed open- hearth furnace, this mixture con- verted into ferrochromium. ing this, after removal the slag, scrap steel charged top the ferrochrome and the whole melted down stainless steels. claimed that success has been attained small furnace and that the prospects further developments are excellent. obvious that, the present steels the electric furnace can superseded the open-hearth, the resulting mass production will result cheaper corrosion and heat-resist- ing steels and larger use them. Until some such process developed, stainless steels will continue relatively high cost. Developments Electric Melting Furnaces evolution the electric steel melting furnace the last years one the most important develop- ments the American iron and industry. From small beginnings the use this type melting has grown very large proportions—the Amer- ican electric steel industry leads the world, judged any standard. the early days there were sev- eral types arc furnaces known many different names. There were also some ring induction furnaces, but these were never very successful. To- day the latter type not generally used and there are but two classes are furnaces quite general use. But the electric shaft furnace for re- ducing ores and the electric melt- ing furnace, industry owes our alloy steels. These remarks lead the state ment that quite recent years new form electric melting unit has been developed which industry greatly indebted. This the high- frequency coreless induction furnace. has made possible almost revolu- tionary results steel production and its use expanding rapidly. has been fortune confer with sev- eral users this furnace and have been surprised the unanimity opinion the merits and its pos- sibilities and the large number employed the manufacture special high-grade alloy steels and steel castings. Stainless Steel Powder Metallurgy HERE have been some references these comments the past development which time may large impor- tance. attention has lately been called patent, not very recent, which covers the manufacture stainless steel powder metallurgy. The claims the patentee are for proc- ess for making stainless metal com- position which comprises intimately admixing finely divided particles iron, nickel and chromium which have clean surfaces and are size suffi- ciently small pass through 200 mesh screen, substantially the pro- portion per cent iron, per cent nickel, and per cent chromium, sub- jecting the resulting admixture pressure not less than 20,000 per sq. in. and heating the compressed mixture non-oxidizing atmosphere temperature above 900 deg. but not substantially above 1200 deg. form substantially homogenous product. most interesting possibility! Alloy Steels and the Streamlined Ships ODAY there the streamlined train and the stream- lined automobile—why not something the sort for the trans-Atlantic liner? The last fishlined, more less, the underwater levels but not thoroughly birdlike above the water. for the lighter, strong materials, which means alloy steels. What are commonly known the simpler low-alloy steel, low-chromium, cop- per-bearing steel relatively high manganese content, perhaps the stainless steels, will prime neces- sity such development. Already experimental use certain these (Concluded Page 76