The Iron Age 1934-09-06: Vol 134 Iss 10

THE IRON AGE ... SEPTEMBER 1934 ESTABLISHED 1855 Vol. 134, No. Old, But Worth Reading ERE are some direct quotations from document issued the 1776. The sentences are part the indict- ment King George the Declaration Independence. ship- “He has erected multitude new offices and sent hither send “He has combined, with others, subject foreign our constitutions and unacknowledged our Phila- “For taking away our charters and altering, fundamentally, the forms our government- “For suspending our own legislatures and declaring them- selves invested with power legislate for “He has excited domestic insurrection among ‘These words were written, 158 ago. They are worth reading again, today. Portrayal KENNETH STILLMAN ANY the measures adopted under the New Deal for the purpose bringing about re- covery and reformation our na- tional economic and social system seem have been based, primarily, the following assumptions: That property and capital inter- ests have been getting dispropor- tionate share the national income. That the depression was caused, levied against the national income owners and managers enterprises. That purchasing power was not distributed freely and equitably be- tween capital and labor that all the available goods and services pro- duced could bought. That labor has suffered most severe- during the depression and greatest need emergency relief and permanent aid. This list includes familiar argu- ments used the sponsors the New Deal justify the extraordinary and quite unprecedented measures they have adopted regulate and control American business, with the avowed purpose attaining eco- nomic and social Utopia for the na- tion. Lacking any definite information about actual conditions their causes, but eager find scapegoats bear the burden blame for the obviously deplorable state the country was and MERICAN industry, the toast the world the has been under unremitting attack the her door, all the cumulative troubles the depres- sion have been laid. Her accusers have been vocal influential Her defenders, most cases, have been too busy coping with prac- tical every-day problems present her case the public. only late that some the false charges against industry have been thoroughly examined and exploded. Among those who pated the work clearing away unfounded assumptions and ex- punging fake premises the author this article. demonstrates that earnings have not been excessive still in, the general public, support- most the press, accepted these assumptions modern Law Moses and, surprising extent, gave their wholehearted support every new proposal ostensibly de- signed correct these flagrant evils and restore and maintain national prosperity. very unfortunate that much public approval has been given program based upon assumptions which, many instances, are invalid and can easily demonstrated | has attack the depres- accusers fluential ses, have ith prac- present only been the industrial support- accepted Law extent, ipport sibly rant evils national much iven sumptions invalid ated Canard shows that the salary burden industry has been small, and, contrary the general impression, smallest the largest corporate units makes clear that share production has increased, rather than decreased, during the depression. proves that labor fered not because did not get its full portion what was produced but because little was produced other words, lack work rather than poor pay has been the real problem the depression. shows that unemployment direct outcome the lack balance among different nomic groups, with the heavy indus- tries incurring the largest losses false reference official informa- tion readily available any inter- ested person. Net Income Industry Has Been Low “Statistics Income,” published the United States Treasury, one such source. Income data for all manufacturing corporations United States disclose that during the years from 1919 1933, in- the average proportion net sales was 3.74 per cent. See Table Including the three years 1921, 1931 and 1932, when there was net deficit —of 6.43 per cent 1932—there has been year since 1919 when the average net income all manufac- turing corporations has exceeded per cent. only six the years, -in 1922, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1928 and 1929, was per cent more. average less than per cent net income over period years -less than the return high-grade bonds and mortgages—with average net profits more than per cent only one year, offers little support for the New Dealer’s argument that the depression was caused primarily the exorbitant profits industry and the resulting failure distribute purchasing power widely enough permit the available volume goods and services purchased and con- sumed. Further substantiation this con- clusion report recently made the National City Bank New York, study the changes profits and net worth from 1932 1933 1925 business corporations which had total net worth nearly billion dollars Jan. 1933. See Table II. During 1932 the total net profits all these corporations were $1,151,- 187,000, return 0.3 per cent their net worth. the separate industrial and business classifications into which the 1925 corporations are divided, had net deficits result the year’s operation and only made any profits all. Business improved little during 1933 but the net profits the group totaled only $1,045,019,000, 2.1 per = a a b cent return the net worth the 1925 corporations the beginning the year. Forty-one more indus- trial groups succeeded into the profit column during 1933, but groups continued operate loss. Profits Obtained Down” Investment Many the improvements net income reported 1933 were the re- sult rising prices, which had the effect accelerating sales, preventing further write-downs inventory values and permitting higher profit margins. Also there was extensive writing off obsolete and idle plant and equipment. The resulting reduc- tion shareholders’ equities the corporations made possible further reductions depreciation and over- head charges that profits could made from smaller volume busi- ness than before. This drive for operating economy, plus the payment dividends excess those earned, reduced the total net worth the 1925 corporations $3,500,000,000 dur- ing 1933, 6.7 per cent their value Jan. The change from practically net encouraging. But return only 2.1 per cent upon net worth which had been sharply reduced during the year was nothing boast about. Largest Losses Heavy Industries still greater usefulness under- standing the real causes the de- pression study these 1925 cor- porations segregated into three great groups capital goods industries, consumer goods industries and service industries. See Table III. The durable goods group includes 402 corporations industries. All but two these industries, with total net worth $9,450,000,000 1932, operated loss 1932, and one those two was unable make profit 1933. The deficit the group was $322,000,000 1932, 3.4 per cent the net worth. 1933 the deficit was $110,000,000, 1.3 per cent the net worth that year which had been reduced $815,- 000,000, 8.6 per cent, from the 1932 value. Now look the consumer goods group, which includes 671 corporations industrial families and whose total assets 1932 were $13,842,000,- 000. During 1932 only the industry groups failed make profits and the consumer goods industries whole made net profits $257,000,- 000, 1.9 per cent return net worth. During 1933 every member group made profits. The total net income was $580,000,000, 5.1 per cent net worth the beginning the year. But total net worth dropped $2,506,000,000, 18.3 per cent, from 1932 1933. Finally there are the service in- dustries, which include 643 corpora- tions industrial groups, with total assets $28,483,000,000 1932, This group, like the consumer goods industry, made profits 1932 and 1933, but considerably smaller each year. 1932, when nine the members the group operated loss, the total net profits were 000,000, 0.9 per cent return the assets the group. During 1933 only three the failed break from red black and total net profits for all increased $491,000,000, 1.8 per cent the 1933 net worth, which had dropped only little $27,056,000,000. Because there always ity for dispute over accounting pro- cedure used determine the net worth corporation and the profits makes, check the accuracy the figures cited before can made analysis the average profit sales, evidently true measure the share corporate wealth pro- duced which retained its owners. Again the National City Bank has come our assistance and has ana- lyzed the returns 240 large corpora- tions which report sales. See Table IV. During 1933 their total sales were $5,598,000,000 and net profits were $48,700,000, average return 0.9 per cent, although only two the industrial groups included the list failed make some profit during the year. Outgo Greatly Exceeds Income Still further and more conclusive evidence dispute the arguments the New Dealers may found the study national income from 1929 through 1932 recently completed the United States Department Commerce. Two answered this research: (1) What were the values all the goods and services produced the country during the four years which made the total national in- come produced? was distr who prod per work part whic wag righ out from < vent 4 4 7 duce tribu net ning it, from with goods and aller the rated 1933 break profits worth, little possibil- ing pro- the net profits made asure ank has ana- corpora- Table profits return nly two profit nents the 1929 leted ment all duced years in- (2) How was the national income which was paid out distributed among wage earners, salaried workers, own- ers stocks, bonds and mortgages, real estate and patents and other rights, and among individual owners and operators business enterprises? Table gives summary these data. Total national income produced declined from $83 billions 1929 $39 billions 1932, drop per cent, while total national income paid out dropped only from $81 billions 1929 $49 billions 1932, only per cent. result this, withdrawals from the savings the nation, total- ing more than large the Federal debt—were made during the period studied heroic effort the much maligned owners the national wealth pre- vent retard the slide national disaster. The only source which could and did provide this enormous sum excess the values actually pro- duced during the depression, for dis- tribution mostly among wage earners, was the savings the nation, better known capitalistic resources. This excellent example how badly this class, now subjected such criticism New Dealers, suffered during the depression. Further analysis this Govern- ment report, illustrated Table VI, shows what classes income- receiving individuals national income paid out was distributed. Compared with 1929, per cent less was dis- tributed wages 1932, per cent less salaries, per cent less owners property, and per cent less entrepreneurs. This looks labor fared worse than any other group but not the case. Employment Declined Less Than Income Produced Unemployment, and not low wages, was the principal cause depression distress. Employment who normally work for their living declined only per cent from 1929 through 1932 while national income produced was per cent less. The per capita income all employed workers, including those working part time, declined only per cent during the four years, from $1,475 1929 $1,199 1932. Adjusting these money incomes the cost living index compiled another Government agency—the Bureau Labor Statistics—discloses real purchasing power, workers with jobs 1932 could buy per cent more with their annual earnings than they could with what they were paid 1929. See Table VII. Labor’s Share Production Mounted This comparison was based na- tional income paid out. truer picture business operations ob- tained the use national income produced which does not include with- drawals from savings but only the values actually produced during the four years. Total payments labor increased from 63.5 per cent na- tional income produced 1929 80.2 per cent 1932. See Table VIII. This the ratio the total wages, salaries, pensions and other workers’ benefits paid all employed labor, the total value all the goods and services all kinds produced the country, whether any hired labor was used produce them not. tional income produced includes not only the products manufacturing industries but agriculture, trans- portation, trade, mining, the profes- sions, domestic and personal service and the many branches local, State and national government. shown Table VI, the distri- bution national income paid out among the major groups individ- uals who received remained fairly constant during the Labor continued receive about per cent the total, property owners got per cent and entrepreneurs withdrew about per cent each year. The income all groups de- clined because unemployment, wage cuts, falling prices, reductions stoppage dividend payments, defaults interest and otherwise. But the more rapid fall prices dur- ing the four years increased the real purchasing power the dollar extent which probably made 1932 in- come only per cent less than was 1929. obvious that such eco- nomic disaster struck the country, the working class, which has small financial reserves but which greatly outnumbers groups, would suffer most. But, noted before, payments labor re- mained per cent the national income paid out throughout the four years there was general dis- ek, > aS of Table Net Income Gross Table Profits—1932 and 1933 Economic Groups Sale for Net Profit Net Worth Per Cent No. (Millions) (Millions) Return 1929 Railway equipment...... D-16 D-12 921 808 D-1.7 D—Deficit. (From “Statistics Income,” United States Treasury.) CONSUMER GOODS INDUSTRIES Inc 240 1932 had increased 82.5 per cent 6.0 4.2 the total evidence that had been and sundries...... 271 257 12.6 12.3 specially favored. 797 726 6.5 9.4 Household supplies...... 379 323 0.9 6.1 Meat packing......... D-2 648 625 Business Earnings Off More Than tanning......... D-8 D-8.2 9.5 Earnings Labor Paper and D-10 429 406 D-2.3 Sal the average incomes corporations 205 186 1.6 6.9 culture, mining, manufacturing, con- 383 374 2.3 4.9 struction, transportation, trade and 320 281 4.8 finance declined more from 1929 D-10 Int 1932 than did the average income Table shows that from 1929 1932 dividend payments dropped 56.5 per cent while payments wages and salaries dropped 40.5 per cent. should remembered, too, that SERVICE INDUSTRIES period studied, payments dividends, Aviation ........ 102 D-3.4 made, were taken increasing Printing and Publishing. 184 170 4.3 2.9 proportion from savings previous Merchandising—chains 779 745 7.3 12.2 Merchandising—dept. order 348 311 D-2.3 4.9 Net profits, 1932 $1,151,187,000 Electric, gas, 354 297 6.4 5.5 Net profits, 1933........ $1,045,019,000 Bell telephone system.... 139 129 2,889 2,781 4.8 4.6 Per cent change, 1932 railways 613 0.3 0.2 1933 Finance companies 335 320 6.7 9.2 worth, 1932 ........ a 0.3 643 Totals .. ower aso $244 $491 $28,483 $27,056 0.9 1.8 Per cent return 1,925 Grand Totals....... $1,045 $53,452 $49,880 0.3 2.1 2.1 (From National City Bank New D—Deficit. York.) (Data from National City Bank New York.) 16—The Iron Age, September 1934 | 10.3 Table Net Profits and Sales—1933 (Thousands Dollars) No. Corpns. Industry Profit Sales Drugs and sundries .......... 15,706 224,675 Electrical equipment.......... 297,276 Meat packing...... 19,285 1,290,365 Deficit. (Data from National City Bank New York.) Table V—National Income Produced and Paid Out—1929- 1932 (Millions Dollars) Per Cent Net Sales Change from 1929 1930 1931 1932 1929 1932 Income produced $70,345 $54,643 $39,365 Income paid out.. 81,136 75,410 63,247 48,894 (Department Commerce.) Table Income Paid Out—1929 1932 (Millions Dollars) 1929 1930 1931 1932 Eun ~ ~ ~ Salaries* $5,702 7.0 $5,661 7.5 $4,738 7.5 $3,383 6.9 40.6 14,210 10,542 16.7 6,840 14.0 60.2 Other salaries and wages 29,052 35.8 27,794 36.8 24,622 38.9 20,302 41.6 30.2 Total labor..... $52,793 65.0 $48,582 64.4 $40,896 64.6 $31.533 64.5 40.5 Net div. and int., $565 0.7 $616 0.8 $536 0.9 $393 0.8 30.4 Dividends 5,964 7.4 5,795 7.7 4,313 6.8 2,588 56.5 Interest 5,677 7.0 5,815 7.7 5,649 8.9 5,491 11.2 3.3 Total property.. $12,206 15.1 $12,226 16.2 $10,498 16.6 $8,472 17.3 30.6 Net rents and $4,116 5.1 $3,475 4.6 $2,752 4.4 $1,865 3.8 54.6 withdrawals 12,020 14.8 11,127 14.8 9,102 14.4 7,024 14.4 41.5 nurial income $16,136 19.9 $14,602 19.4 $8,890 18.2 Total paid out.. $81,136 100.0 $75,410 100.0 $63,247 100.0 $48,894 100.0 39.7 *Selected—Includes mining, manufacturing, construction, steam railroads, Pullman, railway express, water transportation. (Data from Department Commerce.) Table Vil—Per Capita Earnings All Employed Workers 1929 1930 1931 Decline from 1929..... 1.8% Per cent 1929 100 98.2 92.2 Cost living index....... 100 97.4 88.9 Change (Department Commerce.) Table Vill—National Income 1932 (Millions Dollars) 1929 1930 1931 Income produced.... $83,032 $70,345 $54,643 Per cent total...... 63.5% 69.1% 74.8% (Department Commerce.) 1932 $1,199 1932 $39,365 31,533 80.2% years. Table showed that corpora- tions the United States, except tax exempt and life insurance companies, operated with deficits 1931 and 1932 and had, the aggregate, not dollar earned use for dividend pay- ments. And dividends less than per cent would have been possible from the profits 1933. Payments interest held better than any others and there ample justification for this. The owners long-term, interest-bearing securities are persons who prefer lower re- turn their investments for promise safety and certainty continued return. this chcice they forego the possibility increased re- turns during periods prosperity and not share the increased wealth then produced, ob- viously unfair expect them take full share the losses depres s10n. Salary Burden Smallest Large Corporations The fact that the number sala- ried employees and their incomes did not decline much did those wage earners requires explanation view the charges that this con- dition represents discrimination favor those who have, compared with those who have not. Salaried workers generally hold more respon- sible positions, they are fewer number and they usually require longer periods training and ex- perience equip them for their jobs than wage earners. Since much harder replace them than worker there should little surprise criticism ‘because business men have been reluctant displace dissatisfy trained executives and assistants. Because recent publicity about the very large salaries and bonuses received some officers large cor- porations, interesting learn, again from information furnished the Bureau Internal Revenue, that considerably smaller proportion gross income sales out for salaries the largest corporations than paid small ones. During 1931, 2.4 per cent the gross sales all corporations was paid offi- cers. corporations with assets more than one million, the ratio was 1.1 per cent, small corporations was 5.1 per cent. Economic Maladjustment Prolonging the Depression The evidence cited here indicates that the depression was not caused (Concluded Page 80) The Iron Age, September 1934—17 1933 1.2% 7.1 D-2.3 7.0 4.4 D-1.6 1.5 D-3.0 2.9 6.8 3.0 5.9 D-1.5 0.9% D-1.3 2.7 7.4 0.1 7.1 8.0 15.0 4.1 4.2 12.3 9.4 6.1 3.6 9.5 0.7 2.4 6.9 3.6 4.9 4.8 8.3 5.1 0 2.9 18.7% 4.6 80.4 +1.0% 21.0 2.8 1.8 -~ Roof tiling made ga. steel sheets pressed form and then with porcelain enamel said offer architects permanent and attractive type construction with no maintenance cost Porcelain RCHITECTURAL aspects, de- velopment and trends the application porcelain enameled steel building construction are dealt with this article, the sec- metal enameling developments Other articles this the same authors were published THE IRON AGE June and July LeROY ALLISON and MALCOLM CATLIN the constant develop- ments and progress build- tural products for such purpose normal times, but natural that manufacturers sheet iron and steel should turn this important field activity primary outlet for mate- ria] the immediate future. Like- wise, porcelain enameling interests have been similarly observant the broad possibilities this line, re- sponding the vision the steel mill giving full cooperation the development porcelain enam- cled sheets for due recognition basic construction material indi- vidual merit. The past few years have shown definite and encouraging advances this direction. Porcelain enameled steel buildings have emerged from the novelty class recognized status the construction industry. Commer- cial and residential structures have been erected for actual service demonstration purposes, showing con- clusively that units this type are well past the experimental stage and are both practical and logical. The pioneering work has been done. now case fully perfecting and popularizing buildings this Iron Age, September 1934 character. Leading construction in- terests, apart from the steel mill porcelain enameling plant, are direct- ing particular attention the poten- tial possibilities steel structures porcelain enamel finish, anticipating consistent and expanding future and public demand for such buildings. This especially true with construction companies familiar with pre-fabricated design and erec- tion, the development the porce- lain enameled steel building trends naturally that direction. Porcelain offers flexible and attractive construction characteristics. This has been dem- onstrated many times various ways, the case wall tile, panels and trim for interior service; porcelain enameled areas for exterior treatment commercial buildings, porcelain enameled shingles, roofing tile and numerous From such features architectural design enameled steel for decorative pur- poses, employed with different con- ventional types construction, has come the all-steel porcelain enameled structure, first for commercial utility, and more recently for strictly resi- dential use. Building units this character are now accepted form standard construction and unques- tionably are destined become dis- tinctive factors the building indus- try the future. For Building Exteriors sheet steel for building exteriors has many points particu- lar merit, determined through actual performance. Such type construc- tion distinctly economical, compar- ing favorably cost with structures other standard materials ultimate architectural effects. When developed standardized, pre-fabri- cated design, the cost the owner naturally lessened, and appre- ciably lower than conventional build- ings brick, concrete and the like. Erection the field easy and rapid, making for further distinct saving comparison with structures. Further, there low cost main- tenance, coupled with guaranteed long life and durability. much for the cost factor, which has definite bear- ing mass consumption. All-steel buildings this character are thoroughly fireproof. They will not burn nor blow down, the event hurricanes and wind storms, when properly constructed. They are safe and sanitary. Still another advan- tage, and important one, the wide adaptability and flexibility var len tior sibi des res ing suc res teri the mal ran con oth eve rec na ana for iis | the he tha 7 exa mal gen mat > The terna & e tw Willd q 7 Enameled Steel Buildings dis- ndus- ctual truc- npar- tures equal When ppre- like. main- long the bear- ‘acter will event when safe dvan- the varied treatment color schemes and decorations—the enameled steel sheet lends itself admirably this direc- tion almost unlimited range pos- sibilities, and exactly accord with desires architect owner. Those responsible for the present perfec- tion porcelain enameled steel build- ings have hesitancy advocating such type construction for the finest structures, whether for commercial residential use. The expanding popularity ex- terior panel walls has brought about development and introduction many types most diverse materials, ranging from compressed mineral compositions treated cotton other fabrics. None these, how- ever, has attained the results and accomplishments, with corresponding recognition the advantages the enameled steel panel, and the final analysis, the latter material outclasses many respects any other product for similar service now the market. Early Development rather interesting note that the idea utilizing porcelain enam- eled steel for exterior building walls not very recent origin. More than years ago, 1890, exact, Herr Bergmann Berg- mann’s Industriewerke, G.m.b.H., Gag- genau, Germany, was impressed with the architectural possibilities the material result manufactur- ternational Tunnel Detroit and + Untaro rcelain enam stee | tile ing decorative signs. porcelain enameled determine the actual merit the proposed construction, remodeled his three-story residence, using enameled shingles for exterior and interior walls. The shingles were formed flat steel sheets, mm. thickness, screwed wood studs and strips. The result was quite equal anticipations, much that im- mediately following, Herr Bergmann built steel summer pavilion the grounds, similarly covered with porce- lain enameled steel shingles. Accord- ing recent technical observation, the shingles have withstood the time and elements without showing the slightest signs depreciation failure. The Bergmann steel shingle devel- opment was displayed the World’s Fair Chicago, 1900, but definite public interest was lacking, attributed the fact that architecture that time was concerned largely with elab- orate and fancy decorative motifs. These could reproduced enam- eled steel only excessive prac- tically prohibitive cost, and the latter evidently proved the barrier any possible popularity this material those earlier years. The one prac- tical outcome Herr Bergmann’s efforts found large three-story residence with numerous exterior or- namental features Castagniola, Italy, known the Villa Flursheim. a The architectural trend recent years flat surfaces and contrasting colors, coupled with pre-fabrication and other modernization building construction, has brought the oppor- tunity that sheet iron and steel pro- ducers and enamelers have sought. They have been keen observe this tendency, with resulting notable achievements their immediate line comparatively short space time. Commercial Buildings Porcelain enameled sheet steel ex- teriors have been finding marked fa- vor for commercial buildings for vari- ous kinds service. What has been accomplished this direction the present time shows conclusively that large potential market exists for structures such type. With resumption normal close nor- mal construction operations, now anticipated the early future, thou- tons sheets will con- sumed this way. Moreover, the architectural possibilities are ex- ceptional scope line with different types commercial building units. This developing interest among leading architects, who visualize the demand the future. The White Castle System Eating Houses Corporation, Wichita, Kan., operating chain quick lunch res- taurants, enjoys the distinction being one the first, not the first 4 ~ ™~ ABOVE This steel service station, although doesn't look it. Enam- eled pressed steel tiles are used for the walls, and Glasiron for the roof. LEFT This shows modern service with porcelain enameled steel panels The Austin Co., Cleveland. BELOW boon the architect engaged modernizing old buildings the por- celain enameled panel. This shows the use gun metal blue Glasiron Macotta. 4 20—The Iron Age, September 1934 : = service the por- steel ows the tal blue cotta. organization see the practicability porcelain enameled steel exteriors. number years ago, Ray, construction engineer for the com- pany, was seeking building material and type construction that would provide easy and rapid erection, cou- pled with attractive and distinctive appearance and sanitary advantages, well definite stability and long life constant daily service; further, known salvage value event necessity for removal was impor- tant factor final selection. The highly successful use porce- lain enameled iron and steel panels for store interiors, such markets, delicatessens and the like, came Mr. Ray’s attention, with the result that this material was decided upon for exteriors White Castle estab- lishments different parts the country. Later on, division this company was formed under the name the Porcelain Steel Building Co., more recently known the Porcelain Steel Builders, Inc., with headquart- ers Columbus, Ohio. carries out all construction for the parent organization. Different pat- ented features standardized build- ing have been devised, including keylocking system fabricated into the enameled panels securely place. Marked success has followed this chain restaurant structures with their porcelain enameled exteriors, supplemented definite advertising value through distinctive, stand- ardized design made possible the use this material. Moreover, and not least importance, the building investment has been minimized greatest possible extent. Many other structures this gen- eral type have been built since the White Castle development, including lunch rooms and lunch wagons, gas and automobile service stations, and similar utility buildings. Most these have followed the same general plan construction—a frame steel wood studding, which the enameled steel panels are attached with specially designed metal clips. The panels are insulated with layers felt, mineral wool other suitable material, and joints filled with flexible mastic. similarly porcelain enameled sheets, are treated much the same manner, with the exception that joints are covered with battens chromium- plated steel aluminum. far, the majority the structures indicate design and development especially concerned with the advertising and publicity possibilities porcelain enamel. Thus, they trend noticeably bright colors and color contrasts, with white particular favorite, and with special construction win public attention and appeal. Enameled Steel Service Stations expanding and particularly at- tractive market for porcelain en- ameled building exteriors repre- sented the automobile service sta- tion. Whether intended primarily for field, has given intimate study and attention units this type for the past few years. result, the com- pany has perfected system con- struction that provides all essential factors desirable buildings, includ- ing cost considerations, with wide range design and flexibility. the present time, the work the Austin organization this particular field has been concentrated largely automobile service stations. Metal tiles with porcelain coating are made closely resemble gasoline and oil supply, for more extended service and repair business, modern structures this kind usually give special attention finished ap- pearance. How will the building look —this matter first importance secure unit striking and ap- pealing character catch and hold the eye the motorist. Attracted the possibilities standardized porcelain enameled steel buildings, the Austin Co., Cleveland, prominent the industrial building the vitrified product. the future, proposed expand activities cover all types porce- lain enameled iron and steel struc- tures for commercial and industrial purposes. Wide use units this character anticipated, where ap- pearance and cleanliness are impor- tant factors, including such sizable buildings required breweries, bottling plants, dairies, laundries and the like. The exterior surface the Austin automobile service station solid The Iron Age, September ugh Enam- tiles e walls, shingles of. face porcelain enameled sheet steel panels. These are 18-gage stock, may require. The framework welded steel shapes, pre-fabricated company shops, with bolted connec- tions site. The exterior porcelain enameled panels are secured the steel wall frame patented method construction, providing neat uni- form joint, with indication fastening exposed. There are dust. Only occasional washing required for continued attractive ap- nearance. The construction outlined able for large small stations. optional with the owner whether porcelain enameled panels are used for the interior wall, other type finish, including plaster. Neglect- ing additional cost, enameled sheets for both wall surfaces make the most desirable result. The Austin station has given special attention proper insulation, this being held highly essential factor for satisfactory building for con- stant daily service. double insula- tion provided means (1) insulating board the back the porcelain enameled exterior panels and (2) insulating material, prefer- ably rock wool, wall filler. Such construction, the company points out, gives more protection against heat and cold than the average brick wall. The wall thickness varies from in. The roof formed long-span metal panels, likewise insulated. Various interior standardized floor plans are available, all conforming service station requirements. Liberal window space provided. will understood, any desired color com- 22—The Iron Age, September 1934 binations are procurable the porce- lain enameled steel panels. White has predominated finish for service stations, owing its attractive, clean appearance and for advertising rea- sons, with blending trim and letter- ing black, red green. The sales value units this kind self- evident. that for service station average size, such outlined, about tons steel used, including frame- work, sheet steel panels, roof deck, etc. The cost such unit from $3000 $5000 and upward, depending size, compared with conventional type construction ranging $20,000 and more. The steel panels have been standardized the sizes noted for simplicity, ease and economy han- dling the field, tending hold erection costs minimum. Further, such sized panels eliminate conditions warpage, and the face panel should damaged transit through other cause, replacement easy matter. Still another feature pointed out for these service stations their portable character, with en- largement removal another site any time under maximum salvage value. Another organization active the erection porcelain enameled steel service stations the Louisville En- ameled Products Co., Louisville, with numerous examples its work seen Kentucky and neighboring States. This company has given at- tention, well, the use porcelain enameled steel conjunction with con- ventional construction, securing some particularly architectural effects through such combination. requires but little forecasting picture further steps the use enameled sheet steel for larger ing units commercial and indus- trial types. When activities the construction field return sizable volume, marked developments this direction can naturally expected, particularly for those lines busi- ness, previously noted, that can realize benefit through dominating building exteriors. Even brief analysis shows these heavy number. Store The rapid progress made recent years the use porcelain enameled ana The use porce lain enamel coating made possible cover the entire roof this attractive resi- dence sheet steel shingles steel sheets for store fronts can attributed largely the need for economy this period and the urgent necessity for building modernization. The problem many idle and o!d- through the construction new front. Owners have not been unmind- ful that prospective tenants are at- tracted exterior appearance. Thus the emphasis given need for mod- ernization and the susceptability enameled steel for such service have done much bring this business the steel mill and the enamel jobbing plant. This branch commercial architec- ture gives many striking examples today the developments front design, with individual treat- ment suit the particular character the establishment. With few struc- tural changes required buildings, store owners and architects have been attracted porcelain enameled steel material decidedly worth-while utility for store exteriors, with nu- merous values procurable schemes, appearance, permanency and individuality not obtained with a x x | | use build- indus- the sizable this busi- can recent porce coating ssible roof resi- sheet ngles can for urgent o!d- solved new nmind- ire at- Thus mod- lity have 1ess obbing amples store treat- struc- ldings, been steel nu- color and with other products the market under corresponding cost. Brightly colored enameled panels, strips, bands the case might be, conjunction with chromium-plated steel, copper other suitable metal, have made for some outstanding re- sults. Practically every large city the country has exhibits this work, and for which commercial architec- ture, itself, entitled much credit. Large chain restaurants have been especially prominent porcelain enameled steel exterior— soft orange shades, trimmed with narrow bands highly polished bronze; golden orange enameled panels with polished bronze window frames, doors and trim; alternate red enameled steel and bronze bands, these and many other color combinations are being used for porcelain enameled store fronts metropolitan centers. Ename!ed iron and steel has been popular for store interiors for many years and some the early uses such material can traced this branch service. Certainly today accepted and preferred material for all classes retail shops where cleanliness and sanitation are im- portant considerations. Markets, food product stores, lunch rooms and the like are among the natural outlets for enameled sheets this commercial field. White porcelain enamel, expected, the leading color all such establishments. Distillation Equipment Built Arc Welded Aluminum aluminum distillation equipment for new chemical process has been completed the Thornton Com- pany, Cleveland. The equipment believed the first the kind built and one the most in- volved welded aluminum projects yet reported. shown Fig. the process requires still connecting with two condensers, below which are two drip tanks and two receiving tanks. The still, which may seen the left the photograph, ft. in. high and ft. in. diameter. built %-in. aluminum welded with one longitudinal seam, the edges Fig. left This distilling appa ratus represents one the most involved cases aluminum welding. (above): Condenser supports are also welded Display cases, with bases porce- lain enamel, are keeping pace with the progress interior store work. Some highly attractive designs and effects are being secured such fix- tures, far removed from conventional types, with steel-enameled bases match expensive and selected wood, such mahogany, circassion walnut, grained oak, and on. Store count- ers, cooler apparatus, refrigerators and similar store equipment have been designed and modernized porcelain erameled iron and steel meet the current trend and demand. Porcelain- faced steel shelving still another item the broadening range up-to- date store fixtures, supplemented enameled steel partitions and tables with tops such material. the plate being vee’d out prepara- tory welding. The bottom the still dished plate. The top angles, which are lap welded the body the still and the top. The forming these heavy angles was difficult operation. Inside the still 3-in. diameter coil extra strong aluminum pipe, coils high. The still operates un- der 29-in. vacuum. The two condensers are exception- ally interesting. They are ft. long and ft. diameter. The shells and heads are %-in. plate and the bulkheads %-in. One hundred and forty tubes are used each con- denser. difficulties were experi- enced the welding the con- densers despite the heavy plate used. Welds were tested under 100 pres- sure, with flaws found any the welds. The condensers operate (Concluded Page 84) The Age, September 1934—23 Accurate Slugs each melt are cast for analysis various periods method specification control. produce steel consistently high quality requires constant vigilance. Inspection alone not sufficient. detail production from the scrap pile through the shipping platform must checked physically, chemically and metallurgically. Records must kept and analyzed, specimens must examined and tested, slips must avoided. Accurate records the melt shop practice the Timken plant are maintained the recording depart- ment. Two melt shop department heads check through their melters every step the production open- hearth and electric These melters compute the charges, add the alloys the proper times, watch melting temperatures and con- ditions, and conjunction with the 24—The Iron Age, September 1934 recorders, keep detailed record every step from the scrap pile through the melting, pouring and stripping operations until the ingots are safely the soaking pits. These men call freely upon the chemical laboratory, and special pneumatic tube system has been in- stalled between the plant and the lab- oratory speed delivery sam- ples. conjunction with this tel- office with the laboratory, leaving possibility confusion reports. Every fact recorded; verbal misunderstandings inaccuracies are possible. The heat record sheet alone carries spaces for over 200 en- tries, not counting space for remarks. Each melter has work sheet, and summarized record heats carries headings for items, taking the in- ontrol and Inspection the plant the Tim- ken Steel Tube Co. all departments concerned with the quality the steel produced are closely coordi- nated and work harmony with the producing depart- ments. Both inspectors and recorders depend upon the laboratory for chemical data and analysis, upon the mill metallurgical department for certain physical data and macro studies, and upon the technical metallurgical de- partment for micro studies and reports the grain structure the product and the balance the physical data. shipment can released until chemical departments have made written reports the effect that specifications have been met. gots from the time they are poured until they are delivered the soak- ing pits. Drillings Delivered Tube either the open-hearth electric fur- naces small slug cast for exami- nation. This cooled according specification and drilled, the drillings being sent tube over the chem- ical laboratory for analysis. This first, melt, analysis always includes carbon and manganese, and sam- ples from the electric furnaces phos- phorus and sulphur, together with main alloy used the heat. Again, just before the furnace slagged off, second sample taken and analyzed for carbon and manganese and ally the main alloying Other £2 ( st thi ca! i Wi er] go ar Tim- Co. steel coordi- depart- ors and cal data mill nent for and pon the cal de- studies grain luct and physical can the llurgical made effect been poured soak- ube elted tric fur- exami- rding drillings chem- is. This includes sam- phos- with Again, gged off, analyzed and usu- Other for elements may checked requested the melt shop. Knowing the fundamental compo- sition the charge, the melter com- putes the alloy additions for the mix and soon the materials are melted sends another test sample off for analysis. This test known “prelim,” and control meet specifications. may repeated often required bring the heat any definite analysis. Again car- bon and manganese, together with the main alloy, are checked, and tests for phosphorus and sulphur indicated. Standard practice elec- tric furnace heats run com- plete analysis this time. The re- sults are sent the melt shop telautograph that there may delay tapping. When the heat tapped samples are always taken from top, middle and bottom the ladle the steel teemed into the ingot molds and submitted for complete analysis, inclusive residual alloys. Ingots Identified Numbers Every element that may bear the condition the steel the ingot recorded, such condition mold surface, bottom plug, temperature, time ingot remains mold, time stripped, etc. Each ingot num- bered show its place the pour, and with this number goes the heat number, both which carry through the entire processing every ingot. The inspection and mill metallurgi- cal departments take charge the steel leaves the ingot soaking pits through the 35-in. blooming mill. Here the inspectors cooperate with the rollers regarding size bloom, ete., see that blooms are prop- erly cropped and that samples are sent the chemical laboratory for check analysis and the mill metal- lurgical Each sample submitted macro examination and the Ehn test. the time these crop samples are taken heat and in- got numbers are stamped the bloom, together with its cut location. Following hot cropping all blooms are transferred the pickling and chipping yard, being cooled route according the type steel, either racks pits. The vast major- ity the blooms are pickled and all are carefully inspected for seams, scabs, checks, cracks and surface de- fects which might affect the quality subsequent mill operations. Any 3ur- face defect removed chipping grinding. Heavy seaming cracked ends condemn bloom scrap rather Steel Production than attempt salvage heavy chipping. Special lighting arrange- ments developed the General Elec- tric Co. conjunction with Timken engineers produce uniform high in- tensive lighting have been installed the chipping yard facilitate the work the inspection staff. Plant records show that less than man hr. time per ton steel required chipping, which exceptionally inspector constantly duty the furnace where stock heated for the piercin mill. tems must see that each piece heated erature suiting its composition The Iron Age, September 1934—25 ~! | NX, 4 low considering the types and quality the steel produced. Inspection Blooms Before entering the reheating fur- nace, inspectors check the ingot, heat and cut numbers each bloom and follow the first and last bloom each heat order through the mills the hot bed. Special analysis and order stock may checked through individual bloom when required. Thus the original source every piece finished stock can traced any time. Samples are cut from the stock passes the mill and sent the chemical and mill metal- lurgical departments for testing. Ma- terial over in. section stamped with the heat and ingot number, and smaller stock tied bundles with metal tags identifying heat and ingot numbers. Billets which are rolled the bar mills for piercing rerolling are all given special inspection for surface defects and are conditioned chip- ping grinding before advancing through further operations. Where necessary, and whenever specified, bar stock pickled before inspecting and conditioning. When such stock again advances through the mill checked the inspectors and identi- fied heat and ingot numbers. Samples bar finished stock sent the metallurgical department are fully tested for physical proper- ties. addition the Ehn test fin- ished stock samples are frequently micrographed. Physical tests solid stock comprise: Ultimate strength, elastic limit, percent elongation, re- duction area, Brinell hardness and Izod Charpy test strength. Tubing also tested for flange flare re- sistance, bending strength, crushing and hydrostatic pressure, well cold expansion resistance. Inspector Cooperates With Roller Part the mill inspector’s function close cooperation with the head roller section and condition, warning him whenever Timken toler- ance limits are approached surface Verbal reports because the likelihood misunderstanding telautograph system connects the various departments analysis reach the laboratory 26—The Iron Age, September 1934 Samples for these matters Timken standards are particularly rigid, for much the steel produced the mill used di- rectly the Timken Roller Bearing Co., where finishing requirements are severe. Inspection practice hot rolled seamless tubing similar that for solid stock, but more detailed be- cause the necessity for examining both inner and outer surfaces, check- and wall thickness well length and One inspector constantly duty the furnace where stock heated for the piercing mill. must see that every piece stock uniformly heated the proper temperature, and that differs for various alloys. The mill foreman, roller, responsible for the condi- tion the tube comes from the piercing mill, from which passes directly reheating furnace. After leaving the finishing mill the tubes all pass pair inspectors, who ex- amine both inner and outer surface for defects, check O.D., I.D. and wall thickness. Special facilities are pro- vided for this work. Samples ap- proximately ft. length are cropped hot saws the upper ends the cooling rack and sent the mill metallurgical department for ex- amination and test. When certain types alloy are being rolled, and special orders, even greater precau- tions are used mill operators and inspectors, but routine practice keeps the Timken standard above average all times. The heat treatment and finishing processes through which tube mate- rial must pass after leaving the rolls depend course upon the type alloy and upon the customer’s speci- fications. After finishing operations all tubes pass through the final in- spection department. Here every piece stock closely examined for in- terior and exterior surface defects, size and wall thicknesses and length, and some instances an- other set samples furnished the metallurgical department for final test. Facilities are available for re- moving minor surface blemishes such released for shipment until both the chemical and metallurgical de- partments have completed their tests and certified that the material not only meets the customer’s specifica- tions, but also that meets the Tim- ken standard for quality and suitabil- ity for use. Just the case solid stock, each shipment tubes identified that the com- plete history every piece stock types for certa tion these unde: stock mora make know perfo the . >. = per dra one bili sur Ins) and — { are the di- are rolled for ell tor piece the liffers eman, condi- the passes After tubes ex- urface wall pro- are ends the ex- ertain recau- and keeps age