The Iron Age 1936-10-01: Vol 138 Iss 14

Engin. Library OCTOBER 1936 ‘ys q a | ni ' for 2—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 Steel CORPORATION GENERAL OHIO “After years costly experience with different makes galvanized sheets our drying equip- ment, gave Toncan Iron Sheets trial. The Toncan Iron Sheets now use are better condition than any other galvanized sheets fora comparable time. are happy make known that our maintenance costs re-covering this drier equipment have been cut more than 30%. Since equipping our drier with Toncan Iron, have used many other places through- out our plant with very gratifying writes executive the cereal mill. This typical what Toncan Iron doing for industry every classification—has done for more than twenty-eight years. Toncan Iron refined open-hearth iron, copper and molybdenum. affords the greatest degree rust-resistance any ferrous material its price class. And exceptionally easy fabricate. Some people learn through their own expe- rience —some profit the experience others and avoid costly experimentation, just you can using Toncan Iron. Write for copy “The Path tells the full story the economies Toncan Iron has effected industry. Republic produces plain carbon steel, copper-bearing steel, copper-bearing iron, Toncan Copper Molybdenum Iron and Enduro Stainless Steel Sheets—a sheet for every degree corrosion-resistance. THE IRON AGE, published every Thursday the CO., (INC.), Chestnut 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. Entered second class matter November 1932, the Post Office Philadelphia under Act March 1879. $6.00 year S., Canada $8.50, Foreign $12.00. Vol. 138, No. 14. - 4 4 . | | H | { | a tt me | \ MO LYS | ' | 239 WEST 39TH STREET CHESTNUT AND 56TH STREETS, PHILADELPHIA, PA. Sales Offices Owned and Published CHILTON COMPANY (Incorporated) Executive and Publication Offices, Chestnut and 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. MUSSELMAN, President FRITZ FRANK, Executive Vice-President FREDERIC STEVENS. Vice-Pesident JOSEPH HILDRETH, GEORGE GRIFFITHS, EVERIT TERHUNE, ERNEST HASTINGS, WILLIAM BARBER, Treasurer JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary NEW YORK, FRITZ FRANK President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor Cc. E. WRIGHT A. 1. FINDLEY Managing Editor Editor Emeritus Machinery Editor Art Editor Metallurgical Editor Associate Editors Resident District Editors Washington Chicago Cleveland Detroit Pittsburgh Editorial Correspondents London, England Cincinnati Boston Hamburg, Germany Milwaukee San Francisco SANDERSON ASA JR. ALLISON Toronto, Birmingham, Ala. Newark, St. Louis Buffalo Conten 1936 British Steel Recovery Greater Than Ours Stainless Steel Broadens Market Applying Technical Control Foundry Sand The Bloody Battle the Metals Rush Train Skilled Workers 45H New Equipment Rate Activity Capital Goods. Washington News NEWS CONTENTS Products Advertised ......... 115 Copyright 1936 Chilton Company (Inc.) BAUR, General Advertising Manager DIX, Manager Reader Service ADVERTISING STAFF Member, Associated Business Papers Emerson Findley, 621 Union Cleveland Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations ‘ strial Arts dex. B. L. Herman, Chilton Bldg., Chestnut & 56th Indexed the Industrial Arts Inde H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicag: Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit Published every Thursday. Subscrip- tion Price: United States and Pos- sessions. Mexico, Cuba, $6.00; Can- ada. $8.50. including duty: Ober, 239 39th St., New York $12.00 year. Single copy. cents Robinson, 428 Park Cable Address. Warren, Box 81, Hartford, Conn. = | e r he l, ir Ss > “ai = nie 4 The Ryerson Stock List your guide the largest and most diversified stocks steel the country. shows sizes, weights, extras and other information useful the steel buyer. you are sure find the kind and quality material best suited your needs. And the Ryerson organization will cut, form whatever required and de- liver the steel allied products record time. Ryerson Stocks Include: Beams and Heavy Structurals Channels, Angles, Tees and Zees Rails, Splices, Spikes, Bolts, Etc. Plates—Sheets Strip Steel, Flat Wire, Etc. Stainless Steel Hot Rolled Bars—Hoops and Bands Cold Finished Shafting and Screw Stock Extra Wide Cold Finished Flats Alloy Steels—Tool Steels Heat Treated Alloy Steel Bars Boiler Tubes and Fittings Welding Tubing Rivets, Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Etc. Reinforcing Bars Babbitt Metal and Solder Ten separate books show the local stocks each the ten Ryerson plants. you not have the current edition, phone write us. will glad send you. Joseph Ryerson Son, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, Boston, Jersey City RYERSON 28—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 | | | . | THE IRON OCTOBER 1936 ESTABLISHED 1855 Vol. 138, No. British Steel Recovery Greater Than Ours ELDOM has the steel industry been more interesting useful barometer industrial recovery than present. Its progress being watched business men, economists and investors and—in view the approaching Presidential elec- tion—with equally close attention politicians. moot question business and political circles is, when did recovery start and what extent due governmental pump priming. Using steel barometer, the low point the depression occurred August, 1932. But has taken the steel industry almost four years reach continuously profit- able operation. While 1935 bore semblance return prosperous conditions, the total output steel that year was the lowest since the depression year 1921, barring the period. interesting compare the recovery our own steel industry with that Great Britain, which has pursued more orthodox means regaining economic sta- bility. The low point British steel production occurred August, 1931. British steel production dropped only per cent from its 1929 total, whereas American steel output its low 1932 declined more than per cent from 1929. 1933 British steel production had attained about per cent its total, whereas the United States steel output 1933 was less than per cent the total. Furthermore, recovery steel Great Britain has been proceeding more rapidly than the United States. the first eight months Great Britain turned out per cent its total for the full year 1929, while the United States total for eight months this year only 53.1 per cent 1929. Even the comparison with 1929 rejected abnormal and average nor- mal years used base, the results point the same conclusion—that British industrial recovery under orthodox methods has proceeded much farther than our own. the period 1925 1927, inclusive (three years), taken, shown that United States steel output for the first eight months this year was only per cent that average, while British output the same period was per cent that same period. Under these circumstances can hardly argued fairly that the degree re- covery have attained the pet property this Administration. Great Britain has done much better its come-back without New Deal strangle individual initiative. WRIGHT Managing Editor, The Age ¢ NDA | + = q % 2 fo) CURTIS SNYDER Sales Engineer, Republic Steel Corp., Alloy Steel Division, Massillon, Ohio STAIN- STEEL ers were used the speedy torch riers who began their triumphal Greece July whose arrival Berlin Aug. signalized the opening the Olympic games. But even the rapid strides the Olympic ath- letes are match for the speed with which stainless steel pro- gressing,—every day breaking rec- ords for production and for diver- sification uses. The first Olym- pic Games were held ancient times—today they are still world-wide interest. The stainless steel was made but few 30—THE IRON AGE, October ° years back; even so, handicapped shine years come with much brilliance the future Olympic stars. Much has already been written the origin stainless, how dur- ing the period 1910-1914 two investigators different nation- alities, Brearley England and Strauss Germany, were credited with the discovery our two fun- damental types—the straight chro- Brearley’s work, which resulted his gain- ing patent covering stainless cut- lery steels, was intended primarily develop metal resistant foul- ing and erosion gun barrels. Strauss was ments find metal suitable for protective tubes for thermo-couples when observed the great corro- sion resistance 18-8 fresh water, sea water and the atmos- phere. this country, Armstrong, Becket, Johnson, Palmer and oth- ers have been responsible for pat- ents supplementary modify- ing the originals. There some difference opin- ion when stainless steel was first placed production basis. seems, however, that Thomas Firth Sons, Ltd., Sheffield, Eng- land, can demand the laurels, for 1914 they produced tons cutlery steel. The following year the Firth-Sterling plant this country began the commercial pro- duction the same alloy. the early 20’s low carbon, straight-chromium steels were be- ing manufactured American producers and the middle 20’s the first 18-8 alloys were being commercially manufactured here. 1925-27 there were but two three major companies melting stainless and the types were lim- straight chromium, and 18-8. Dur- ing that period 18-8 was melted with carbon content 0.10/.25. was not until several years later that the benefits low carbon for welding and high-temperature ser- vice were realized. Produced Score Companies Today stainless steel being pro- duced and sold more than score companies forms polished and unpolished sheets—hot and eee | | a | | | | | uses for stainless steel keep cold rolled strip, bars, tubing, angles and all other accessory commodities. From several grades being melted 1925, more than are now classified the American Iron and Steel Institute. recent years the elements molybdenum, titanium, selenium, zirconium, columbium, copper, and others have been added the stainless steel impart special properties—to open and broader fields application. Three per cent molybdenum greatly increases its corrosion re- acetic and acids and widely used the wet pro- cessing woolen and cotton tex- tiles, felts, paper and pulp equipment, and for many chemical processes. Zirconium and selenium, and small amounts molybdenum sulphur produce properties stainless which makes readily machinable. Less than per cent titanium columbium 18-8 inlaid with stainless steel strips. helpful reducing carbide pre- cipitation during welding high-temperature operations. per cent increases the hardening power the straight chromium grades and imparts greater tough- ness does also per cent molybdenum. The creep strength elevated temperatures mate- rially increased the alloying molybdenum and tungsten, this ap- plying the chrome-nickel grades well. tons stainless cutlery steel pro- duced England 1914 the thousands and thousands tons many different grades stainless manufactured 1935 the United States. Tonnage Has Grown Rapidly Accurate figures steel tonnage are not available ex- cept for the past several years. Needless say, the increase has pace with the more utilitarian developments. this attractive room the floor been steady except for slight dip during the recent business depres- sion. During this period, while common steel products dropped almost hitherto unknown low, stainless steel went quietly about its way, finding new uses, making new friends, helping put life and color into then rather drab steel industry. The big production years for stainless steel were 1929 and 1930. Ford had adopted stainless for radiator and lamp shells, hub caps, moldings and other bright parts. The tonnage being used Ford was enormous—two kept busy supply his require- ments. The era stainless steel really began with the advent its use this popular priced car. Other steel manufacturers were becoming cognizant the possi- bilities stainless—one one they followed the leader. Some dropped the wayside; others, with fingers slightly burned, took THE IRON AGE, October q P x BY their medicine, which meant tre- mendous losses until successful op- erating practices were evolved. the present time there scarcely steel producer any size who not actively engaged with stain- less production. this large fam- ily are included many concerns, not necessarily melters but cold rollers, tube manufactur- ers and sheet producers. the most opments the auto- mobile trailer, which has adopted stainless steel interior equipment. Table taken from figures collected THE IRON AGE its annual stainless survey, dat- ing from 1929 1935, cludes all grades wrought stain- less steel. THE IRON AGE survey has been reported net tons ingot production and addition the author has included his esti- mate finished steel (sheets, bars, strip, plate, etc.) shipped during this period. The estimates are Tonnage for 1936 will per cent greater than for 1935. This amazing increase not necessar- ily due better business condi- tions, rather the greater num- ber fields which are being in- vaded. weight trains will employ many more tons stainless steel this year than the entire production 1926, per cent that Equipment for the wet processing and dyeing textiles will require 1000 tons 1936, compared with negligible amount used 1930. dollars and cents the 1000 tons will little less than million 30,000 tons common steel. The automotive industry has always been partial stainless—this year its demands for make the country’s largest user. Authoritative sources Detroit TABLE 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 48,890 54,949 30,680 23,832 36,252 43,695 67,227 22,000 12,272 10,710 16,312 19,662 33,185 219,556 tons ingot production. Net tons finished steel (1929-1935). 32—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 say that next year’s requirement will per cent greater than for 1936. Government agencies are enthu- siastic over the fine properties stainless steel and are specifying dam and power plant con- struction, for marine service, for equipment veterans’ hospitals. Water pitchers stainless the thousands have been Army camps. Food service trays, meat platters table ware are standard both Army and Navy; galley equipment are made 18-8. befits their importance, the White House kitchen and pantries are profusely equipped with stainless steel—even the portable food cabi- net from which the President served his daily luncheon his office shining sanitary exam- ple the utility and beauty stainless steel. Used Flood Control Work The Government spending millions dollars annually the Mississippi River revetment pro- gram endeavor control | this mighty body water. that the results this work will permanent, stainless steel has been advocated reenforcement for the concrete mattresses and for fast- eners tie the Very shortly large experimental installation 5000 mats embody- ing high tensile strength stainless steel will placed the river. The stainless steel will replace copper clad wire. Even though the initial cost the stainless steel mats may slightly higher, the ultimate cost; over period years, will considerably less. High Tensile Strength Attained stainless steel The birth the Budd trains not only revolutionizing transpor- tation, has been responsible for the development new methods metal processing. 18-8 the annealed condition has strength around 90,000 lb. per sq. in.; this can increased cold For rail car work, material with ally applied and with this high temper can readily fabricated, rolled, molded and bent brakes. Welding offered somewhat problem. The usual methods arc, gas, and spot welding would de- stroy the strength the metal and decrease its corrosion resist- ance adjacent the weld, pro- vided high-carbon material was used, which essential for obtain- ing the hard temper. circum- vent this problem, Budd engineer- ing genius developed the “shot welding” process, time controlled spot weld. This weld made infinitesimal fraction enough heat generated cause any loss strength. equal im- portance, there formation which might decrease the corrosion resistance. Once again, American initiative has not wanting. New Use Insect Screens Stainless steel has been used tor many purposes the home—kit- chen sinks, cooking utensils, table ware, table tops—but recent de- velopment may surpass all others far tonnage concerned. Its use for insect screens—ordinary window screening—does not con- jure thoughts remarkable ton- nage, but this application has all the aspects sizable mar- ket. All frequent inter- vals are confronted with the neces- sity replacing and repainting rusted and corroded screens. This especially true industrial cen- ters and along the seashore where salt air and salt water exact their annual toll. some localities non-ferrous metals have been used with some degree success, others the ac- tive corrosive agents the atmos- phere are too powerful and cause rapid failure. some instances not the failure the screen that the chief trouble-maker but rather the corrosive products re- sulting therefrom, ing paint the window sills and streaking the sides white light colored homes. These are even more disagreeable than fail- ure the screen wire. Tests along the seashore, bad inland atmospheres, the tropics where corrosion its worst be- cause high humidity, stainless steel the per cent molybdenum type has been entirely unaffected. staining, corrosion, even after long periods exposure. Other commercial screen metals YEING machines stainless steel have solved one the most vexing problems the tex- tile the obtaining true colors. tested simultaneously failed com- pletely, revealed definite indi- cations early failure. 18-8-SMo insect screen available commer- cially—the cost but sligthly higher than present screening. Use Growing for Dye Vats Who would believe that stainless steel great extent responsi- ble for the attractiveness mi- lady’s frocks? No, not the tailor- ing, but the colors—vivid, bright hues, well the soft seasonal shades. Cottons, silks, rayons and THE IRON AGE, October 1936—33 lined vats are true colors. off shades dulling lustre due color effect from the tank lining, for stainless steel immune the action even the strongest acid dyes—dyes phuric, acetic and formic acid. Neither alkaline solutions cer- tain processes nor bleaching solu- tions, whether the chlorine hydrogen peroxide type, harm stainless steel. Because the multiplicity colors, the necessity for frequent changes dye solutions appar- ent. When changing color another only neces- sary flush the vat with warm water remove all traces dye. The tank can use again minutes with new color. Compare this with the several hours required boil out the color wooden tank and assurance that the dye has been entirely removed. steel vat will take the place five ordinary tanks, whether wood non-ferrous metal. doing produces the true color—eco- nomical, rejects, re-runs—on routine production basis. One medical science’s great- est contributions recent years has been insulin, for the treatment diabetes. There have been many problems connection with the production insulin—a major one find suitable materials for equipment used its processing. The versatility stainless steel was again called upon. Extensive tests indicated that one type stainless had merit—a pilot instal- lation verified findings—and this has resulted large production installation. Hospital Animal Cages Stainless Hospitals have their laborato- ries, too. Before subjecting human beings new medical treatment, the reaction small animals first obtained. For housing these animals, stainless steel cages have been recently specified large New York City project, and will require tons 18-8. Perhaps application stain- less steel more spectacular than when used for architectural pur- poses. casual stroll along the Atlantic City boardwalk, through New York City’s busy avenues, down any city’s main street, draws this vividly one’s attention. effort dress up, attract attention with resultant -patron- 34—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 age, stainless steel being ap- plied lavishly. The stainless store front stands out from its neigh- bors. Whether combination stainless and colored enameled steel sheets, stainless used alone for its individuality, gains the same result. Many manufacturers are producing stainless steel store fronts and window molding tions. development several years past the overlaying thin stainless steel strips produce section, polished These figures are even more striking when realized that 1929 stainless steel was almost unknown for this type work, Metal “C” rating per cent. Conservative estimates place per cent the figure stainless will reach 1936. Coloring Stainless Opens New Field Stainless steel colors will un- doubtedly play increasingly im- portant part the future the industry. Complete details the the modernization railroad equipment meet present-day competitive conditions, the stainless steel railroad kitchen has arrived. beautiful lustre, and having maxi- mum corrosive resistance, cost higher than for competitive non-ferrous metals. Indicative the trend toward steel for store front modernization are the figures Table II, taken from compilation made the building industry. TABLE Type Material 1933 1935 process are lacking, but re- ported that tests point increased corrosion resistance certain di- rections—good abrasion properties. The coloring said accom- plished best after the part com- cessed quickly and small cost. All the primary colors and com- binations are obtainable. Even vivid imagination can hardly fore- tell what this new mean. conservative one can eas- ily visualize striking architectural effects, combining both beauty and permanence—-attractive articles flatware and hollow ware for table service the home, restaurant and hotel—colored trim applied stoves, refrigerators, furniture and tables. These are but few the manifold possibilities. Leading producers, designers and fabricators stainless steel believe that only its in- fancy far tonnage con- cerned, that its production will in- crease annually its use becomes more diversified. There are still some business men who contend stainless artificially priced commodity—do not feel that its cost justified. others stain- less has been their commercial sal- vation, has been responsible for in- creased business, wider markets, and greater profits. example worth reporting that concern manufacturing kitchen utensils. They were forced undergo reorganization several years ago. Upon resuming opera- tions they started production line stainless steel cooking uten- Today, their production ex- clusively stainless steel. From 1500 pieces fabricated their first six months, that figure now their daily production—their daily bread. steel tubing effectively used stair railing haberdashery shop. THE IRON AGE, October q +f | 2 Applying Foundry Sand FRED WEAVER Metallurgist, Great Lakes Foundry Sand Co. the beginning, in- dustry was entirely de- pendent upon the skill the workman who, most, had more than vague scientific systematic knowledge the materials was given work with. The product his skill craftsmanship neces- sarily varied quality with varia- tions raw materials, largely be- cause the same lack system- atic knowledge its application producing these raw materials. Even today have great num- ber men who have become quite satisfied with their ability per- form certain task well and hence are not receptive suggested methods improving their handi- work. 36—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 ° The technician, however, fast replacing the man who depends purely upon his skill and craft making production article. this not mean infer that industry will not require the ex- pertness specialists definite operations. more than likely, however, that the technician who controls the properties will also have much say re- spect the proper technique the fabrication any article. One industry that has been very delinquent adopting technical control the foundry cast metal industry. One reason for the foundry being the last major industry adopt more systematic methods that large meas- ure, until very recently, was anything but pleasant place which be. held attraction for the student technology, who naturally seeks clean atmosphere which work, having been taught that good housekeeping essential accurate results col- lecting test data. However, the new laws regarding dust elimina- tion are having profound effect making the dingy foundry more healthful place which apply the new technology. Another reason that back the use more scientific methods the fact that most foundrymen have considered them- selves practical men rather than technologists. When they attended meetings which the speaker used terms described procedures with which they were not familiar, they immediately became discour- aged and felt that the subject was way over their heads, too tech- nical. more interest what not understand would place the average technical subject very practical light. the receptive and ambitious workmen, what seems too technical to- day common knowledge tomor- row. Sound Technical Advice Sought While the foundry departments the automotive industry have a ° doubt been the leaders adopting technical control the ancient art casting metals, today even the smallest jobbing shops are anxious get sound technical ad- vice problems that have been recurring for years, but which have heretofore lable and accepted the grief natural the art. very good example this new attitude found the mold- ing sand problem. still have molders the old school and even foundry managers who feel that they must the far corners adapted their work, only find that the second carload differs from the first and the third not comparable with the first two. This experience leads such man seek another source supply, only confronted with the same situation year after year. Large production shops, such the foundry departments automo- bile plants, the other hand, found some years ago that precise control molding sands could obtained only through the use synthetic sands made standard specifications basic grain, correct fineness and grain distri- bution, well the right bond- ing material give strength, permeability for the class work hand. installed the laboratory, and sand reconditioning machines are now familiar sight any the large production foundries the last few years have begun see the small but progres- sive foundry apply the same tech- niques order obtain consis- tent sand properties and thereby eliminate variations castings and reduce the percentage scrap. The investment good sand mixer, beater aeriator and the minimum sand testing equipment gives even the smallest Economies less new sand, less waste, and the use lower cost material more than offset the small investment equipment that called for. this way the foun- dryman can obtain tailor-made sand under production control. ATYPICAL foundry sand control laboratory, show- ing the screen vibrator for fineness analysis, strength ma- chine, permeability meter, moisture teller and drying ap- paratus. The author shown examining some under the microscope. The labor required for this scien- tific control sand need not exceed one hour for every ten tons metal melted. Natural bank contain varied amounts clay which form the binder molding. Synthetic sands, the other hand, are de- rived from cheaper lake core sands, such the Lake Michigan variety, which are practically free from clay. The necessary clay binder added the muller the foundry obtain the specifica- tion desired. Further economy found the recovery and reuse used core sand, which again clay free; but obviously analy- sis the grain fineness and shape must made suit the finish the work being cast. other words, sand control begins tak- ing elements known char- acteristics and constructing molding material best suited for all the conditions which should under control, such the type casting, its size and weight with respect the kind and tempera- ture the metal. Even the re- fractory characteristics the sand can controlled. This business synthetic foun- dry sands which are now becoming popular just one example how practical most technical things really are. matter fact, the gap between practical things and technical things myth, except, course, the field pure theory. THE IRON AGE, October 1936—37 battle metals and materials! Some people affair which quarter asked given. Steel, Cop- per, Aluminum, Zinc, Plastics marshalling their forces to- ward the objective substi- tution. The battle for the conquest the market. That may dramatic and picturesque conception but far being the material maker can afford satisfied with substitution with de- priving another material maker rightly earned share the business. The real competition metals and materials the common endeavor markets through providing materials for man's purposes which will accomplish that which cannot achieved with what now have. see the papers that the good old “Battle the Metals” again! memory serves me, this about the fourth return en- gagement this stirring industrial war drama fought out the trade and popular press many decades. Every often this “Bat- tle the Metals” breaks out afresh and rages one column our periodicals and down another. Yet oddly enough, none the metals has ever been killed off. Indeed, all them are very much alive. Call the roll: the iron and steel group, lead, copper, zinc, aluminum, nickel, and down the line. All flour- ishing, thank you, spite the roar and confusion the battle! One the latest dispatches from the front, published recently very readable article one our well-known business jornals, says: eye, going after some structural markets. Copper swings haymakers aluminum cylinder heads, silver takes whack tin- alloy bearings, while iron, lead and magnesium join the free- for-all with And nickel— which, unlike Rudyard cat, refuses walk alone—dashes from brawl brawl, giving aid but missing few chances blows its own Well, suppose popular journai- ism must deal the dramatic. The IRON AGE, October 1936 reading public likes its verbal blood and thunder. And there real harm this picturesque form literary indulgence—except this, that seems miss the main point the advance the metals. this warfare, revolution rather than civil war. And the re- volt against those two very old tyrants, ignorance and human inertia. There great difference between fighting for markets and fighting against one another. Fight- ing for markets advance movement that benefits industry and the general public. Any metal that not fighting for public atten- tion, aggressively campaigning win trial for this that prom- ising use service, not playing its part the advance. mat- ter fact, the writer the ar- ticle, although stressed the din battle, reached the conclusion that metals help each other creating new uses which benefit the public. Plenty Room the Top today knew enough about the metals make all the things that shall one day making doing with them, the present production capacity every metal would probably wholly inadequate meet the de- could abolish the human inertia that necessitates our spending years and years convinc- ing people-in-the-mass that they should accept and use the new things that industry creates for their welfare, the result would the same. There would not enough any the metals around. For metals enter into the amazingly large percentage the things use our daily life. The trouble seems that are prone mistake the daily com- petitive tilts the desk-of-the- buyer for bitter and sanguinary battles. There will always keen competition for orders. prob- ably best that there should be. stimulates progress, improves ser- vice, keeps prices line, and makes business interesting. But the ad- vance the metals not actually made the buyers’ offices, least fundamental sense, any more than military advances are actually made the troops the front line trenches. They are usual- planned and prepared long advance places remote from the field action. The story told scene be- hind the lines Manchuria during the Russo-Japanese War. One day during the thick one the most decisive battles the Manchurian campaign, some newspaper corre- spondents came upon General Ku- __£—£ AR ~ ‘ roki placidly fishing stream near Japanese army headquarters. exclaimed one the correspondents, “‘you don’t seem worrying much about the bat- “No,” replied the fisherman, “this battle was fought two years ago Tokio.” must indulge ourselves this “Battle the Metals” meta phor, let realize least that the real struggle going far behind the sales lines, the research laboratories, and that the plans are focused distant objective. Re- search men are working two, five, ten, twenty years the future. very few instances are they work- ing problems competition such, but rather strength, dura- bility, ductility, adaptability, finish, production economy, and the like. Campaigns fundamental provement, not petty competitive battles. Ac- tivities cen- tered increas- ing the usefulness and decreasing the cost whatever metal they hap- pen investigating. The practical problems com- which sales departments occasionally dump into the lap research, rather quickly lose their ° ° COLBY Vice-President, Aluminum Co. America ° ° ° competitive complexion when trans- lated into research projects. has been experience, thirty-odd years contacting research men, that they are pleased when they have cracked hard nut for the sales department, but they are in- clined think their achievement terms solving interesting (or perhaps baffling) problem chemistry physics that will make their metal basically more useful the future. And that they are sound. other words, headquarters where the basic plans indus- try’s advance are laid, the thinking terms increasing the useful- ness economy metal that increased tonnage will result natural consequence increased market possibilities. the industry with which happen identified—aluminum, the group responsible for the in- dustry’s development spends very little time talking, even think- ing, about competitive metals. Why should they? Their problem fit aluminum into tomorrow’s scheme things ways and places where its particular attri- butes will make useful and eco- nomical. some metal crowded out special corner which has enjoyed itself for years, alu- minum may time suffer like fate and crowded from some other cor- alloy cop- IRON AGE, October 1936—39 é f =: " per zinc. metal can hope ride yesterday’s accomplish- ments yesterday’s reputation, any field. our industry, waste our powder —to resume the battle metaphor— shooting competitors, when our real antagonists are the basic prob- lems which stand between alumi- num and its potential markets. Solving any one these problems opens whole new field use- fulness, for instance the recently developed Alumilite finish, which makes aluminum available for broad new range applications. New Uses Expand All Markets Will such new developments steal markets from other metals? terms individual orders here and there, yes. But terms total tonnage, the effect will slight. For one thing, new uses are being developed every year for all the metals, which are broaden- ing their markets compensate for uses which they are losing out. For another, little horse-back esti- mating will quickly show how small are the actual inroads even up-and-coming metal alumi- num the markets the older metals. Take steel and aluminum example. 1935, the domestic production iron and steel steel ingots and castings was 34,360,000 long tons, while the do- production aluminum was about 53,200 long tons, approxi- mately 0.16 per cent the steel output. Assuming that little over two pounds steel replaced general structural field, where di- rect competition possible, the total production aluminum had been devoted replacing steel, alu- minum might have replaced only 40—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 about one-third per cent the iron and steel production. Ac- tually, the aluminum available for such competition, after supplying established aluminum markets, be- comes less than one-tenth per cent! double the 1935 production aluminum were made available for such competition, would re- quire well over hundred million dollars capital expenditure provide new aluminum production facilities, and even then the alumi- num production would still less than per cent the iron and steel production. Copper and Aluminum consider copper. 1935, the production refined copper the United States exclusively from ores was approximately 600,000 short tons, while the domestic production aluminum was about 59,600 short tons, approximately per cent the copper output. conservative estimate indicates that not more than per cent the aluminum business competi- tion with copper. Assuming that from two three pounds copper, pound aluminum, the fields which the two metals compete most actively, then 1935 aluminum might have replaced only about per cent the total copper pro- duction. Steel and some the older metals have depended the growth the country for their own growth, and they may not grow rapid rate the future the past, because the country will not grow fast. Furthermore, during the depression the tonnage went low that the inroads made the newer metals were exaggerated out all propor- tion their importance. But there nothing either situation get excited about. There may conceiv- ably readjustment the rela- tive standing the metals the future, but that does not mean that all will not continue advance and enjoy great prosperity. matter fact, with all the metals now matter de- pending brains and energy and know-how, rather than mere price tradition competitive sales tactics. have pretty well run the gamut easy substitution metals. must now back and redesign along fundamental lines, marked progress. Streamlining term that has been overworked. But is, nevertheless, symbolic the necessary approach whole problem rebuilding Amer- ica and redesigning American life. Streamlining involves reducing the resistances that hold things back from behind—resistances dead weight, ugliness, unsuitability, waste, wear, obsolescence, and high cost. Remove these drags and all the metals and materials will surge ahead. Each Its Best Use The engineers and designers and architects America can de- pended upon, the years ahead, take every one the metals its face value and use each where will serve with the greatest ef- ficiency and economy. Our common problem see that the various metals are ready the needed alloys and forms and finishes, and that they work together friendly fashion produce machines and appliances and products that will give all more for our money, comfort, convenience, safety, health, and happiness. this war, let’s all enlist! ~ Photo by Bachrach GRAHAM ° THE easiest discerni- ble fact iron and steel works metallurgy today, and perhaps the most important one, that the metallurgist has the past few years solidified his position the industry surprising degree. substantially true say that came into the picture only the early 1920’s; and now, after short years, the steel works metallurgist accepted and en- joys the thorough confidence the manufacturing general management, the sales de- partment, the trade itself, and the general public. hardly dis- putable that there nothing com- parable the history human activities the speed with which the metallurgist himself into the list those de- partments which constitute the subdivisions human labor and effort. this solidification position Metallurgist’s Role Steel Making Takes Growing ° ° GRAHAM General Metallurgist, Jones Laughlin Steel Corp. ° which the metallurgist has accom- plished, general economic circum- stances and developments have contributed. sense the metal- lurgist the man developed the need the times. But aside from these factors external the metallurgist, has strongly in- trenched himself sound use his own capabilities. Unbiased commercial con- sought the answer the ques- tion: What are the true facts this case? adherence the high scientific work and technical engineering, has en- gendered those around him the feeling that, here least, truth wonder that the metallurgist rapidly gaining the degree which his associates depend upon him and have confidence him. Now Has Wider Background the layman cannot even faintly grasp, the metallurgist served clearly could and has recorded his observations until now has background, useful ° ° for further work, which was al- most wholly non-existent years ago. And the most recent years, through mass accumulated data, the metallurgist beginning grasp interrelations between observed phenomena, tions, that will greatly simplify and expedite further progress. The metallurgist beginning see the inadequacies former conceptions and appreciate the importance overlooked considered minor character. has grasped the fact that there field which might called the metallurgy minute quantities. sees that these minute quantities extra- neous materials, largely gaseous non-metallic materials com- pounds thereof, strongly affect the ability piece steel adjust itself external pressure either thermal mechanical. understands that these extraneous materials migrate thoroughly the ferrite base under external pres- sure, and that the rate and speed such migration, together with the attendant adjustments in- (CONCLUDED PAGE 45H) THE IRON AGE, October ° ° are > 4 4 — 2 if ee 4 d FUNDAMENTAL search, being effort prove scientific academic importance, and accord- ingly restricted schools and institutions until its findings can put practical use. Many years effort have been put into especially for determining methods for quantitative estimation the amount and nature the impurities found steel. Con- siderable time and effort have been devoted developing methods for FRONT view vacuum extraction apparatus. The sample dropped into the furnace 42—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 ° ° ° THE METALLURGICAL STAFF REPUBLIC STEEL CORP., CLEVELAND determination these impurities, but the numerous methods devel- oped have been sooner later changed for newer ones keep abreast the new developments technique. Thus, none these methods were definitely developed very fine degree accuracy. Determination Gases and Oxides One fundamental research meth- which has very important ap- plication steel making the de- termination gases and oxides well other impurities found steel. The gases, oxides and shown the illustration. other impurities had not been here- tofore accurately determined their detrimental effect suspected. Many methods were tried for determining gases and oxides steels, the main thought back these efforts being find out the identity the gases and oxides, their amount, their dis- tribution and association steel, amount found commercial steels. The reason these gases and oxides had not been suspected having great detrimental effect the quality steel was because methods had been available with 8000-volt, magnet, accurately determine the existence and amount each steel. The ordinary methods testing and analysis did not include the identi- fication and determination the amount gases and oxides steel. The gases and oxides steel some cases, not all, are the primary cause for failure steel. The two most methods for these gases were the modifications the Ledebur method for oxygen and the Allen method for nitrogen. The Ledebur method for oxygen deter- mined the oxygen present iron oxide the high oxides man- ganese, but failed determine these oxides they were combined view the with silicates. The Allen method for nitrogen was also incomplete, because determined only the iron and manganese nitrides. The ordi- nary vacuum extraction deter- mining total oxygen content made differentiation the forms and combinations oxides. determining the quality steel the important thing con- sider not the quantity total oxygen present, but the type, form and amount combined oxides. Vacuum Fusion Method Used able differentiate be- tween these oxides well determine quantitatively the gases present, the vacuum fusion method partial extraction different elevated temperatures which the iron, manganese, silicon, alum- inum and other oxides are indi- vidually reduced, was developed. While the method itself not new, modifications which were made research take out the realm funda- mental research into the field practicability, permitting its use steel making problems. The apparatus for the vacuum extraction gases that has been developed Republic rather simple are also its operations after the technique has been mas- tered. The apparatus consists Ajax high frequency furnace which placed silica combustion vacuum extraction apparatus. The attendant shown measuring the temperatures with optical pyrometer. THE IRON AGE, October 1936—43 | ~ ay 5 é tube and inside this tube there crucible made high grade graphite. The crucible large enough hold samples 250 grams weight. The sample steel placed holder which also acts seal- ing head. After the sample placed the holder the combus- tion tube sealed continuous Pyrex gless member consisting McLeod gage for measuring pressures within the system, two mercury diffusion pumps series act “pushers” for the gases evolved from the melt, reservoirs for collecting the gases and Toepler pump collect the gases atmospheric pressures. The gases are collected over mercury 0.00001 mercury. The actual extraction the gases made various temperatures with the various oxides reacting with the graphite crucible and evolving carbon monoxide predetermined temperatures, deg. F.; MnO—2140 deg. F.; 2460 deg. F.; deg. F.). completely reduce these oxides, the steel must molten, and for that reason pure tin used alloy the steel, providing low melting alloy. Oxygen gen are given off various tem- peratures, the completely 1960 deg. F., except the nitrogen existing silicon and aluminum. When operation started stage carried out the same manner. The gaseous products are analyzed such diluting with purified gas. amount small 0.2 cc. can analyzed. The furnace are optical pyrometer. Proper Interpretation Necessary The results obtained this method, any other method, are useless without proper interpreta- tion. give them proper inter- pretation, the entire history sample steel must available the operator along with the physical and chemical data. With all this possible place finger upon the cause causes products are collected over mercury and are analyzed special gas analysis apparatus. small vials and are analyzed standard Orsat gas analysis ap- paratus. Gases Extracted Various Temperatures The entire operation accom- plished under very high vacuum. The primary vacuum obtained the use rotary piston vacuum pumps. The secondary vacuum the vacuum available the time the extraction the gases from the steel supplied the use the Toepler pump. When the fur- nace tube cold before after extraction made, the vacuum 44—THE IRON AGE, October 1936 vacuum obtained throughout the entire apparatus. Then the cruci- ble heated 3400 deg. F., eliminate all contaminating gases, after which the furnace tempera- ture lowered and the tin dropped into the crucible order extract any gases which might present that metal. Then the steel sample dropped into the crucible where fuses with the low melting tin. The temperature held this stage until the re- action completed and the gases are collected vial over mer- cury. For the next reaction the temperature raised the gases collected and each successive for steel being “good” “bad,” which causes are not recognizable from the chemical data alone. The usefulness this equipment means steel making control evident from the results ob- tained during the last two years actual application. Numerous grades steels and irons have been examined with this method and much valuable information has been obtained the quality char- acteristics steels and irons. The results obtained with this method are the strongest evidence for establishing such control for steel making process. ORE than 4500 engineers the steel and allied indus- tries met last week three-day session the 32nd an- nual convention the Association Iron Steel Engineers De- troit talk over their mutual pro- duction problems. this most successful meeting the Associa- tion, eminent authorities their respective fields presented tech- nical papers dealing with all phases the production, process- ing and utilization steel. Vis- itors also had opportunity in- spect display over $3,000,000 worth steel and steel making equipment spread over 50,000 sq. ft. floor space. And Wednesday afternoon, about 850 visitors took advantage op- portunity visit Great Lakes Steel Corp. and look over the new 96-in. continuous mill operation. Friday morning 650 visited the Ford steel mill. the Wednesday morning tech- nical session, Joseph Winlock, chief metallurgist the Edward Budd Mfg. Co., reviewed high- interesting manner the currently important subject qualities sheet and strip steel favorable deep drawing operations. was pointed out that discussion steel for deep drawing can un- dertaken only with full realiza- tion that the manner which the draw accomplished is, within limits, just important the success the operation physical properties the steel it- self. Mr. Winlock showed, there- fore, that examining the prob- lem was necessary for him many cases discard theories and depend practical observations the action metal during the drawing unsymmetrical and complicated shapes. Mr. Winlock pointed out that the steel most widely used today for deep drawing purposes Steel Engineers Debate Production Problems plain carbon basic open-hearth steel containing under 0.10 carbon, under 0.35 manganese and low phosphorus and sulphur. There are two general methods for pro- ducing this steel: (1) the sheet method and (2) the strip method. JOSEPH WINLOCK qualities steels most amenable deep drawing were reviewed. The essential difference between the two methods that the strip method large part and all the rolling done one direction, whereas the sheet method the ingot rolled sheet bar and then cross rolled the approximate finished gage. However, whatever method used, the general outline pro- cedure consists series hot rollings, cold rollings, annealing operations and pickling operations. The number and sequence these operations depend part, also, upon the deep drawing qualities and the surface qualities needed desired the finished prod