The Iron Age 1936-11-26: Vol 138 Iss 22

INO k that | Master Speed and Torque has what designers want and Automatic High Torque Low Speed you cannot get any one other device: Starting Ball Bearing Efficiency Extreme Compactness Accurate Speed Control See the Power Show Preselection Speed write for Catalog The New Any Type Control Departure Mfg. Co., Bristol, Conn. NEW DEPARTURE Variable Speed TRANSITORQ 2494P > ron most ess humbs Republic Pig Iron sound pig iron—makes possible higher percentages sound castings, however difficult, production basis. Republic leaves nothing chance. mines its own ore, produces coke from coal mined its own mines and quarries its own that the materials will not lack quality. Then smelting takes place huge, modern blast furnaces under the expert control skilled metallurgists who know pig iron and foundry practice who know how obtain uniformity chemical composition and melting characteristics the iron from every heat. Even further than this goes Republic’s interest producing sound iron for the pouring sound castings. corps traveling metallurgists, well versed foundry practices, constantly working with foundrymen, helping them eliminate casting difficulties and increase profitable production. REPUBLIC you are interested finding better iron, try Republic Pig Iron any one the four grades. you are experiencing foundry troubles,take advantage field service. There obligation. Foundry, Malleable Foundry, Malleable and Basic and Basic GENERAL MORE THAN MILLION TONS YEAR HIGH QUALITY MERCHANT IRON 2—THE IRON AGE, November 26, THE IRON AGE, published every Thursday the CHILTON CO., (INC.), Chestnut 56th Pa. Entered second November 1932, the Post Office Philadelphia under Act March 1879. $6.00 year S., Canada $8.50, Foreign $12.00, Vol. 138, ee 7 a 7 239 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-President JOSEPH HILDRETH, GEORGE GRIFFITHS, EVERIT TERHUNE, PRNEST HASTINGS, WILLIAM BARBER, Treasurer JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary NEW YORK, FRITZ J. FRANK President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor FINDLEY Editor Emeritus Metallurgical Editor WRIGHT Managing Editor Machinery Editor Art Editor Associate Editors BINGHAM JURASCHEK Consulting Editor Resident District Editors Washington Chicago Cleveland Detroit Pittsburgh Editorial Correspondents London, England Cincinnati Boston Hamburg, Germany Milwaukee San Francisco SANDERSON ASA JR. ALLISON Toronto, Ontario Birmingham Newark, St. Louis Buffalo Conten November 26, 1936 Just Too Sweet for Words... New Era the Pressed Metal Industry Bath Tubs Promise Steel Outlet Converting Universal Plate Mill for Hot Strip.......... Buick Shotblasts Large Castings Automatically.......... Moving Strip Steel Production September Imports and Exports Automotive Industry ...... Rate Activity Capital Goods 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 Circulations Indexed the Industrial Arts Index. Chestnut 56th Published every Thursday. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicago tion Price: United States and Pos- Pei Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., troit sessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00; Can- ada, including duty; Foreign Ober, 239 39th New $12.00 year. Single cents. Robinson, 428 Park Pittsburgh 4 | | IR 138, When you need RYE When man's hurry for steel, gets quick action Ryerson. Meeting rush requirements quickly and accurately has long been feature Ryerson service. have the steel stock. Experienced organization with unusual facili- ties for cutting, bending forming and special dispatching methods assures fast shipment. When you need steel, draw Ryerson stocks—the largest and most diversified the country. You are sure find the exact kind, size and shape required. you not have the current Ryerson Stock List, will glad send it. 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 Rod—Mechanical Tubing Rivets, Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Etc. Reinforcing Bars Babbitt Metal and Solder. 24—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 | Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Buffalo, Boston, Philadelphia, Ryerson Son, Inc., Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Buffalo, Boston, Philadelphia, Jersey City ... THE IRON NOVEMBER 26, 1936 ESTABLISHED Vol. 138, No. Just Too Sweet for Words... have expressed ourselves definitely, since election, believing the best policy for business and industry adopt attitude conciliation and cooperation with the Administration—that should all that humanly possible help attain the main objectives expressed the President, namely, broader distribution wealth, higher wages, relations with labor and the reemployment the idle and the relief workers private industry. That these thoughts reflected the conviction large part our industry has been emphatically demonstrated the unprecedented flood increased wages that has swept over workers during the past two weeks. would hard find more effective example willingness the distribution wealth shar- ing the returning fruits prosperity with those whose daily labor helps materially produce it. This notable gesture industry should far assuring the Administration the intent management "'play with labor and management's expecta- tion that both sides will get fair deal from the umpire. That expectation has been materially strengthened what happened last week. Whether was through design circumstance makes particular difference, but the important thing that the chief anti-business pop bottle thrower has evacuated the bleachers. That the best news that industry and business has heard for years. means that the chief mental hazard which has hung over industry during the first term the New Deal Administration has been removed. Rexford Guy Tugwell, who went from Columbia University Washington, has now gone into molasses. That just too sweet for words! Nine out ten business men and industrialists will probably admit that the chief thing that estranged them from the New Deal was that Mr. Tugwell remained prominent part it. You can hardly blame them for that. Any one elevated position who would urge that strategy surge forward with the workers and farmers this the end discomforting business and industry and abolishing it, necessary, not likely encourage the good will and cooperation the desig- Well, Rexford chameleon shift has now become “economic and vice-president the molasses trust. that capacity can, the sugar cane growers and the molasses workers surge forward and take over his job. But not think that will. believe that you have heard the last about Mr. Tugwell. ity That itself should sufficient give industry big forward 4 REAL ay 4 3 | . : | RE : | : ° ° ° HATTON Formerly Advertising Manager, Bliss Co. the 100-year race between mechanically actuated and hydraulic presses the pressed metal industry there about appear striking similarity the classic “hare and tortoise” affair. Mechanical power presses made flying start, according available Patent Office records, 1829. The hydraulic was probably abroad the land, but the first official Patent Office date was scratched upon its shell 1849— and that concerned merely the bal- ing some cotton. The development the mechan- ical “hare” has been described biography the pressed metal in- dustry (THE Nov. 28, 26—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 LISS press 1000 tons capacity, capable from cycles per min. under loads varying throughout its range and operating strokes Dec. and 26, 1935). The varied industrial demands that successive- brought pressure upon the de- signers presses seem now have smoothly merged into one great, swift flight toward the mass production today. They ranged from the small metal parts the glass lamps early nineteenth century years and the shoe polish boxes that were nearly coincident, the most modern all-steel auto body today. The swing the pendulum was far toward the side the mechanical infinitely more speedy The hydraulic was plodding meanwhile. There were always certain operations which majored and where its flexible application power was supreme. For many years reserved for it- self the forming large, heavy and deep-drawn sheet metal items—al- ways slow and dignified pace that seemed scorn the clamor for high production rates. But war- time pressure, with its prime requi- \ : | site the utmost speed, spurred the development and design me- chanical presses the point ap- propriating many even these supposedly exclusive hydraulic functions. The power press poached more and more upon the sphere mod- erately deep drawn shapes. Auto and truck frame rails heavy channel section were blanked and formed huge power presses 300 per hour—so far outstripping the hydraulic presses originally used put hydraulics shame. Auto body parts and fenders, trac- tor parts, tank ends and manhole covers, extrusion and even the forg- ing shrapnel and the forming shell cases were among the pre- empted items. The makers and users power machines were all for “bigger and better” power presses and delivered and used them. true the mechanical frater- nity had some troubles. few thousandths variation gage material slight divergence specifications might breed wastage even breakage dies press that was ALDWIN-SOUTHWARK CORP. 1000-ton, triple-action hydraulic press under erection and showing sub-structure apparatus. highly unpleasant. This made the very machines the hydraulic camp grin, for their flexibility saved these troubles. But the mechanical camp high production outweighed such minor worries and the power press engineers bestirred themselves iron out their diffi- culties. extent they borrowed from hydraulic science using hydraulic and pneumatic sories. But their main reliance was upon more rigidly uniform stock and more suitable metallurgical characteristics. the whole, the race has been all the swift-footed development the mechanical “hare” until almost the present time. The hydraulic “tortoise,” how- ever, hardly subject censure since its pace was hampered the greatest extent the late and slow development such necessary ac- cessories suitable pumps and control valves and devices. There has always been inherent the hydraulic press certain advantages not existing purely mechanical designs. Uniformity speed, re- gardless stock variation; vari- ability stroke and availability any part stroke for work pur- poses; reversibility motion will without completing the cycle operation; the safety from breakage provided the fact that the operation cycle ceases when predetermined pressure applied without regard position ram; capacity for deep drawing; these always were the exclusive property the hydraulic press. The economic bar mass produc- tion usage hydraulic presses has been slow production rates and the cumbersome, expensive equipment required. These factors limited hy- draulics their scope and permit- ted the power press absorb work where high-speed, independently operated, self-contained machine was required The mere statement these three qualities gives the vital rea- sons for past restrictions usage hydraulics. They were not rap- because devices for variable pressure and sensitive control were lacking. They were neither inde- pendently operated tained because the almost universal source power was the accumula- tor with its constant pressure maze piping, clumsy bulk and limita- tion rapid changes pressure. High-speed, rotary, variable de- livery pumps that could directly THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936—27 B | > “i > 4 connected press cylinders, were developed the point practical application this industry about 1922. They furnished one the two factors necessary put the hydraulic upon even footing with the mechanical press. But this was the peak the period development high- speed, standardized tion via the mechanical press and there was special impetus toward the coupling pump and press. other element required, the development sen- sitive and positive control devices, lagged. The depression may credited with least one good mark for spurring designers eminently satisfactory degree. Given these two factors, hydraulic YDRAULIC PRESS MFG. 750-ton hydro-power press deep drawing gage sheets. 28—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 engineers have been very busy de- veloping what practically brand new machine. one that joins hands with the mechanical type upon even terms one the two prime instruments the pressed metal industry, that most versatile and highly productive all mass production processes. The hydraulic press has become self-contained. With the modern high-speed variable delivery pump, mounted overhead and directly con- nected, the bulky accumulator and piping are eliminated. now re- quires more floor space than mechanical press equal capacity. has been speeded quick advance and return from the work- ing portion stroke. Since was already capable adjustment that any portion the total range BELOW 50-TON open rod hydrau- lic press made the Bliss Co. stroke could utilized com- plete operating cycle, has been brought within the normal range mechanical acting valves and electrical control sure upon work and speed the working stroke are uniform. With wide range pressure possible, the work-scope the press much broadened. Stop and reverse any point the cycle are the instan- taneous command the operator and this provision permits the most delicate “inching” during the proc- ess die setting. The more ex- pensive types dies are unneces- sary because impossible overload the press, and this permits profitable usage shorter runs than hitherto. Thus has the “tortoise” came abreast the “hare,” and here must permit the simile rest, for neither type machine likely wholly supersede the other. The extremely high-speed production relatively small items will always the function the mechanical press. the middle range speed, size and depth draw the two types will divide the field, the character the work produced determining the choice upon nearly even terms. the realm heavy shapes and very deep draws the hydraulic will re- tain the supremacy has always held. < ° ° ° ~ or 300-ton hydraulic horn press, capable three-inch strokes per min. Even the expense some re- capitulation worth while state briefly the outstanding fea- tures the modern hydraulic press addition its recently acquired speed. can sustain pressure indefi- nitely, either fixed yielding load, the hold-down slide double-acting press the manufacture veneer and ply- woods, embossing, plastics, extru- sion, Ability adjust stroke suit variation thickness metal, eliminating imperfect work thin stock breakage thick. Exer- tion full pressure with appreci- able dwell the end the stroke “set” the work. Uniform speed ram move- ment. For given pump and cyl- inder this constant within per cent. Change ram speed during stroke controlled cutting out one more pumps the same cylinder one more cylinders same pump. Further variations very sensitive de- gree using both methods. The use two sizes pumps for change speed usual smaller tonnage presses, while quick ad- vance “booster” cylinders are used large presses—the main ram cutting when work resis- tance met. Quick advance with lower uni- form speed work part stroke great advantage drawing, hydraulic press built the Baldwin- Southwark Corp. eliminating shock impact and ir- regularity draw. Straight line motion pres- sure-transmitting element without side thrust upon adjustable ways. Safety against major break- age provided safety and relief valves and accurate pressure con- trol. Flexibility when combined and synchronized with mechanical movements. Versatility the handling wide variety jobs. Stroke vari- able from any desired minimum will between limits. Any such par- tial stroke controllable stop and reverse with full stroke. THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936—29 * Os an some the factors that have made possible this epoch-marking ad- vance hydraulic engineering. The chief one the direct connect- ed, variable delivery rotary pump. Both volume and pressure can varied will and both are used controlling the work-cycle. clear conception saving space furnished comparison dimen- sions between reciprocating and ro- tary types. The former 600-hp. peak capacity requires 14x20-ft. floor space, while the same capacity rotary needs only 4-ft. cube. This not say that the reciprocating type obsolete. Consideration its usage, however, not necessary recording the revolutionary de- velopments press equipment. The gear, balanced vane, double stage, and double gland types ro- tary pumps are available several designs capable pressures 2000 lb. per sq. in. They are effi- cient and less expensive than pumps the rotary piston type. All have fixed capacity given speed, regardless pressure—ex- cept that slip, decrease dis- charge with increasing pressure about double that equivalent re- ciprocating pumps. Normal speeds range from 850 1150 r.p.m., though speeds 1700 r.p.m. are used some cases. Fixed capacity rotary pumps are applied presses the same reciprocating pumps. Gear and vane types give capacities 1000 lb. pressure. Those 2000 lb. pressure have maximum capaci- ties and gal. per minute. Rotary variable stroke piston pumps the type used our Navy for turret and gun control are the most accurate and sensitive pumps made. Pistons are arranged axial- and stroke changed vari- able angle swash plate. Power transmitted universal joint. They are, however, very expensive and are not used connection with presses. Rotary variable delivery pumps with radial pistons stroke varied and reversed shifting the center rotation pistons with reference the center rotation cylinders are. capable today pressures 3000 Ib. per sq. in. Such pressures can sustained when proper cooling and filtering devices are provided. Several de- signs are the market, but all are fundamentally similar. This type can used fixed stroke pumps and applied presses the same 30—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 double platen presses the assembly floor the Hydraulic Press Mfg. Co. the bed third member for auxiliary forming knock-out. manner the latter. They may used with flow one direction only and equipped with automatic device for reducing stroke pres- sure increases, thus economizing horsepower demand. The flow-re- versal feature permits simplifica- tion valve equipment. Any auto- matic control device which can applied valve can used for pump stroke control. Rotary pis- ton pump speeds vary from 1150 r.p.m. the smaller sizes 400 r.p.m. the largest. They are generally designed use standard motor speeds. All types rotary pumps elim- inate the need for packing, use oil and depend upon close fit and high viscosity keep slip the mini- mum. Because the heavier grades lubricating oils are used instead water, lubrication required. fact, there practically maintenance needed save that keeping the oil clean. Since valv- ing accomplished the rotation the pump itself past suction and discharge ports, there are valves grind. With reasonable care the life such pumps should ten fifteen years. When wear does occur they may restored orig- inal efficiency replacement moving parts. Several types valves are em- ployed meet the varied demands hydraulic usage. The lapped piston valve, completely balanced, widely used, especially for oil. When used with water, the piston valve must packed, and avoid the wear passing packing over ports, special designs have been de- veloped with double ports. The packed type, however, harder operate than the lapped piston and sizes in. and requires pilot operation. Some flat seat rotary disk valves are used, but only | j — where pressure only light pressure involved. The usual type for water installation ac- cumulator service seated valve like those gasoline engine ex- cept that they are guided wings seat required for each inlet and outlet and double-action press thus requires four. operate from one lever system cams employed. ease effort opera- tion they are usually least par- tially balanced large sizes pistons attached the stem. extremely large sizes they may pilot-operated. The rotary cock not satisfactory under high pres- hydraulic type provides aptly descriptive title, the so-called “power” press does not sufficiently distinguish its character. “Me- chanical” would more logical term, but the vested interest nearly century preeminence the pressed metal field will prob- ably hard change. The sec- ond point confliction the terms and action. the hydraulic type ac- tion means power applied one direction only; “double” action where power applied both di- rections. Such classification has relation similar terms “me- presses. - hydraulic die spotter built the Toledo Machine Tool Co. sure and rarely used except for intermittent operation. Consideration the modern hy- draulic press relation the pressed metal industry involves some confusion nomenclature. The first the fact that, while the Two major classifications de- sign present themselves—the stroke and the down stroke. The former permits return gravity, but this necessarily slow, and rapidity stripping action may had the use springs, counter- weights auxiliary down stroke cylinders. The down stroke type, course, requires one these re- turn devices all cases. The re- turn push- pull-back cylinder chiefly used for rapid action, since the counterweight slow and the spring limited relatively short strokes. Another classifica- rod” “closed hous- descriptive the frame construction. There are also the “C” frame, “gap,” and “horn” presses the mechanical equiv- alent. The operating position chiefly vertical horizontal, but the hydraulic press will operate any position. Few, however, are inclined. * * The modern hydraulic press may truly said mark transition from the age standardization mass production that diversi- fication—a phase which the re- cent depression has contributed the far answering the present need the pressed metal jobbing shop. the past, hundreds inquiries came the so-called “contract” stamping concerns for prices the production very few thousand (often hundreds) this that item that could made most ad- vantageously (from the engineer- ing point view) pressed met- al. The preparatory cost dies and adjustment the mechan- ical press was out all proportion the usable value the article and the press time occupied production. Such items were either dropped entirely went the profit other production methods. Today the shop equipped with the modern version the hydraulic, aided new and less costly meth- ods die production and its ex- treme versatility operation, will able save substantial pro- portion these for its industry. Perhaps, doing, wil! give the initial impetus new devices that will, later, develop into profit- able staples. The “hare” and the “tortoise” are providing the pressed metal in- dustry with extremely facile equipment capable both extremes production—the short run widely varied products, and the high-speed mass production sin- gle articles. both cases cost will within economic limits, and the transference hydraulic produc- tion those types for which (CONTINUED PAGE 104) THE IRON AGE, November 26, 4 7 ‘ i THE pressed steel bath- tub, long the dream pressed steel equipment for the home, now has taken its place with kitchen cabinets and sinks, bathroom fixtures and vari- ous other procelain enameled prod- ucts that appeal the home owner because design, attractive finish, lightness weight and other qual- ities. Much credit for the creation very broad market for en- ameled pressed steel products due manufacturers who have perfected their processes and man- ufacturing methods that this equip- ment can sold prices within the reach nearly everybody. With the renewed activity home building the outlook for large volume sales pressed steel bathtubs the next year two regarded very promising and the manufacture these tubs promises furnish steel makers new outlet for considerable ton- nage sheet steel. 1,325,000 Tubs Sold 1935 Since 1870, when bathtubs were first accepted this country appreciable scale, the bathtub in- dustry has grown from infant which produced less than 100,000 units annually large industry whose sales the peak year, 1935, totaled 1,325,000 tubs. comparatively short time the bath- tub industry increased its use east iron from meager 20,000 tons year the early part the century more than 265,000 tons Common the bath now the average American home, there still large unfilled market for bathtubs and showers the United States. real property inventory taken 1934 cities revealed, when results were applied the whole country, that about 9,971,000 urban homes are equipped with tubs, but different picture pre- sented the farm. The 1930 farm census disclosed that only 531,248 farms, 8.45 per cent, have water piped into bathrooms. The latest estimate the Stand- 32—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 Brigsteel Beauty- ware bath—complete with all the modern fit- tings and improvements known plumbing sup- ply manufacturers. ard Sanitary Mfg. Co. indicates that about 15,000,000 tubs are use the United States, but this figure includes, course, the large number outside homes—in ho- tels, institutions, The esti- mate 15,000,000 tubs use based sales 18,900,000 from 1900 1925, inclusive, from which deduction has been made cover those exported, destroyed fire discarded because obsoles- Not only does large farm mar- ket exist for bathtubs, but also for other plumbing fixtures and pipe, but the urban market has not approached saturation point. the cities covered the 1934 survey more than per cent homes were without tubs showers. Pressed Steel Tubs are Making Headway For many years bathtubs were made princially cast iron, and first attempt was made enamel them. Enameled tubs are said have first been made 3 7 1882. Within the past year two pressed steel tubs have been gain- ing ground rapidly. formed steel built-in recessed tub weighs from 110 125 compared with weight 375 425 for cast iron. One the largest producers sheet steel bathtubs Briggs Mfg. Co., Detroit, whose products have been the market since 1932, although mass produc- tion did not begin until last year. previous attempt was made 1904 draw bathtub from single sheet steel the Seam- less Pressed Steel Bathtub Co., Detroit, which equipped with capacity 100 150 tubs day, but this company went out business the depression 1907. The next attempt use sheets place cast iron was 1928, when the Steel Sanitary Co. was formed Alliance, Ohio, manu- facture from enameled and stain- less sheet steel full line sani- tary fixtures, including bathtubs. The company planned turn out 1200 enameled and 400 stainless a 4 4 | 4 | cpt fixtures daily. This enterprise was the result the application mass production methods the utilization sheet steel the sanitary field Cromwell, general manager. This organiza- tion believed that previous at- tempts convert the sanitary field from iron steel had failed be- cause small scale operations and uneconomical methods manufac- ture, which made the costs higher than were those for cast iron ware. This organization now operating under the name the Alliance Porcelain Products Co. The bathtub manufactured the Alliance company made two pieces, each forming one end, and the two being flash welded together form the complete tub. There third member, the apron, which covers the front the tub. This also stamping and welded flange the top the tub. The two members the tub proper consist the slanting end, which about three- fourths the length the tub, and the drain end, which forms the remaining one-fourth the tub. making tub longer than the standard lengths the slanting end lengthened, the end the drain end always remaining the same. Made from 12-gage enameling sheets the tub the standard size in. long, in. wide and in. deep. 5-ft. recessed tub with its apron weighs 130 lb. For making tub this size 39% sq. ft. sheet steel used, but this area increased drawing, the com- pleted tub having sq. ft. sur- face. Various economies production have been effected the manufac- ture these tubs. One the shearing the blanks that there surprisingly small amount scrap loss. Another that press smaller capacity may used than would re- quired making tub one piece. Both the slanting end and the drain end are drawn one press operation the same press and the apron made one form- ing operation. Adjustable dies are pressure, BATH TUBS PROMISE OUTL used permitting the making tub any length from ft. ft. and other than the stand- ard widths and depths with one set dies for each part. The two ends the tub and the apron are assembled flash welding resistance welding ma- chines 500 kva. capacity espe- cially designed for this work. There are two these machines, one for each operation. The work set fixtures and the edges are brought into contact hydraulic which holds the two pieces position for welding. Then the current turned and the weld quickly made. The length the transverse weld around the bell the tub in. and the longitudinal weld joining the apron the tub in. for the standard size tub, although this machine has capacity for making weld narrow flange extends hori- zontally from the top the tub and the apron welded horizontal position. The welding operations are performed THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936—33 4 : ] 7 the enameling department where porcelain enamel sprayed bath tubs mounted revolving pedestals the booths. After spraying, the tubs are hung back the conveyor which carries them through the drying oven the left and from this oven they the burning furnaces. speed 120 per hr. each ma- chine. After welding, the flash the weld chipped and ground, pro- ducing smooth, homogeneous sur- face for the application the porcelain enamel. Then the tub goes press for notching, trim- ming and flanging and for bending over the apron its vertical posi- tion the front the tub. The final fabricating operation at- taching braces hold the apron place, which done the portable electric welder. The tubs are then inspected and placed storage, from which they are car- ried chain conveyor the pickling department, where stand- ard practices for cleaning work before enameling are carried out The porcelain enameling depart- ment flexibly arranged order that the same equipment may used enameling bathtubs, wash- ing machine tubs and other enam- eled sanitary ware. The work sprayed five booths which the tubs are set revolving ped- estals during spraying. booth accommodates one bathtub two washing machine tubs. After pic- kling, the tubs are hung sec- ond conveyor, which carries them through the enameling department for the successive operations. This conveyor passes front the spray booths and after spraying, the tubs are hung back the Po é é England the century, this tub was carved from solid block statuary marble and was used Italian artistocrat. 34—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 View plant Alliance Porcelain Products Co. conveyor and pass through dry- ing oven, which they travel ft. and are dried temperature 300 deg. From the drying oven the conveyor carries them point front the burning fur- naces. Burning done box type V-bottom, natural gas fired furnaces equipped with automatic gas control and temperature re- cording instruments. Suspension work this size conveyor continuous burning furnace has not proved very satisfactory because the danger warpage For that reason the box type naces are used and the tubs are set burning tools and are han- dled and out the furnaces two charging forks. Each furnace has capacity for four tubs. The ground coat applied all surfaces the tub, after which the interior and apron front are given two white cover coats, the usual drying and burning opera- tions following the application each coat enamel. The ground coat burned 1600 deg. F., being kept the furnace and the cover coat burned min. 1550 deg. After burning the second cover coat, tubs are hung back the conveyor, which they are in- spected, and move the storage and shipping room. The plant has capacity for turning out 130 completed tubs 8-hr. day, the output being restricted pres- ent that number the limited facilities the enameling depart- ment compared with the re- mainder the plant. The stamp- ing department has capacity for producing 1000 tubs and 960 can Mass Production Steel Tubs Briggs The Briggs Mfg. Co. uses enam- eling iron for its metal ware, which fabricated presses capable exerting pressure 1500 tons. means these sheet iron, in., may drawn into any desired shape. prove that the new bathtubs possess more than adequate strength, the manufac- turer once led elephant into one the regulation size tubs, where stood for moment without causing the tub lose its shape. Another time, 480-lb. weight was lowered into the tub 139,000 times, flexing the metal times per min. The metal and porcelain flexed to- gether under this strain and not defect crack showed either. This test was equal the wear which would result from four persons taking daily bath for 102 years. Only three coats enamel are necessary this metal, since good enameling iron has smooth, velvety and fine-grained surface. Immediately after application, each the three coats fused into the surface the iron under high tem- perature, the final coat being acid resisting enamel. Because the use the wet process, which enables the ground coating applied completely cover the entire fixture, thus mak- ing rust-proof, white colored enamels can applied formed Alliance pressed steel porcelain enameled bath tub made two pieces which are flash welded together resistance welding machine built for this purpose, the welded joint, which near the drain end the tub being in. long. This picture shows the tub position for welding the welding machine fixture which the edges welded together are held contact hydraulic pressure. products almost any design with equally perfect results. tions colors each individual product, not possible cast iron, are readily applied the formed metal the wet process. Colors combinations colors may thus purchased harmonize with the color scheme bathrooms kitchens. has been estimated that 300,- 000 tons sheets year would required all bathroom and kitchen equipment, such lavatories, toilets, sinks, etc., were eventually made steel instead cast iron, but this not clear gain the iron and steel in- dustry, which supplies the raw terial either case. » the production line large automobile factory, ingenious, overhead conveying system carries bath tubs, lavatories, kitchen sinks and other plumbing fixtures through the various processes production the plumbing ware plant the Briggs Mfg. Co. Detroit. THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936—35 THE AGE Sept. 24, en- titled “Reciprocity Damned,” seems have struck sympa- thetic chord the metal-working industry. has created extra work for our postman, judging the number comments that have been received. Perhaps our readers would interested the general fair sample. Most the authors, for obvious reasons, wish re- main anonymous. article which appeared ° ° Opens the Door Business Baiters XPLETIVES tive than Damned,” which was used the anonymous author the splendid short article the subject the current issue (Sept. 24, 1936) THE IRON AGE, are being applied instances the now widespread pernicious reciprocal buying and selling practice. You, editor THE IRON AGE, doubt will widely and enthusiastically ap- plauded for having the courage offer your columns for discussion the subject which has all the possibilities convincing perpe- trators the practice that should voluntarily ended once and for all. large manufacturer rub- ber goods early this year indi- that was the market 36—THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936 for large quantity certain article. Some the companies re- ceiving the inquiry deemed the quantity sufficient warrant send- ing special representatives. These were told, effect, “we are very sorry you went the expense and trouble making call, for all want enough price informa- tion enable check Com- pany’s quotation, because have instructions from the top give the business Company account reciprocal arrange- ments.” few months later large automobile firm came into the market for the same article and company other than Company did all the original esti- mating and engineering only told later, were other subse- quent competitors, that the busi- ness would have Com- received from the top account reciprocal arrangements. One the recent largest purchases this same item was made last year large oil company. Practi- cally all the manufacturers the item competed for ness. ended with the business going this same Company and the others being told, effect, the purchasing department that such last minute instructions were received and based reciprocal arrangements. These are only few instances occurring connection with one industry which the business this line went one and the same company the basis reciprocal arrangements. were possible assemble the data would ex- pect prove that fully ninety per cent the purchases made this one line the far flung auto- motive industry are “given” (the word used advisedly) this one and same Company. This Company comparatively small unit large combination larger units. The Company’s purchasing power alone would not sufficient establish such wide- spread reciprocal arrangements. purchasing power all the units the combination that this one company favored. That the practice results almost abso- lute control the business this line flowing from the one industry, while, the same time effecting the flow from other industries noticeable degree, constitutes circumstance potential, social consequence. the other hand, the liberties being taken salesmen are becom- ing flagrant well numerous. For often does the salesman, who has been given order bona- fide reciprocal arrangement, at- 7 >; tempt fabricate some sort reciprocity for his next prospect the hope getting his order the same, easy way. manu- facturer engine room equipment, one such easy order seeking sales- man proposed that return for the order, his company would util- ize its good offices with its many throw this manufac- turer considerable business. Such plausible offers have often not, proved sufficient bait get stance, the engine room equipment manufacturer knew his competi- tion. knew that one the affil- iates the salesman’s company was his strongest competitor. But the point is, the instance indica- tive the reckless attempts fabricate reciprocal arrangements which are following the wake the other kind order taking. The practice needs more than damned. not sound busi- ness practice begin with; and now being stretched such extremes that fast degener- ating into the sort horse trad- ing which the horse closely watched weeks for some symptoms why was traded. Transcend- ing these reasons, however, the obvious probability that the prac- tice will soon the food upon which corporation baiters, and out our legislative bodies, will grow fat and potent. There handwriting the wall plainly calling for voluntary, intra-organ- ization “cease and desist” orders. oe But Here Dissenter OUR article “Reciprocity Damned” rather interesting coming you say from executive large in- dustrial organization. must connected with one the large steel corporations that are prac- ticing reciprocity the most vicious fashion. refers salesmen “order takers.” Reading between the lines apparently order placer and not purchasing executive— one who places his business hither and yon regardless quality, per- formance and price, satisfy his sales department, one who cannot over-rule the sales department when knows that inflicting inferior materials his operat- ing people, the loss his company would more than offset any profit his company might make the order. Reciprocity fine thing when the situation not dominated the sales department who are ton- nage minded. Reciprocity fine Necessary Constitutional Qualifications For Membership the Unanimous ORDER Reciprociteers First: Applicants must possess marked degree QUALITY complex —i.e. fixed conviction that “pigs sack wheat sack wheat—a pair shoes pair shoes, etc., etc. Second: Applicants must control monthly volume Purchasing Power with irreducible minimum $3; positive control, either personally, through cousin (the third degree preferable), through sister-in- law who has friend who has neighbor that works drug store. While not obligatory, the applicant having close contacts with talka- tive barber certain receive rapid advancement the ORDER. Third: Applicants must have hearts stone and least one sympathetic eye glass. Annual Dues: A.’s who have never mentioned Reciprocity salesmen, 5c; Regular common garden variety A.’s, $50, just folks, $1.25. Eligible Honorary Membership: charge-of Reciprocity. All and sundry Vice-Presidents in- Objective: sale any kind confirmed unless coupled with purchase equal dollar volume salesmen. Motto: “You scratch back and scratch yours.” Emblem: great big stick. Lodge Supplies: All necessary paraphernalia, including asbestos back pro- tectors, supplied Shears, Buckroe Company. thing when doesn’t hurt either party—naturally anyone prefers spend his money with the same people who patronize his company long price, quality and ser- vice are equal what obtain- able anywhere else. “JUST Maintenance Man Gives His Views OUR recent comments anent reciprocal buying were very interesting, and should like add opinions those already engineer large plant and for rather obvious reasons, would appreciate you would preserve anonymity. seems that you’ve hit the nail the head when you say for such most certainly should be. I’m not sales manager, nor purchasing agent ... I’m simply the goat for per cent this reciprocal buying. For when reciprocal buying necessary, usually supplies for mainte- nance and other material not covered blanket contracts, that are usually thrown the wolves reciprocal buyers. Now maintenance man some- what like car battery. When works properly nobody knows he’s around, BUT when work properly, everybody from the president down the office boy cusses him with gusto. some plants, maintenance men are seemingly required haul valves and oils from out the surrounding air. and chains are apparently created out blow-off steam, may judge the attitude most p.a.’s toward maintenance supplies and the alacrity with which they offer these supply orders the altar reciprocal buying. How many times have specified Jenkins valve order, only have piece “Extra special luxe” brass junk turned over me. The reason? “Got buy from him buys from and that’s the only valve carries.” There’s the real rub this reciprocal When reciprocal buying enters the field, all thought service and quality subjected the ques- tion price. know this THE IRON AGE, November 26, 1936—37 : + by : , so, for has happened many times the past. know that little thing like brass valve doesn’t seem worth much bother; that doesn’t make any difference who makes the valve when you sit the office, but men out the plant, that valve very im- portant, and its quality should never affected for the sake reciprocal buying. don’t blame the p.a. for this condition Lord knows I’ve had out with him often enough.. it’s the fault those higher the men who formulate the policies the company. Recip- rocal buying short-sighted economic fallacy that does thou- sand times more harm than good. Industry would well rid this evil. reciprocal buying had effect the quality the mate- rial that came through such or- ders, wouldn’t object it. But HAS effect upon the quality first class victim this industrial evil, humbly appeal for mem- bership the “Down With Re- ciprocal Buying Club.” “MAINTENANCE MAN.” Thinks Have Started Something READ your article, “Reciproc- ity Damned,” the Sept. issue THE IRON AGE. Those three words have used myself many, many times. Like the writer the article— “An Anonymous Purchasing Direc- shall “An Anony- mous Sales Manager,” but old friend THE IRON AGE. Some day, your plan goes through, shall tell you who am. Frankly, have been disgusted time and again losing business entirely because reciprocity; and some cases—and can easily prove it, called upon—I have quoted lower prices and higher quality. this feature reciprocity were abolished, should be, salesmen representing honest companies could very much better. Now, you may have started something; and the thought oc- good idea take the matter with some sound business men and 38—THE IRON AGE, November 26, form the nucleus society be? know you would get many splendid men join; and old working with concern— and.one your know from experience that the Those who did not join would un- doubtedly practice the reciprocity idea—and they would rapidly get left. wish you could something put across the idea league. Naturally, being neither buyer raw material nor seller finished and semi-finished mate- rials, your word would farther than mine. “EUTECTIC.” Terrible Epidemic regard your article “Reciprocity” and your invita- tion comment, would state vigorously possible that you accomplish anything more benefit both the seller and the buyer than keep cam- paign stamp out most per- nicious evil which doing more break down the morale all affected parties than did the evil days the late depression. Why should the time engi- neers wasted over period months, many cases, find out when the order placed that not single item his work had been considered. Not only the en- gineers the point purchase but the salesmen well are called upon submit drawings and data, the sales force kept the jump and all wasted energy rank outsider steps into the pic- ture without any experience but with purchasing power, not di- rect always, but many cases two and three steps removed and would have very little, anything, other than book the order and duplicate what the other fel- lows have been working hard develop, and walks away with the order. most cases the equipment not all satisfactory the de- partment called upon use it, and the equipment gets the mini- mum attention maintenance and few months like Smith’s description broken platform, “Out the window.” have been selling equipment the district for years and the present epidemic the worst have ever gone through, and hail the day when salesmen can say, procity damned, have the goods, let’s talk over, quality and price the only consideration.” “THE REAL Disagreeable Both Parties writer heartily sym- pathy with the sentiments the anonymous writer procity Damned.” think that injects factor into selling and purchasing which disagree- the seller and which gets both them nowhere. takes the time the higher officials from their proper duties, leaves the pur- chaser with disgruntled operating men thereby reducing operating efficiency, and leaves the seller with discouraged salesmen. And when all said and done cannot make much difference the long run the volume business either the seller the purchaser. certain company because its size can influence the placing certain amount business through reciprocity, but the natural course events that company would obtain the same share business iprocity were not resorted to. other words, the result same the end except that the purchaser may not get the par- ticular equipment wants and may find himself paying more than should pay. happen know one case extremely specialized field quoted approximately $15,000 certain steel manufacturer. competitor quoted $8,500 equipment the same work. Because patented and exclusive design features the $8,500 equip- ment could much smaller and therefore cheaper than the $15,- 000 equipment. addition was slightly more efficient. The steel manufacturer’s engineers selected the $8,500 equipment strictly (CONCLUDED PAGE 104) 2, 2, 2, CONVERSION high single stand re- versing universal plate mill into what might mill for rolling hot strip for man- ufacturing tin plate, addition producing universal and sheared plates, has been effected Do- minion Foundries Steel, Ltd., Hamilton, Ont., adding equip- ment that converts the mill into Steckel reversing hot strip mill. The changes made compara- tively low expense increase the flexibility the mill meet range output the particular re- quirements the plant. The method followed converting the mill into unit for manufacturing hot strip, when the tremendous capacity continuous mill not required, applicable, pointed out, any universal plate mill. The tonnage which can produced such single stand Steckel hot reversing mill, is, how- ever, considerable and may run from 125,000 175,000 tons an- nually when rolling widths of, say, from in. in. With the new setup slab ingots to. in. thick, about in. long, and various widths, de- pending the width the fin- ished strip, are rolled series passes the mill down gage hot strip, thus combining blooming, breakdown and finishing mill operations one mill unit. All these reductions are made un- der the initial heat the steel. CONVERTING UNIVERSA PLATE MILL HOT STRIP The new mill layout was pro- vided furnish the production ca- pacity needed this plant for making hot strip for cold rolling into tin plate without making large investment for new equipment. The plate mill this plant was being operated only part time, the limitations the market not per- mitting full operations. The con- version the mill into Steckel mill produce hot strip that the mill could more fully em- ployed and the same time could produce rolled steel another needed form, was engineered the Cold Metal Process Co., Youngs- town, which supplied the required new equipment. changes whatever were made the mill itself convert into unit for