The Iron Age 1937-12-30: Vol 140 Iss 27

nan- and ting first rec- ralls. adel- FRITZ J. FRANK President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor Managing Editor Editor Emeritus Vachinery Editor Art Editor Metallurgical Editor News Editor Associate Editors JURASCHEK Consulting Bditor Washington Editor Resident District Editors Pittsburgh Chicago Cleveland Detroit Editorial Correspondents London, England Cincinnati FRAZAR Boston Hamburg, Germany MBYER CHARLES Post Milwaukee San Francisco SANDERSON Toronto, Ontario Leroy ALLISON Roy EDMONDs Newark, N. J. St. Louis TURNER Buffalo ASA ROUNTREE, JR. Birmingham Owned and Published by CHILTON COMPANY (Incorporated) Publication Office Editorial and Chestnut and 56th Sts., Executive Offices Philadelphia, Pa. 239 West 39th St.. New York, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS MUSSELMAN, President FRITZ FRANK, Executive Vice-President FREDERIC STEVENS, Vice-President JOSEPH S. HILDRETH, = GEORGE H. GRIFFITHS, = EVERIT B. TERHUNE, = WILLIAM A. BARBER, Treasurer JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary JOHN VAN DEVENTER JULIAN CHASE THOMAS KANE CHARLES BAUR CARROLL BUZBY FAHRENDORF BAUR, General Advertising Manager DIX, Manager Reader Service Member, Audit Bureau Circulations Member, Associated Business Papers Indexed in the Industrial Arts Index. Published every Thursday. Subscrip- tion Price: United States and Pos- sessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00; Can- ada, $8.50; Foreign, $12.00 a year. Single copy, cents; this copy $2.00. Cable Address, ‘‘Ironage, ADVERTISING STAFF Emerson Findley, 621 Union Bldg., Cleveland B. L. Herman, Chilton Bldg., Chestnut & 56th Sts., Philadeiphia, Pa. H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicago H. E. Leonard, 239 W. 39th St., New York Peiree J.ewis. 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit C. H. Ober, 239 W. 39th St., New York W. B. Robinson, 428 Park Bldg., Pittsburgh D. C. Warren, P. 0. Box 81, Hartford, Conn Cont DECEMBER 30, 1937 Twenty-Five Billion Dollar Job Structural Steel During Gas Cutting Modernization Wisconsin Steel Odd Jobs Handied Economically Hoists and Cranes Automotive Industry Statistics Metal-Working Activity Rate Activity Capital Goods Washington News NEWS CONTENTS Plant Expansion and Equipment Buying New Industrial Literature ....... Just Between Two Products Advertised Index Advertisers ...... Copyright 1937 Chilton Company (Inc.) 3 ~ ‘ se re id. tal ity, av- | : 1es and 1er- Close-up bethanizing cell, showing wire passing through the clear bethanizing solution. zinc coating LASTING qualities zinc-coated wire de- pend the uniformity the coating well the weather resistance the zinc and the weight applied. the coating uneven thick- ness, its effective life longer than that the thin spots. the bethanizing process the zinc put the wire the flow electricity the wire passes through solution. Since the current flows equally into all points the surface the amount 20—THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 uniform thickness zinc deposited the same all over the surface. The fact is, couldn’t put uneven betha- nized coating wanted to. The inevitable uniformity the coating but one the salient features bethanized wire. This, plus the 99.99 per cent purity the zinc coating and the fact that endures virtually any fabricating operation, has enabled bethanized wire stand under conditions severe that zinc-coated wire was never before even considered. > THE IRON December 30, 1937 ESTABLISHED Vol. 140, No. Iwenty-Five Billion Dollar Job? much would have invested private industry create new jobs for 3,000,000 workers manufacturing industry? Lammot Pont, president Pont Nemours Co., told the National Association convention delegates that would $25 billions. This figuring generally ac- cepted basis investment $8,000 per worker. Business could probably raise that amount, said Mr. Pont, given reasonable degree regarding the future attitude Government toward it. Assuming that Government would give business some assurance stability atti- tude, and that business could create the 3,000,000 new jobs industry investing that money, who would put the other 6,000,000 idle people work? And would require proportionate investment amounting $50 billions additional? Would that mean Government pump priming the tune $50 billions more, with tremendous increase taxation provide the fund avoid overwhelming national debt increase? That question undoubtedly being asked good many who have read the news- paper accounts Mr. Pont's address. Neither the newspapers nor the general pub- lic likely take cognizance what known although Mr. Pont's audience manufacturers was well acquainted with it. secondary employment meant the creation new jobs inside well outside particular manufacturing industries the creation new jobs inside them. the automobile industry, for example, the putting work each man engaged making motor cars created new jobs for men building construction, machine tool making, the oil and tire business, improved road building and hundred other occu- pations down roadside hot dog stands. This extreme case, but can con- servatively figured that general one new job industry creates least two more. Mr. Pont believes that could eliminate unemployment altogether (except course for the inevitable residue unemployables), through such investment $25 billions private capital. writes follows: ace. are wholly correct the assumption that the 3,000,000 new jobs tha- manufacturing industry would result the secondary employment double that number more the service and other industries and, far can from but the present inexact knowledge the state unemployment, would take all the existing slack between employable workers and jobs, including the workers now employed zinc who might displaced the introduction new any the course years, Henry Ford, through original investment $10,000 has wire provided jobs for nearly 100,000 workers. Industry fertile producer jobs when profits are permitted plowed back into it. | 2, — ant. More | | | | | 43 y 4 : red. vite tructural Steels During Gas flame cutting steel, hardened zone left the outside edge. With ordi- nary steels 0.30 carbon and under this sorbitic hard- ness not intense, and difficulty experienced bending fabrication. But with high carbon and alloy steels precautions have taken remove the hard- ened edge—either sub- sequent annealing treatment machining. method and equipment for such steels, either air quench ° which not respond readily flame cutting, and most them, particularly those commonly used for structural purposes, con- tain sufficient combustible matter permit straight line progressive applications the cutting flame. This the common method with which are all more less familiar. are few ferrous metals From purely cutting stand- 22—THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 MOSS Development Engineer, The Linde Air Products Co., New York hardening, during cutting and without further processing, are described this article, which from paper and Tempering Structural presented Mr. Moss the recent 38th annual convention the International Acetylene Asso- ciation. The remainder Mr. paper, dealing chiefly with macroscopic and microscopic examination the heat affected zone plain and "flame softened" cuts, will appear forth- coming issue. ° point this facility provides simple and economical production tool for shaping steel. the other hand, all grades steel not react the same way physically going through the cutting process, tak- ing properties the cut sur- faces differing from those initially present the steel. This more less true also mechanical severing and shaping operations such sawing, planing and shear- ing, and matter which must appraised before cutting, first determine whether the altered properties fall within the required specifications governing the objec- tive the steel question, and they not, secondly, provide means for either avoiding the trouble removing the undesired properties. Difficulty With Ordinary Steels The behavior steel this respect and certain remedial pro- cedures, have been discussed, there- fore, from flame cutting stand- point, before the International Acetylene Association many occasions, and are reminded particularly the recommenda- tions Curtis the 32nd Annual Convention the associa- tion Chicago, Nov. 11, 1931. paper “Machine Gas Cutting Heavy Plate,” pointed out that the physical and chemical changes produced the cutting operation leave thin, hardened zone the outside edge, the penetration which usually superficial, and that with ordinary steels 0.30 per cent carbon and under, par- = ° ° ° ° ° ° | ° ticular difficulty experienced bending fabricating, the sorbitic hardening not intense, whereas with high carbon and steels, the precautions annealing machining should used remove the hardened edge. The line demarcation ap- plied flame cutting where real dam- age begins take place for the various grades steel now the market has not been accurately fully determined the author’s cooling following cutting. For the plain carbon structural steel normal manganese content, such A-7 and A-9 grades, the line demarcation ASTM specifications seems run between 0.30 0.35 per cent car- bon above deg. Several the so-called low alloy high strength structural steels through the process flame cut- ting quite satisfactorily normal temperatures, such the low man- Parent metal 400 Probability surface cracking Machinin ViACTI graphic presentation difficult the hardness data for eight the steels 200 for and 100 anvil bend test knowledge, nor can gaged structural standpoint, required that the flame-cut metal satisfac- torily pass the standard tests pre- scribed for the parent metal. This calls for liberal ductility and the retention other properties with- specified limits. other cases, however, may required only that the flame-cut metal ma- chinable. Where the part subjected furnace treatment soon after cutting, and the rigidity the part such that handling operations not induce important flexural stresses the cut surfaces, may only required that the flame- cut metal sufficiently ductile prevent microscopic visible sur- face checking cracking during > Thickness n 1040 No.3-100 Lb. Type Structural (0.75 range) ganese silicon structural steels gages not exceeding provid- ing the carbon content likewise the The chrome-phos steels and other steels low side. low-carbon amounts nickel and molybdenum the lighter gages are not seri- ously affected flame cutting. Carbon and Low Alloy Steels effect flame cutting the physi- good picture metal and marginally below the cut surfaces cal properties carbon and low alloy steels may obtained from Table No. The data for this table rest upon aver- age production workmanship for machine flame cutting. material, Due the highly marginal depth the zone affected the flame cutting operation, the order 1/32 3/32-in. below the surface for machine cutting, the comparison physical prop- erties between uncut and cut metal has necessarily been made the basis superficial tests. The comparisons are expressed terms hardness and bendability the metal the affected zones. examinations were also softened Postheated + Flame Preheated + + + + inches Structural made. The findings are reported detail elsewhere this paper. Unfortunately, there have not been opportunities perform the cutting tests over the complete range temperatures which steels are commonly fabricated. The tests being conducted the normal temperatures the lab- oratories and fabricating shops where this work was carried out, with one two exceptions noted the paper, increased hardening expected when the are cut lower temperatures, and vice versa. the column Table headed “Plain Gas Cuts” will seen that the nominal strength the steels increases, the hardness the gas cut surface increases somewhat correspondingly, how- can steels THE IRON AGE, December 30, ai | | +> + > + 4 8 + < | + + > + + + > 4 + + + + + + — | ites + + + + + rot + ss ever, higher order hard- Plain carbon steel, the low carbon side, seen pass through the cutting process satis- ness. factorily. has not been sufficient prevent satisfactory cold bend. The degree hardening Reference here made the work Prof. Zimmerman “Plain Low Carbon Steel” the Massachusetts PROPERTIES PLAIN GAS-CUT AND FLAME-SOFTENED GAS- GROUP AND GRADE Carbon Steels Low SAE #1040 High Carbon Rail ARA Type Rail Silicon Low Mn. 0.40 0.70 0.57 0.77 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.71 qil) qil) Structural (12) (12) (12) (6) (7) Silico-Manganese Nickel Structural “ “ M.A L.A. F.B A.B pre. post LP. =Mill Analysis -Lab. Analysis (UC&C Res. Labs) Cold bend degrees bend =Free bendin % elongation Anvil bend in degrees of bend Simultaneously treatment Simultaneously postheated—Type treatment Independent postheat—Type III treatment 24—THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 Manganese Abrasive Resistance: U.S.S. Man-Ten Structural U.S.S. Man-Ten Structural and 0.10 0.10 0.24 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.26 0.25 0.276 0.23 0.312 0.22 0.23 0.25 0.247 0.017 0.02 AVERAGE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS 0.033 0.04 0.033 0.032 0.12 0.131 (None reported)—(.70 assumed) 0.035 0.21 0.034 0.024 0.026 0.033 0.020 3.32 0.025 3.39 0.025 0.26 0.018 0.44 0.021 0.41 Institute Technology, 1934 1935, reported the I.A.A. its 35th and 36th annual conventions, from which the data for the low carbon steels were obtained. Hardness Data for Eight Steels Similar credit can given some the grades groups The degree hardening (2) (3) (4) (6) (7) seen range from that amen- able bending prescribed applicable standard specifications very hard stage characterized extreme brittleness. The rela- tionship this respect shown graphically the left-hand side Fig. for eight grades steel listed Table No. and data regard the TABLE AVERAGE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Yield Pt. Thickness Ult. Tens. Elongation Inches 35,700 61,400 (None reported) (None reported) (None reparted) 1/2 (None (None reported) (None (None reported) (None reported) (None reported) 49,800 85,525 (None reported) 50,340 92,990 (None reported) 54,900 87,890 $0,515 88,140 58,720 88,120 (None reported) 59,300 90,640 68,040 97,700 60,350 89,500 (None reported) 64,150 99,420 (None reported) 64,370 104,150 56,380 50,420 71,960 74,100 NOTES: Properties reported Zimmerman: Comparative Study Cutting Methods Applied Structural Steel.” Pro- ceedings for 1934. Direction rolling: transverse. Nominal for natural hot rolled plate. Hardness effected annealing action preheating flames the cutting nozzle. Lab. analysis: 7/8”—1.09% Mn., 15, 16”—1.13° Mn Lab. analysis; Mn. M.A. 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.31 0.73 0.38 0.86 0.021 21.0 Med. Mn. 1/2 0.29 1.23 0.028 5/8 3/4 22.7 M.A. 0.39 1.30 0.18 0.02 0.04 M.A. 1.43 0.216 0.030 0.034 M.A. 1.43 0.196 0.028 0.027 18.3 M.A. 1.55 0.252 0.022 0.025 L.A. 0.27 1.61 0.13 M.A. 0.124 0.037 7/8 16.7 M.A. 0.31 0.66 0.017 3/4 M.A. 0.025 3/4 18.0 M.A. 0.28 0.23 0.076 0.014 0.021 (None reported) M.A. 0.728 0.88 26.2 range hardness for each steel according the classifications the top the diagram and using 180 deg. bend test either the form the standard cold bend test the hammer bend test, later de- scribed this report, criterion for emphasizing the critical har- dening. The solid circles represent surfaces which failed pass the NO. PARENT METAL Bend Test Hardness Terms Standard Brinell 137 (ave. 1/2” below machined edge) 165 (ave. machined surface) 180 153 low—170 high 179 (ave. furnace annealed) 241 (ave.) 159 low—168 high 153 low—179 high 149 low—159 high 156 low—174 high PLAIN GAS-CUTS Hardness Terms Standard Brinell 218 (max.) 364 low—375 high (ave.) 585 (ave.) 583 low—639 high 291 low—402 high 202 (ave.) 187 low—192 high 310 low—341 high 180 deg. bend test, those the lower order hardness enjoying considerable degree ductility nevertheless, while the other hand, those the upper hardness range have extremely brittle char- acteristics. The figure regards four stages hardness, the limits which, though more less arbitrarily determined, rest upon the findings many tests and observations. The limits the upper stages are more approximate than those the lower. The low alloy structural grades steel, with few exceptions, are able position the chart, which explains why has been necessary CUT SURFACES SOME CARBON AND LOW ALLOY STEELS PROPERTIES MACHINE GAS-CUT SURFACES 180° 235 (ave.) 241 (ave.) 10% 1/2” FLAME-SOFTENED GAS-CUTS Hardness Terms Standard Brinell 146 low—179 high (post) low—325 high (post) 304 low—308 high (post) low—280 high (post) 153 low—166 high (pre.) 170 low—179 high (pre.) Deg. Bend Approx. 70° Approx. 50° Bet. 70°-80° 180 Approx. 70° 180 Approx. 70° Approx. 70° 196 (ave. furnace 455 (ave.) 262 (ave.) 132 low—168 high 132 low—203 high A.B. 134 low—175 high 150 low—258 high 145 low—200 high (pre.) 153 (ave.) 192 low—248 high Approx. 70° 159 (ave.) 202 low—248 high Approx. 70° 180° C.B 171 (ave.) 269 low—409 high A.B.| 156 low—203 high (post) 180 180° C.B 163 (ave.) 238 high C.B. 180° C.B 175.5 (ave.) 277 high 10° 188 low—212 high (post) 180° 179 (ave.) 255 (ave.) 180° C.B 165 low—183 high 302 179 (ave.) (pre.) OK—C.B. 70° 180° C.B 166 low—183 high 286 low—418 high 179 low—228 high (pre.) OK—C.B. 70° 180° C.B 174 low—223 high 241 low—444 high C.B.| 199 low—228 high (pre.) OK—C.B. 70° 166 low—179 high 460 179 (ave.) (post) Approx, 50° A.B. 156 low—200 high 203 low—421 high 42°—132 A.B.| 179 low—245 high (pre.) A.B. 181 low—196 high 344 low—486 high 7°—32 166 low—241 high (post) 180 A.B. 150 low—200 high 269 low—444 high 20°—72 179 low—285 high (pre.) 55° 70° C.B 11° missing) (pre.) 140 (ave. furnace annealed) 469 (ave.) 241 (ave.) Bet. 180° A.B. 226 low—240 high 430 low—504 high 196 low—237 high (post) 180° 180° A.B. 437 low—486 high 179 (post) 180 180° A.B. 214 low—219 high 462 low—539 high A.B.| 195 low—212 high (post) 180 Bet. 70°-80° (8) These values quoted from Table 22, “Evolution High Strength (13) Average properties reported Beard paper: “Actual Ap- Steels Used Structural Engineering,” Moisseiff, Oct., plications Special Structural Steels,” presented before 1936, Symposium, Applications Steel and Symposium, Pittsburgh, Oct. 14-15, 1936, Page 1255, follows Light Weight Alloys.” Carbon 0.31%, Manganese 0.82%, Yield Point 53.9 in., (9) This figure unusually low for the grade steel question; how- Tens. 89.8 in., elongation ever, the hardness flame-softened cuts this grade con- treatment. sistently below the hardness as-rolled condition. results were obtained with varying heat treatments. (10) and satisfactorily Note: Due the shallow depth the hardened zone under investigation reduced cutting speeds. For cuts, these tests, hardness readings were made with the Rockwell scale the for the hardest surfaces and with the Rockwell scale for flame-softened ductility. From Trans-Bay Bridge heats. (12) From Golden Gate Bridge heats. surfaces. the field, some cases, the portable scleroscope was used. All readings have been converted standard Brinell according the Holden Chart (Iron Age, July 10, 1930, Page 80) THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937—25 OK. CB. 180° C.B. 58) A.B. 180° A.B. flame head Inner cone Specified Note Cross-hatch area represents Approx. inch softened Tan /op surtace predetermined for softening mes applied Heavy plate $ slab Marginal zone treated 4, Mui/ti- flame head UPPER LEFT 2-a—Sketch il- lustrating the set- for Type No. flame softening treatment. this type the oxy-acetylene flames are applied cut scrap UPPER RIGHT 2-b—Sketch il- lustrating the set- has been for Type No. Edge the kerf opened softening | | | LEFT lustrating the set- for Type No. treatment. flame head | \ } for the fabricating shops ma- chine grind cut surfaces these grades order prevent sub- sequent damage these surfaces either shop handling, assembly, erection while service. Supplementary Operations Add Cost Where the dimensions the parts permit, resort has been made some cases furnace preheat- ing and annealing after cutting prevent and/or overcome hard- ening, or, often done the steel mills, sandwich the parts 26—THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 cut between hot slabs ingots give them sufficient body heat prevent quenching the cut edges. Similar remedial practices are em- ployed for the plain high carbon steels and the more prominent high alloy grades which are readily cut- able. These supplementary operations, while effective where they can applied, add substantial cost flame cutting operations. There are cases also where due either the size the part cut the contour the cut, such supplementary operations are Multi- flame head softened area represents heated predetermined femperature applied opposite surface: not feasible. These conditions in- fluence and often lead adoption other means for shaping and though more costly and, some instances, they preparation, even lead restrictions the use otherwise desirable steel. General shape cutting the hard structural steels cally out the question unless large capacity heat treating fur- naces are provided, subsequent machining usually prohibitive cost. Shape Cutting Hard Steels Studied simple and solution this problem was the objective development program undertaken the author’s company about the time construction work was getting under way for the Golden Gate and Trans-Bay bridges San Fran- cisco. This program lated adverse report flame cutting silicon structural steel obtained from heats providing ma- terial for the former This report was submitted Leon Moisseiff, consulting engineer, New York, the Structural Steel Welding Committee the former American Bureau Welding the latter’s 1933 spring meeting. The trouble was investigated and the results led the conclusion that flame cutting, applied, was not satisfactory tool for the grade steel question, and was stated the committee. Localized heat treating provided trouble, and its coordination with cutting effected economical solu- tion. Means were found carry out the heat treating operation simultaneously with cutting for J surface slab Sete: —{ x C — . the usual thicknesses steel em- ployed general construction work, thus simplifying the opera- tion still further. Material Cut and Heat Treated Simultaneously Rapid heat flow with suitable quantity heat was necessary for the latter facility, turn, calling for steep temperature gradient between the source heat and the relatively cold plate. The oxy- acetylene flame provided this, and the necessary quantity heat was obtained banking numer- ous flames suitable blocks which could manipulated about the cutting zone effect the desired heat treatments. Simultaneous op- eration the heat treatment with cutting from this point required only the adjustment heat quan- tity effect specific treatment specified cutting rate. the gage the metal creases, becomes more and more difficult and expensive carry out the simultaneous operation, inas- Meltina non? | ype Treatment Critical L No ABOVE curve for simultaneous preheating. UPPER RIGHT 4—Time-temperature curve for simultaneous post heating RIGHT 5—Time-temperature curve for Type No. flame-softening treatment. soaking the heat into the metal from its nominal surfaces due inaccessibility the walls the cut during the cutting operations, which are confined within narrow slot kerf before the respective parts are separated. For the heavy practical, therefore, apply the localized heat treatment directly onto the surface the cut after the parts were separated. This op- eration likewise performed pro- gressively for long cuts. Several Methods The several methods for apply- ing the heat treatment, softening,” the process has re- cently been termed, for all thick- nesses, are shown diagrammati- cally Fig. Type No. treatment, shown Fig. 2-a, has been applied success- fully plate thicknesses and ineluding where desired meet the requirements for bending laid down standard specifications. For lower degree perature softening than required these specifications, the thickness range for Type treatment may ex- Type No. treatment, Fig. 2-b, extends the principle Type No. treatment approach 4-in., de- pending upon the grade steel. However, due mechanical diffi- this treatment more less con- fined edge cutting where the cut conveniently reached relatively short extension arms from along the edge the ma- terial. This type treatment was found advantageous making guard rails from standard railroad rails where was necessary reduce the width one flange the rail. The under flames this case operated offset the addi- tional chill induced into the flange the web the rail, enabling the treatment proceed fas- ter rate than would otherwise have been practicable for the No. treatment. Type No. III treatment, Fig. 2-c, comes into play for the heavy me THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937—27 | | | . | | Melt na No.4 ype No./ Treatment : 3 | Critical ~ No. Time Time 4 n No. 5 Critical point a gages. Preferably should ap- plied before the cut surfaces cool room temperature, particularly the case those grades which are extremely sensitive, order prevent microscopic and/or ible surface checking definite cracking. Applied Both Quench and Air Hardening Steels scope heat treat- ing carried out above described, the grades steel softened date may arranged into two groups: The first includes harden only when rapidly quenched from temperatures above the criti- which classify under “quench hardening steels.” This group includes the plain carbon steels medium carbon content, the structural steels low carbon and low manganese content and some the newer corrosion-resist- ing low alloy steels before men- tioned. The second group, which classi- IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 fies “air hardening steels,” in- cludes those which harden when slowly cooled shop atmospheres from temperatures above the criti- cal point, such the low alloy high strength structural steels. The approximate characteristics the several flame-softening treat- ments from the time-temperature standpoint are show graphically 9 Fig. indicates the approxi- mate slope the time-temperature curve for preheating visible red color shop daylight simul- taneously with cutting. seen that the effect preheating has been raise the temperature the steel the moment cutting point just below the Ac, point. desired, the preheated portion the curve may carried above this point for quench hardening steels; seldom desirable necessary, however, this. The contrast curve No. one giving longer time for the parent metal cool, which turn LEFT Fic. 7—Flame-softening blowpipe with 30-flame head. ABOVE IG. hand-oper- ated flame-softening blowpipe with 7-flame head. ° LEFT 30-flame heads. allows more time for the develop- ment soft structures. Here, flame-softening prevents harden- ing preventing rapid quench following cutting, and applicable the so-called quench hardening grades. Time-Temperature Curve for Post-Heating Fig. indicates the approximate slope time-temperature curve for post-heating visible red color following cutting. This, like the application shown Fig. type No. treatment. Where post-heating employed the heat generated the cutting operation elevates the temperature the metal the cut surface the melting point, whereupon drops rapidly, passing through the Ac, point well below it, where again elevated the post-heating predetermined red heat, from which point allowed cool normal temperatures. For air hardening grades quiring this type heat treat- t a, 4 | ment, such the nickel and con and structural steels, essential that the post- heat does not exceed the critical point. The heat treatment effected curve No. allows the hard constituents form, whereupon they are tempered softened the subsequent heating operation. The treatment depicted curve No. also effective for soften- ing the quench hardening grades, which case the post-heating may carried above the critical point the steel, desired, order increase the rate heat- ing. However, not carefully per- formed, this leads the danger surface melting. Cutting and Heat Treatment Carried Separately Fig. indicates types time- temperature curves that come into play with type No. III treatment, where the cutting and heat treat- ments are carried separate operations because the necessity either dropping the scrap opening the kerf the completion cutting provide room for the admission the flame-softening apparatus. For tempering the constituents the cut surface curve No. ap- plies, and similar its effect applied immediately after cutting when the cut surface still hot, which desirable several angles, the heat input conse- quently less. For steels which are more highly resistant tempering, such some the low alloy chrome-nickel and chrome-molybde- num steels,. the time-temperature conditions for effective tempering are close the critical point that more expedient use different type treatment than that shown curve No. anneal, followed sub-critical, such manner increase the time element tempering, has been found effective producing substantial reductions the hard- ness gas-cut surfaces. Curve No. approximates the time- temperature conditions for treat- ment this character. For the majority steels sen- sitive the quenching action fol- lowing gas cutting, treatment, indicated curve No. Fig. for the lower gages, and curve No. Fig. for the heavy gages, which heating, serve for both air and quench therefore, require common set- the heat treating apparatus. the foregoing diagrams, the critical point the Ac, point all cases. Commercial Apparatus Developed The commercial apparatus de- ments shown Figs. 10, in- clusive. The several units are as- sembled from standard equipment with the exception the special brackets arms for multiple blowpipe mountings which, when needed, are best worked out the place application. Certain aspects the processes flame softening described this paper are covered patents and patents pending; however, the processes, presented, are made available the fabricating industry through license agree- ments. Flame-softening heat provided either seven-flame 30-flame water-cooled heads, and these are connected straight angular fittings blowpipes providing ade- quate volumes mixed gases. For straight-line mechanical ap- plications for usual fabricating shop purposes, variable-speed, 9—Standard apparatus for Type No. flame-soften- F's. apparatus flame-soften- ing treatment using 30-flame head. ing treatment depicted Curve No. Fig. THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937—29 portable propelling unit employed move the apparatus over the work. For simultaneous operations cutting and softening, the flame softening equipment merely added standard mechanical cut- ting units means auxiliary brackets fixtures. Various com- binations flame assemblies and heat area dimensions can ob- tained grouping the seven-flame and/or 30-flame heads, and the further expedient blanking out one more tips with plugs. When desired soften one side face cut kerf post-heat- ing, one 30-flame head usually suf- fices where the thickness the metal does not exceed in. the cut through the body the plate and desired soften both sides faces the cut, two 30-flame heads should used, one operating either side the kerf. For Type III treatment heavy slabs, economy may abreast. For small cuts and those inaccessible mechanical equip- ment, the seven-flame pipe has been found most useful. hand-type blowpipe complete with service connections for oxygen, ace- tylene and water. Fig. pictures assembly 30-flame water- cooled rhomboid head with appro- priate water-cooled blowpipe with cooling water tubing, and Fig. tandem group two 30-flame rhomboid heads, illustrating means for increasing the length the flame softening heat area. Readily Changeable From Pre- heating Post-Heating Fig. front view stand- ard apparatus for simultaneous Type using single bank 30-flames shown the operation cutting and flame soft- ening low alloy plate. The apparatus this case preheat- ing, but could readily changed post-heating reversing the direction travel and moving the 30-flame head sideways direct the flames upon that side the cut having the surface softened. Fig. shows special assembly standard apparatus provide flame softening treatment sim- ilar that depicted curve No. Fig. the steel being treated less thickness than the full width the 30-flame 30—THE IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 heads, seven the upper tips have been plugged keep the flames within the bounds the surfaces being treated. The first bank heads heats the surfaces the steel annealing temperature, the intervening space allowing this temperature drop suitable black heat, whereupon the second bank flames re-heats the sur- face temperature under the critical point, thus effecting tem- per draw from below this point. duced flame softening processes the grades steel listed Table also shown that table under “Properties Machine Gas- Cut Surfaces,” and again Fig. under the heading, “Flame Soft- ened.” seen that either preheating with Types and III treatments, hardness has been prevented kept within reasonable limits. For the structural grades both the quench hardening and air harden- ing groups, the residual ductility the cut surfaces, after soften- ing, when cooled normal tem- peratures, the same order that the parent metal, having withstood either the standard cold bend test the hammer bend test without cracking. some the residual hardness lower than that the rolled ma- terial. the case the critical high carbon steels group “A” and the steels groups “D” and “F” which were treated non-simultane- ously the Type III treatment, the hardness the cut surfaces has been reduced nearly per cent single high-speed temper- readily machinable over- come the possibility cracking during cooling. Modification this treatment should lower the hard- ness still further. Bendability Determined Anvil Bend Test Bendability the and softened surfaces was deter- mined most cases hammer bend test or, later termed, “anvil bend test,” which subjetted the surface bending combina- tion with shock. The diameter the nose the anvil was made equal twice the thickness the specimens which, turn, were made all cases for purposes expediency determining the relative duc- tility the various specimens. The force the blow applied effect this test was appreciable, being that developed the full arm swing 8-lb. sledge hammer. The blows were applied the extreme outer end the specimen resolve the force into definite bending stress. The measure ductility for the surface under test was the angle the are attained the specimen bending around the anvil the moment rupture the remote fibers the the bend. this angle which quoted the several bend test tabulations the body this report where designated “anvil bends.” More Drastic Than Pin Bend Test While this test somewhat variance with standard tests, both manner testing and ratio pin diameter and garded more drastic test metal surfaces, particularly the marginally affected zones under the cut surfaces, than the slowly ap- plied standard pin bend tests. The factor impact introduced the anvil bend test subject the metal under investigation shock, combination with appreciable amount flexural stresses, con- dition often encountered com- merce, particularly some bridges, railroad vehicles and nu- merous pieces industrial equip- ment. The amount which bends depends large extent upon the character its outer surfaces. smooth and regular, such obtained machine gas cutting, full bends can attained higher hardnesses than where the surfaces are irregular con- tour. The anvil bend test par- ticularly valuable evaluating the utility various grades cutting workmanship. The point workmanship cutting important, and observa- tions point smooth cutting for most economical and reliable re- sults. (To Continued) The Wisconsin Steel Works came into the hands the Interna- tional Harvester Co. 1902 when that company was or- that time the works consisted rolling mill, cut nail mill, and one old blast fur- nace, Since then the plant has been en- larged from 202 acres, fin- ished steel capacity has increased from 108,000 tons 1903 564,- 000 tons, pig iron production has been stepped from 200,000 tons tons, while open hearth capacity now 600,000 tons an- The plant now includes 132 coke ovens, three 600-ton blast fur- naces, modern pig-casting ma- chine, nine 100-ton basic open hearth furnaces, 21-in. billet mill, four merchant bar mills, one cold drawn mill, and new blooming mill. addition the company owns two ore freighters. Over the last months about $6,000,000 has been spent for modernization this plant, most which was devoted the build- ing the blooming mill mentioned above, the balance representing the construction 21-in. continuous billet mill, and the rehabilitation one the merchant mills. Modernization Wisconsin Steel ROBERT BINGHAM Western Editor, THE IRON AGE The extension the blooming mill department this time was planned some years ago when 10-in. reversing blooming mill was constructed, forming the first unit the now completed department. This mill was housed ing 325 ft. long with ft. span, while right angles this and one end, was located the soaking pit building which 425 ft. long with 75-ft. span. Directly out- side the pit building the stripper building containing two overhead stripper cranes for big-end-down molds and hydraulic ram-type stripper for big-end-up molds. Soaking Pits The pit building equipped with two charger cranes. this build- ing row six four-hole pit furnaces, each hole being ft. taking ingot. These pits, the regenerative type, are now heated mixed coke oven and blast furnace gas, auto- matic regulation the mixture and automatic maintenance pres- sures being obtained the use modern-type gas regulator. Prior using mixed gas for heating, these pits were heated with gas from five gas producers located adjacent building. reversal these pits obtained ro- tating-type valve installation. The ingots are delivered from the pits the table rolls means ingot buggy controlled from pulpit line with the mill table rolls. The 40-in. blooming mill two-high reversing mill driven 7000 hp. d.c. motor with speed variation from 120 3-unit M.G. set consisting two 3000-kw. generators and one 4000 hp. wound rotor induction motor, which takes 2300 volts. The bar handled the mill electrically driven manipulator mechanism. The rolls for this mill are in. long having bullhead pass and other passes 12, and in. The products rolled here prior the completion the new units, were billets from in. in. and slab billets and that time, the product leaving the mill was transferred 145- ft. rail and cable transfer the shear approach table and sheared electrically driven shear 160-sq. in. capacity. Following the shear was mov- able depressing tabie. the table moved back, the crops were dropped into chute and dis- charged chain conveyor. The conveyor car- ried the crops pans which were immersed quenching tank and thence cars. Inasmuch the THE IRON AGE, December 30, | ; x : | 3 ‘ | be AK < on | eee t products this mill were cut into lengths averaging ft. when they left the shear, they were removed billet conveyor and into stake cars. The average rolling capacity the mill that time was about 10,000 tons month, some addi- tional tonnage being rolled the 35-in. blooming mill that was built and now abandoned because the con- struction the newer units. New Bloomer and Continuous Mill order provide more suit- able billets for existing finishing mills, the construction addi- tional reversing bloomer and con- tinuous mill was begun. These units are housed 475-ft. addi- tion the main mill building, which now measures 800 ft. over- all, with cooling bed building 200 ft. alongside. The addition standard conventional design with the exception sloping skylights that are provided the monitor. This extension was completed and put into operation Septem- ber, 1937, the former capacity be- ing about doubled. Housed the 800-ft. main mill building the 40-in. bloomer, bloomer, billet and slab shear, two transfers, 6-stand continuous mill followed ing shear, finishing shear, and cooling beds. Following the 40-in. bloomer de- livery tables 58-ft. one-way cable transfer, and line with the mill new United up-and-down- cut shear driven 150-hp. a.c. motor. This shear has ¢a- pacity 180 sq. in. and equipped throughout roller bearings and has individual lubrication system. The blooms that come from the 40-in. mill are cropped pipe this shear and then are transferred the 58-ft. transfer the 32-in. mill approach tables. The crops drop directly into chute, into the skip buggy, from where they are dumped into cars. The mill tables are provided with roller bearings and are auto- matically lubricated modern grease pressure system. Two-High Reversing Unit The 32-in. mill two-high re- versing unit connected means gears and pinions with 4000 hp. 32—THE IRON AGE, December 30, front view rotary flying shear, operated connection with continuous motor. This motor driven 3-unit, M.G. set consisting two 2000-kw. generators and one 3000 hp. wound rotor induction mo- tor, taking 6600 volts. means the manipulator this mill possible turn the bar either side the mill since heads are located both sides. The speed this mill may vary from 165 The mill takes 72-in. roll, having bull- head pass, and other passes slab billets and slabs from in. wide. The screws are worm driven, and the mill equipped with phenolic resin-type bearing, the screws be- ing lubricated separately. The pinion stand has an_ individual lubricating system with tank and small electrically driven pump. HEARING bii lets that have been finished the in. blooming mill. Crop transfer table shown between shear and shear table. Lubrication the mill roller bear- ings and the manipulator roller bearings taken care the main grease system. From the 32-in. mill the bar delivered 150-ft. two-way cable the delivery tables down- cut shear that line with the crop shear and in. mill unit. The two transfers are connected means table that wide slabs and blooms may rolled the 10-in. mill and sent through the LEFT NGOT manipulator 40-in. blooming mill rolls, ished blooms background. crop shear the down-cut shear and then delivered cars. Down-Cut Shear The down-cut shear, driven 200 hp. a.c. motor, has capacity 180 sq. in. This shear pro- vided with hydraulic hold-down ram, individually pusher, and electrically operated screw gage. crop de- livery unit attached the end the depressing table immediately following the shear has been pro- vided, which built the endless- chain principle and delivers crops from this shear sideways chute, from the chute skip buggy, and from the skip buggy directly into cars. The table following the shear equipped with disappearing stop. Billets sheared lengths ft. less are stopped this point. and overhead, electrically driven push-off discharges the billets onto billet conveyor and thence into stake cars. Following the disap- pearing stop and push-off run- out table provided with hot-saw, where possible hot-saw bil- lets long ft. These billets may kicked off endless chain kick-off into 30-ft. cradle just beyond the hot- saw. They then are transferred from the cradle covered billet yard adjacent the mill build- ing means billet transfer car where the billets are slow- cooled, should that required, where they may loaded into standard-gage cars. The 150-ft. transfer double, and possible, therefore, roll blooms for the 21-in. continuous mill which line with the 32-in. mill either the 32-in. mills, thus providing greater flexibility. The Mill The 21-in. mill consists six roll stands and two edger stands. These stands are placed far apart available room would per- mit, the distances stands ranging from ft. Roll speeds the No. Stand, are from r.p.m. and in- crease with each successive stand until speeds from 140 r.p.m. are attained the last stand. Housings have been provided for both billets and wide flats, the billet stands being very rigid construction which will take roll THE IRON AGE, December 30, with body. Roller twist guides have been installed through- out the billet mill, and each stand separately driven, permitting independent control and regulation speed each. The first two stands are each driven 1500 hp. d.c. motors and the remaining four stands four 2000 hp. motors. These motors are driven M.G. set consisting two 3500-kw. generators and one 9970 hp. synchronous motor, which takes 6600 volts. The stands for both billets and bars have been equipped with phenolic resin-type bearings. top the stand. The rolls this mill are short, having only 24-in. roll body, and the mill designed deliver product 3/16 in. thickness and in. wide. Loop- ing between ‘the stands taken care automatic adjusting roller loopers. The six stands this continuous mill connected through the conventional-type spin- dle, modern and individually lubri- cated herringbone-type pinions and gear reduction sets the motors. The continuous mill preceded individually driven swing crop shear cropping blooms from the 40-in. blooming mill. The billet mill will produce bil- ruggedly designed make possible roll wide bars. Edging mill stands are placed front No. roll stand and between No. and No. drill stands. roll- ‘ing some the smaller-sized bil- lets, No. edger used enter the bloom No. stand the diagonal. Continuous Wide Bar Mill The wide-bar mill stands are extremely sturdy design without caps bottom adjusting screws. The top roll held against the screws spring hanger arrange- ment, and adjustment obtained IRON AGE, December 30, 1937 shear and followed elec- trically driven, rotary-type flying shear, designed give square cut billets and including in. ft. This shear driven two 100-hp. d.c. motors, synchronized electrically with the finishing stand, and controlled from the pulpit directly above it. The run-out tables from the fly- ing shear have variable speeds order that they may controlled and synchronized with the speed the shear itself. These run-out tables deliver the billets skew table just preceding two 30-ft. cooling beds which are ft. long and extend from the main mill building into the cooling bed build- ing. Between the beds up-and- down-cut billet shear, quite similar the crop shear, has been pro- vided order cut lengths shorter than ft. This shear driven 150-hp. a.c. motor and has capacity sq. in. from the cooling bed tables directly into pinch roll and bar piler. The bars are taken from the bar piler with remote-control, 15-ton, 37- ft.-span crane the cooling bed the cooling bed building. All newly installed tables are provided with roller bearings and are equipped with oil-filtering and grease-lubricating systems. the extension the main mill building 15-ton, high-speed crane, having roller bearings and individual lubricating system. The cooling bed building also pro- vided with 15-ton crane running parallel the cranes the main mill building. Pressure for Descaling Provision has been made for de- 1000 pressure system, which also used wash scale under the 32-in. mill and the con- tinuous mill. The system con- sists two 1500 G.P.M. pressure pumps running series making pressure for de- sealing and pressure for washing scale. The motors the continuous mill and 32-in. bloomer are housed separate motor rooms modern design with air-cleaning equip- ment. These motor rooms are both continuous runway connecting the two motor rooms. Between these two motor rooms scale pit for the newly constructed units. The 60-ton crane has auxiliary 10- ton hoist which used for loading from scale pit. The construction the addition also included some relocation and additions the roll shop this mill take care additional lathe equipment for turning rolls for the new units. The telautograph system, use for some years, throughout the newer part the mill, taneous communication between the clerks finishing end the mill = | i and the rollers and steel chargers. Upon the completion these new units greater range products has been made possible. and sheared the while billets ft. length may rolled and hot-sawed. The 21-in. continuous mill makes possible the rolling billets from in. sq., varying lengths this mill flats from 3/16 LOOR view continuous mill and rotary flying shear. width. This diversification size billets has permitted the rolling more suitable billets for the existing merchant mills order that they may meet the exacting requirements the trade mer- chant mill products. The capacity this new mill Motor room for the continuous mill. estimated 800 tons 8-hr. day. When additional demands are made this finishing equipment, likely that some increase ingot capacity will made, according George Rose, vice-president, International Co., charge Wisconsin Steel Works. Usually, approximately half the output this company sumed the parent organization, but recently this proportion has increased until probably per cent more going the Har- vester Co. THE IRON AGE, December 30, ik ° ° : Odd Jobs Handled Economically Materials Handling Methods and Equipment WHEN the operations mechanical materials handling methods and equipment are viewed from the basic standpoint the functions the methods and the types equipment available perform those functions, found that the functions boil down two, and the types equipment three. serve all the various operations lifting and both their simple forms and their more usual combinations, there are but these three funda- mental types equipment; hoists and cranes, conveyors, and mobile trucks. matter how compli- cated the method and complex the equipment may actually be; matter how scrambled the various elements any piece mechan- ical handling equipment may ap- around the industrial plant, an- alysis brings light only these two basic functions and these three classifications apparatus. Shifting, the transfer loads from point point horizontal veyor system along fixed line series fixed lines, and thus in- lateral shifting these limitations lateral move- ment, but limited the avail- ability clear aisle space the plant for truck movements; hoist and crane systems off the floor and out the limita- tions fixed conveyor lines, but have limitations their own, depending the effective area swing boom, the travel the crane trolley and bridge. Shift- ing the primary function both the conveyor and the mobi