The Iron Age 1938-05-05: Vol 141 Iss 18

ia, ast FRITZ FRANK President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor c. E.WRIGHT J. A. ROWAN A. 1. FINDLEY Managing Editor News Editor Editor Emeritus Machinery Editor Art Editor Metallurgical Editor Associate Editor-~ JURASCHEK Consulting Editor Washington Editor MOFFETT Resident District Editor- Pittshurgh Chicago Cleveland Detroit Editorial Correspondents London, England Cincinnati FRAZAR FIDRMUC Boston Hamburg, Germany Milwaukee San Prancisco Toronto, Ontario Birmingham ALLISON Roy EDMONDs Vewark, N. J St. Louis TURNEK Buffalo Owned and Published by CHILTON COMPANY (Incorporated) Publication Office Chestnut and 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. Editorial and Executive Offices 239 West 89th New York, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Cc. A. MUSSELMAN, President FRITZ J. FRANK, Executive Vice-President FREDERIC STEVENS. Vice-President JOSEPH HILDRETH, GEORGE H. GRIFFITHS, EVERIT B. TERHUNE, WILLIAM A. BARBER, Treasurer JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary JOHN H. VAN DEVENTER JULIAN CHASE THOMAS L. KANE CHARLES 8. BAUR G. CARROLL BUZBY P. M. FAHRENDORF BAUR, General Advertising DIX, Manager Reader Service Member, Audit Bureau Circulations Member, Associated Business Papers Indexed the Industrial Arts Index. fj 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, 25 cents. Cable Address. ‘“‘Ironage, N. Y."’ ADVERTISING Emerson Findley, 621 Union Bldg., Cleveland B. L. Herman, Chilton Bldg., Chestnut & 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicago H. E. Leonard, 239 W. 39th St.. New York Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit Cc. H. Ober, 239 W. 39th St.. New York W. B. Robinson, 428 Park Bidg., Pittsburgh D. C. Warren, P. 0. Box 81, Hertford, Conn MAY 1938 The Other Side the Moon Stainless Steel Pool 1937's Progress Electric Heat Treatment for the Modern Car The Case Study Method Analyzing Industrial Truck Operation Statistics the Working Industry Ten Years Automotive Industry Washington News THE NEWS BRIEF Plant Expansion and Equipment Buying Products Advertised Just Between Two Indexed Advertisers Copyright 1938 Chilton Company 100 125 154 A : | | 7 is, f- = AC mm, : vew : length Bethlehem Pipe leaves the mill until tested and proved absolutely sound. Hydraulic testing machines subject pressures from 700 2500 lbs. per sq. in., depending the size. This searches out any split, weak seam, pinhole PIPE WITH THE making certain that only perfect pipe gets final O.K. You can depend Bethlehem Pipe. Bethlehem Pipe scale-free, too—three separate operations assure that. And the clean, soft makes easy cut and thread. IRON AGE, May 1938 Fr A | ESTABLISHED 1855 THE IRON AGE ... MAY 1938 Vol. 141, No. The Other Side the Moon NTIL recently, resident Mother Earth had ever seen the other side the moon. For, you know, the moon keeps its other side privacy, exposing only one side the gaze man. the interests science and the advancement knowledge, and very secretly, THE IRON AGE recently dispatched investigator the moon rocket ship. arrived home safely last week, escaping the notice the newspapers and can the first reveal what discovered. Equipped with the necessary supply oxygen for breathing and with lead foot weights, our representative, after days arduous toil, climbing over the moon moun- tains and canals, made his way the other side. This found entirely different from what had been expected. The other side the moon was not dry and arid, our side but similar climate northern Arizona, although course with much more highly rarefied atmos- phere. And inhabited. The people who live the other side the moon are called Luna-tics, term derived from the Luna—the moon. These people are ruled elected dictator known the Chief Luna-tic. his task, aided coterie assistant Luna- tics, manage the system planned economy which the Luna-tics have adopted. The requirements the Luna-tics are much simpler than those Earth people. They secure nourishment chiefly from liquid known which rather sweet mix- ture compounded under government supervision and pumped all parts the country means complicated system pipe lines and reservoirs. the time our observer's visit, the Luna-tics were not doing well. Their appetites had failed perceptibly and they were not using the normal amount tiderc. result, the supplementary storage tanks throughout the land were full it. investigation our representative revealed that the Luna-tics were suffering from unbalanced diet, consisting too much and too little krow-ot-egru, which was the food that had made their ancestors thrive the days before planned economy. Yet strangely enough, visiting the capital Luna, found the Chief Luna-tic preparing speed the tiderc pumps and force billions gallons more through the system the hopes making the Luna-tics recover through forcible feeding. The moral this story may found, perhaps, spelling and backwards. A? hy: % aud 3 ay | i | | sure, 1937 was Janus- faced twelve months for all steel producers, but now the record shows that the diminutive stainless steel industry emerged from the year- end economic wreakage proportionally couple jumps ahead the mak- ers plain steel. Both, course, assot with boom psychology, went through that heady sellers’ market early the year, when only personal pull could spring loose delivery less than two months; and both were blasted that subsequent hurricane buyers madly dashed from mill offices. But stainless mills bucked the exodus the outset more successfully than plain steel producers, the result being the former wound 1937 with per cent more tonnage than the preced- ing year, whereas the latter, for all its mammoth new mills and bright pros- pects, ended little better than per cent over 1936. But, recession grim leveler, and both stainless and plain steel makers are today about the same boat—awash the gunnels— and seemingly only good stiff jolt Federal spending will salvage much 1938 for either. Scanned from the jejune market today, 1937’s per cent increase and new high level for stainless steel pro- duction most encouraging, being particularly informative when broken down into products and analyses, herein is. But, industry thrives not virtue production alone; so, set proper backdrop for last year’s significant statistics, this discourse will dissect the production data and ex- amine consumptive outlets, consider price shifts raw and finished prod- ucts, sketch few possible competitive developments, glance over patent rami- fications, list several additions the farrago stainless analyses, pick some odd-analysis cutlery tiny 28—THE IRON AGE, May 1938 LIPPERT Metallurgical Editor, The lron Age per cent production increase, sift some potent metallurgical developments, garnish with uneasy pat- ent situation, bake well the intense heat competition, and season with just pinch price was the recipe for stainless steel the year 1937. Olvera Street shop Los Angeles, jump England pour per cent copper-stainless heat, then Ger- popular chromium-manganese and, while that country, visit mathematician building and rebuilding cluster mill, finally return Watervliet, Y., consider clever gesture toward the mass consumption markets. This complex agglomerate related events most pertinent the stainless steel industry today and tomorrow; and, dealing with the events seriatim, the following para- graphs will first review Iron ninth annual production survey, the only production record this type available the trade. Reactions requests for detailed breakdowns 1937 stainless produc- tion figures exemplified sensitiveness this industry which not long out its swaddling clout. One large producer, which had sent carefully correlated data all pre- vious years, declined the current survey. the other hand, two smaller shipment figures for 1937 vious years, although never before had information been released. Other mills, both primary and secondary, sent their data and adequate correction made for inter-company shipments ingots, slabs, wire rods, etc. Thus, with proper weighting the one absentee’s previous records, the ac- formation tabulated Tables and plus minus comparatively few glance Table shows 1937 stainless ingot output 126,842 net tons, per cent increase over Table lists the conversion these ingots into 75,851 tons finished steel, perhaps not particularly impressive figure unless expressed value of, say, $60,000,000. What this sizable aggregate $60,000,000 gross fig- ure might net the balance sheet course problematical, but the sistent hazards typical stainless manufacture, together with two-fisted competitive business over the latter half would indicate profits thin more than one plant. most significant 1937 development marketwise was the demise Chemi- cal Foundation’s last basic patent (No. | f ° ° ° ae 4 4 ten 5 4 4 ~ a THE IRON AGE, May BES Ingots: and per cent Ni. per cent Cr.. per cent Cr... All others (Cr and Not allocated Total and per cent Ni... and per cent Ni............. per cent Cr..... All others (Cr and Cr-Ni)**........... 1929 21,074 14,552 10,127 2.950 187 48,890 310 156 3,326 1,392 5,202 TABLE Production Analyses Groups* Corrosion and Heat-Resisting Ingots and Castings the United States (1929-1937) (Net Tons) 1930 1931 1932 1933 32,867 14,740 9,209 19,620 . 8,821 5,397 4,900 7,401 7.995 7,483 6.751 4,969 4.792 3.438 $,312 5,262 474 622 660 54,949 31,680 24,8382 37,252 271 225 384 352 15 29 23 36 96 192 237 225 2,930 2,264 1,257 2,126 1,009 $11 285 54 4,321 2,186 2,793 59,270 34,901 27,018 40,045 GRAND TOTAL (ingots and castings) 54,092 1936 1987 24,818 30,114 45,800 55,011 5,530 6,423 9,470 15,220 25,430 30,186 8,787 14,101 21,478 28,500 1,606 1,022 1,615 8,882 2,900 51,907 102,160 126,842 387 446 874 1,165 760 1,280 1,430 118 164 288 208 186 262 3,036 201 4,071 5,901 7,999 55,781 75,652 108,061 134,841 *Analyses groups are approximate; several classifications each element may vary much per cent from the range shown. the case castings sizable percentage the tonnage any the straight-chromium classifications may contain from several per cent nickel. **This contains many analyses groups, but far the three most prominent are the important heat-resisting analysis 33-36 and 15-17 Cr; the popular analyses the range 60+ and 10-17 Cr; and the slightly less important analysis group 36-40 and 18-20 Cr. 1937 these three groups accounted for approximately 950, 500 and 230 tons respectively. 1,339,378), and this not because royalty 0.675c. ib. was lifted from the producers’ cost sheet, but rather because the Foundation necessarily re- linquished its role policeman and price mentor. Flushed with optimism early last year the industry didn’t even miss the absent price umbrella, and quotations, albeit funambulatory, ac- tually were pushed almost lc. per (plain steel advanced 0.275c.) offset soaring rates for the dispropor- tionate man-hours involved stainless manufacture. And, thanks stability the two basic alloying ele- ments nickel and chromium even sharper price flutters were avoided. Nickel remains 30c. 32c. per (depending amount purchased), just has for several years, and low-carbon ferrochromium 19.50c. per during 1937, even though the less important (for the stainless maker) chrome climbed per Ib. reflec- tion chrome ore advances about during the twelve months. But there still talk low-car- bon ferrochromium advance, which course would bear immediately the stainless producer who might find difficult pass along the consumer. Thus, more detailed consideration the ore-ferrochrome relationship seems advisable. The rise ore prices resulted primarily advancing ocean freight rates, which reached their peak last September, but 30—THE IRON AGE, May 1938 have subsequently spiralled down per cent. The latter decline, however, does neither the ferroalloy producer nor the stainless steel maker much good; for, during last year’s mad world-wide raw hysteria, chrome ore commitment after ment was rushed through the ris- ing market, the result being aston- ishing import figure 550,000 tons during 1937, with cargoes still coming old orders and nobody quite knowing what the devil with all. doesn’t take much pencil work conclude that 1937 sizable lump chrome ore was added the usual three-year supply piled this coun- position for strategic material, but, unfortunately, most the year’s ar- rivals carried books near peak prices. Ferroalloy producers with the temptation average out this high investment storage chromium quotations, but seems that current business stagnation would discourage such action. Also, the knowledge that shrinking markets usually follows such price rise has served delay definite action. Another Patent Such attention this price back- ground realistic recognition constant consumer pressure duced quotations, which turn would drop costs existing stainless con- sumer products and facilitate further invasion into plain steel, electroplate and non-ferrous markets. Granted un- changed nickel and chromium costs, the only factors which could drag down stainless quotations would even more drastic competition im- proved production versely shifts the basic patent situa- tion could possibly lift prices nar- row the producers’ profit margin. Additional domestic competition the moment unlikely. Several large steel companies, such National and Bethlehem, have toyed with the idea. But Bethlehem last year surveyed the stainless sorbed all the woe established pro- ducers, and concluded the end that available tonnage outlets were now spread unattractively thin. And such various other large steel companies not now engaged stainless manufacture. Regarding production every stainless producer ingly trying reduce the wide price spead between ingot and finished steel. little progress has been made re- ducing scrap losses, and one company perfecting finishing procedure em- ploying grit emulsion and adapta- tion paper polishing machine, the result being that cent has been lopped off the finished steel cast. But, the whole, per cent the less ingot still immediately sacrificed as : he is: ro 1S ro pa sil ste an in an ro shi Sp co mi YS unsound metal, and almost per cent what’s left goes the scrap heap during subsequent rolling and finishing operations. patents, there are over 900 live issues scattered throughout dustry, most them having such nar- row application that market influence nil. The only basic patent group widespread importance now extant held Krupp-Nirosta, and draw royalties from, say, per cent the total stainless tonnage. These Krupp patents are made interlocking group three issues 1,617,334; 1,420,708; and 1,513,793) covering silicon additions chromium-nickel steels (for resistance against scaling), and expire variously from 1939 1944. Another patent (No. 1,587,614) covers molybdenum additions im- prove corrosion resistance, and expires 1943. And two other patents 1,538,360 and 1,538,337) tanium additions chromium-nickel analyses preventative against in- tergranular corrosion, these two expir- ing other basic patents are the hands Electro- Metallurgical Corp., but little royalty collection attempted. Aside from these very live issues, constant shifting under way behind the scenes force through other issues wide- spread influence. For the past several years, Krupp has attempted secure coverage low-carbon (0.07) chro- mium-nickel grades, which, though stainless markets superimposed upon post-depression recovery accounts for the sharp regular climb this production graph, which condensed collocation the tabulated ingot data the opposite page. welded, would require stabilization claim was pretty well killed off during the year the Commissioner Patents. Currently, however, action underway achieve the same end different direction, and, also, there are now several interference suits kick- ing about the courts patents minor coverage. Several fairly attractive patent ap- plications other phases the stainless industry are now filed Washington, and, allowed, these may sufficiently powerful have juris- diction over considerable tonnage metal. And always possible, course, that the Chemical Foundation might find possible convert some its extensive research into new patent, having basic coverage, ac- cumulate group selected existing issues, thus again gathering itself some semblance control over siz- able portion the industry’s tonnage. Any these patent possibilities, how- ever, the moment seem unlikely influence the market any extent pricewise. Analyses Modifications amount dissection the 1937 production develops any significant trend over past years consumption various products and analyses. obvious that the past decade’s upward trend output, shown Table reflects growing nnual tons All Other Analyses recognition the fact that stainless steel endowed with unique com- bination properties—strength, rust- lessness, beauty and permanence—and shows that fabricators are finding that this metal can successfully adapted meet certain inroads competitive metals and readily match the rapidly shifting and stringent de- mands progressive design engineers. But keep the fore, the stainless metal today far more complex than the metal five years ago. Modifica- tions standard analysis groups are increasingly common—a little molyb- denum, higher manganese, some co- lumbium, more less carbon sili- con, small additions sulphur selenium, minor variations copper, even major shifts the chromium- nickel proportions—all more com- pletely match the metal with special applications and methods fabrica- tion. Unfortunately, simplicity prevents the analyses break- down Tables and from showing these modifications, although they all are included either the “all other” analysis group, the appropriate Cr-Ni classification the modi- fication not too drastic. austenitic Cr-8 grade still the most popular all analyses, de- mands being mostly for sheets and strip. This non-hardenable type readily fabricated into almost any com- modity, and particularly resistant THE IRON AGE, May 130,000 120,000 60,000 | )- corrosion, even being practically mune drastic salt water der wet-and-dry conditions. fully softened condition (necessary for maximum corrosion resistance), the analysis used for over half all new store front construction, during the year over $1,000,000 worth went dye vats and other textile applica- tions, and food equipment accounted for several amount. the work hardened condi- tion, with tensile strength around 150,000 Ib. per sq. in., the same type goes extensively into the new streamlined trains, the major user for this purpose taking over 2500 tons 1937, mostly strip. good proportion the 6211 tons per cent chromium classification cutlery stock, and much the sheet, tube and bar grades into furniture, architectural work, etc., any other application where severe corrosion not bogy. Low carbon analyses chromium are more corrosion resistant, and most the 5100 tons strip shown Table finds outlet autobody trim and molding. alone used slightly over 2000 tons 12-14 and 16-18 strip stock 1937; another large auto maker consumed 1450 tons the grade for decorative parts and 295 tons structural and accessory parts analysis near per cent Cr. the moment auto companies are dither regarding stainless application for models, and are not quite de- “skin down cut costs.” there every reason believe that more stainless will used the coming year, Oldsmobile seriously considering casting license frame and light, General Mo- tors may use stainless trim along the lower body line, and Chevrolet con- sidering the adoption stainless hub cap shell. The bulk the 18,908 tons bar stock shown Table all analyses dosed with sulphur selenium for free machining, although the 581 tons bars listed under the “all other” analysis for the most part chro- mium-silicon valve steels the 8/3 type (with some variations during the year), this same analyses appearing “all other” the sheet, plate and tube product classifications, and being used for purposes involving heat re- sistance temperatures about 1660 deg. Strip the “all other” analysis group also include turbine blade stock the types generally favored for this being 32—THE IRON AGE, May 1938 per cent chromium, 18/8 chromium- nickel, usually with special additions, and 35-12 nickel-chromium also with small additions other elements. This latter analysis has extreme service life but suffers from being manipulate and machine being comparatively very expensive. The usefulness molybdenum alloying element plain steel has been exemplified many directions, and during the year the continued accept- ance this addition chromium- nickel stainless steels was very ap- parent, slight drops the chromium and nickel content. Suitable moly addi- tions greatly improve resistance or- ganic and mineral acid attack and other special reagents. also has value maintaining the hardness the martensitic stainless steels re- heating. Also, increasingly popular manganese moly-bearing plain chromium-nickel analyses, improve hot working (such piercing) and give tougher weld. The Navy’s new specifications permit such manga- nese addition. Castings Per Cent Like the makers rolled stainless steel; founders had comparatively satisfactory twelve months 1937. comparatively does not mean beer and skittles, even though probable gross about $10,000,000 taken the industry. The casting vision the stainless industry still plagued excess capacity, high scrap losses (although determined research reducing this percentage), and periodic market turmoil jobbing foundries blindly jump and out stainless production shoe- string. Prices generally advanced few cents per pound during the year, but were hard pushed offset in- creased labor and production costs. gathering 1937 production figures castings, the writer was fortunate this year having the cooperation the Alloy Casting Association, Inc., and more complete data from several the larger producers. The result that the 1937 production total 7999 tons and the analyses breakdown for castings shown Table are un- doubtedly accurate within several per cent. The 7999 tons castings poured represents 35.5 per cent advance over 1936 output, and establishes new production level. castings, rolled steel, the more common analyses being modified each year for special ap- plications. analyses rather than the corrosion resistant analyses prominent rolled stainless, although course the heat resisting steels, generally speak- ing, have stainless characteristics, The 1165 tons 18/8 chromium-nickel castings for 1937 (Table went mostly into stainless applications, such pump casings, impellers, valves, conveyor sections, and for heat re- tween 800 deg. and 1500 deg. for this latter service sionally modified. However, the bulk castings out- put (1430 tons 1937) remains the 25/12 chromium-nickel range, be- ing used for baffle plates, superheater slings, supports and other uses where metal exposed furnace gases very high temperatures. great strength and very high scale resistance wanted, little tungsten may added this analysis, and where imperative have metal working temperatures high 2100 deg. with substantial strength, necessary into the really com- plex nickel-chromium steels shown the “all other” analysis classification chromium range (108 tons 1937) resist scaling 1470 deg. and are immune from deterioration sulphur-bearing gases. the chro- mium increased 18-19 per cent (332 tons 1937) the limiting tem- perature raised about 1500 deg. F., and raised per cent (the 18-30 group with 1937 output 262 tons), the steel can used con- tinuously temperatures 2100 deg. F., although, because they are ferritic, the high-chromium steels are comparatively weak temperature. Exports Bulge Industrial heat-resisting applications 1937 accounted for most the castings produced, although chemical and textile equipment took sizable tonnage. For the automotive, food, beverage, chemical, textile, railroad and airplane indus- tries consumed, say, per cent the output. both castings steel, however, miscellaneous outlets are increasingly important, now taking per cent total production. Another and rather unexpected outlet 1937 was export, outlet which never before had accounted for much tonnage and one which already has petered out other countries catch armament demands. The year’s stain- less exports were follows: Wwe Ple two met abl adn com flec feel app 193; com pret effe Sh St ‘ Ca = t af 7 7 | Fo! — Ingots, blooms, ete. fication, usually slight character, acceptance would increase the con- 1,751 tons the market has been particularly free mium (which necessary manu- 668tons drastically different and new anal- facture), and International Nickel Co. Castings 940 tons yses, the only two recent developments when pressed will point out certain such caliber being foreign origin undesirable characteristics. and only hesitatingly gaining foot- Total 4,759 tons hold here. Both these new steels— manganese for nickel, with chromium Most this 4,759 tons exports was split between Japan and Russia, chromium-manganese and chromium- stainless unchanged, now quite popular copper Europe for knives, forks, platters, QQ TABLE Product and Analyses Breakdown for 1935, 1936 and 1937 Production Finished Corrosion and Heat-Resisting Alloy Steels (Net Tons) Analysis Groups, Per Cent Composition* All Type Finished Steel 14Cr 30Cr orCr-Ni) Analyses 1935 6,486 412 1,480 3,253 373 12,060 1936 9,212 943 3,521 3,508 154 269 17,607 1937 12,652 1,586 3,284 4,562 213 1,223 23,520 1935 2,279 681 3,340 1,918 121 573 8,912 Bars and heavy rods ............. 1936 4,981 415 4,114 3,552 943 14,080 1937 7,372 1,010 6,361 3,463 121 581 18,908 1935 5,504 736 1,312 1,504 316 1,175 10,547 1937 8,611 236 6,211 5,100 352 20,643 1935 592 114 312 252 328 210 1,808 1937 1,016 407 394 383 1,518 3,752 1935 1,203 586 101 126 2,053 1,156 325 420 108 228 2,325 1935 1,982 102 368 301 473 3,230 Wire and light 1936 713 201 1,616 885 230 3,731 1937 1,241 205 908 880 114 514 3,862 1935 553 122 773 576 226 2,270 1937 735 115 862 778 128 223 2,841 1935 18,599 2,193 8,171 7,905 856 3,156 40,880 Total (by analysis)............ 1936 28,075 2,763 14,985 11,665 574 2,110 60,172 1937 32,783 3,571 18,453 15,285 1,120 4,639 75,851 GRAND TOTAL, all finished steels, all analyses—for 1935 40,880 net tons. 1936 60,172 net tons. —for 1937 75,851 net tons. *Analysis groups are approximate; several classifications each element may vary much per cent from the range shown. two countries which lag viously been described varying de- chafing dishes, etc., the material being metallurgy and were, during 1937, un- tail Iron but the receipt readily recognizable because its able secure regular supplies from further data and the possibility silver-like luster, quality particu- England and Germany. growing acceptance here makes addi- larly advantageous when compared American stainless producers readily tional mention worth while. with ordinary stainless harder, more admit Russian shipments, they are Stainless steels the chromium- brittle color. austenitic steel curiously reticent regarding Nippon’s manganese base have long been equal chromium-manganese content commitments, this being probably re- Europe’s laboratories, but the alloy now popular Austria for deep draw- flection widespread anti-Japanese first had prominent market debut ing into food handling and feeling here. The 1937 export bulge Germany year ago, the object high manganese steel (25 per not quite closed book, however, being minimize avoid the use cent) combination with about per Russia now wants return nickel which Germany neither has cent chromium carbon) appreciable tonnage purchased late any nor wants use foreign exchange application for highly 1937, reason unknown, and such action secure. Little any this steel non-magnetic applications, coming time when the market has appeared this country, although the material being conspicuous pretty inactive can have depressing any maker would probably turn out its per cent ratio 0.2 per effect. the alloy order. cent elastic limit That standard analyses the past lurgical Corp. sings its praises (of are undergoing constant modi- which there are number), because Austenitic chromium manganese THE IRON AGE, May 1938—33 AAT : x ing | | | | 3 steels (max. per cent Cr) show fair resistance weak acids and salts, withstands sulphurous gases tem- peratures under 1660 deg. markably well and have demonstrated extremely high creep resistance the same temperature range. These char- acteristics have resulted consider- able application for furnace construc- tion. Probably the most forceful talking point for the chromium-manganese cutlery grades its pleasing silver color, although color very similar has been obtained with comparatively high nickel grades, such Cohr Rustfri type (Denmark) cutlery which the writer for the first time encountered recently small im- porting shop the Spanish quarter Los Angeles. the laboratory this stainless analyzed 0.09 carbon, 0.28 manganese, 13.16 chromium, 12.56 nickel and 0.06 copper, the struc- ture being typically austenitic with excessive carbides. The color this steel was very pleasing, and seeming- the material would find market here, for table ware particu- larly. Whereas the chromium-manganese analyses and the high nickel cutlery type above indubitably are inherently special steels for specialized applica- tions, proponents the unconven- tional alloying arrant copper (high percentages) with chromium the total exclusion nickel claim extreme flexibility with consequent widespread strengths are desired the air-harden- ing varieties will the datum, and deep-drawing and hardening cold rolling are desired the non-air-hardening analyses are recommended the developers. Semi- commercial manufacture the 18/8 chromium-copper stainless steels still confined England, although there this country some rather exten- sive experimentation with both high and low-copper types. Existing stainless analyses course are strongly entrenched with both pro- ducer and consumer, but seemingly the test results chromium-copper steels (Digby’s Cypritic types) are dra- matic that instead eschewing such sizable copper additions the producer may inevitably encourage them. Em- phasizing first the supposedly low cost factors arising from the substitution inexpensive copper content and, sec- ond, the ease fabrication and roll- ing, advocates this alloy insist that heat treatment and rolling varia- tions, the metal’s physical properties can shifted over the very wide range now serviced numerous 34—THE IRON AGE, May 1938 straight-chromium nickel specialized analyses. The metal drawn into wire almost fatigue- free, and this point Dr. Haigh (of England) has said, “it most important point, that the metal not merely ‘better’ respect that re- sists longer, but actually ‘different’ respect that promises resist indefinitely.” The metal has chining characteristics, which should make popular with fabricators, who bewail the run-up costs and the troubles with regular stainless grades because hardening, even sometimes those grades containing sulphur selenium. Also, there practically complete absence weld decay these steels, and the metal can per- forated with ease either the an- nealed tempered state, one English fabricator punchings reporting tendency for the remaining metal adhere and pull away with the punch, often the case with other stainless analyses. All these qualities are admirable qualities, and, even with some dis- advantages, there good reason believe that additional development will eventually bring the chromium- copper (either both high and low Cu) steels firmly into the consum- ing market, partially competition with existing grades and particularly special consumption areas pres- ent entirely neglected covered existing forms. New Outlets All the analyses modifications and halting excursions into entirely new analyses fields give promise healthy future for stainless. But the future will also depend constantly widening consumer acceptance, for only such expansion can the sharp upward production trend shown the statistics herein maintained. Profit- able tapping two additional sizable home consumption—is the author apodictic, and, what’s more, for the near future. Some stainless has long gone into airplane fuselages, tremendous quanti- ties chromium-molybdenum tubing (SAE X-4130, but not stainless) welded for the plane’s skeleton. Dur- ing the past year there has been de- cided tendency substitute stainless cabin fixtures for the more common cadmium plated SAE (2500) steels, and the use the 18-8 grade for ex- haust gas collector rings, firewalls, etc., for all those parts where extreme corrosion resistance necessary, regular practice. But the stainless producer wants cover wing and fuselage with his metal, and such outlet could con- ceivably run into very attractive ton- nage and far more attractive prices. Aluminum alloys currently domain, but strength-weight with stainless are every bit satisfac- tory (better for very large structures, according Pan-American), and with perfection advanced fabrication and welding technique maker fully intends secure good share this tonnage. The Navy department has long held out tentative but sizable orders those stainless makers who would sup- ply them with sheets more than 100,000 per sq. in. tensile strength, in. more width and, unfor- tunately, 0.005 in. thick. These are tough specifications, specifications that stainless maker has seen fit com- mercially fulfill, even though such material has been turned out small lots. Several companies are devoting considerable energy and more money rolling such material, and one firm currently working couple high- powered mathematicians Germany frazzle perfect cluster mill the job, job that trial runs the mill indicate will eventually done high speed, excellent gage uni- formity, reasonable cost, and with con- siderable dependability. And while several companies are working out more determined assault the highly attractive aircraft in- dustry, another company Ludlum Steel Co. Watervliet, Y.—has perfected its Ludlite make stainless available that sizable potential mar- ket, the average stainless permanently combined with non-metallic backing, all available plain decorated sheets, tile, shingles, etc., gives the home builder and home owner long-lived, beautiful, comparatively inexpensive, easily fabricated and simply applied metal which can have multitude appli- cations all types building con- struction and decoration. The develop- ment has occasioned tremendous in- terest, interest from the great group people who will consume the prod- uct, and both Ludlum looks stain- less this form bridge the hereto- fore wide gap between the producer, who has lot stainless dispose of, and the everyday individually un- impressive consumer, who knows and wants the metal, gap which when fully bridged can account for impres- sive quantities stainless. “ju wa - cor fal tim ass hea opt fro ope con out leac Stee the que: part Was the nace ool 1937's Progress hearth technicians gathered Buffalo for the fifth American Institute Mining and Metallurgical Engineers open hearth conference, 1930 Buffalo was host 123 men their eleventh conference, and two weeks ago Buf- falo again was host, there being this time record attendance 370 men assembled for the twenty-first open hearth conference the optimistic year 1938. Traveling from all over the country, from plants operating red-ink rates, those at- tending were well conditioned throw their 1937 experiences into common pool, and from that pool fish out grains information possibly leading the production better steel, quicker steel, and steel. lot went both and out the pool, many problem was worried frazzle, and more than one moot question had satisfied with partial answer. And all was another breezy gathering typical this unique group open hearth technicians, and, somewhat the same extent, typical the men attending the Blast Fur- nace Committee meeting, who were assembled for the second time separate and simultaneous sessions with their open hearth brethren. Following few introductory re- general chairman the meeting, the initial session Wednesday morning, April 20, was turned over Ramsey, Wisconsin Steel Co. First item for discussion was the use CO, bombs for breaking Such Cardox bomb, made Mining Co., 307 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, essentially heavy steel tube in. diameter and ft. long, sealed one end threaded cap which contains the firing mechanism, and the other end there soft steel disk held place threaded discharge cap. This cap has four angle port holes through which the carbon dioxide gas released when the steel shearing disk ruptured. chemical heating element inserted the when assembled, and this element set off when the car- electric current. This heating element burns, converts the liquid carbon dioxide the gaseous form almost in- stantly, and causes the shearing disk rupture, the shell proper being stronger than the disk. The release pressure determined the thick- ness the shearing disk, and can made vary from 6000 20,000 per sq. in. describing his experiences with CO, bombs, Mr. FonDersmith, Armco, pointed out that the equipment had been used two Armco’s shops, and both places the conclu- sions arrived were similar, that being that the main advantage lies the saving furnace production time, which particularly advantageous when melting schedules are tight. With crane facilities Armco’s No. shop lift deposits out one two chunks, became necessary THE IRON AGE, May n- in ul, tal in- in- hen shatter the slag into lumps. This done with CO, bomb with per cent man-hour saving, but against this labor saving $145 per furnace there must balanced the cost ten Cardox shots $10 shot, the result being net labor saving per rebuild $45. No. shop has crane facilities capa- ble lifting deposits out sometimes single chunk, and Cardox usage saves rebuild time from hr. Because these crane facilities only one Cardox shot made per pocket, the idea being shoot from the pit side with single shot (hole in.). This single shot shatters the pit half the pocket, cleaving off rather cleanly row four 7-ft. holes which are put from the end the pocket and half way back. Thus after the shattered half cleared away becomes easy matter turn the unshattered half around the pocket, getting out one piece. has been Armco’s experience that Cardox offers tool merit where used discriminately, that is, where the demand for tonnage makes speed rebuild essential; but under condi- tions low operation, Cardox’s value far less important. Inland the CO, experience paral- leled that Armco. question was asked the use dynamite rather than CO, bombs, but one user stated that dynamite has resulted prema- ture explosions hot slag. Cardox, the other hand, not influenced insertion red hot hole, although water run into such holes both dur- ing and after drilling. Also dyna- mite explosion carries throughout the pocket, whereas the Co, explosion more localized, but even often loosens few bricks the division wall. However, false wall can employed take care the shock. New From slag pockets, the conference’s discussion shifted furnace bottoms, with considerable interest centering the best kind magnesite use for furnace bottom repairs. Being Canadian, Mr. McKune, Steel Co. Canada, stressed his preference for Canadian magnesite, whereas Mr. Bower, Republic, be- ing American, preferred domestic grades. Without patriotism, the dis- cussion averaged out pretty much the effect that all the magnesites were fairly similar, although Mr. Buchanan Armco stressed that the Austrian grade was often inclined non- uniform analysis shipments were 36—THE IRON AGE, May 1938 from many different mines. ran tests Austrian and Wash- ington grades but could arrive definite conclusions regarding possible differences, whereas Mr. Devaney, expressed ence for quick setting Canadian mate- rial where speed was essential, and also mentioned that Thomasite has certain definite advantages. rela- tive speed repair, Mr. Berner, Inland, stated that for one major re- pair job was found that Canadian magnesite could laid the rate 922 per hr. whereas the Wash- ington grade went 736 per hr. Mention seawater magnesite dis- closed that few open hearth men had yet encountered this product, which less than year old and sold California Chemical Co., Chrysler Building, New York, price equal that the mined mate- rial. This material not natural magnesite, but originates magnesia bearing brines, which source has al- ready been use Europe and this country for the production magnesia metal and magnesia deriva- tives, Magnesia containing brines were found available California from producers San Francisco and San Diego Bays, employing solar evapora- tion sea water for salt recovery. After the salt has been extracted the resultant mother liquor “salt water bittern” remains. This pumped the bromine plant for bromine extrac- tion, the discard bittern then being forwarded the magnesia plant for extraction these values. this high purity material, necessary addi- tives are accurately blended before burning, and the perfect control over the quantity and analysis these additives which makes the final pre- cipitated deadburn all times uni- form, compared with mined mate- rial which varies considerably. the first tests, precipitated dead- burn was employed having the chemi- cal composition mined material, and while service results the former compared favorably with the latter, has been decided make certain changes the composition the deadburn (sea-water) are superiority. Several mills which have employed this magnesia experimentally reported very favorably regarding its performance. Chrome Hearth Bottom During the period the conference devoted improvements installing furnace bottoms, Mr. Franz, Alan Wood, presented compilation data the building and No. furnace (110 ton) bottom, and also study bottom tempera- ture gradient. The bottom material was for the most part products Lavino Co. The sub-hearth consisted level- ing layer grade A-3 chrome ore, two flat courses chrome brick, one soldier course chrome brick, and in. Plastic K-N. All brick this bottom were bonded and definite joints allowed for expansion. Following con- struction the sub-hearth, wood fire was started the Plastic K-N, coke gas was admitted the furnace hr. later, and oil after another hr. During construction, three thermo- couples were placed the bottom this furnace, couple No. extending through the soldier course chrome brick the bottom surface the Plastic K-N; couple No. extending through the two flat courses the chrome brick the bottom the soldier course. Couple No. was the inside surface the pan. The magnesite working hearth was begun with shot 3000 Ib. finely ground magnesite without slag addi-: tion, followed 4-hr. intervals with the Alan Wood’s usual practice 1500 Ib. grain magnesite and 375 ground basic open hearth slag. The SiO, content the bottom, chemical analysis, during stages bottom making ranged from per cent. that the silica content might lowered, high silica bearing slag (16 per cent), which was magnesite, was discontinued and Cordol (double burned dolomite) the ratio was substituted dur- ing the last four days bottom mak- ing. Final SiO, analysis, after slag wash, was 9.7 per cent. The materials used for bottom making were the proportion 71.9 per cent magnesite, 15.9 per cent slag, and 12.2 per cent Cordol. shown the graph Fig. after the magnesite bottom built up, the temperatures the hearth decreased slowly, and, immediately upon charging the first heat, the temperature No. couple location dropped rapidly, trailing off fairly constant reading, except when jiggers hot metal were added and, this time, temperatures both No. and No. couple locations increased deg. deg. Temperatures No. couple location settled back flatter curve more rapidly than did No. couple location, which stayed the Temperature, deg. flui pen cate flu the scr 2 iL for: the cluc nes} higher temperature from hr. After the fourth heat very little fluctuation was noted the tempera- tures the different couple locations any time. With the experience making this bottom hand, the Lavino engineers and Mr. Franz were inclined agree with the opinions other observers; that, iron oxide, running down off the scrap and through the lime, forms 2400 the use new material, Olivine, for this purpose, and the generally favor- able consideration given the material naturally excited numerous questions the part others interested this vital problem, most whom far have had contact with Olivine. Wheeling Steel’s representative stated his company had used Olivine and was satisfied, and another user mentioned that his company found furnace. The silica bulkhead was repaired 110 heats and replaced 185 heats. The Olivine still 231 heats, although has been neces- sary replace the chrome brick the top the bulkhead 205 heats. The Olivine bulkhead was reported have cost $96, against $92 for the silica bulkhead. view the good reports the use Olivine and the interest dis- 3200 3000 Surface temperatures optical pyrometer with flame off COMPLETED 2200 No. Thermocouple Thermocouple Chrome 1600 1200 | | July 1937 fluid ferrite, which could penetrate down between the grains magnesite, reacting with the slag sili- cates already present, form solid orthosilicate, the iron oxide the same time diffusing through the mag- nesite. The films orthosilicate thus formed among the magnesite grains would cut down the conductivity the bottom considerably. The total cost the bottom, ex- cluding brick work, was $7,825.38, the fuel cost per inch being $88.76 for the Plastic K-N and $198.60 for the mag- and the fuel plus labor cost per inch being $113.67 for Plastic K-N and $242.43 for the magnesite. Olivine Popular While dealing with various furnace features, several men mentioned ermocouple | | August 1937 varied Alan Wood's new furnace (110 ton) bottom, during both bot- tom making and subsequent steel making. that Olivine showed big saving maintenance, there being comparative- less gouging the back wall Olivine has use other than just for repair; for FonDersmith reported that his com- pany has front bulkhead built the rough material just mined. This bulkhead was put one end and silica bulkhead the other end played the material, there justifi- cation for reporting these additional details regarding the material. Olivine (name comes from color) trans- lucent mineral usually occurring granular aggregate; silicate iron and magnesium 2(Mg,Fe) O,SiO,, and found nature solid solution fosterite and fayalite Olivine found large quantities western North Carolina, the mate- rial from this particular section being superior Olivine found other parts the country, according the Bureau Standards. The softening point Cone No. plus, over 3245 deg. The total linear thermal expansion the natural mineral 1.082, being somewhat lower than THE IRON AGE, May 1938—37 | | | | 7 | | > 1Q magnesite this respect, the specific gravity 3.255, and the shrinkage the rock when heated 2550 deg. 3.3 per cent. Olivine has been used commercially basic open hearths for some time and the largest share the material has been used build the semi-slop- ing type back wall. Here the rough rock set finely ground chrome porous and subject attack iron oxide. When chrome ore used mortar the low fusing elements combine with the chrome ore form black glass which presents solid non-porous face, which offers little foothold for iron oxide and other dis- integrating agents. Olivine always used the rough rock form. Where necessary 2—Not only can welded lighter than riveted jobs, but the design may quite radical, this large almost square Lukens ladle. ore mortar, the wall usually being started below the slag line and carried point about six inches from the roof. Two courses chrome brick are laid top the wall avoid di- rect contact between Olivine and silica one basic and the other acid. always necessary separate Olivine from silica and clay bricks places where the heat approaches 3000 deg. this being done using chrome brick chrome ore. When the temperature increased new Olivine wall the fayalite and such serpentine the rock may con- tain tend fuse out leaving behind the fosterite (magnesium silicate). When Olivine used alone the shell left after the fusion these materials 38—THE IRON AGE, 1938 build straight wall with slope customary add small percentage water glass impart little cold are being conducted the use Olivine with chrome taphole mixture, the hope that might replace the more expensive magnesite now general use. Also, runners are being built make semi-permanent carrier for the steel from the furnace the ladle. This work still experimental, but linings Olivine and chrome have had life heats without repairs addi- tions any new material. Lump Olivine has been used re- pair gas uptakes, and, mixed with magnesite, has also been emploved burn bottom. The material costs net ton, the mine. Welded Ladles During the discussion welded construction the open hearth, Mr, Lindemuth, William Pollock Co., gave brief description the history welded ladles, listed the size and shape such ladles now ser- vice, and sketched out the various variables ladle construction. Currently, there are 180 welded ladles scattered different shops, the total welded ladle capacity being 22,020 tons, the average capacity be- ing 122 tons, maximum being 165 tons, and minimum being tons. Max- imum ratio height width 1.27, minimum 0.85, and average 1.15, the installations are elliptical ladles. reason for this that the welded ladles into plants where the size needs increased, whereas the height limited vari- ous clearances, and the diameter across trunnions has kept the same order fit existing crane hooks and ladle stands. Thus, the only way secure increased size increase the other diameter, the result being elliptical shape. Otherwise there reason for the shape. welding, difficult arrive any figure because wei