The Iron Age 1941-07-17: Vol 148 Iss 3

JULY 17, 1941 This the Year for TIMKEN Stee] The Timken Roller Bearing Company began Making years Naces having 50,000 tons per year, Today ing the last 15,158 tons Month 27,130 tons Per The foresight for increase the the Program, Valuable has the increase the Production TIMKEN Furnace during the Months. and Tube Your casting inquiry gets personalized en- gineering consideration. Our suggestions design usually save you money and give you stronger, lighter casting. Your request for suggestions imposes obliga- tion you. Write us. 2—THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941 Why Hoskins Alloy castings give such good service? Because, having specialized nickel-chromium alloys for years, learned the right way make them, regards composition, processing, foundry practice, and design. The chromium content instead the usual 15%. melt only high frequency induction. Our customers tell our designs are smart and that the castings deliver the goods. this interests you, please anticipate your needs several months Hoskins Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Michigan. THE IRON AGE, published every Thursday the CHILTON (INC.). Entered second class matter November 1932, the Post Office Philadelphia under Act March 1879. $6.00 year S., Canada $8.50, Foreign $12.00. Vol. 148, No. Z Ma JULY 17, 1941 VOL. 148, NO. VAN DEVENTER President and Editor BAUR Vice-President and General Manager Managing Editor News Editor Technical Editor OLIVER W.A. PHAIR RICCIARDI Machine Tool Associate Associate Editor Editor Editor Associate Editor Associate Editor WINTERS Art Editor Washington Editors MOFFETT JAMES ELLIS Resident District Editors CAMPBELL HERMAN KLEIN Pittsburgh Chicago Cleveland Detroit Editorial Correspondents DEARING ROBERT McINTOSH Buffalo Cincinnati FRAZAR CHARLES POST Boston San Francisco HUGH SHARP JOHN C. McCUNE Milwaukee Birmingham SANDERSON ROY EDMONDS Toronto, Ontario St. Louis LEROY W. ALLISON Newark, Editorial House Without Door Technical Articles Design Possibilities for Square Welded 288-Ton Boring Mill Explosive Rivets for Aircraft How Spray Stainless Steel Inspection Ordnance Material Features the Assembly Line This Week Washington the West News and Market Reports Personals ....... 121 Comparison Prices Summary the Week 123 The Industrial 124 District Market Products Index Copyright. 1941, by Chilton Company (Ine.) Advertising Staff Herman, Chilton Bldg., Philadelphia Hottenstein, 1012 Otis Bldg., Chicago Leonard, 100 East 42nd St., New York Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit Ober, 100 East 42nd St., New York 428 Park Bldg., Pittsburgh Warren, Box 81, Hartford, Conn. Don Harner, 1595 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, Cal. Member, Audit Bureau Circulations Member, Associated Business Papers Indexed the Industrial Arts Index. lished every Thursday. Subscription Price: United States and Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00: Canada, $8.50; Foreign, $12.00 year. Single copy, cents. Non-Ferrous Market Machine Tool Activity Scrap Market Construction Steel Iron and Steel Prices Warehouse Prices Sales Possibilities Owned and Published CHILTON COMPANY (Incorporated) Executive Editorial and Office Advertising Offices Chestnut and Sts. 100 East 42nd St. Philadelphia, Po. New York, U.S.A. U.S.A. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS MUSSELMAN, President JOS. HILDRETH, Vice-President GEORGE GRIFFITHS, Vice-President EVERIT TERHUNE, Vice-President BAUR, Vice-President WILLIAM BARBER, Treasurer JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary JULIAN CHASE, THOMAS KANE, HARRY DUFFY CHARLES HEALE 131 132 134 138 144 O O oO ib? DIX, Manager Reader Service IRON AGE, July 17, 1941 THREE WAYS WORK THIS PROBLEM STEEL FIRST...Place your steel requirements clearly and fairly before your regular source. Explain exactly what you need and when you need it. Don’t try get corner steel. SECOND...Determine the physical property re- quirements for each job. List possible substitutions that may used necessary. your immediate requirements with steel from warehouse reserve stocks. save time send open orders, needed sizes may sold while the quotation being made. You know this method entirely safe through the Ryerson one-price policy many years standing. Naturally, some sizes are missing but can provide prompt shipment most all steel products from our nearest plant. When you have problem application, substitution, fabrication procurement phone, wire write us. will glad work with you. Joseph Ryerson Son, Inc. Steel-Service Plants at: Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston, Philadelphia, Jersey City. JULY 17, 1941 ESTABLISHED 1855 House Without Door have heard buildings without windows. Have you ever heard house without door? Once upon time there was community ants; very industrious and peaceful community. The members went about their business building homes and storing them with food for their families. There was never any thought invading territory making war adjacent ant colonies. But there came time when the peaceful pursuits this ant colony were interrupted. For one the members who had returned from extended journey search dead flies and grasshoppers, reported hav- ing seen the advance column army white ants. And the march this army was directly toward the peaceful home colony. Immediately there was great alarm, scurrying back and forth and much consultation among the leaders. For the the white ants was well known and the black ant colony was totally un- prepared. defense program was once set up. The ant defense council decided that would futile fight since the white ants were pro- vided with much superior mandibles. The decision, therefore, was build impregnable house which the colony could take refuge until the invading army had passed on. Tremendous activity then ensued. Ants rushed here and there, hither and yon, back and forth and and fro response orders from the defense council. Some carried materials and the remainder built them into walls. There was let-down stopping for rest and work was continued hours day. Finally the strong house was completed. And then and only then did the community relax. But not for long. For the consternation all, was suddenly discovered that the haste and hurry they had forgotten provide the house with door. And that was the end the ant colony! point moral that may apropos, consider the following: Machine tools are useless without adequate and continuing supply small tools. You cannot cut metal without drills, reamers, taps, dies and cutting tools. Machine tool capacity has increased five six times four years. Small tool capacity has not much more than doubled. There use building house without Te " This new Studebaker plant will have 600,000 sq. ft. floor space, and when operating capacity its four thousand workers will turning out parts for production two engines per hour. one three Studebaker defense plants now nearing completion. No. Job: National Defense common with the vast majority American industry, every phase Inland’s business geared one great purpose— National Defense. our No.1 job! Our mills are making new production records; our schedules are being constantly made made that the steel for our Country’s Defense may delivered when and where needed. Typical this the new Studebaker Airplane Motor Part Plant illustrated above. Late one evening Studebaker officials notified Inland that this plant was built and that time was RAILS TRACK ACCESSORIES STE the important factor. Inland’s help was needed along with others. The orders reached January 28, 1941. Schedules were revamped, deliveries began February and were com- pleted February 27. This what Inland doing daily aid the great program which our nation engaged. However, also have No. job. Defense comes first; after that, all our efforts are directed toward equitable distribution our remaining production that may, the best our ability, serve the many friends whose business has been responsible for the development and growth our company. FLOOR PLATE STRUCTURALS PILING REINFORCING BARS g 3 Wi LIPPERT Technical Editor, The lron Age ODAY, with the blast war blowing its ears, the stain- less steel industry almost af- fectionately recalls the hallowed quiets the first three quarters 1940, when competitive throat cut- ting terns, salesman had scratch around for orders, and even faint made first vice-president scamper. All that changed now. Stainless most important sinew war. The stainless industry now febrile industry, with ness being turned down than being accepted, with 1941 produc- tion likely double that the ord 1940 year, with capacity tumid under the repetitive impacts all-out defense effort. With the end this effort still far the future, little time ing lost worrying about the bleak Some producers are shoring their individual positions means delays the exploitation the first time complete probing relative popularity stainless analyses and grades, geographical distribution and ultimate applica- tion. All based individual re- ports from 83.2 per cent the 4960 consumers these alloys. minor technical developments. producers well realize that the nor- mal growth their industry be- ing tremendously accelerated, that all this new capacity will some future time force many hitherto untapped outlets prices far under those prevailing the past. Most the year 1940 followed the growth pattern set the pre- ceding few years, with added fillip the last quarter when de- The investigation 1940 activities THE IRON AGE was carried out along the lines the previous year’s survey, going each con- sumer individually for chases grade and analyses, with supplementary data final use the steel. checking with the customer lists three large producers, many hundreds new names were added THE IRON AGE master list stainless consumers. These new names represented the normal trend the growth the industry plus number new companies calling for stainless for various defense items. The final list, 4960 names all was canvassed, and the response was eminently satisfactory. the total, companies had gone out business, 4127 answered the in- quiry, and 746 failed answer despite several the 746, only three were known large consumers, and consumption these three was estimated the basis known sales them producers. Total consumption data were adjusted simple propor- tionality include the known accounts and secure 100 per cent consumption figure. collocation the figures— which ranged individually from few pounds many hundreds tons—disclosed interesting results. There continued retro- gression sheets vis-a-vis strip, and bars and rods retain the prom- inent position established few years ago. The 18-8 analysis, always, first regards popu- larity, accounting for almost per cent the 1940 consumption, with 16-18 straight-chromium and second and third, respectively, demand. Complete breakdowns the 1940 consumption breaks down the 1939 and 1940 fig- THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941—39 : ‘ 7 —_ TABLE Consumption* Finished Corrosion and Heat-Resisting Steels—1940 (In Net Tons) —-- Analyses Groups, Per Cent Composition —~ All Total 18% Cr. 12% 16% 18% Others Consump- Bars and heavy rods 5,055 1,339 6,264 4,999 17,386 35,176 Strip (hot cold rolled) 34,476 363 1,863 1,847 20,612 3,832 63,680 Tubular goods ........ 3,969 280 207 2,204 6,796 Plates and shapes .... 3,152 108 383 141 669 4,548 Wire and wire rods... 5,762 220 1,526 4,977 1,892 1,098 174 2,208 1,825 105 85 303 5,798 72,859 1,455 6,444 12,510 34,062 1,052 34,251 162,633 These figures based returns from estimated 83.2 per cent all known consumers these types of alloys—-figures shown are adjusted to 100 per cent consumption. Exports also included herein. figures include undistributed tonnages the analyses groups the left well special analyses not warranting individual listing. TABLE Consumption* Corrosion, Wear and Heat-Resisting (In Net Tons) Total Con- sumption, 18% 16% 25% 12% 16% 18% All All 1,325 1,910 608 401 126 7,141 11,323 *These figures based returns from estimated per cent all known consumers these types alloy castings—figures shown are adjusted 100 per consumption. major heat-resisting analyses this group are the Ni-15 and the Ni-12 alloys, which accounted for about 1700 tons and 890 tons respectively in 1940. In the “all others’” group there all about 3600 tons resisting analysis, the remainder the tonnaze being made miscellaneous compositions, the bulk containing less than per cent chromium. TABLE ures both product and an- alyses. Comparative figures from producer surveys previous years are also given this table, al- though certain sections those sidered questionable accuracy. The graphs page pic- torially represent the tory stainless steel the United States, from the first adolescent self-assertion 1930, the nadir 1932, thence the steady climb progressively new high levels the following years. The dotted line the graph estimate based current consumption—all indications are that 1941 will the really climacteric year stain- less, with consumption likely double the raw material situa- tion permits. The small graphs page pictorialize the percent- age popularity various grades over the past years. Most signifi- cant are the shifts indicated for sheets, strip, and bars and rods. last year, consumption data submitted consumers 1940 were the form finished steel. Therefore, some scheme reversed show these figures the ingots, that performance can Production Stainless and Heat-Resisting Ingots and Castings the United States Analysis Groups.* (In Net Tons} Ingots: 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 and per cent Ni................ 21,074 32,867 14,740 9,209 19,620 30,114 14,552 8,821 5,397 4,900 9,470 15,22 All others (Cr and Cr-Ni)**............ 2,950 4,792 3,438 3,312 5,262 8,832 6,71: Castings: and per cent Ni............... 310 271 225 384 352 387 All others (Cr and Cr-Ni)**........... 3,326 2,930 2,264 1,257 2,126 3,036 2,17 1,392 1,009 511 285 54 201 5,202 4,321 3,221 2,186 2,793 3,874 4,071 GRAND TOTAL (ingots and cast- 1936 1937 1938 19397 1940¢ 45,800 55,011 43,129 76,332 118,663 25,430 30,186 13,429 15,135 20,375 21,478 28,500 16,454 35,506 55,476 1,022 1,615 (7?) 937 1,713 102,160 126,842 95,9544 173,336 264,875 874 1,165 578 1,204 1,525 1,280 1,430 612 1,293 1,910 108 276 551 608 295 332 261 375 401 186 262 123 298 $26 3,170 4,702 2,180 >, 925 7,141 5,901 7,999 4,030 108,061 134,841 99,984 178,290 276,698 American Iron and Steel Institute figures. Does not include low-ailoy valve steels covered various AGE surveys. Converted from consumption survey explained text; 1939 and 1940 figures adjusted include exports. Analyses groups are approximate; several classifications each element may vary much per cent from the range shown, may contain other elements such molybdenum. the case castings sizable percentage the tonnage any the straight-chromium classifi- cations may contain from several per cent nickel. This contains many analyses groups: finished steel there are included such analyses Cr, Cr-20 Ni, Cr, Cr-35 Ni, ete.; For castings, 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. 1940 the Ni-15 and Ni-12 groups accounted for 1700 tons and 890 tons respectively. 40—THE IRON AGE, July TABLE Production Finished Corrosion and Heat-Resisting Steels (1935-1940). Product and Analysis Breakdown (In Net Tons) Groups, Per Cent All Others Total Out- 1935 6,486 412 1,480 3,253 373 12,060 1936 9,212 943 3,521 3,508 154 269 17,607 1937 3,284 4,562 213 1,223 23,520 1939 13,162 105 622 1,705 7,116 22,732 19,347 826 666 673 2,890 373 7,965 32,740 1935 2,279 3,340 1,918 573 415 4,114 3,552 943 14,080 1937 7,372 1,010 3,463 121 18,908 1939 3,735 952 4,505 12,435 25,114 1,339 6,264 4,999 17,386 35,176 736 1,312 1,504 316 1,175 10,547 1936 9,550 488 3,886 2,538 118 148 16,728 1937 236 5,100 352 20,643 1939 25,769 1,381 479 11,761 1,910 41,317 1940 34,476 363 20,612 3,832 63,080 592 114 312 252 328 210 1,808 1936 108 609 360 1937 1,016 407 394 383 3,752 1939 102 363 842 2,645 3,969 280 207 2,204 6,796 (1935 1,203 586 126 2,053 Plot 1,156 325 420 108 228 2,325 1939 924 165 777 2,070 1940 3,152 108 383 669 4,548 (1935 102 368 30! 473 3,230 1936 713 1,616 885 230 1937 205 908 880 114 514 3,862 1939 2,157 4,827 8,749 1940 220 1,526 4,977 1,892 14,495 1935 553 122 773 576 226 2,270 1936 1,889 482 792 338 3,641 735 862 778 128 223 2,841 1940 1,098 174 2,208 1,825 105 303 5,798 1935 18,599 2,193 7,905 856 3,156 40,880 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 T | < ' ' ' ' 1939 47,326 4,552 9,384 22,014 23,612 107,469 1940 72,859 6,444 12,510 34,062 1,052 162,633 GRAND TOTAL, all finished steels, all analyses—for 1935 40,880 net tons. —for 1938 56,833 —for 1939 107,469 net —for 1940 162,633 net *No separate breakdown available. Total figure for 1938 from American Iron and Steel Institute. groups are approximate; several classifications each element may vary shown, may include small percentages other elements such molybdenum. THE IRON AGE consumption survey, described text. Exports included “All Others” much per cent from the range classification. THE IRON AGE, July 17, | | | | | | | | } | | | | | | || | } | i} | Production, Net Tons (000) 1929 1930 1931 1932 Castings 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 VER the past few years stainless production has progressively hit new records. The 264,875-ton level for 1940 big business, the value being about $165,000,000. Present activity indicates 1941 output approximating the dotted line, which not normal growth line but war-time flatulence. The small graphs below show changes proportional popularity various grades. Note particularly the increasing demands for strip, somewhat the expense sheets. Per Cent Total Per Cent Total Per Cent Total 1935 1936 1936 1936 Sheets 1937 Bars and Rods 1937 1937 1938 Strip 1938 1939 1940 Total Per Per Cent Total Per Cent Total Tubular Goods 1935 1936 1937 1939 1940 Plates and Shapes 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 Wire and Light Rods 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 9 cor 400 300 fin 200 1935 1938 1939 1940 ( 1935 1939 1940 compared with past years Table some the figures collected the American Iron and Steel Institute have shown recent years average conversion from ingot finished steel about per cent, which, course, takes care hot- top crop, grinding losses, cut back during hot rolling, etc. However, ducing plants leads the writer the conclusion that this average little too low. The highest conversion for bar, heavy rods, wire and wire rods, for which conservative estimate major plant practice would indicate figure per cent. For strip the conversion would close per cent; and for sheets, plates and shapes the conversion should run the aver- age near per cent. For tubular goods and forgings guess would be, say, per cent. So, each these conversions applied (in reverse) the prop- total finished steel figure shown Table the ingot output for the year can obtained. And, this ingot output compared with the fin- ished steel total indicates aver- age over-all conversion the order 61.4 per cent. Using this 61.4 per cent conversion (again reverse) the totals analysis shown Table permits the ob- taining calculated total ingots analysis for inclusion Table All this explanation may seem trifle prolix, but the procedure essence weighting the vari- ous components arrive what believed the most sensible calculated ingot tonnages. Table III, therefore, indicates calculated 1940 ingot output all analyses 264,875 net tons, which good per cent above the pre- vious record year 1939. sending out the report blanks the consumers, opportunity was again afforded them kicks make suggestions the producers. compilation these suggestions shown page herein. There little likelihood producers being very concerned re- garding these suggestions the moment. For, pressure for deliv- eries now great that the fine points merchandising have fallen the wayside. apparent from Table that Stainless strip form occupies the dominant position, accounting for over per cent total consump- tion. has been strip that for the past few years has forged far ahead THE IRON AGE surveys. the figures collected the American Iron and Steel Institute such dominance strip in- dicated, the figure being the order per cent for 1940. Parenthetically, might men- tioned that the Institute shows about twice much sheet does THE IRON AGE survey. this day and age, most difficult be- lieve that there some mysterious transmutation sheet into strip the journey from mill con- sumer. Or, perhaps consumers and producers have different opinions what sheet and what strip, although the demarcation line well established. The most likely explanation, however, that large tonnages sheet are slit into strip widths, both the mill and the consuming plants, tion not adequately reported producers. would seem, therefore, that the consumers are doing more realistic job reporting than the producers, particularly view check available third set figures. The bi-annual census Steel Works and Rolling Mill In- dustry, sponsored the Depart- ment Commerce, has for some months been available. And even though these census figures are somewhat shaky certain direc- tions, some interesting comparisons are possible. The census, which secures its data from producers, shows that for 1939 the volume strip accounted for about 33.6 per cent the total, and sheets were quite low, being the order 22.4 per cent the total. These results approach the order those shown THE IRON AGE consump- tion surveys. strip, the and Cr-Ni and the 16-18 per cent straight-chromi- analyses are far most popu- lar. The 18-8 grade strip con- tains number modifications as, for instance, 18-8 columbium and 18-8 titanium, for use numerous applications where welding opera- tions are involved, and 18-8 molybdenum type growing more popular for special applications in- volving resistance particular types acids. The 25-12 Cr-Ni analysis strip with consumption 1863 tons. This steel being non-magnetic used certain sections air- planes, and because resistance high temperature oxidation finds extensive application industrial furnaces, and employed great extent pulp and paper equip- ment. The 12-14 per cent straight- chromium strip also fairly im- portant. This classification includes the 0.10 12-14 (410) classifi- cation; the 0.10 12-14 Cr, (414); the 0.30 12-14 (420) classification; and other less popu- lar variations. These steels are used for cutlery, springs, steel tapes, ete. The Cr-2 analysis, first re- ported individually 1940, shows surprisingly high total, 363 tons. This grade increasingly used place 18-8 for certain applica- tions. The second major outlet bar and heavy rods. Here again major classification shown in- cludes quite number variations and modifications, with some inci- dental titivation for merchandis- ing purposes. The most popular analysis bar form 12-14 per cent straight-chromium, with 1940 consumption indicated 6264 tons. The bulk this group probably the 0.10 grade, which made mostly valve and turbine types, although some has sulphur (416) added give free machinability. The 18-8 analysis bar second popularity. This analysis group covers number variations in- cluding free-machining modifica- tions. the addition free machin- ing elements stainless bar stock (and wire) that over the past few years has overcome consumer re- sistance expanded sales probable 8500-ton figure for 1940. Considerable work has been done the past year deter- mine whether sulphur selenium the better additive element for free machining, but have been rather inconclusive. Per- haps selenium has slight edge, but very slight indeed. The large tonnage bars shown the “all classification made great part valve steels and special chemical work. connection with aircraft engines, one popular valve steel 13-15 Cr, 13-15 Ni, 1.75 3.0 0.50 Mo, 0.40 0.50 and 0.30 0.80 Si. And, course, there are included large tonnages THE IRON AGE, July 17, : | | | | i | | | } | | | | | | | | | | } | | } | | | | | | | > | } | | i | { | | ~ | 1) A | | | i} Buyers Stainless Alloys Want (1) Lower Prices: desire for lower prices. The seem past years, however. Most the lower-price usual many c (S00 so) much less passionate than onsumers the plants making food handling equipment, kitchen utensils, etc (2) Improve free cutting properties. (3) More reliable corrosion data for (4) Better warehouse stocks. More stock sizes per cent analysis. (5) More uniform control temper when steel (6) Warehouses not carry any worthwhile sheet stock straight- chrome grades. 1 organic cnemicdis too optimistic. Deep pits found milk Present data far are asieurizers deep drawn. (7) Should specific tables recommending certain types stainless for various chemical combinations under varying temperatures. (8) welded highly polished inside out, No. 180 grit better (9) Standardize few types instead making many just because another mill makes for customer (10) very regrettable that some producers sell obsolete rejected stock so-called This detrimental the stainl industry, the steel often misrepresented users not definitely familiar with this material. The result that considerable trouble en- countered and the manufacturer ultimately shoulders the There has been considerable quantities this stuff let out the market over the past year. (11) Dull finish full-hard sheets (12) More warehouse stocks (13) Have Army and Navy conform Institute S.A.E. numbers (14) Hard drawn tubing sizes in. not readily available (15) More uniformity cutting qualities. (16) Square root bar angles. (17) Carry hot roll (18) Produce Type 440 stainless metals. 2 7 3 Q inishing we electrodes for welding steel base (19) Improve methods eliminate formed. (20) Impart non-galling and non-sei used against each other. iZiil 4i ilfisoil. (21) Continued improvement the popular chromium-silicon valve steels the 8-3 type, and modifica- tions thereof. increasingly popular 16-2 Cr-Ni combination shown separately for this first time 1940—the total, tons, prob- ably only fraction what will reported 1941. Sheets, the third largest outlet, show 1940 consumption 32,- 740 tons. The 18-8 classification far the largest, which includes the ordinary 18-8 (304) and many different variations and modifica- tions. These sheets are used large extent for collector rings and fire resistant parts aircraft, food handling equipment makers, 44—THE IRON AGE, July nag properties wnen steels re t architectural work, the milk industry, etc. The 16-18 per cent chromium grade next popular- ity, with consumption indicated 2890 tons. This grade, and various modifications, used where not great corrosion resistance the 18-8 variety needed, and some extent certain chemical installa- tions, etc. The Cr-2 classifica- tion, showing consumption 826 tons, surprisingly high, and indi- acceptance this analysis hitherto unsuspected. Note from Table that consump- tion wire quite high, being indicated 14,495. The rise wire consumption has been steady over the past few years. Consider- able quantities 16-18 wire into screw machine products, large quantities 18-8 wire into ap- plications varying from soft ing wires very wires. Considerable tonnage the 12-14 class goes into spokes wheels. The Naval program have both used large volume stainless wire, has also the bur- geoning aircraft industry. larve portion this wire used the form welding rod, which these days very definitely tonnage proposition. For instance, March, 1941, the Navy purchased 2,000,- 000 25-20 welding rod (wire) for armor plate. The 1940 survey showed con- sumption 6796 tons stainless tubing. Much this went into fur- niture, into the tries, into marine aircraft work, etc. large quantity this tubing welded, mostly the atomic hydrogen process, al- though quantities hot pierced and cold drawn seamless tubing sold. The largest percentage the tubing sold was the 18-8 classi- fication, which includes variations and modifications for variety special corrosion problems. Stainless Steel Castings The consumption stainless steel (also abrasion and heat re- sisting) castings 1940 was the order 11,823 tons, new high record for castings, per cent above the previous record year 1939. These figures are based returns from estimated per cent the consumers and adjusted 100 per cent consumption. indicated Table III that the 18-8 analysis stainless cast- ing still retaining fair degree popularity. This considered rather standard composition, and for certain applications involving considerable corrosion about per cent molybdenum often added. One fairly new application for manifolds for heavy duty automo- bile engines. greater quantity tonnage bulked the “all classifica- tion for castings than steel. This comes from the many special and high alloy analyses be- ing cast today. The 29-9 Cr-Ni an- alysis good example. Some- times per cent molybdenum added this 29-9 class and abl sis. sid int gre po} dis on ste ce or the absorption light 0 r ably higher than the 18-8 analy- sis. Machinability 29-9 con- siderably better than 18-8, and the former used great deal paper mill work and for heat re- sisting applications. The 29-9 com- position has excellent resistance intergranular corrosion, and very good strength and ductility. major analysis the “all other” group 15-35 Cr-Ni, which popular steel for high temperature work, where neither scaling nor distortion permissible. The sec- ond most prominent heat resisting steel the “all other” group the Ni-12 type, which accounted for about tons 1940. Another Si, rather new and unusual type, which finding considerable application valve stems. the present time about per cent the casting’s production falls the “defense” category. Foundries are frequently not able are disinclined consider non- defense business, view the difficulty securing adequate raw materials. Export Volume Increases regards export stainless steel, only the past few years have been any moment; fact, prior 1935 frequently more stainless was imported than exported. For- eign deliveries got really notice- able lift 1939, and 1940 ex- ports were quite sizable both quantity (5737 tons) and value (about $3,500,000). What the ord will 1941 difficult estimate, but doubtless true that additional spurt, twofold more, will recorded. The record exports (mainly the U.S.S.R., occasionally Japan) finished rolled stainless steel for the past two years, shown net tons, follows: 1939 1940 Sheets 1225 1989 Bars 1863 Strip 970 Plates 172 668 Forgings 124 186 Castings 2867 5737 Geographical Distribution Certainly, one several distinct advantages going 4960 con- sumers stainless steel for their consumption data that practical- every pound alloy account- for geographically. This extreme from the marketing viewpoint and can the ruling factor the lo- cating future plants. Hitherto such data have been available for any type steel, let alone for closely controlled alloys Last year very rough geograph- ical breakdown was made, although mention the results were re- ported the time. The country was divided into two parts north-south line running through Columbus, Ohio. was ascertained that for 1939, very close 45.2 per cent stainless consumption fell the east such line, 52.1 per cent west the line, and 2.7 per cent was exported. the 1940 survey, described herein, the country was arbitrarily split into four sections, shown the illustration page 47. Stainless steel consumed each these four sections shown the same illustration, both ton- nage and percentage the total. may seen that the Central States and the Northeastern States vie for dominance, accounting re- spectively for 47.4 and cent the total. The South and Southwest consumed only 1.6 per cent, the Far West fabricated 5.9 per cent, and 3.5 per cent went foreign users. all probability product breakdown regards geographical distribution will attempted next year. this time only certain generalities can made—the bulk the consumption the North- and wire, whereas strip and sheets dominate consumption the Cen- tral States. Types used the re- maining districts are fairly well balanced. Application Distribution last year’s consumer sur- vey, the 1940 blank included re- quest for distribution steel final outlet, i.e., the automotive, food processing, chemical, indus- trial equipment, fields. The swered this question, but still many had difficulty with their records correctly apportioning purchases final application. Some, course, had idea what the AUTOMOTIVE: (Includes gas and Diesel engines, buses, tractors, trucks and 1939 37.8 per cent trailers. 1940 35.3 per cent FOOD HANDLING: (Includes restaurant equipment, dish washers, meat, beer, milk 1939 11.4 per cent and yeast handling machinery and equipment, soda fountain 1940 15.9 per cent equipment, army food kitchens, professional cutlery.) TRANSPORTATION: (Other than automobiles: includes trains, boats, aircraft; air- 1939 11.3 per cent craft engines, radios, spark plugs, oxygen cylinders, naval 1940 21.5 per cent vessels.) CHEMICAL EQUIPMENT: (Includes soap, pulp, paper and petroleum equipment, rayon 1939 6.3 per cent machinery, etc.) 1940 7.4 per cent MACHINERY: machine tools, pumps, turbines, textile machinery, 1939 5.7 per cent coal screens, electrical springs, industrial instruments, valves, 1940 5.8 per cent ball bearings, conveyor belting, glass mold equipment, weigh- ing machinery, furnaces, boilers, etc.) HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT: (Includes stoves, furniture, beds, pots and pans, cutlery, wash- 1939 3.5 per cent ing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, sinks, kitchen 1940 3.9 per cent trim, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: (Includes building decoration, signs, fans, blower equipment, 1939 1.6 per cent plant maintenance, electrical equipment, oil burners and other 1940 1.8 per cent heating equipment, etc.) ALL OTHER: (Includes small arms, surgical supplies, fishing lures, wire cloth 1939 25.1 per cent and screens, watch cases, spraying wire, etc.; and all other 1940 8.4 per cent non-allocated steel.) THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941—45 if il | i | | i| 1 | | | | | | | } | | | | | | | | a | | | | | | | j | | | ; fall all | final usage was. None the less, more than enough data were avail- able that with proper adjustment groups was available for 1940. This complete breakdown tallied follows—note particularly, how- ever, that considerable care should exercised comparing the per- centage figures for 1939 and 1940 view the considerable differ- ence the undistributed tonnages the “all other” classification for the two years. This distribution stainless final outlet shows that 1940 the automobile industry again was the single best customer, account- ing for 35.3 per cent the total. This slight drop from the pre- vious year, even though automobile assemblies were heavier 1940. The drop can credited stock carryover the first the year, and some instances the use more plated die castings and chrome plate general certain models (they were pretty gaudy looking general), the same be- ing true for buses, tractors and trucks. the ’41 models there was generous increase the amount stainless steel strip for trim, decorative effects, louvres and other body accoutrements. Belt moldings many the cars are about tain cars this stainless given flash chrome plate fect match with other chrome plated trim used the car. For such application the stainless far harder, more corrosion and abrasion resistant than brass mild steel strip, and the flash chrome plate has function other than assure color matching. doubtful, however, whether this increased use stainless cars will show much next year’s stainless survey, assem- blies will driven progressively downward over the remainder the year through imposition gov- ernment priorities. Whereas the second major outlet for stainless 1939 was food processing and ment, this second place was usurped 1940 the transportation in- dustry (other than automobiles). Just about 21.5 per cent 1940 Stainless went into transportation, the great increase over vious year being accounted for the rapidly stepped naval pro- gram late 1940, sharp spurt aircraft assemblies and slightly in- 46—THE IRON AGE, July 17, creasing use stainless aircraft, continued production streamlined trains, etc. The use stainless naval craft and streamlined trains accepted fact and quite secure against displacement. The adaptation stainless aircraft construction, however, continues quite sluggish. well recog- nized that established aircraft makers are experienced mentally and physically for the handling aluminum. Also, until cently stainless makers have been intent competitive struggles that the common front the air- craft field has been pretty ragged. Within the past year, however, tests made the Bureau Stand- ards have afforded designers some hitherto unknown data; and test wings quite large size welded the Budd company have per- formed extremely creditably. metallurgy also, certain recent ex- periments are particularly encour- aging, and summation these data given later herein, the section devoted technical devel- opments. Irrespective all these advances, however, will probably not assume its right- ful place aircraft construction until those companies fully familiar with the fabrication stainless get into the aircraft industry, along with engineers willing and the full benefits stainless con- struction. The third major outlet for stain- less 1940 was for food handling and processing equipment, which accounted for 15.9 per cent the total, against 11.4 per cent 1939. This improvement marily continuation trend noticeable over the past few years, and additional fillip was given the fabrication considerable quantities equipment for army food kitchens and food handling units for other services. the field food handling and processing there are far more individual con- sumers stainless than any other field, although course the amount taken each consumer relatively small. food handling, also, the application stainless characteristics for such service and despite the relatively higher cost stainless. None the less most the criticisms the high price stainless comes from this group. During the year, the use com- posite steels, particularly the new material Pluramelt, showed rapid strides the food handling field. One large fabricator now using this type steel almost exclusively, finding that fabrication easier, the price lower than solid stain- less, and the properties considerably superior that solid stainless. The amount stainless going into other groups showed particular change 1940. counted for 3.9 per cent the to- tal, chemical equipment took 7.4 per cent, machinery 5.8 per cent, and building construction took 1.8 per cent. These are all slight ad- vances over the previous year, al- though the increase can probably ascribed merely the general improvement industrial activity. Considerably more steel was al- located specific fields applica- tion the 1940 survey, against the survey the previous year. the 8.4 per cent the “all other” group 1940, sizable proportion went into direct armament produc- tion, for instance rather large piece stainless each Garand rifle, use stainless other small arms, use 0.35 Cr. alloy, hardended 300 Brinell for the elevating mechanism trench mortars, Technical Developments Lag All stainless producers are now being shoved hard demands the defense effort. The result has been disinclination spend time and plant facilities new develop- ments, and the few brainchilds that have matured are being salted away company safes for exploitation after the emergency. However, 1940 there were few shifts practice worthy detailed atten- tion. The tightness the nickel sup- ply has forced number Amer- ican producers the merits and demerits Type 431 steel, containing per cent chro- mium and per cent nickel. For years this alloy had been popular England and the Continent, and corrosion resistance equal the popular and analysis was claimed. Type 431 very tricky alloy make, careful heat treatment. fact, one serious airplane accident sev- eral years ago was credited care- less heat treatment this type steel. Within the past year, how- ever, certain American mills have 1940 survey the mist uncertainty where stainless passed into the hands the ultimate fabricator. Note that the and the Northeastern States account for the bulk consumption—the South, Southwest and Far West are yet great importance. and quite sizable tonnages are now being turned out. Believing that this grade will increasingly used over the next few years, has been added specific analysis the production survey. 1940, may noticed that approximately 1455 tons were consumed. The scarcity nickel has en- couraged American makers also consider other modifications the Cr-Ni analyses, particularly those modifications that have for some years experi- enced considerable Germany. growing importance are an- alyses containing manganese. course American producers have for some years added per cent manganese the more tender standard stainless grades, for instance the molybdenum-bearing and alloy and the high chromi- um-nickel steels. Such manganese additions greatly improve hot duc- tility and aids the initial break- down and hot working the ingot. SANTE & ARIZONA ;SOLORADO KANSAS NEW Mew ) AHOMA ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA CITY These small additions have had detrimental effect corrosion re- sistance and other properties. Germany, however, nickel thrown out entirely and large quan- tities manganese are used, any- where from per cent (which S.). has been pointed out various times this vearly review, such German grades have soft col- oring not unlike that silver, and for that reason have been used abroad for tableware. The German grade containing per cent chromium and per cent manganese most popular for table and hotel cutlery, and the per cent chromium and per cent manganese grade used for milk cans, pump filter tubes, pasteurizing equipment, cool- ing apparatus, etc. number American producers are now turn- ing out experimental heats these two analyses and variations there- of, and results date have been sufficiently encouraging guaran- tee increasing production over the coming years. KENT uc KY/ Not outdone the Ger- mans, some technicians U.S.S.R. have reported the de- velopment new types heat re- sisting steels containing nickel. has frequently been pointed out observers the United States that silicon the equivalent seven times the chromium, and alu- minum more than five times the chromium the production heat resisting surfaces. According experiments Tractor Plant, there positive action copper with chromium and manganese the sense mak- ing heat resisting steel. From the extensive tests already carried out concluded that chromium-sili- con steels with the addition per cent aluminum and about the same amount either molybdenum copper (steels the general type 0.53 Mn, 2.42 Si, 8.51 Cr, 2.0 Al, 1.52 Mo; 0.21 0.57 Mn, 2.49 Si, 18.87 Cr, 2.34 Cu, 2.41 Al) may selected for services requiring extremely high heat re- sistance. These steels are also rea- (CONTINUED PAGE 117) THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941—47 l J - T WISCONSIN ty | . ALT LAME cry SURI | | PHOENIx ak if N J yt LA 1. 6 \ TEXAS \ 3 f | | 2 ‘ 4 ek a ESPITE the fact that square welded tubing has been com- mercially available fora number years, there con- siderable number designers and production men who are not ac- quainted with the possibilities this structural material and its rel- ative advantages, both from the en- gineering and the economic point view. Early this year, for example, manufacturer was asked bid assembly which was contain square wood stringer enclosed thin sheet steel cover. The speci- fication called for this member made forming channel from strip stock, inserting the wood core, then welding strip form the fourth side the square. proved method construction. wholly satisfactory solution was found using square welded steel tubing into which the wood center was pressed. Further indication the gen- eral unawareness the square tube’s possibilities found re- IG. tubing offers sur- face for attachment sheet metal several methods. Top row: Bolting rivet- ing, and spot projection welding. Bottom row: Drive self-tapping screw, and Huck rivet. 48—THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941 cent remark made welding en- gineer, who “gets around” large scale, the effect that square steel tube, available low enough cost, would make possible many improvements design steel structures. actually avail- able cost that consistent with the advantages which offers the fabrication numerous articles, for both industrial use and consumer use. Square and rectangular welded steel tube standardized and highly perfected material. That commonly overlooked de- word tube suggests round shape, which for various reasons they not want use. And further, their search for sided shapes generally extends only the con- venient angles, channels, etc., the assumption that square rec- tangular tube would prohibitive cost. While true that costs are high for small lots and special sizes, when there enough volume absorb the preparatory cost, the story different. the applica- noticeable concentration one two sizes each assembly, which results economies all along the line. availability, practically all the producers round welded tubing can furnish square tube, well numerous other special shapes. The standard sizes the square shape are listed Table There are two common ways make the square section. both cases the first step produce round tube. Flat rolled steel strip the proper width and thickness fed from coils through forming rolls, which gradually shape true circular section. edges come together they are ance welding. The process con- tinuous, and customarily suitable lengths for handling and shipping are cut the tube comes from the welding rolls. rolls for shaping Dies IG. 2—Braces can readily cut from square tubing fit col- umn chord members without the necessity using gussets plate con- nections. rolls mos qua are square other special section may set receive the round tube emerges from the welding rolls. This integrated production the special shape obviously the most economical, provided that the quantities ordered single size are large. the metal bed indus- ABOVE IG. Chair legs utilize tubing sec- tion that has round outside corner. This example where quantity production permits departure from standard shapes tub- ing. LEFT 3—The familiar hat tree costumer becomes sturdy de- vice when built welded tubing. try where large quantities one shape are used, the square tube can produced the same cost round tube. When volume does not justify the set-up expenses roll forming, shaping can done draw bench, using round tube from stock. apparent therefore that fussy design that uses two more sizes where single size might serve turns out luxury more ways than one. Since both round and square tubes from rolled strip, follows that the wall thickness in- herently uniform within the standard tolerances the strip (0.004 0.006 in.). Square tube size tolerances are from 0.004 0.007 in. the 2-in. square size. The finished tube has the same surface finish and uni- form temper the strip material. Physical proper- CARD ties standard analyses are given Table II. The figures are aver- age minimum, but there slight difference between the lighter and heavier gages, the light gages run- ning higher tensile strength and the heavier lower than those given the table. Table III has been prepared show the relative design economy the square tube section, compared the angle section and the round tube section. For this purpose three commonly used sizes square welded steel tube have been selected and each these compared with three angle sections and two round tube sections. This table makes possible compare the load capac- ity sections having the same area and sections occupying ap- proximately the same amount overall space, and also compare the weights sections having ap- proximately the same load capacity. These comparisons are necessarily Table Sizes Square Welded Tube Size Side Square Increments Wall Thickness In. In. .028 .065 .035 .120 .148 and .065 .148 Table Properties Welded Steel Tubing Type Yield Pt. Steel Lb. Per SAE Temper Sq. In. Hard 55,000 1010 Medium 45,000 Soft 30,000 Hard 60,000 1015 Medium 45,000 Soft 35,000 Hard 60,000 1020 Medium 45,000 Soft 35,000 Hard 65,000 1025 Medium 50,000 Soft 40,000 Hard 75,000 1035 Medium 50,000 Soft 40,000 Ultimate Per Cent Lb. Per Elongation Brinell Sq. In. In. Scale 500 Kg. 60,000 10.0 120 55,000 25.0 45,000 45.0 65,000 8.0 125 55,000 20.0 50,000 40.0 65,000 7.5 130 60,000 18.0 100 55,000 35.0 70,000 7.0 130 60,000 18.0 105 55,000 35.0 80,000 5.0 150 65,000 15.0 110 60,000 30.0 THE IRON AGE, July 17, 1941—49 | ~ , | | } | | | | | | | | | | | | | } | | | | } F i} } thi cal the the 5—Lightness and strength are found this coach frame fabricated square tubing. Early designs used round aircraft tubing, the switch being made square tubing facilitate attachment body panels. IG. the front end the coach frame shown IG. 7—Template table for oxy-acetylene cutting machine. Except for the solid square guide bar, square tubing used through- out. | ° ° RIGHT 8—Square tubing fits into this unusual design carriage beam for gas cutting torches. The upright reinforcing pieces are channel sections. 50—THE IRON AGE, July | —_ eral only approximate because standard sizes the various sections not have the same characteristics. Also, there will several angle sections having area which approaches the area the square tube selected. make fair comparison fore, one must select out group the angle sizes which can carry the greatest load, which will gen- eral the one with the longest legs and the least thickness. com- parison made selecting angle which will carry the same load and computing the ratio the areas, there will again several such angles, and necessary select the most economical one. When figuring compression loads, for the same section area, the thinner th