Plating of springs, including issues with brittleness and the advantages of American spring lubrication methods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\6\ Scan008 | |
| Date | 2nd January 1928 | |
| Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C. Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. Mx. {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} C. H1 X1360 BY2/G.2.1.28. RECEIVED [Circular Stamp: JAN 31] PLATING OF SPRINGS. Referring to Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rml/LG.31.12.27. we will arrange to have two pairs of the present standard front springs chromium plated as suggested. In addition to plating them we shall hold them in hot oil for at least an hour to make sure that any tendency to brittleness from hydrogen inclusion is eliminated as far as possible. With reference to your last paragraph, I thought we had made it clear that it was not merely the two springs which had broken as a result of the cadmium plating that caused me to write my criticism of plating of springs in general. I have had very considerable experience with plated springs for a long period, and have never yet found them satisfactory. The effect is most marked when slightly acid electrolytic solutions are used. In regard to the question of lubrication of the spring tips, this I think is the one big advantage that the American scheme of road springs incorporates. There are two or three distinct advantages, but this particular feature will certainly be the most marked improvement, as the method of forming the tips will ensure, when incorporated in a gaiter containing oil, steady lubrication. BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} BM | ||
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).