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).
Proposed change to the radiator matrix testing procedure with Marston Ltd. to achieve cost savings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\3\ scan0276 | |
| Date | 11th December 1937 | |
| To RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Std. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} During the writer's visit to Messrs. John Marston Ltd. yesterday, the subject of cost of testing our radiator matrices was considered and Messrs. Marstons suggested that a considerable economy could be effected in this direction. At present, the matrix block is solder dipped by Marstons during construction - after completion it has test tanks sweated to the top and bottom of the matrix and is pressure tested. Any leaks which are present are then repaired and the tanks are then removed and the matrix forwarded to R.R. works. Our own radiator tanks are then sweated to the matrix by our radiator shop and the assembly is then pressure tested for leaks at the joints of the matrix and the tanks - any such leaks being repaired by the radiator shop. This means that in effect the matrix has been pressure tested twice. What Messrs. Marston suggest is that it should only have one test - at our works. In other words, the matrix would be delivered untested, would have our tanks fitted as usual, the complete assembly would be tested and any leaks, either in the matrix or at the tank joints, would be repaired by our radiator shop. In this way the cost of fitting and sweating and removing the test tanks at Messrs. Marstons Ltd. would be obviated. This procedure is standard practice with other firms building complete radiators. Messrs. Marstons estimate that the consequent reduction in purchase price of the matrix would be in the neighbourhood of 5/-. This would be offset by the cost of repairing any leaks which may be present in the new matrix at our works. According to the makers, most matrices have two or three slight leaks after dipping, but as a guide to the cost of this repair work, they stated in confidence that the sum allowed in the case of the S.S. car for testing the finished matrix unit (comprising matrix and tanks built up) and repairing any leaks in same was 1/- per radiator. | ||