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).
Approval, testing, and sourcing of a new high-silicon valve steel for chassis and aero work.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\3\ scan 052 | |
| Date | 19th November 1923 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} Mr. Shelton. Mr. Lightbown. X. 2764. BY9/P19.11.23. RE. MATERIAL FOR VALVES. X.3616 X.2764. We have received a completely signed up std. sheet empowering us to use the new valve steel, high in silicon, on chassis work as well as on Aero work. We do not feel that it is necessary to make any scrap in making this change, and further, it will be necessary for us to obtain a source of supply in this country, and having obtained a source of supply to satisfy ourselves that we can produce valves as good as those supplied by the Silchrome Co. , of America. In regard to the source of supply, Messrs. Firths have had this matter in hand some little time, and have just informed us that they will submit a cast to us early next week. If we can accept it as suitable, a further fortnight to three weeks will be required by them to supply us steel for tests, and upon the completion of these tests, if satisfactory, a further delay will elapse before material would be available for valves. It will be clear, however, to everybody that we shall have to make sure of our position step by step in this matter before we can dare to burn our boats by changing to the new steel. In the meantime the D.O. may produce drawings with new piece numbers, which will have the material specified as Special Valve Steel, specification 238, but until I am satisfied we can reproduce the American results I do not propose that these new piece numbers should be added to the Part List at present. Every effort, however, is being made to obtain the necessary information to enable us to make a change at an early date, consistent with safety. If anything earlier than this is thought to be necessary then we shall have to order valves from America. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||