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).
Visit to Dagenham regarding the use and testing of Textolite timing gears for the Ford Motor Co.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\3\ scan0010 | |
| Date | 2nd September 1933 | |
| X3831 FILES: ----- 2.9.33. ----- VISIT TO DAGENHAM - 1.9.33. We visited Dagenham because they are using a Textolite type of timing gear and have been through a number of troubles with this material. In view of the fact that we have little or no experience with similar products, the information obtained was of considerable interest. The Ford Motor Co's troubles appeared to be largely due to trying to get a Textolite material produced in England. There is no doubt that it is not easy to formulate a specification for this material, nor to check up the product with the specification. However, they have three tests which they think, generally speaking, will eliminate bad material. These are as follows :- (1) The face of the gear blank is tested with a 10 mm. ball under a load of 1000 kg. If under this load the laminations show no signs of separating, the gear is considered satisfactory. (2) The gear is laid in its horizontal position on its outer periphery and loaded in the centre with 2500 lbs. If failure does not occur the attachment of the hub to the rim is considered sound. (3) The gear is soaked in water for 144 hours at 225°F.{Mr Friese} the increase in volume should not exceed 2%. Also after completion the gear soaked in oil for 144 hrs. at 225°F.{Mr Friese} should show no deterioration under running conditions. (4) The resin content must not be greater than 50%. The Company who supply these blanks to the Ford Motor Co. is - Alwater, Hopwood Street, Preston, Lancs. and Fords are now quite satisfied with this product. (5) They are cooked at 450°F.{Mr Friese} in the mould, which should be released frequently to allow gas to escape. Press. 2000 lbs/sq.in. The Ford Co. actaully received a batch of material in which the teeth broke off at the root because the layers of fabric were not at right angles | ||