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).
Testing 'Monikrome' cast iron camshafts for potential cost savings and improved performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 93\5\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 16th June 1938 | |
| To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} & RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} c. to HPg. c. to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Vs.{J. Vickers} "MONIKROME" CAMSHAFTS. Some time ago we had some sample camshafts cast in the above material which are very promising and results in an appreciable saving. This material is a form of cast iron, the analysis of which could be taken from the spare sample we have, also as to where it is hardened presumably by drilling. These samples were produced by the Midland Motor Cylinder Co. who are the originators of the "Monikrome" what-ever this material is which they claim is particularly suitable for gears and camshaft etc. Since the inspection after 15,000 miles on 26.G.VI revealed the crankcase bores of the bottom tappets to be in excellent condition and without any wear we proposed trying a Monikrome camshaft with its bearings running direct in the crankcase which if successful deletes the loose A/F bearings and effects a further appreciable economy. We had also been recommended to try this material in the form of a gear wheel as it possesses good anti noise qualities. Both the above camwheel EXs.771 and the camshaft EXs.767 were submitted to the Midland Cylinder Co. for quotations but the figures given were far too high and we should like to have a go at the same job in our own works, particularly as we have a sample camshaft from which all the information on Monikrome can be obtained. We attach herewith the casting drawings for the job EXs.767/771 and would like two experimental samples off each for trial. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Swdl.{Len H. Swindell} | ||