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).
Letter to Capt. V.H. Baker of Durion Ltd. regarding the chromium plating of brake drums and material selection.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\4\ scan0164 | |
| Date | 21th February 1936 | |
| Exptl. Dept. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/KW. 21st February, 1936. Capt. V.H. Baker, Messrs. Durion Ltd., 10, Parsons Green, Fulham, LONDON, S.W.6. Dear Capt. Baker, Many thanks for your letter of February 3rd. I think your suggestion about chromium plating brake drums is a good one; as a matter of fact we have thought of trying it out on one or two occasions. At the moment we are in a transition stage with brake drums and are just on the point of changing over to a loose lining. This means that we can make the liner of cast-iron or steel, the only limitation that we put on it being that we do not want it to be very expensive. We should prefer to use steel because its tensile strength is somewhat higher. If you could give me some idea as to whether you have any preference regarding the material which you chromium plate, I will put some liners in hand and send them along to you to chrome deposit. In the meantime, I suggest that you get in touch with Mr. Longley of Ferodos, and chrome plate one of his laboratory drums. He should be able to give you a figure of merit for the wear factor, and also advise as to the best friction material to use in conjunction with a plated surface. Yours sincerely, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||