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 General Motors concerning the development and production of lead bronze bearings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img284 | |
| Date | 22th March 1934 | |
| COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM RHG. IN U.S.A. DATED MARCH 6TH.1934. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Mor. Rg.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/HHC.1/HJ.22.3.34. On Monday, March 5th., I visited General Motors Research Laboratories, Detroit, and had the opportunity of discussing the new process in course of development for production of lead bronze bearings, which consists of casting in controlled atmosphere. This process makes it possible to produce bearings having higher lead content, prevents scaling, and practically eliminates oxidation. Bearings produced have been satisfactorily rig tested at greater bearing pressures, higher rubbing speeds, at oil temperatures of 350°F.{Mr Friese} The equipment which was of temporary nature had been dismantled and is being reproduced on more practical lines. Drawings will be furnished to Derby when improved equipment is operating on reasonable production basis. Lead bronze bearing tests were in progress on different lubricating oils operating at high oil inlet temperatures. Copies of reports when tests are completed will be also sent to Derby. When at Indianapolis I sent samples of Kes. Conn Rod bearings to G.M. research for examination. Material structure was reasonable but more oxidation was evident than is usual with bearings cast by Allison process. Marine type bearings as previously stated cannot be produced economically by this process. The chief difficulty arises with quenching, owing to decided variations in material section which makes it impossible to obtain consistent material structure, the trapping at "A" of dirty metal owing to bearing shape which does not permit metal to flow readily during casting. Therefore, centrifugal process must be persevered with. It is considered that decided improvement will be obtained by 1% silver addition and fluxing with Boric Acid powder since latter will be required for main bearing production. Would you please obtain a good supply from Imperial Chemicals?. Whilst at G.M. I met Messrs. Kettering, Rippongill and Spencer, latter of patent section, and discussed conditions of lead bronze bearings production license, and although we are permitted to produce any type of bearings which may be required for R.R. production, we are not at liberty to produce for trade. | ||