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 detailing the source of steel and quality control for Hardy Spicer Propeller Shafts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 87\3\ scan0042 | |
| Date | 27th November 1935 | |
| COPY. JLH/MH.{M. Huckerby} November 27th, 1935. Messrs. Rolls-Royce, Limited, D E R B Y. For the attention of Mr.H.Royce. Dear Sirs, With reference to my call upon you last week, when I left with you our quotation for Hardy Spicer Propeller Shafts for your 3½ litre Bentley, you requested certain information re the source of supply of our products, and as requested I now give you particulars and the source of origin and method of controlling steel used in the production of Hardy Spicer Propeller Shafts. The steel is purchased from Hadfields and Industrial Steels Limited, both of Sheffield, and in the latter case it is manipulated by the Premier Steel Co., from whom we purchase, and is all of acid manufacture containing not less than 25% Swedish ore content. The steel is made in casts of approximately twenty-five tons, and a certificate is issued by the Steel Maker with every cast. DROP FORGINGS. Without exception the Drop Forger does not control the issue of steel. He is merely paid to produce forgings from steel to be drawn from either of the above sources. A duplicate of his order to the Steel Maker is sent to us. Also a copy of the steel maker's acknowledgment of the order and a copy of his advice note of delivery of the material to the Forger. These are attached to the cast certificate, and by this means we are able to accurately control the material, and reasonably ensure that only the correct steel is used. Our laboratory takes frequent checks and macro etchings to keep the forger up to a high standard of quality. - Contd. - | ||