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).
Page from the journal 'Production Lines' discussing various automotive industry topics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\4\ scan0116 | |
| Date | 11th March 1939 | |
| RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1202. 345 Production Lines Buying Influences As an interested listener at the recent industrial marketing conference of the American Marketing Association, we were impressed with the need for a better grasp of the factors and influences that enter into the purchase of all kinds of things for automotive plants. Trouble is that the complex influences cannot be uncovered through surveys or questionnaires. Too, the academic approach to problems of this kind is hampered by the need for oversimplification due to the horizontal coverage of all industries. Some day a book should be written on the buying influences within the vast automotive industry as a clue to the organization involved in the selection and acceptance of machine tools, small tools, supplies, raw materials, and parts. Saves Money We are quite excited by the possibilities of a really simple and relatively inexpensive method of producing small runs of stampings of any size. In a nutshell the idea is to make dies of zinc alloy sand castings, using wood or plaster patterns. The zinc alloys have good physical properties in compression and are practical for use in short runs even for body panels. First use of this principle seems to have originated in several aircraft establishments. We can see the possibilities of the method for all manner of sample stamping work, small run stampings, and what is of equal importance—the production of show samples of motor car parts. If anyone is interested in further details, we shall be glad to put them in touch with our source of information. Longer Life Certain heavy duty bus operations impose such severe loads on the braking system that brake lining life is rather short as compared with average experience. We understand that there is an experiment in progress in which the rear brakes are relieved of a modest percentage of the load by a set of auxiliary disk brakes. Experience thus far seems to intimate that this procedure increases brake life to a remarkable degree. It is quite conceivable that the same device may be of value on heavy duty truck equipment when operated under unusually severe conditions. Hypoid Lube In the light of current experience with hypoid axles, there is general agreement that a satisfactory hypoid lubricant must possess the following qualifications—1. it must lubricate the axle satisfactorily under the conditions of service; 2. it must provide resistance to scoring; 3. it must function without producing wear; 4. it must be stable and non-oxidizing; 5. it must be non-corrosive in the presence of water; 6. it should have good viscosity characteristics. In the light of these requirements it is obvious that there is a place for both the active and so-called inactive types of E-P lubes. Present day problem is to select the right type of material for a given set of operating conditions. Heavy Duty Certain important developments are in the offing in heavy duty engines. For one thing we believe that cast crankshafts will have new impetus on standard engines within the next year. Then there is a design change in the offing that promises to be rather startling. We are sworn to secrecy at the moment but we can assure you that the story will make fine reading. Noxious Gases No one will deny that there is a problem in the control of noxious gases in the exhaust of heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and motor trucks. The fact that certain large communities have strict supervision and regulation to that end, tends to bring the problem out in the open. Interesting it is to note that smoke and noxious odors can be controlled in two ways. First, it has been found practical to control these effects by suitable design, by the application of heat to the induction system, by the use of water thermostats, by the use of thermostatically controlled radiator shutters, and by other means. Second, there is the matter of a formal maintenance procedure assuring the proper adjustment of design features, regular maintenance of carburetor, ignition, and induction system. There appears to be a definite place in the scheme of things for good instrumentation, particularly in the use of exhaust gas analyzers. Evidently the problem is neither obscure nor difficult of control when the essential operating conditions are known. Man Made Synthetic rubber - replacing materials have given a good account of themselves in automotive applications. Judging from the SAE address made by Major General H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Arnold, chief of the Air Corps, such materials will have the widest sphere of usefulness in military aircraft where reliability and freedom from maintenance are so vitally important. Cutting Fluids Investigations carried on by the Independent Research Committee on Cutting Fluids intimates that there is considerable difficulty in obtaining practical information concerning the application of cutting fluids for special problems. Considering how vital this material is in machine shop practice, there is much to be gained by a serious and impartial study. The Committee invites suggestions and queries.—J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Automotive Industries March 11, 1939 | ||