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 to investigate the production processes for lead bronze bearings, including challenges, materials, and patent considerations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img286 | |
| Date | 6th March 1934 | |
| Handwritten top left: WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} RGE 54/H/H.4C HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from RHO Handwritten top right: LKR.H.C IH111.22.3-34 March 6, 1934 Detroit, Mich. 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 high-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 bearings 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. Then 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. [Diagram showing a cross-section of a bearing housing. An arrow labelled 'A' points to a trapped area within the casting. Below the diagram is the handwritten word 'WELDS'.] 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.{Sir Henry Royce} R.{Sir Henry Royce} production, we are not at liberty to produce for trade. ✓ Therefore, if this action is contemplated it will be necessary to consult Mr. Stockbridge, A.{Mr Adams} C. Co., London, who hold manufacturing rights for England. It is understood here that no decision has yet been made by A.{Mr Adams} C. regarding production of lead bronze bearings. I obtained drawings of test rig which is being used for bearing tests and Mr. Rippongill said they would be prepared to test any bearings produced at Derby we cared to submit, and furnish reports on same. It would be adviseable to take advantage of this offer as results will be a reliable check on bearings tested at works. Intensive bearing research is now in progress. Reports will be posted to us when available. | ||