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).
Sourcing and testing of linen, cotton, and canvas Bakelite rod for magnetos.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\3\ Scan159 | |
| Date | 20th September 1921 | |
| X3573 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to EFG. c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Ms. Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}13/NJ20.9.21. X3573 Magnetos. On the 16th inst. you (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) requested me to ascertain whether linen or cotton Bakelite rod could be obtained from any firm in this country. I immediately wrote to North & Sons, who have now replied as follows:- "In reply to your letter of the 16th inst. we "beg to say that we are able to obtain supplies of "linen Bakelite rod from Messrs.Robert W.Blackwell & "Co.Ltd., 36, Emperors Gate, South Kensington, London, "S.W.7. "There is some delay in obtaining delivery, as "they do not appear to keep any stock of suitable "sizes in this country. "We have ordered small quantities, both of linen "Bakelite and canvas Bakelite in order to make quite "sure which gives the best results. "We have carried out some experiments with canvas "Bakelite which have been very satisfactory, and we "are confident that either will give good results, but "we shall only know which is the better by making up "a number of bushes from each." I notice that Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} (in his note Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/LG16.9.21) refers to linen and cotton Bakelite as "Bakelite Micarta"; whereas I understand that the term "Micarta" is applied only to materials with a paper base, unsuitable for surfaces which are subject to rubbing. The Damard Lacquer Co.Ltd., who are the duly appointed Agents in this country of the Bakelite Company, are making enquiries to ascertain whether any of the firms to whom they supply synthetic varnishes of the Bakelite type are manufacturing insulating materials with linen or canvas base, and I hope to hear from them in a day or two. In the meantime, we are addressing enquiries for insulating materials with paper base to the Micanite & Insulators Co.Ltd. who manufacture a substance they term "Paxolin". [STAMP: RECEIVED 22 SEP 1921] Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} | ||