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).
Experimental use of magnesium for Bentley car parts to replace aluminium.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0031 | |
| Date | 12th October 1933 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X258. To RHG. from E/JNR.{Charles L. Jenner} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Magnesium parts for Bentley. With a view to getting some experience in the use of the above material we have got Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}'s approval to make one set of experimental parts now made of aluminium to be made in magnesium. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} remarks as follows: "We should be careful in doing this, to ascertain definitely the cost, because this must enter into the question of the use of magnesium, that is to say, we do not want to increase the cost if possible by the use of it". The saving in weight resulting from the change in material would be about 70 lbs. Some of the parts will have to be treated against corrosion and it might be necessary in the case of the bottom half crankcase and the gearbox, to enamel the outside surfaces, as we seem to remember that salt water adversely affects magnesium. The parts are: Top Half crankcase. Bottom half crankcase. Valve rocker cover. Valve tappet covers. Timing gear cover. Induction pipes. Air silencer bend. Ignition Tower. Clutch pit with cover. Gearbox with all covers. Selector shaft fastening. Fan Bracket. S.U.carburetter parts. Rear axle centre. Shock damper castings. Dashboard. Steering column support bracket. S.U. petrol pump centre casting. Petrol tap base. Floorboard covers. Spring shackle covers. Engine oil filler. Steering box cover. Starter switch base. Dummy Hub. Wiring covers on dash. Pedal plate. Switchbox base. We should also like to try the following parts which are now in cast iron to be made in an aluminium alloy which is resistant to corrosion. | ||