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).
The applications and potential of Bakelite for various car components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\3\ scan 022 | |
| Date | 21th December 1920 | |
| X 2464 Contd. -5- Oy2/G21.12.20. recently acquired. X.430. Timing gears, for magnetos of canvas-Bakelite have been used for years. Also timing gears on many engines. They are silent and need no shroudings, and are unaffected by heat, oil or water. Starting pinions, of the same material are employed on several makes of cars for silence. X.2764. Tappet push rods, for overhead valve engines are made of Bakelite paper for silence, but I have not ascertained by what makers and with wat success. Coachwork is a new development of Bakelite paper, the intention being to start with the panelling and later develop the other members of the body in this substance or in Bakelite canvas. Lightness and freedom from warping is claimed. X.671. X.3465. Steering wheels of Baklite are an accepted development, manufactured by the Pfanvailsmith Co. of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. They are sometimes made with an electric heating coil imbedded in the Bakelite, for cold weather driving. We had thought of Bakelite as a substitute for hard rubber on our steering wheels and would appreciate Mr. Royce's comments on this. The die cast would probably be one or two thousand dollar, but the wheels would require no buffing, would be weather proof and would not crack; would have a high lustre and a permanent black color ( the present wheels turn yellowish after the trip across the Atlantic) and would probably have a less cost than the hard rubber due to the quicker moulding operation. Perhaps we could supply England with these. Mr. B.P. Boyle, Asst. to European Manager, Westinghouse International Electric, Co. London, is the party to get in touch with if Mr. Royce is interested in seeing examples of Bakelite-Micarta. SUMMARY: The uses of Bakelite in American electrical work are drawn to Mr. Royce's attention. Its other uses are touched upon. The general use of bare wire enamelled with Tung Oil is mentioned. Mr. Royce's comments are requested on the use of Bakelite for steering wheels. MO/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Yours truly, ROLLS ROYCE OF AMERICA. INC. C.H. Southern. cc. Mr. Hives. Mr. Hulley. MR. Nadin. MR. Bembro. Enc. Booklet. | ||