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).
Report comparing American valve steels like Silcrome, including prices, equivalents, and adoption by various car manufacturers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 158\4\ scan0213 | |
| Date | 12th February 1938 | |
| - 2 - HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}1/VS.{J. Vickers}12.2.38. We would rate these steels, from very thorough test work, in the following order: Silcrome XCR, Silcrome X-8, Silcrome XB. XCR and X-8 are about 26¢ per pound, base, and XB is about 22¢ per pound, base. 2. COMPARATIVE RESULTS. Silcrome XCR has given the best results in America, but being more expensive, is not generally used. For a year and a half we have supplied the Oldsmobile valves in this material, and it is now being used by Allis-Chalmers, International Harvester, Sterling Engine and Graham-Paige. The hard seat seems to give particularly good service, but may break down under extremely severe conditions. 3. ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS. We know of no English equivalents on these steels. XB in manufacture is quite similar to Silcrome and X-8 is similar to KE.965. XCR is more delicate to handle than either. 4. VALVE PRICES. I shall get a price on 5,000 finished valves in XCR with stellited seats and forward it to you. 5. ADVANTAGE OF AMERICAN SILCROME. We believe that the American Silcrome steel has no advantage over the English type as shown by the analysis in your letter. We might say, however, that Silcrome is passing out as a valve steel in America. The following people have dropped it within the last year and a half :- Chrysler (Plymouth) have changed to Silcrome XB. International Harvester " " " XCR, XB and TPA Waukesha Motor. " " " TPA Hudson " " " XB Packard " " " X-8 Ford " " " An analysis which is approximately our Silcrome X-10, practically 18-8. Chevrolet have continued using Silcrome, but have approved XB. continued. | ||