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 the Elektronmetall company's works in Bad Cannstatt, detailing their production of aluminium pistons and other components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\3\ scan0251 | |
| Date | 24th June 1937 guessed | |
| Elektronmetall. We visited the Elektronmetall Co's works at Bad Cannstatt. This firm makes elektron pressure die castings, oil filters, air filters, petrol filters, aeroplane wheels with brakes (in elektron), operating gear for aeroplane brakes, aero shock absorbers and undercarriage gear, and aluminium pistons. We were shewn samples of their elektron pressure die casting work but were not permitted to see any of this work being done. The samples were of very high quality and generally small pieces. The main product of the factory is aluminium pistons, all varieties and sizes, and we were shown the production of these pistons. The finish and accuracy was very good. The piston rings are bought out and submitted to many tests to check them up dimensionally, for correct pressure and for bedding in a circular gauge before they are fitted to the pistons ready for despatch. They are making the Nelson Bohnalite Invar strut type of pistons in very large quantities - Opel use them. They have a very fine piston museum in which pistons of every conceivable make are laid out and labelled, including pistons which have failed with the reason for failure tabulated for future reference. They are equipped with a very fine series of research laboratories fitted out with testing machines of every description in connection with piston research and light alloy investigation. The production of aluminium pistons on a large scale by this firm is only of comparatively recent development. Soon after the war they went into production with elektron pistons and failed badly due to this material being unsuitable for the high operating temperatures. Two brothers, Hermann and Ernst Mable, who were employed by the Company at that time, bought it up when it was almost bankrupt due to the Elektron piston debacle and commenced producing aluminium pistons. They have built up a very fine business and the factory being in the main comparatively new is very well laid out and | ||