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).
Feasibility of using stainless steel for Bentley and Rolls-Royce radiator shells and shutters.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\1\ Scan049 | |
| Date | 3rd February 1964 | |
| To: FS{F. Steele}/Rd cc: Gry{Shadwell Grylls} MoF & Kgt FS{F. Steele} FS{F. Steele}/HLJ Hvy FS{F. Steele}/JBB BC ETT JPB Nvl/Arm Tln FRM GHK 3.CM 3.2.64. SY Radiator Shells and Shutters In reply to your memo FS{F. Steele}/Rd 6/AH 27.1.64., asking if we will consider the use of stainless steel for the Bentley radiator shell we have to say that because of the shortage of time we consider it better to instruct chromium plated brass for this piece because of the numerous difficulties expected from such a large pressing in stainless steel. The production of this shell in stainless steel has been discussed with probable manufacturers who are experts in the use of stainless steel and although they are quite sure they can make a satisfactory pressing by using a deep drawing quality of material they are concerned about the finishing of the piece. More elaborate tools are almost certainly required as several draws will be needed if die lines are to be prevented. It is essential that these are prevented because the amount of polishing must be uniform over the whole surface of the pressing. Additional polishing in localised areas will cause thinning which in turn will show as a shadow on the highly polished surface. Because of these various difficulties we have suggested that when the tools for the brass have been made experiments should begin with stainless steel pressed up in the same tools and if all the problems are satisfactorily resolved and there is still an appreciable cost saving to be achieved then the change to stainless steel can be made on production. The use of stainless steel for both the Rolls-Royce and Bentley shutters is more practicable. We have in the first instance called for chromium plated brass shutters because they are the same section as those at present in production for which tools exist. If we change to stainless steel a reduction in thickness is likely to be satisfactory and some tool changes may be required to achieve this. We propose to give this matter some further investigation both from manufacturing and costing points of view. GHK | ||