Motor Parts (Metal).
The various parts which go to make up a complete motor car are differently treated according to their shape and size. In most cases, stoving is resorted to, because the enamel or japan is thereby much increased in durability by the hardening which takes place in consequence of the high temperature.
The steel rims of wheels are dipped by hand into a black japan made especially for the purpose. They are hung on hooks and allowed to drain for some minutes, and are then transferred to the stove, where they are subjected to a heat of 320° F. Such parts as ribs, front and rear wings, running boards, shields, etc., are dealt with in the same way.
Previous to dipping, these parts undergo the process known as "pickling," by which scale, grease, etc., is removed so that a perfectly clean surface is presented to receive the japan.
Troughs to catch the drips must be provided, and it is essential that these be kept quite clean, so that the superfluous japan may run through gauze and be pumped back again into the tank to be used again.
Automatic Finishing of Pianos.
The Standard Hydraulic Immersion System.
Any doubt as to the perfection of finish which may be produced by a carefully thought out system of immersion or dipping must be removed by the fact that such a system has been in successful use for some years for the finish of pianos. It need hardly be pointed out that such a finish must necessarily be so well done as to approach perfection.
One firm has made a special study of this subject, viz., the Standard Varnish Co., of London and New York, and their efforts have been most successful.