In another section of the axle department steering spindles are drop-forged. These parts are much smaller and are made in many different shapes. In fact, very few automobiles of different makes use the same shaped steering spindles. As this work is lighter, a man with one good leg and one arm can do some of the operations. A forge or blacksmith shop is usually connected with the drop forge department. In the forge shop the steering spindle arms are bent to the proper angle so as to give perfect steering to the automobile. The men must be qualified to do simple forge and bending work, and handicapped men could fit in here very well.
In the forge and spindle departments working conditions are not of the best, as there is noise, smoke, and the smell of hot steel. The light of the fires also is hard on the eyes. Pay is good, however, and the work is steady.
Small parts of the front axle are made and furnished in the machine department. All parts are finally passed to the assembly department.
In the assembly department the front axle and spindles are assembled ready for the automobile. Here we find stands for holding the axle forging, while the spindles are being attached. This operation requires men who can put together these parts. They must be able to handle tools and do the work in a thorough manner. Considerable judgment must be exercised. The bolts and parts must be lubricated before assembling, the proper adjustments made, and all nuts and bolts securely locked in place. The inspector passes upon all this work to see that it is properly done. A man must be able to use hand tools and move about, and should be able to use both hands freely.
In another department hubs for wheels are made. Here are the powerful presses in which the hubs are pressed out, and the punch and drill presses for making holes. Operators of these machines have duties similar to those of men in the spindle department. Hubs require some machine-shop work, which is done in the machine shop. Either ball or roller bearings must be placed in the hubs to reduce the friction.
PLAN No. 1125. BEARING MANUFACTURE
Bearing manufacture is practically an industry in itself. In this plant or department, a force of real mechanics is employed, men who are authorities on steel and the heat treatment of steel. The wheel bearings of an automobile receive many severe shocks and strains, and a poor piece of steel or a poorly heat-treated piece of steel may do considerable damage to the car. Roller and ball bearings are used in several places in an automobile. They are used in the engine, magneto, generator clutch, transmission and rear axle. Wherever it is desirable to reduce friction to save power, an antifriction bearing is used.
Research work as connected with bearing manufacture covers a large field. It includes not only work in the laboratory but as well work done in the field, wherever tractors are used. The engineers are always watching their product for any chance to improve it.
In manufacturing bearings, whether ball or roller, a high-grade pure iron is selected. This raw material is put into furnaces and melted. Alloys are added in proper portions to make a tough, close-grained long-wearing steel, able to resist shocks. Samples of this steel are tested in the laboratory as to their hardness, grain, and tensile strength. This is work for a carefully trained metallurgist, who must have well-trained assistants. Handicapped men who are technically qualified can take up this branch of the industry.
After the steel has been compounded it goes to the drop-forge department, where the balls or rollers are rough forged. The trip hammer in this department is controlled by one foot, and the steel must be turned over several times in passing through the various dies. The rough-forged balls or rollers are next taken to the machine shop or grinding department.