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11 forging - S tamping - Heat Treating
January, 1925
P r e s s e d M e t a l T e c h n i c a l S o c i e t y N e e d e d
Technical Society Devoted Exclusively to Pressed Metal Problems
Would Do Much to Improve Methods and Products
T H E question as to the value of the various tech-*
nical societies and organizations, devoted to the
interests of one industry or another, is much discussed,
and while some are of the opinion that there
is too much duplication of effort along this line, the
actual accomplishments support the general opinion
that they have rendered a valuable service, not onlyr
to members but to industry in general. Some concerns
feel that they are overburdened by the expense of
their representatives attending the numerous conventions
and meetings held throughout the year, but
with few exceptions the returns more than compensate
for the expense.
While most of our large industries are represented
bv their own societies, or at least take part in the
Activities of some society that can best serve their
needs, it is surprising to note that pressed metal
manufacturers devote little, if any* attention to such
Work. For more than a year Forging-Stamping-Heat
Treating has been quietly advocating the formation of
a pressed metal technical society, but only after a
thorough investigation had been made to determine
whether such a movement was under way elsewhere,
or if the activities of such a society would conflict
with other existing societies.
That the pressed metal industry should be represented
bv a society devoted exclusively to the discussion
of its own problems is borne out by the fact that
Upwards of 5,000 companies are engaged in this work.
O lly a part of this number are commercial manufacturers,
but nevertheless it does not alter the fact that
their problems still remain to lie solved.
The formation of a pressed metal section or division
in one of our large national societies should not
be given serious consideration as such action would
only tend to cause greater confusion to programs that
are already overcrowded with technical papers. Those
who attend the numerous national conventions will
agree that the proper benefit is not derived from the
many interesting papers presented; so much work
being scheduled for the various sessions as to leave
little time for discussion. Even the holding of semiannual
meetings instead of the one annual convention
or the scheduling of simultaneous sessions has not
brought about the desired relief. In view of this condition,
it does not seem advisable to consider joining
forces with any of our existing societies, as the problems
of the pressed metal manufacturer would only be
a secondary consideration to the purpose for which the
parent society was originally formed.
Societies formed 10 years ago were adequate to
serve the needs of its members, but whatever field it
covered at that time has become divided into many
specialized branches. Papers that used to be of interest
to all members now only interest those specializing
in that department with which the paper deals.
*Editor.
—Purposes of Such a Society Are Outlined
By D. L. MATHIAS*
That this condition actually exists is verified by the
tendency of the technical societies to group papers
that deal with specific subjects.
Some of the larger manufacturers of pressed metal
products are inclined to feel that suggestions for forming
a society covering their particular field amount to
an interference with their rights. In several cases
they have gone so far as to say that they do not favor
the organization of a pressed metal technical society
as it would give the small manufacturer the benefit of
their experience, entirely overlooking the fact that
they themselves were once in the embryonic stage.
Perhaps the small concern can give his larger competitor
many valuable pointers in the art of pressing
metal, for it is not at all uncommon for large concerns
to turn down work that may involve preliminary experimental
work or in which failures may be high,
either by quoting high prices or stating their inabilty
to make delivery. The natural result is that the "undesirable"
work is thrown upon the small producer
who must possess a great deal of ability to profitably
handle it. The idea that the large concern has a
"corner" on experience is erroneous, for it is usually
lack of sufficient financial backing rather than the
lack of experience that has held the small concern
down.
Some manufacturer, if desiring to learn competitors'
"secrets," will get them, regardless of the tactics
he must employ. If others think they are withholding
information fro mtheir competitor, they are only deceiving
themselves. Why not get together, then, and
get something in return? Co-operation is absolutely
essential to the success of any business, and the same
is true of any particular industry. The principle of
open-mindedness that is characteristic of most American
industries is responsible for much of their success.
Teamwork is a pre-eminent factor in the successful
administration of industrial activities and dispels
antagonism.
The pressed metal industry's need is for real teamwork
in the free exchange of technical information
and in the common effort to advance the industry by
improving the quality of the product. This can only
be accomplished through the formation of a technical
organization where the pressed metal manufacturer,
the user and those who supply equipment and raw
material can get together and discuss every phase of
the industry.
The purposes for which a pressed metal technical
society should be formed might be outlined as follows:
1—To promote the arts and sciences connected
with the pressing of metals, and the study of subjects
relating to manufacturing, uses and properties
of pressed metal parts.
2—To hold meetings for the reading and discussion
of papers bearing upon processes, equipment,
apparatus, etc., used in practical and research
work connected with the art.