A Light-alloy Underframe of Duramin Design
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T11E problem of weight reduction is mach to the fore at the present time, and chassis manufacturers and coaelibuilders are exercising great ingenuity in saving weight in various components without any • sacrifice of strength.
A new light-alloy underframe, which attains this object, has been introduced by the Duramin Engineering Co., Ltd., 23-24, Hythe Road, London, N.W.10, and it is estimated that a saving of GO per cent, in weight is obtained as, against an oak underframe of similar strength.
Au accompanying illustration shows the construction, and a feature of its design is the elimination of localized stresses that are likely to be set up by the movement of the chassis. • No welding is employed in its construction, the members being riveted together.
Any type of body may. be mounted upon this frame, and tile saving in weight is such, that a lower category of taxation.may be realized. In tome cases it has been possible, by its use,
to keep a vehicle within the 2-ton limit and thereby permit an increase of speed from 20 m.p.h. to 30 m.p.h.
The frame illustrated, is designed for a load of five to six tons and its weight is 168 lb. It is 17 ft. 6 ins, in length, 7 ft. 6 ins, in width and 10 ins, deep. linderframes suitable for any chassis and load are to be produced to a similar design, and it is necessary for the maker to know only the load to be carried and its nature, the dimensions
and class of body, and the make and type of chassis. The alloy used is non,: absorbent and rust-proof.
An interesting feature is the claim of the maker that if it be not possible, after a number of years, to transfer the underframe as a whole to a new chassis, considerable portions of the material could be safely used again.