1984 New \u00a31 million R & D development project in offshore technology.<\/p>\n

1985 Became part of BTR plc – name changed to Metalastik Vibration Control Systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1987 Multi-million pound investment programme under way in Leicester factory.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Figure 1: from Graces Guide<\/p>\n

In the Chapman\/Lotus era the Company was identified with:-<\/p>\n

\n
• Rotoflex coupling<\/li>\n
• Rubber metal weld<\/li>\n
• Components for engines and suspension<\/li>\n
• Crankshaft torsional vibrational dampers<\/li>\n
• Flexible bearings<\/li>\n
• Rubber joints<\/li>\n
• Instrument panel mounting<\/li>\n
• Rubber buffers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Rotoflex<\/strong><\/p>\n

  \u201cThis coupling is used for motor vehicle propeller shafts, half shafts steering columns, industrial drives as well as many other applications.<\/p>\n

  Accommodates large angular and axial displacements with minimum resistance.<\/p>\n

  Reduces torsional vibration and noise.<\/p>\n

  Absorbs torque fluctuations.<\/p>\n

  Replaces mechanical joints, eliminating lubrication and metal-to-metal wear.<\/p>\n

  No servicing required.<\/p>\n

  Unaffected by dust, grit or moisture.<\/p>\n

  The Metalastik Rotoflex\u00ae Coupling consists of a regular polygon of rubber with metal inserts bonded in position. It can have 4, 6 or 8 sides. After moulding, the rubber elements in the coupling are compressed by the fitting of a steel retaining band. This important design feature ensures maximum fatigue life. The retaining band is discarded after assembly. Metal interleaves bonded into the rubber elements provide increased torque capacity when required.<\/p>\n

  Rotoflex couplings have proved successful for motor car propeller and half-shaft applications for auxiliary drives on road vehicles and for many industrial drives.<\/p>\n

  When couplings operate at very high speeds and support a cardan shaft, a centring device is necessary; these can be all metal or a metalastik bush arrangement \u2013 details are available from our design department on request.\u201d<\/p>\n

  See: https:\/\/idoc.pub\/documents\/rotoflex-coupling-14306m72r24j<\/p>\n

  Lotus Connections <\/strong><\/p>\n

  The editors believe that Metalastic components were used in both Lotus road and race cars, notably Rotoflex coupling in the half shafts on the tyres 25&33, but also in the Elan.<\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  Figure 2: Editors sketch of Lotus 25 focusing on engine, gearbox, transaxle and role of Metalastic Rotoflex joints<\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  Figure 3: Image from the net<\/p>\n

  Metalastic Couplings<\/strong><\/p>\n

  \u201cFitted to Lotus Elan and many Formula Ford cars, used on Hewland Mk4, 5 &6, 8 & 9 and FT200 gearboxes. These were designed to accommodate large angular and axial displacements with minimum resistance, whilst reducing torsional vibration and noise. As a result these joints which also have industrial and marine applications, found success within motorsport. The 3.78in and 4.4in PCD versions are interleaved for increased torque capacity, the 5.25in versions is also available 2.75in wide for GT40 applications.\u201d<\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  Figure 4: Image from the net but also published in \u201cLotus Elan\u201d by Taylor<\/p>\n

  Hughes accounts of the Elan development:<\/p>\n

  \u201cOne problem which raised its head was a disconcerting braking \u201cwind up\u201d caused by the rubber doughnut type couplings specified by Chapman.<\/p>\n

  Manufactured by Rotoflex, these were flexible \u201cbungee\u201d universal joints derived from Hillman Imp units, which were cheap and clever substitute for Hardy Spicer splined joints and CV joints\u2026. Anyone familiar with the old Elan knows that sensitive use of the throttle and clutch is needed to avoid kangarooing action as these couplings twist when accelerating hard , but in early testing they also had a dire effect on braking \u201c<\/p>\n

  Period Address for economic geography exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n

  Evington Valley Road,<\/p>\n

  Leicester<\/p>\n

  LE 5 5LY<\/p>\n

  Learning Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n

  Our learning \/educational opportunities are intended to be challenging thought provoking and requiring additional research and\/or analysis.<\/p>\n

  These opportunities are particularly designed for a museum\/education centre location where visitors would be able to enjoy access to all the structured resources available in conjunction with any concurrent exhibition.<\/p>\n

  Understanding the potential of componentry particularly proprietary items provides some of the following learning opportunities; in this instance we suggest the following might be appropriate:-<\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  Figure 5: From Graces Guide<\/p>\n

  Specific to Metalastic<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Note biography of Mac Goldsmith below and study<\/li>\n
  • To what other British car marques was Rotoflex fitted?<\/li>\n
  • What were Metalstic aviation and military connections during Second World War?<\/li>\n
  • Study and consider Colin Chapman\u2018s production specification methodology, how and when did economics compromise his cars?<\/li>\n
  • The Elan has some contradictory published reports regarding reliability, explain these, giving examples<\/li>\n
  • What other industrial applications were Metalastic suitable for?<\/li>\n
  • Examine Metalastic and Rotoflex patents in the fullest context of need, function, raw materials, assembly\/manufacturing volumes and judge its viability, how good an idea was it?<\/li>\n
  • What is the size and value of the industry<\/li>\n
  • How has it changed? And what is its future 2020 onwards?<\/li>\n
  • Discuss the relationship with a multi-national mass-production brand\/manufacturer and its links, how and why did it come into existence?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    General<\/p>\n

    \n
    • Use a technical dictionary where needed to define components and roles<\/li>\n
    • Was there a viable alternative to the part under consideration?<\/li>\n
    • Is what might it have been \/cost?<\/li>\n
    • Examine the suppliers\/specialist advertising what does it convey? And what is its iconography?<\/li>\n
    • Integrate this item with our series on the economic geography of motor sports locations and manufacturing bases<\/li>\n
    • Has the component had exposure at any motor shows?<\/li>\n
    • Does the company continue to supply classic\/heritage parts?<\/li>\n
    • What changes in technology and materials have impacted on Lotus through its history?<\/li>\n
    • How does component design impact on form and function<\/li>\n
    • Does the supplier\/specialist have aviation links? If so what?<\/li>\n
    • What is the importance of ergonomics and how does it influence modern automobile design?<\/li>\n
    • Does excessive safety\/ and or ergonomics impact negatively on aesthetics<\/li>\n
    • What is the impact of standardization of platforms through mark ranges and indeed shared with other manufacturers? Could uniformity ultimately impact on sales even if economies of scale improved?<\/li>\n
    • Enumerate Lotus bought in components<\/li>\n
    • How has mass production and proprietary parts assisted the specialist car market?<\/li>\n
    • Produce an engineering drawing of a selected component and consider the specification of the materials and assembly process, costs and volume<\/li>\n
    • Explore an enumerate supplier\/specialists components used in other Industrial Design fields<\/li>\n
    • How did the supplier\/specialist extract value from their sponsorship\/support?<\/li>\n
    • Explore Graces Guide for further background detail<\/li>\n
    • Study the economic geography of the British auto industry what factors determined locations?<\/li>\n
    • What have been the causes of change and circumstance that have impacted on British motor industry?<\/li>\n
    • What has been the role of F1 \/motor sport valley based around Bicester?<\/li>\n
    • What is the importance of outsourcing to the motor industry?<\/li>\n
    • Study a British car specialist like Morgan, TVR, Ginetta or Lotus where do they source parts? What are the advantages?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      <\/p>\n

      Figure 6: Image from the net note item 2 identified as used on Lotus and Jim Clark in 1965<\/p>\n

      Exhibitions, Education, Economics and Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n

      In the museum context the editors believe that commercial considerations are both necessary and complementary with its educational objectives.<\/p>\n

      For these reasons our suggested outline Business Plan includes provision for promoting products and services which share Chapman\u2019s ideals of mechanical efficiency and sustainability. In addition we propose merchandising that explain and interprets the social and cultural context of Chapman\u2019s designs in period. It\u2019s suggested there will be catalogue for on line purchasing.<\/p>\n

      In this instance we suggest the following exhibition titles might be appropriate:-<\/p>\n

      <\/p>\n

      Figure 7: Additional sketch drawing by the editor of the Lotus type 33 with ZF gearbox<\/p>\n

      Specific:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

      Metalastic<\/td>\n	<\/td>\n	Fantastic Elastic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	<\/td>\n	Chapman liked his doughnuts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	Rotoflex<\/td>\n	Coupling :Getting it together<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	<\/td>\n	Flexible friend<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	<\/td>\n	F1 compliant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	Rotoflex<\/td>\n	A coupling made in heaven<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	Rotoflex<\/td>\n	The odd Coupling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Metalastic<\/td>\n	<\/td>\n	Lotus ,power and rubber plants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n General:-<\/p>\n \n Lotus Parts: Past ,Present Future<\/li>\n Lotus Parts: The Winning Factor<\/li>\n The Principle Part<\/li>\n Act the Part<\/li>\n Assign the Part<\/li>\n Lotus Components<\/li>\n Lotus Components :Parts and Parcel<\/li>\n Lotus Sponsors, Specialist and Suppliers:Form,Function and Forte<\/li>\n Lotus Components:Parts and Partiality<\/li>\n Lotus Aesthetics : With little to spare<\/li>\n Lotus Cars: Spare and Slender<\/li>\n Product launch with title of dedicated specific relevance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Conclusion: \u201cThe whole is greater\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n There can be little doubt about the significant contribution made by Metalastic and Rotoflex.<\/p>\n They assisted Lotus achieve multiple F1 World Championships and other titles. Additionally used in the profoundly inspirational performance packaging of the<\/p>\n Elan.<\/p>\n Components were material to reliability and competitiveness.<\/p>\n What we might learn from Mac Goldsmith and Metalastic\/ Rotoflex might be:<\/p>\n \n That a Jewish refugee escaping Fascist Germany made an enormous contribution to British society, its culture, education, economy and sporting achievements<\/li>\n The significant of patents in industry and the invention behind them<\/li>\n How products can be mutated and taken up in related applications<\/li>\n The importance of simplicity and cost effectiveness on finding practical solutions<\/li>\n How products proven in aviation served the motor industry<\/li>\n This product gives us a prism to examine Chapman\/Lotus production economics of design and purchasing and the consequences and the ongoing lessons contained within<\/li>\n We can consider the Elan folklore <\/em>as it applies to doughnuts and some forensic examination of their performance<\/li>\n The Metalastic and Rotoflex brand name and products remains available for classic owners<\/li>\n The Rotoflex couplings might be considered green\/sustainable <\/em>due to its relative simplicity and ease of fitting with minimum parts reducing wear etc.<\/li>\n The Rotoflex couplings are inspirational in their form and function and how they meet necessity with commercial potential. Serious students of motor engineering, motor racing and Industrial design can learn much from this product and of Mac Goldsmith whose biography reference we list in the appendix below<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Metalastic brand name continues:<\/p>\n \u201cMetalastik Anti Vibration Mounts and Vibration Isolators<\/strong><\/p>\n Metalastik<\/strong> is a registered trademark of Trelleborg Industrial Anti Vibration Systems.\u00a0 Metalastik has a long history of producing quality vibration isolators and anti-vibration mounts.\u00a0 Being acquired by Trelleborg has only added to the quality and performance of these vibration isolation mounts.\u00a0 Let us help you choose which Metalastik vibration mount<\/strong> is correct for you.\u00a0 At Mission Sales and Supply, we have years of experience in anti-vibration mounts and vibration isolator applications.\u00a0 Also, being the authorized US distributor for Metalastik and Trelleborg, we are directly connected to the engineering team there at Metalastik.\u00a0 Contact us and let us run an analysis on your anti vibration application.\u00a0 You will find that these Metalastik mounts<\/strong> are second to none.\u00a0 Whether it is marine, defense, industrial, or specialty vehicles, Metalastik has the solution that you need.\u201d<\/p>\n Chapman\u2019s design and manufacturing methodology rather confirms the adage that \u201cthe whole can be greater than the sum of the parts\u201d.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an interesting an important study to consider deployment of components. It contributes to aesthetics, assembly economics and sales [attractive components\/ known accepted performance and servicing ability etc.]<\/p>\n It is equally and mutually relevant and beneficial to the component manufacturer.<\/p>\n Chapman and his colleagues often took the best \/ most appropriate mass produced item and almost reinvented it in its service to design objectives. In this manner many components acquired a new status and indeed their aesthetic was enhanced surrounded by the Chapman conceptual whole.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also extremely significant how many of these components were also used in Lotus competition cars. This created a powerful dynamic and interrelationship. Many components:-<\/p>\n \n Performed well in competition gaining beneficial publicity and sales<\/li>\n Both the component and racing reputation carried through to road cars and assisted sales<\/li>\n The component manufacturer gained disproportionate publicity and assisted products sell in other applications<\/li>\n All together a beneficial spiral was commenced. Publicity of the era often opted to highlight the Lotus dimension in publicity material. In fact there was a powerful synergy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The relationship between Lotus and is sponsor specialist suppliers is significant and worthy of close study and has lessons for Engineering, Industrial Design and Manufacturing disciplines.<\/p>\n Along the way it\u2019s possible too to study the wider British motor component industry and how it has helped foster the specialist car manufacturers.<\/p>\n Sponsorship is a worldwide phenomenon of immense commercial impotence. Both to host and sponsor organization.<\/p>\n With the Passage of time it\u2019s likely to become more sophisticated and focused and the internet \/multimedia technology will play greater role.<\/p>\n Sponsors have existed in motorsport before Chapman but he vigorously exploited the concept with Gold Leaf c 1967\/68 and set a pattern for others to follow.<\/p>\n Sponsors of Lotus were likely to benefit financially and in terms of exposure to an extent greater than their investment. The benefits were, and remain essentially similar to present day:-<\/p>\n \n Access to mass international audience consistent with mass production distribution marketing branding etc.<\/li>\n Demographics of viewing audience and interest groups<\/li>\n Additional subsidiary \/secondary advertising through media, news, magazines etc.<\/li>\n Identification with market \/brand \/marque leader in both F1 and road cars<\/li>\n Association with success and continuity evolving, developing technology, materials etc.<\/li>\n In period the identification with the charm ,charisma and ability to articulate that Chapman possessed<\/li>\n All the attendant glamour , drama ,danger ,and spectacle of F1<\/li>\n Ability to provide conducive hospitality to conduct business<\/li>\n Cost effectiveness of audience cost ratio<\/li>\n Possible further complex corporate benefits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Appendix 1: Context and operation of sponsorship from the net:-<\/strong><\/p>\n \n Learn how sponsorship motives have evolved.<\/li>\n Be able to differentiate between advertising and sponsorship.<\/li>\n Learn the advantages of each of the key promotion tools.<\/li>\n Identify the six categories of sponsorship opportunities.<\/li>\n Distinguish between self-evident and strategic linkages.<\/li>\n Learn the trends in spending on sponsorships.<\/li>\n Gain insight as to how ambush marketing and leveraging play roles.<\/li>\n Develop a basic understanding of the three special cases of sponsorship.<\/li>\n Identify the five key sponsorship objectives.<\/li>\n Learn the importance of each sponsorship objective.<\/li>\n Understand the concept of matching.<\/li>\n Learn the potential components of a sponsorship plan.<\/li>\n View a comprehensive example of a sponsorship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Gain an awareness of controversies regarding sponsorship.<\/p>\n Appendix 2: F1 and related racing results <\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.snowmoose.com\/LotusCars\/TeamLotus\/TLHistory.html<\/p>\n Appendix 3:Mac Goldsmith biography <\/strong><\/p>\n Mac Goldsmith (1902-1983): The Life and Work of a Refugee Engineer<\/p>\n http:\/\/jewish-gilroes.org.uk\/stories\/mac-goldsmith\/<\/a><\/p>\n Mac Goldsmith: the life and work of a refugee engineer (1902-1983) \/ editors, Ann Stanton, John Goldsmith.<\/strong><\/p>\n [London?] : Centre for German-Jewish Studies, University of Sussex; [Leicester?]: Stanley Burton Centre for Holocaust Studies, University of Leicester, 2008.<\/p>\n Nb copy available at the British Library<\/p>\n Reference:<\/strong><\/p>\n Marks of Excellence.P.Mollerup.Phaidon Press.1997.<\/em><\/p>\n ISBN: 0714838381<\/em><\/p>\n Graces Guides<\/em><\/p>\n Internet websites and local History<\/em><\/p>\n Aircraft of the Fighting Powers.Cooper&Thetford.Vol.1.Aircraft [Technical] Publications.1940.<\/p>\n An extensive bibliography is provided in A&R article on John Players Specials\/Gold Leaf<\/p>\n Industrial Design A-Z.C&P Fiell.Taschen.<\/p>\n ISBN: 3822863106<\/p>\n Lotus Book.Taylor.Coterie.1998.<\/p>\n ISBN: 1902351002<\/p>\n Art of the Formula 1 Race Car. Mann, Codling.Motorbooks.2010<\/p>\n ISBN:<\/p>\n Lotus 24, 25, 28, 29, 33.Unique.<\/p>\n Lotus 49, 49B, 49C, 49F.Unique.<\/p>\n ISBN: 1842555185<\/p>\n International Corporate Identity.Olins.Laurence King.1995<\/p>\n ISBN: 1856690377<\/p>\n International Motor Racing 1978.Ed by B.Gill.Macdonald and Jane\u2019s.1978<\/p>\n ISBN: 035409033X<\/p>\n The International Motor Show. Offical Catalogue.1966<\/p>\n Motor Racing Directory 1955-56 [Ed by staff of \u201cMotor Racing\u201d] Pearl Cooper.<\/p>\n Motor Racing Directory.Kettlewell.<\/p>\n ISBN: 0906556007<\/p>\n Autosport A-Z Motorsport Directory. [Annual editions] Haymarket<\/p>\n The Automobile.Reyat.Chand.2013.<\/p>\n ISBN: 8121902142<\/p>\n Fundamentals of Motor Vehicle Technology.Hillier & Pittuck.Hutchinson.1967.<\/p>\n Lotus 49.Wagstaff.Haynes.2014.<\/p>\n ISBN: 9780858334121<\/p>\n Lotus 72.Wagstaff.Haynes.2012.<\/p>\n ISBN.978857331274<\/p>\n Colin Chapman.Lawrence Breedon.2002.<\/p>\n ISBN.1859832784<\/p>\n Colin Chapman.Ludvigsen.Haynes.2010.<\/p>\n ISBN.9781844254132<\/p>\n Coventry Climax Racing Engine\u2019s.Hammill.Veloce.2004.<\/p>\n ISBN.1903706831<\/p>\n Lotus, Coventry Climax and Cosworth Engine\u2019s.Pitt.Unique.<\/p>\n The Anatomy and Development of the F1 Racing Car.Incandela.Haynes.1982.<\/p>\n ISBN.<\/p>\n The 1000 BHP GP cars.Bamsey.Haynes.1988.<\/p>\n ISBN.0854296174<\/p>\n Lotus 98T.Slater.Haynes.2016.<\/p>\n ISBN.97808573377771<\/p>\n Louts Elan.Hughes.Osprey.1992<\/p>\n ISBN.1855321947<\/p>\n Lotus Elan.Taylor.Crowood.1996.<\/p>\n ISBN.1861260113<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sponsor, Brands, Specialists and Suppliers: The Companies that supported the Chapman \/Lotus Road & Racing Programme Metalastic: Rotoflex Coupling: Getting it Together This is an important story involving Mac Goldsmith (Jewish Engineer, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist) Mac Goldsmith was the owner of Metalastic and also had interests in John Bull Rubber. He made a very great […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":3570,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3667"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3667"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3676,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3667\/revisions\/3676"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}