Discussion on "Standardisation" at the Luton, Bedford and District Section of the Institution

MR. J. S. REED (Member): After listening to the excellent papers read by the six lecturers this evening, one wonders if it is generally realised what a colossal field standardisation could and does cover. Regarding the aspect of the subject mentioned by the first speaker, Mr. Wright, and from a general point of view, I think one must admit that standardisation is more or less forced upon us by the manufacture of common necessities of life providing for the large mass and increasing population over the whole world. Engineers are in a great measure responsible for the creation of these standards because they are the inventors and manufacturers of the machines whereby these products are made rapidly and economically. I am sure that the second speaker, Mr. Allan, was correct when he said that engineers generally knew very little regarding standardisation and the standards which were at present in existence. They do not make a practice of standardising parts or tools, consequently many a part is designed when an existing part would do, with perhaps a slight modification, thus saving largely on new work. We engineers can do a great deal in the field of standards, not so much individually as collectively. However, standardisation should not be allowed to deter the inventor or designer who may have some really good idea and who, because of an existing standard, would be disinclined to bring forward something new and good.