Abstract: In a process for facilitating non-cutting cold working of ferrous materials by application of a phosphate coating, ferrous materials are dipped into a phosphating solution which is free of elements of group VIB of the periodic table which consists of Cr, Mo and W, of nitrogen compounds and preferably also free of nickel and contains5 to 20 g/l zinc1 to 15 g/l magnesium10 to 26 g/l phosphate calculated as P.sub.2 O.sub.51 to 15 g/l fluoroborate calculated as BF.sub.41 to 7 g/l chlorate calculated as ClO.sub.3and in which the weight ratio of Zn:Mg:BF.sub.4 is adjusted to from 1:0.15:0.15 to 1:1:1.

Abstract: A self-propelled carriage traveling along a track, e.g. within a printing plant, carries a number of flat articles such as printing forms suspended from a common supporting bar with the aid of releasable holders gripping that bar in transversely spaced engagement positions. As the carriage passes a receiving station such as a printing press constituting the destination of one or more of these articles on one holder, a magnetic retreiver aligned with the corresponding engagement position releases the holder from the bar and lets it drop onto a transverse guide rod sloping down to an unloading point. The holder may include a locking mechanism for securing the article or articles in place during travel, an extension of this mechanism preventing the mounting of the holder on the supporting bar in an unlocked position.