Back to the 80s Machinery Factory

Chapter 541 Are they all enchanted?
As soon as Dong Mangui's group started working, they immediately created a lively atmosphere.

The workers were busy working around the mold, and people from other groups in the workshop couldn't help but look over.

Huang Pingtao saw this and a thought secretly crossed his mind.

He doesn't like to do anything fancy or superficial.

But now that Dong Mangui has taken the lead, if he really doesn't show any reaction, wouldn't he be falling behind?
He frowned and pondered for a moment.

Instead of comparing molds with Lao Dong, he shifted his focus to the "process flow".

Huang Pingtao coughed, raised his hand to signal everyone to stop what they were doing, glanced around, and spoke with a more composed tone than usual:
“Brothers, in the past, our workshop always followed the rules. When the time was right and the temperature was right, we would push the things out of the mold.”

"However, the rubber compounds vary greatly from batch to batch. If we make them in such a rigid way, the finished products will either be too hard or too soft."

"To truly stabilize quality, you must thoroughly understand the process flow."

He paused and then said:
“I’m thinking that starting today, after our group finishes its production tasks, we should set aside some time to conduct a comparative experiment. Using the same batch of rubber, we can try to lengthen and shorten the vulcanization time, and then combine it with different temperatures to see where the performance differences are.”

"Once we figure out the patterns, we'll be able to create a more precise vulcanization schedule for different rubber compounds. Then, whoever does it will have a clear guideline, and the quality will naturally be more stable."

Seeing that Dong Mangui and Huang Pingtao had both taken a stand, Zhao Yuejin was not to be outdone.

"They're keeping an eye on the molds and vulcanization, so we'll focus on the raw material ratios."

He squinted, his tone as calm as ever.

"A difference of two ounces in ten pounds of raw material can result in a product with a lifespan that is twice as short!"

"From now on, our group will focus on the ratio and try to adjust it to the finest possible."

"Whoever discovers that improving the formula can enhance performance, I will personally credit them!"

Sun Jianbo was young, but quick-witted. Seeing that everyone else had shown their skills, how could he be willing to fall behind?

"Then let's conduct a durability test!"

"Everyone else just needs to get the work done; our group will be in charge of testing!"

"The most direct way is to put the newly made adhesive kit on the testing machine, compress and push it repeatedly, and do it thousands or tens of thousands of times to see if it cracks or deforms."

"Or you can soak the sample in oil, acid, or alkali for a few days, then take it out and press it again to see if it can still withstand the pressure."

The young men's eyes lit up when they heard this, and they immediately got excited.

"We love doing this job!" someone laughed.
“You can’t tell the effect from molds and formulas, but once you start this experiment, you’ll immediately know whether it’s the real deal or just a gimmick.”

"Yes, if it can withstand the pressure, it means the materials and workmanship are good. If it cracks or deforms from being soaked, we can find the problem immediately."

"Besides, this job is interesting! It's much more exciting than doing odd jobs according to a form. It's like working directly with the parts!"

In an instant, the entire rubber workshop seemed to be set on fire.

Dong Mangui's men were watching the mold.

Huang Pingtao's team focused on the technological process.
Zhao Yuejin was engrossed in the formula.

Sun Jianbo simply treated the test bench as a battlefield.

The four groups each came up with their own unique methods and worked with great enthusiasm.

When Chen Luyang finished his work in the morning and walked out of the office, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Ok?
what's the situation? ?

The entire workshop was noisy and bustling, with the sounds of hammers, testing machines, and people shouting all mixed together, and the air even carried a fiery energy.

Are they all on steroids?

Chen Luyang looked suspiciously at the four group leaders who were full of enthusiasm, and then at Xiang Guowu, who was steadily leading the young people in experiments.

They were a perfectly normal group just a moment ago, how did they suddenly get enchanted!

However...
Do it!

The drier the better!

What I'm afraid of is that they won't do it!

As long as we can achieve results, there's no need to talk about getting hyped up.

You can even lift up the roof beams of the workshop.

……

When I got home in the evening, I had dinner.

Chen Luyang and her mother were changing the water in the sauerkraut jar.

Then, the sound of a car and shouts came from outside the courtyard gate:
Is Director Chen home?!

"Yes, yes, yes, both Director Chens are here!"

Chen's mother greeted them as she went to open the door.

Upon opening the door, I saw two burly men, their faces weathered and worn, each carrying a heavy burlap sack, standing cheerfully at the entrance.

One was Liu Yiping, whom I often met, and the other was actually Bai Yunzhao, the commune's head!

"Little Liu?" Chen's mother recognized Liu Yiping and asked in surprise:
"Why are you home so late? Come in, come in!"

Liu Yiping said happily, "Auntie, this is our president, President Bai. He knew that Director Chen had gone home, so he came to visit and bring you some New Year's goods!"

Upon seeing the things, Chen's mother quickly declined, saying, "Oh dear! You're already here, why bring anything?"

"Second brother, come on!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Luyang didn't come out, but Junjun ran out from inside the house.

"Uncle Liu!"

Junjun, carrying a long stick, rushed out happily, pounced on Liu Yiping, and pulled him into the house.

For more than a year, Junjun drank the milk that Liu Yiping delivered every day and was very fond of this "milk uncle".

"Hey, Brother Bai! Why did you come in person!" Chen Luyang ran out, saw Bai Yunzhao, put her arm around his shoulder and invited him into the house.

Bai Yunzhao put the large sack in his hand in the yard and said happily:
"It's almost Chinese New Year, and we don't have much to offer, so we just got half a lamb and some beef to add a festive touch to our home."

A group of people entered the house, and Bai Yunzhao took off his hat, revealing fatigue in his eyes.

Chen Luyang was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Bai, you've gotten quite a lot more gray hair these past two years."

Bai Yunzhao said with a wry smile, "How could I not be white? The snow disaster came and went, and I had to keep an eye on the cattle farm, the factory, and the fields. I was so busy that my hair turned white."

Chen Luyang then asked with concern, "How's our commune doing lately?"

Bai Yunzhao smiled and shook his head and then nodded: "It's quite difficult."

“If it weren’t for your help in setting up the fertilizer production line last time, our crops would have almost been ruined that season. We are really grateful to you.”

Chen Luyang quickly waved his hand with a smile: "Oh! There's no need to thank me, it's just a small favor from our factory."

"By the way, how's the milk powder factory thing that Brother Liu told me about last time?"

Bai Yunzhao sighed, "Alas... During the snowstorm a while ago, the dairy farm ran out of feed for three days, the milk production of the cows dropped to zero, and the production line stopped completely. It was only with great difficulty that things were restored, but we still haven't figured out the milk powder project."

"I've tried bone meal and egg yolk powder, but they're either fishy or astringent."

“Well! We thought you studied in Pian’er City and were at Peking University, so you’ve seen more of the world than we have. If you could give us some advice, or even just ask around for us, it would be better than us just guessing.” Chen Luyang readily agreed, “Okay! Let’s go to the milk powder factory together tomorrow.”

He had been thinking about the commune's affairs for the past few days and was planning to go and take a look when he had some free time. He didn't expect them to come on their own initiative.

Upon hearing Chen Luyang's quick agreement, Bai Yunzhao's face immediately lit up with a smile: "That's wonderful!"

"We'll come to the factory to pick you up after we deliver the goods to the city tomorrow."

After finishing their business, Bai Yunzhao and Liu Yiping exchanged a few pleasantries and prepared to leave.

Seeing that the two were about to leave,

Chen's mother quickly stood up again to greet them, her voice filled with a mixture of worry and enthusiasm: "It's snowing today, why don't you stay at my house for the night instead of going back? The kang (heated brick bed) is warm, and it'll be more lively with more people."

Chen Luyang chimed in, "Yes, our yard is big and we have lots of rooms, so it won't be a problem if we squeeze in. Besides, you've come all this way, you should take a break."

Bai Yunzhao waved his hand and laughed, "We won't bother you any longer. We still have some collected manure to return in our truck. Besides, we have to come back tomorrow, so we won't stay here today."

Chen Luyang frowned: "How about we take a day off? The roads are difficult to travel in this heavy snow."

Bai Yunzhao sighed, "We can't rest. The fertilizer factory is waiting! If the fertilizer is delayed, it will cause serious problems for the commune's spring plowing. Don't worry, we know the way well."

After saying that, he and Liu Yiping bowed to each other again: "Auntie, Director Chen, see you tomorrow!"

On a snowy night, the car's taillights flickered and quickly disappeared into the white darkness.

The next day, when Bai Yunzhao and Liu Yiping arrived by car, it was already afternoon.

Chen Luyang, carrying a small bag, got into the small truck.

The small truck traveled north from the city, turned out of the bustling area of ​​southern Xinjiang, and continued along the edge of the outer district. After passing the market, the truck headed straight for the main road in the suburbs.

"Last year, the outer ring road in the city was paved with asphalt, and the road is much smoother now."

Chen Luyang looked out the window and couldn't help but say.

“Absolutely,” Liu Yiping said with a laugh as he shifted gears.

“Before, once you crossed the city boundary, it was all washboard roads. During the vernalization period, the roads would freeze and bulge, especially those few low-lying sections, which were really hard to drive on. Every time I passed through, I had to use the clutch halfway and move little by little, otherwise the chassis would definitely rattle loudly.”

"Now it's much better. The surface is pressed down firmly with oil, it's wider and flatter, and the car doesn't bounce around like it used to."

As the car slowly left the city, the asphalt road gradually turned into a gravel road and a dirt road. The buildings and shops on both sides decreased, replaced by windbreak forests, protective ditches, and endless black soil.

After the wind passes, the remaining snow on the ground looks like white lines.

Chen Luyang yawned and was about to pull his hat brim down to take a nap when he suddenly frowned!
Not right.

"Brother Bai, why does your car look different from the ones at the factory?!"

Chen Luyang looked down and patted the seat, a hint of suspicion flashing across her face.

The last time he came to the commune with Bai Yunzhao, he rode in a car all the way, and his butt was so bumpy that it felt like it was flying.

But this car has a thick backrest, the seat cushion is just the right firmness, and it only shakes slightly when it encounters potholes, which is completely different from the "leaf spring twisting you" feeling I remember.

Bai Yunzhao chuckled: "You actually managed to sit down!"

"That vibration damping pad under your butt is a genuine Italian product!"

"Not to mention our province, it's hard to even find in the market."

"what?"

Seeing his surprise, Bai Yunzhao lowered his voice and said, "Not only this thing, but also the front suspension buffer pads, the bearings in the steering column, and even the brake pad linings have been replaced."

"This set of parts was brought by the Marco brothers. They came to the factory with blueprints and gave us some pointers on how to make this little truck work."

"Brought here?"

“Yes. They saw that our vehicle was always running between the commune and the city, and the road conditions were rough, so they wanted to replace it with something better. They said it was a ‘temporary trial installation,’ but let’s just say it’s a trial. Anyway, we drive it every day, so we’re the best at testing things.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Luyang immediately understood.

"Wow, Brother Bai, you get along really well with them. They're giving you all the good stuff."

Bai Yunzhao said modestly, "We wouldn't say we're particularly close."

“Our Italian brothers love to eat stew, so every few days we bring them to the commune to eat goose, pork ribs with sauerkraut, some vermicelli, and frozen pears. When they are satisfied with their meal, they feel warm inside and help us pack our things.”

Chen Luyang sighed, "If only every car in the factory could be equipped with this."

Italian components are known for their vibration isolation, durability, and braking linearity... everyone knows they're good.

It's difficult to simply install them all at once.

Currently, China faces tight foreign exchange quotas and strict import controls. Furthermore, the supporting materials, heat treatment, and rubber formulations are not part of the same system as those used abroad. Even if we have physical products, mass production requires a series of interconnected steps.

The drawings need to be exported, the tolerance chains need to be recalculated, and everything needs to be kept up, including batch steel, bearing grade, lining material formula, vulcanization process, and heat treatment curve.

If you miss one thing, once you leave the city and get back on this washboard road, its true nature will be immediately revealed.

The car sputtered northward, swaying back and forth in the carriage. It was impossible to sleep soundly, so the group started chatting casually.

Chen Luyang: "Brother Bai, are you busy at the end of the year in your commune?"

Bai Yunzhao, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, shook his head with a smile: "The end of the year is really tough. Every day I'm either on the road or going from factory to factory."

Chen Luyang was taken aback: "What, still so busy?"

"Of course!" Bai Yunzhao waved his hand.

“You know our commune’s fertilizer plant. Where do the raw materials come from? The main source is the manure from the toilets of various units and factories in the city. Every year around this time, I have to go to each and every one of them to say hello.”

Liu Yiping added from the side, "Director Chen, don't be fooled by how undignified this job sounds; it's a real art. If you don't make the necessary connections, fewer people will deliver to you, which will cause problems during the spring planting season."

"To put it nicely, it's about fertilizer raw materials; to put it bluntly, it's about competing for 'fertilizer sources'," Bai Yunzhao said with a wry smile, picking up the thread.

"There are so many factories, big and small, in the city; everyone's eyeing them."

"Whoever gets on good terms with the factory leaders, the logistics department, or even the toilet attendants can get more work. Around the end of the year, the amount of money spent on treating people to drinks, cigarettes, and candy could circle the commune three times."

Chen Luyang couldn't help but laugh: "Brother Bai, are you doing this as a sales spree? At the end of the year, it's all about who's more diligent and has the sweetest tongue."

“That’s for sure.” Bai Yunzhao laughed. “If you ask me what we’ve been doing all these years, it’s not really about hauling goods, it’s all about dealing with people and relationships.”

Liu Yiping nodded: "Brother Bai is the best at this. Every time he opens his mouth, people agree without hesitation. If it were anyone else, they really wouldn't be able to get so many people to agree."

Bai Yunzhao waved his hand and sighed heavily.

"For the last three months of the year, I was either waiting for people at the factory gate or going to their canteens and boiler rooms. If anything came out of their toilets, I would try to get it to us."

"If there is a lack of fertilizer when sowing in spring, the seedlings will not emerge."

"No matter how fertile our black soil is, we still need chemical fertilizers to help. Otherwise, we can't guarantee grain production."

Bai Yunzhao took a drag of his cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and grinned:

"But then again, our commune's fertilizer plant has done a really good job this year."

"In this year alone, we collected more than 10,000 tons of raw materials, which turned out to be a net profit of more than 300,000 yuan!"

"What do you mean? A few years ago, we wouldn't have even dared to dream of it."

(End of this chapter)