Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 227 The Field of Optics ×
At the exit of the domestic arrivals hall at Chongqing Airport, Zhou Yumeng, dressed in a smart business suit, was already waiting. When she saw Chen Mo and his group come out, she immediately went to greet them.

Upon seeing his secretary, Chen Mo turned to his second sister Chen Lan and brother-in-law Fan Xingping and said, "Second sister, brother-in-law, I'm going straight to Orange Science Park. I won't be going back to the city with you!"

Chen Lan felt a pang of heartache seeing her younger brother looking travel-worn.

"Xiao Mo, why are you in such a hurry? You just got off the plane, why don't you go home and rest for a day first, and go to the factory tomorrow?"

Chen Mo smiled helplessly, his tone revealing a clear sense of urgency.

"Second sister! I've been resting for almost half a month, but we still haven't even seen a prototype of the Orange 3! If we don't hurry up and catch up, we won't be able to launch the phone in June. How can this not be urgent!"

After parting ways with her second sister and her husband, Zhou Yumeng immediately came forward, took the coat Chen Mo casually handed her, and gave a concise report.

"Mr. Chen, the car is ready. We've also notified Factory Manager Feng and Director Zhou from Chengke. They'll be waiting for you at the factory gate!"

"Yes, very well done!" Chen Mo nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way.

The black van arranged by Zhou Yumeng arrived smoothly, picked up Chen Mo and Xiao Zheng, and headed towards the Shancheng Orange Micro Motor Factory located in Jianqiao Industrial Zone.

In the car, Chen Mo leaned back in his seat and asked Zhou Yumeng with a smile, "How was your New Year? Had enough of staying home?"

Since Zhou Yumeng's work basically revolves around Chen Mo, she naturally enjoyed a long holiday while Chen Mo was on vacation at his hometown for the Spring Festival.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yumeng smiled sweetly.

"Mr. Chen! I was initially happy that you gave me such a long vacation, but I've been staying at home for so long that I'm almost getting moldy. I'm just looking forward to coming back and starting work with you as soon as possible!"

"You little rascal, you're getting better and better at talking!" Chen Mo chuckled. "Alright, I have some good news for you. I've basically delegated the day-to-day management of the other Orange Group companies to the general managers. You'll definitely have less to worry about from now on!"

Zhou Yumeng used to have to compile the quarterly reports of the sister companies in the Orange Group. Heaven knows how she managed to get through it!
Things will be a bit easier now. From now on, the reports of the Orange Group's sister companies will be annual reports. It's just that Zhou Yumeng will be a little busier at the end of the year!
Zhou Yumeng's eyes lit up, and she sincerely agreed.

"That's great! In the past, the quarterly reports from various companies would pile up like small mountains, and it gave me a headache just looking at them!"

"Haha, I'm having a headache too! It's like submitting homework; I can't just ignore it!" Chen Mo laughed.

"Things should get easier from now on."

However, things will probably gradually increase.

When things get too busy, I'll set up a secretarial office for you and create a secretarial team to handle documents by category, so you can have an easier time!

Zhou Yumeng blinked blankly, clearly not fully understanding that Chen Mo was laying the groundwork for giving her more responsibilities in the future and training her to become a president's assistant.

Chen Mo smiled and didn't say anything more. Some things need to be done step by step.

As soon as the van turned onto the main road of Jianqiao Industrial Zone, the distinctive factory gate of Chengke Micro Motor Factory came into view.

The factory gate has no fancy decorations, exuding the neatness and solemnity of a long-established state-owned enterprise.

The design is symmetrical, with light gray granite columns that are over four meters high on both sides.

The five bold and powerful characters "Chengke Micro Motor" in brass are embedded in the center of the pillar, gleaming with a warm luster in the sunlight, and the style is very much like the steady aura that Feng Guofu prefers.

The electric sliding gate, made of dark gray matte material, is inlaid with thin silver lines along its edges, exuding a subtle yet sophisticated feel.

The retro bronze wall lamps at the top of the doorposts, with their bases engraved with simple gear patterns, subtly echo the manufacturing attributes of "micro motors".

The wall is not high, paved with light gray split bricks, and topped with dark gray tile eaves. Metal nameplates with Song typeface characters such as "Precision Manufacturing" and "Craftsmanship Quality" are inlaid on the wall surface at intervals. There is no superfluous design, but the word "precision" is placed in a visible place.

The most eye-catching feature is the screen wall directly opposite the main gate, which is also made of light gray granite. The simplified structural diagram of the micro motor is outlined in the middle with crisp metal lines, showing meticulous attention to detail.

It not only highlights the core of the enterprise, but also reveals Feng Guofu's consistent emphasis on "rule of law." It is understated yet demonstrates solidity and reliability in every aspect, perfectly matching the positioning of Orange Precision Manufacturing.

Zhou Yumeng had already conveyed Chen Mo's message that she did not want to cause a great disturbance.

Therefore, only three people were standing at the factory gate: General Manager Feng Guofu, Technical Director Zhou Mingzhe, and Feng Guofu's assistant.

The van slowly came to a stop.

Before Xiao Zheng could make a move, Feng Guofu had already stepped forward with steady strides.

He was wearing a crisp, dark gray suit with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing an old-fashioned mechanical watch on his wrist. He didn't engage in any unnecessary small talk, but simply stood by the car door with a serious and polite demeanor.

Zhou Mingzhe, who was behind Orange's elder, was more lively. He quickly stepped forward, opened the car door, bowed slightly, and spoke with respect and enthusiasm.

"Mr. Chen, you must be tired from your journey! Mr. Feng has been waiting for you here for quite some time!"

It's obvious that Zhou Mingzhe, this straight-laced tech guy, has improved his emotional intelligence during this time apart!
This shows that a technical director not only needs to convince people with their technical skills, but also needs to gradually develop their team management abilities!
Today, Zhou Mingzhe was wearing a light gray work shirt, buttoned up meticulously, and clutching a slightly curled technical summary notebook in his hand.

Feng Guofu's assistant stood to the side and behind, holding a dark folder with the Orange Science logo. When Chen Mo got out of the car, he stepped forward half a step and greeted him softly before quietly stepping back to await instructions.

Only then did Feng Guofu step forward, shake hands with Chen Mo with moderate force, and speak in a calm tone.

"Mr. Chen, welcome to Orange Technology. We know you don't like pomp and circumstance, so it's just the few of us! Shall we go in now? Let's take a look at the production line first?"

His gaze was calm, maintaining both respect for his boss and the appropriate demeanor of someone in charge of Orange Technology.

Zhou Mingzhe nodded in agreement: "Yes, President Chen, the optical glass production line just finished its commissioning yesterday, so it's perfect timing for you to come today!"

Accompanied by Feng Guofu and Zhou Mingzhe, Chen Mo began to tour the factory area.

"Mr. Chen, our Orange Technology plant currently covers an area of ​​about 90 acres (6 square meters), with the production area accounting for 60% and R&D, office, and living facilities accounting for 40%. It can currently meet the needs of an annual output value of 12 billion yuan!" Feng Guofu introduced.

"Is this size enough?" Chen Mo asked.

Feng Guofu replied, "We will need to see how the business of mass-produced optical glass products develops. If expansion is needed, there is still plenty of open space in the Jianqiao Industrial Zone, which is very convenient."

Chen Mo nodded: "Okay, you can decide based on the actual situation!"

Factory Director Feng nodded. Now that the big boss has delegated authority, mass-produced products rely on Zhicheng's centralized procurement sales channels, while high-end product customers come from far and wide, and the development is going very well!

Chen Mo looked at the new factory buildings rising from the ground, feeling a little emotional.

“When I came here last January, your Orange Technology only had a little over a hundred people, a micro-motor production line, and the laboratory was only half-built. The current development is truly beyond my expectations.”

Feng Guofu showed a hint of pride: "This is all thanks to the excellent product technology of our Orange Technology!"
Currently, the profit margin of our mass-produced products is similar to that of our precision manufacturing peers, around 15%, but the average profit margin of our high-end products can reach 663%.

Mass-produced products are the foundation for spreading R&D costs and training skilled workers, while high-end products are our important source of profit.

Chen Mo praised, "Very good. We must focus on both mass production and high-end products, and walk on two legs. Only in this way can Orange Technology go further and more steadily in the field of precision manufacturing."

They first visited the main factory area.

Three massive steel-structured buildings stand tall, housing the mass production of micro-motors, gyroscope assembly/optical glass manufacturing, and CNC machining centers, respectively. The micro-motor production line area is extremely noisy, filled with the roar of various machines.

After a brief inspection, everyone changed into cleanroom suits and entered the strictly regulated Class 10,000 cleanroom.

"Mr. Chen, this mainly consists of gyroscope assembly lines and optical glass production lines."

Feng Guofu pointed to the interior and introduced: "Currently, we have 3 coating lines, 2 precision die-casting lines, and 4 melting lines, but we have only integrated one complete optical glass production line for trial production to see the market feedback first!"

Chen Mo expressed his understanding: "It's a very prudent approach! Although we have the technology, market acceptance takes time, and adjusting production capacity according to market demand is the right thing to do."

Next, they arrived at the independent cluster of laboratories.

In the high-end motor laboratory, Chen Mo was attracted by a palm-sized wheeled version of the MYW-2.0 micro motor that looked like an enlarged version.

"What is this?" Chen Mo looked at Zhou Mingzhe.

Zhou Mingzhe explained, "Mr. Chen, this is a small to medium-sized wheeled motor that we are developing based on the MYW-2.0 micro motor technology, according to the motor requirements of Orange Home's balance scooter."

The current challenge is that the existing copper alloy material, even with a self-cleaning coating, lacks sufficient overall strength. We are currently attempting to replace it with aluminum alloy to enhance the structural strength.

Chen Mo thought to himself with emotion that this new product, derived from system technology, was a crucial step for Orange Technology towards truly independent research and development!

Then he saw the diaphragm pump developed based on MYW-2.0 technology.

Zhou Mingzhe explained, "This is a special booster pump used in the blade micro-cooling system!"

It's clearly just a MYW-2.0 micro motor with a diaphragm hose pressure booster added to the front. The remarkable thing isn't the technology, but rather the ability to circumvent someone else's structural patent.

Chen Mo smiled and praised, "Impressive! I thought you would outsource the miniature booster pump!"

Zhou Mingzhe said excitedly, "President Chen, our Chengke R&D team is developing more new products based on our two core technologies: the MYW series micro motors and the MYT series gyroscopes."

These two technologies have opened up entirely new product directions for us, with enormous technical and performance potential that is well worth exploring in depth.

If possible, after completing the development of small and medium-sized motors, Orange Technology hopes to enter the field of motors for new energy vehicles!

Chen Mo observed that although Orange Technology's progress in motor model development was not rapid, its direction was clear.

He encouraged him, "Good, do a good job!"

If you actually manage to manufacture car motors, don't worry if you can't open up the market right away.

"We, Yuancheng, have batteries, and you, Chengke, have motors. If we also purchase a third-party electronic control unit, then Yuancheng can launch its own brand, and we can even manufacture our own cars!"

Zhou Mingzhe smiled, taking it as President Chen joking to encourage him. How could Chengzi be so hasty in building cars!

Next, one of the highlights of Chen Mo's trip, the Leaf Vein Micro-cooling System (YML), will be unveiled.

He carefully examined the samples and test data of YML-1.0/2.0/3.0.

YML-1.0 laid the foundation for the overall technical architecture;
YML-2.0 integrates a MOF structure internally, which increases the heat dissipation area and improves efficiency;

YML-3.0 is equipped with a revolutionary nanofluid super coolant.

In terms of heat dissipation, the YML-2.0 (temperature control limit 18℃) seems to offer better value for money.

However, Zhou Mingzhe strongly recommended using YML-3.0: "President Chen, the nanofluid used in YML-3.0 costs only one-tenth of the traditional coolant sulfur hexafluoride, but its heat dissipation efficiency is 12 times that of sulfur hexafluoride, and its own driving energy consumption is only 0.5W. The advantages are too great!"

Chen Mo was well aware of the advantages of this super coolant, and he inquired about the mass production cost.

周明哲报出数字：“YML-1.0大约50元，YML-2.0约80元，YML-3.0大概60元。”

Chen Mo was somewhat surprised: "The cost of YML-3.0 is so low? I thought 2.0 had the best cost performance. Okay, then let's follow your suggestion and mass-produce YML-3.0 to adapt to the Orange 3 phone!"

Zhou Mingzhe was full of confidence: "With the R&D ideas and mass production roadmap provided by you, Mr. Chen, we will be able to complete the initial construction of the mass production process in March this year."

Chen Mo nodded, expressing his confidence in Orange Technology's execution capabilities.

Afterwards, the group moved to the high-precision gyroscope and optical glass laboratory, which has extremely high requirements for cleanliness.

Here, Chen Mo saw that Orange Technology was developing an integrated industrial application subsystem based on the MYT-3.0 ultra-precision gyroscope, which included an integrated solution specifically developed for the flight control system of the Jiangnan UAV.

Chen Mo couldn't help but marvel at how a core technology could indeed generate numerous high-value-added, high-end products.

The profit margin of ordinary manufacturing is only 5% to 8%, while that of precision manufacturing can reach 15%. However, the average profit margin of high-end precision manufacturing products of Orange Technology can reach an astonishing 163%.

The final highlight is Phoenix Optical Glass (FH), whose performance parameters for FH-1.0/2.0/3.0 are equally impressive.

Considering that the Orange 3 phone is mainly targeted at the lower-tier market, and that the overall BOM (Bill of Materials) cost has already exceeded the limit.

Considering the overall cost-effectiveness, Chen Mo chose FH-1.0 (90% light transmittance, Mohs hardness 6), whose performance is sufficient to meet market demand and whose cost is controllable.

After discussing the main business of the trip, something Zhou Mingzhe mentioned later aroused Chen Mo's great interest.

"Mr. Chen, the 501 Aerospace Materials and Processes Research Institute under the Aerospace Group came to us some time ago to ask for some FH-1.0/2.0/3.0 sample materials."

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow: "What are they going to do?"

Zhou Mingzhe couldn't help but smile: "President Chen, the ceramic-based heat-resistant tile LI-900 they are currently using has a maximum temperature resistance of about 1500℃ and a heat insulation efficiency of 68%."

Our FH-2.0 can withstand 1800℃ and has a heat insulation efficiency of 85%, while FH-3.0 is even better.

They are very interested and are evaluating the possibility of applying Phoenix Glass to areas such as heat-insulating tiles, heat-insulating layers, and thermal protection systems for spacecraft.

Chen Mo was speechless for a moment.

Since Phoenix Glass was originally intended to be optical glass, shouldn't people pay more attention to its optical performance?
However, due to its excellent high temperature resistance and thermal insulation properties, it unexpectedly entered the field of aerospace thermal insulation materials.

This intriguing crossover makes Chen Mo realize that it will be difficult to predict the future application areas of Phoenix Glass!
Optical field ×
Thermal insulation field √

Accompanied by Director Feng, Chen Mo briefly visited the power station, hazardous chemical warehouse and other auxiliary facilities, and had lunch in the staff canteen.

In the afternoon, Chen Mo returned to the assembly line to check on the workers' operations.

Here's a little-known fact: Yuancheng is a labor-intensive enterprise, while Chengke is a technology-intensive enterprise, with a ratio of 6:4 between skilled workers and R&D personnel.

Orange Technology requires all workers to have certain basic skills before they can start working!
After completing his comprehensive inspection and visit to the Orange Micro Motor Factory, Chen Mo brought back the results of his trip.
Accompanied by Zhou Yumeng, 10 sets of YML-3.0 leaf vein micro-cooling system samples and 10 sets of preliminary processed FH-1.0 mobile phone body and cover plate samples boarded the plane back to Shenzhen.

The new technological achievements are in place; now it's time to transform them into the market competitiveness of the Orange 3 mobile phone.

(End of this chapter)