The pioneer QC team held its first meeting, and the news quietly spread throughout the workshop. Liu Li took the lead in solving two problems—reducing the number of malfunctions on the C620 lathe and making the surface of export parts smoother. Everyone could see that this was not just empty talk; they were going to tackle the difficult issues in production.
After the meeting, everyone immediately got to work. Fu Jingchen and Xiao Zhou helped draw the templates, while Zhang Shulan, who writes quickly, copied the inspection form using carbon paper. She gave one sheet to the operator and another to the shift team for their records. Her handwriting was neat and tidy, and she even clearly marked items such as "spindle noise" and "bearing temperature".
But when it came to distributing the inspection forms, they ran into a hurdle. Liu Li and Zhang Shulan had just handed the forms to Master Zhang when he shook them, saying with a hint of mockery, "Wow, this form looks pretty professional? We're supposed to be sewing parts at work, but we also have to 'diagnose' the machines every day? We're machinists, not factory doctors!" Several older workers nearby laughed along, "We didn't have these before, and the machines were running just fine, weren't we? This is just pointless tinkering." Someone else muttered privately, "Liu Li just wants to show off, using us as errand boys."
Zhang Shulan's face flushed with anger, and she was about to retort when Liu Li pulled her back. She walked over to Master Zhang, pointed to the newly repaired C620 lathe, and said calmly, "Master Zhang, you've been doing this for over twenty years, you know more than any of us—machines are like people; if you don't pay attention to small problems, they'll eventually become big issues. Last time, the spindle of this lathe seized up. If we had noticed the bearing noise and high temperature earlier, it wouldn't have broken down so badly and delayed our work for several days. Let's spend five minutes filling out a form every day, just like checking the machine, so we don't end up clueless when a real problem arises. Don't you agree?"
These words hit the nail on the head. Looking at the lathe, Master Zhang recalled the ordeal of the previous emergency repairs, and his expression softened: "That makes sense... Okay, I'll give it a try first."
The first hurdle was cleared. Liu Li knew that talk was cheap; she had to put in the effort. She, Zhang Shulan, and Li Weidong arrived half an hour early every day, taking the inspection forms and walking around the machines. Liu Li taught the young workers how to listen for abnormal noises from the spindle. Li Weidong squatted beside her, touching the cool bearing housing, and said, "You can tell if the temperature is high or not just by touching it. If it's higher than the temperature of the back of your hand, you have to be careful." When some people complained about the trouble, they didn't rush them but stayed with them to check. Gradually, more and more people started filling out the forms seriously.
Just as the inspection system was starting to take off, efforts to improve the surface finish of the parts were in full swing. Liu Li didn't arbitrarily change the process; she first had everyone record the data—Zhang Shulan ran around labeling every part processed by each machine, Fu Jingchen and Xiao Zhou used a roughness tester to measure them, even noting which tool and cutting fluid were changed every few days. Li Weidong was even more meticulous, touching dozens of parts every day, marking which were smooth and which were rough in his notebook.
More than a week later, Fu Jingchen and Xiao Zhou came to everyone with the data charts: "Look, the parts processed by the old machine always have a slightly lower surface finish, even with the same tool and parameters." Xiao Zhou added: "It's probably because the spindle is a bit wobbly, although you can't see it with the naked eye. Also, the lead screw is a bit loose, so the tool feed isn't as accurate, which makes the surface of the parts rough."
Everyone fell silent after hearing this. Li Dashan squatted down and stroked his chin: "If it's a problem with the machine itself, we have to report it for repair. But whether the factory will approve it, and when, is uncertain—there are too many old machines, and they can't be repaired just like that." Li Weidong also sighed: "Old machines inevitably have some minor problems after being used for a long time. As long as it doesn't interfere with work, the higher-ups may not be willing to spend the time on major repairs."
The atmosphere was a bit somber. Liu Li took a deep breath, looked at everyone, and said, "Isn't the purpose of QC to find and solve problems? Now that we roughly know where the problem lies, that's progress. Engineer Fu, could you apply to the technical department to use more precise instruments to test the spindles and lead screws of those old machines? We need solid data to get the factory to agree to repair them."
Fu Jingchen nodded: "I'll go and talk to them right away and explain the situation clearly." Zhang Shulan quickly added: "Right! We can't be discouraged. If all else fails, let's think of some temporary adjustments!" Li Dashan patted his chest: "If you really need to test the machine, call me. I'm familiar with the internal structure and can lend a hand!"
Seeing her partners regain their energy, Liu Li felt a warmth in her heart. Before, she had to figure out the technology on her own, but now Zhang Shulan was running around doing everything, Fu Jingchen was doing the analysis, and Master Li and the others were sharing their experience. No matter how difficult the task was, there was someone to share it with.
She was no longer just an apprentice who only cared about her own lathe—she was concerned about reducing equipment malfunctions throughout the workshop and improving the quality of export parts, gradually learning to lead everyone in the work. This path was certainly not easy, and she might encounter misunderstandings and lack of cooperation, but as long as everyone worked together and solved problems in a practical way, they could always move forward.
The flag of the pioneer QC team has been raised. The group members are busy moving around the workshop in the morning sun. Although their steps are a little unsteady, they walk with great determination.
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