The improved fixture, like a well-trained old friend, was firmly fixed on the lathe. This time, the challenge was no longer a simple thin aluminum sheet, but a typical thin-walled textile part with a more complex structure and higher requirements—an aluminum alloy shell with curved surfaces and irregular holes. This thing is notoriously "delicate," and in the past, processing ten would ruin seven or eight of them.
Everyone in the group who wasn't in a rush couldn't help but crowd around. Group leader Chen Siyuan stood behind the crowd with his hands behind his back, his expression calm, but his eyes never left the lathe.
Liu Li took a deep breath, feeling her heart racing. She glanced at Zhou Wei, who nodded at her; then she looked at Sun Mei, who had already prepared more precise measuring instruments. She composed herself and began operating the equipment.
The workpiece was carefully clamped onto the improved fixture. Following the optimized plan, she applied prestress in three steps, stopping after each step to repeatedly check the initial state of the workpiece and the stability of the fixture using a dial indicator and micrometer. Her movements were as slow as if she were performing some kind of precision ritual.
"The initial state is stable. Let's begin the first trial cut," Liu Li said softly, as if to herself, but also to inform those around her who were watching.
The lathe started, its deep hum mingling with the tool tip gently tracing the least important spot on the workpiece's edge. It stopped, and the measurement was taken. The data was quickly recorded, and Zhou Wei glanced at it before rapidly calculating in his notebook.
"The thermal deformation trend is in line with the prediction. It is recommended that the compensation amount be increased by 5 micrometers in the second step," Zhou Wei reported the data.
Liu Li nodded and carefully adjusted the fine-tuning screw. The newly added directional limit block indeed worked, and the adjustment process was smooth and stable without any wobbling.
The second round of finishing began. This time, the tool moved along a more critical surface. Everyone held their breath, their eyes glued to the dial indicator and the machined area of the workpiece.
The pointer trembled slightly within a very small range, but there were no large deviations or trend changes! The cutting sound was smooth and even, without the worrying vibrations and noises of the past, as if the parts were about to fall apart.
Sun Mei, holding a lever micrometer, quickly took measurements at several key dimensions during the processing break. Then, she looked up, her eyes filled with unbelievable surprise, and gave everyone an "OK" sign.
The final cut was complete. Liu Li turned off the lathe, and the workshop fell silent instantly. She almost held her breath as she released the clamps and removed the still-warm workpiece.
Sun Mei immediately stepped forward and, together with Zhou Wei, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the workpiece using various measuring tools. The data was reported one by one:
"The inner diameter of the big end is qualified!"
"Surface profile accuracy is satisfactory!"
"Positioning accuracy of irregular-shaped holes: Pass!"
"Wall thickness difference, controlled within 3 micrometers!"
When the last key data was confirmed to be in full compliance with the drawing requirements, and even better than expected, someone took the lead in clapping, and then enthusiastic applause erupted in the corner of the workshop!
"It's a success! It really worked!"
"My God, this thing used to be a huge headache!"
"Liu Li, Zhou Wei, you two are a great combination!"
The experienced workers patted Liu Li and Zhou Wei on the shoulders, their faces beaming with smiles. Team leader Chen Siyuan also came over, took the perfectly machined workpiece from Sun Mei, examined it carefully, and then touched the smooth machined surface with his hand. Finally, a clear and approving smile appeared on his face.
“Not bad,” he looked at Liu Li and Zhou Wei, nodded, and said with unprecedented certainty, “Your approach is correct and your work is solid. You’ve managed to crack a tough nut.”
Looking at the near-perfect part and listening to the cheers and congratulations from her colleagues, Liu Li's tense nerves finally relaxed completely. A huge sense of accomplishment and joy welled up in her heart, making her eyes a little hot.
She knew this wasn't just her success; it was the result of the collective efforts of everyone on the team—theorists, practitioners, measurers, and supporters. This final validation of success served as a resounding clarion call, proclaiming that their unconventional technological path was not only viable but also held immense promise!
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