He paused, surveying the room to ensure everyone was listening attentively: "I have a solution—the Numerical Control Machine Tool."
"Numerical Control Machine Tool?" Almost all the technicians looked puzzled. For most people present, it was the first time they had heard this term.
"Numerical Control Machine Tool, full name is Digital Control Machine Tool," Li Ming walked back to the blackboard and quickly drew a schematic diagram, "It is a machine tool that can automatically process according to a pre-arranged program."
This explanation did not dispel everyone's doubts.
In an era when even electronic computers had just been born, "automatic processing" sounded like a fantasy.
Li Ming continued to explain calmly: "Traditional machine tools require manual operation by workers, and the processing accuracy is limited by human factors, and the efficiency is low. The Numerical Control Machine Tool, on the other hand, automatically controls the movement trajectory and feed speed of the tool through a pre-arranged program, and can process complex three-dimensional curved surfaces, with much higher accuracy than manual operation."
He drew the basic structure of the Numerical Control system on the blackboard: program input device punched paper tape, operation control unit, and servo drive device.
"This machine tool can theoretically process parts of any shape, as long as there is a correct program. And the accuracy and consistency are much higher than manual operation. More importantly, it can work continuously 24 hours a day, tirelessly."
The venue fell into a stunned silence again. An old Engineer stammered, "Does… does this kind of machine tool really exist?"
"In the Star-Striped Alliance, this technology is in the research and development stage," Li Ming replied, then added, "But I have designed a simplified system suitable for our country's conditions, which can be realized under existing conditions."
Saying that, he took out another roll of blueprints from his briefcase and unfolded them on the wall.
It was a complete design plan for an early Numerical Control system, including mechanical structure, circuit diagrams, and control principles.
The annotations on the blueprints were very detailed, even indicating solutions that could be replaced by domestic components.
An electronic Engineer stepped forward and carefully studied the circuit part of the blueprint, saying in surprise, "This… this system mainly uses electron tubes and relays, theoretically we can indeed manufacture it!"
Mechanical Engineers also gathered around, pointing at the mechanical transmission system on the blueprints and discussing animatedly.
Director Chen of the Military Industry Committee, who had been silent, finally spoke: "Comrade Li Ming, if what you say is true, this technology will not only help in the manufacturing of aero-engines but will also be a revolution for the entire industrial system of the country!"
Wang Deming watched in a daze from the side.
As Li Ming's classmate, he considered himself quite knowledgeable in the field of aviation, but he had never heard of the concept of a Numerical Control Machine Tool.
This was a technology that even the Star-Striped Alliance was still in the research and development stage!
Minister Zhao stood up excitedly, pacing back and forth in the venue: "Numerical Control Machine Tool, aero-engines… these two technologies are urgently needed by the country! Comrade Li Ming, your idea is to first develop the Numerical Control Machine Tool, and then use it to manufacture engine parts, right?"
Li Ming nodded: "Yes. First solve the processing method, then solve the product manufacturing. In this way, not only can engines be built, but also a group of talents mastering advanced processing technology can be cultivated for the country."
Minister Zhao and Director Chen exchanged a glance, seemingly reaching some consensus.
"Comrade Li Ming, your idea is very good, but it also faces a realistic problem," Minister Zhao said frankly,
"Currently, major factories in the country are burdened with important national production tasks, and it is difficult to allocate resources for such 'experimental' projects. Although your design looks very complete, it is a brand new concept after all, and no one can guarantee its success."
The atmosphere in the venue became somewhat subdued.
The technicians discussed animatedly, some looking very conflicted: on the one hand, they were deeply attracted by these cutting-edge technologies; on the other hand, they also understood the reality of the country's limited resources.
Just as everyone was in a dilemma, a middle-aged cadre sitting in the corner suddenly stood up: "Minister Zhao, I thought of a possible solution."
Everyone's eyes turned to the cadre, who introduced himself:
"I am Liu Ze from the Industrial Department. A few days ago, a patriotic entrepreneur, Comrade Lou Zhicheng, voluntarily contacted us, expressing his willingness to donate his Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant to the country.
This factory is not too large, but it is well-equipped, with a casting workshop, a machining workshop, and a heat treatment workshop, so the basic conditions are good.
If there is no rush to transform it into a large steel enterprise, perhaps it can first be used for Comrade Li Ming's project?"
As soon as Li Ming heard the names "Lou Zhicheng" and "Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant," his heart skipped a beat.
Why do these names sound so familiar?
Minister Zhao's eyes lit up: "This is a good idea! Firstly, it can avoid affecting the production of existing key enterprises, and secondly, if the project is successful, the experience can be quickly promoted; if difficulties are encountered, the losses are relatively controllable."
Director Chen of the Military Industry Committee also expressed his agreement: "Comrade Li Ming can be appointed as the Chief Engineer of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant, fully responsible for the research and development of the Numerical Control Machine Tool. Our Military Industry Committee can send several experienced Engineers to assist."
Just like that, a major decision was almost finalized within ten minutes.
Li Ming was somewhat dazed, not expecting things to develop so rapidly.
After the meeting, Liu Ze found Li Ming and warmly shook his hand: "Comrade Li Ming, welcome to the big family of the Industrial Department! I will arrange the matters of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant, and I can take you to see it tomorrow. By the way, do you have any requirements for your accommodation?"
Li Ming shook his head: "No special requirements, just quiet will do."
"Coincidentally, we have a Four Courtyard at N Luogu Lane 95, and there's a small courtyard inside that's currently unoccupied. The environment is quiet, and it's not far from the Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant, very suitable for you."
N Luogu Lane 95? Four Courtyard? Small courtyard?
This series of terms exploded like bombs in Li Ming's mind.
Isn't this the place from the TV series "Love in the Four Courtyard"?
Did he not only transmigrate but also transmigrate into the TV series?
Li Ming stood there stunned until Liu Ze asked with concern: "Comrade Li Ming, what's wrong? Don't you like the Four Courtyard?"
"No, no, no, I like it very much," Li Ming recovered, forcing a smile, "It's just… a bit tired, couldn't react for a moment."
Liu Ze patted his shoulder: "I understand, I understand. Long journey is indeed hard. So it's settled, tomorrow morning at nine, I'll send a car to pick you up, first to see the accommodation, and then to the Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant."
After seeing Liu Ze off, Li Ming sat alone in the corner of the meeting room, his mind in a mess: Hongxing Steel Rolling Plant, Lou Zhicheng, N Luogu Lane 95 Four Courtyard, small courtyard…
These terms combined, no matter how you look at them, seemed like the background setting of "Love in the Four Courtyard."
"No way… Did I transmigrate to the world of "Love in the Four Courtyard"?" Li Ming muttered to himself, feeling both absurd and inexplicable.
Li Ming shook his head, deciding not to overthink.
Anyway, tomorrow will tell. What will the N Luogu Lane 95 Four Courtyard look like?
…
