In modern craftsmanship, most of the work on various types of ships is completed by ship welders. This is common knowledge among welders in the shipbuilding industry. The thin plates on the ship are numerous, and the deformation is significant, making it not easy to weld; operations must strictly follow the pre-arranged welding data.

At the end of June in Changhong, the heat wave is intense. On the deck and in the workshop, welders are dressed in thick work clothes, wearing masks, and carefully operating their welding guns. Sweat drips down their cheeks, but they feel nothing, their eyes fixed on the welding spot, as if they are doing the most serious task in the world. "Welders suffer, welders struggle, covered in scars, their clothes full of holes," this is their most authentic portrayal.

"The company currently has 150 welders, and over 800 outstanding welders have graduated from our welding laboratory," said Hao Qichun, an engineer at Changhong International. Master Hao, in his 40s, looks much older than his actual age due to years of welding work. He has participated in over 60 welding evaluation tests at Changhong and is now a key figure in the welding laboratory. It is reported that as early as 2011, Changhong International established a welding laboratory, certified by the Welding Examination Committee, to conduct research on welding technology for various new efficient products, process evaluation and recognition testing, on-site custom processes for special situations, and training for welders in new processes and skills. The head of the quality assurance department told the author that the control of welding quality is mainly detected through both appearance and internal quality. They select welding materials and plates based on the different nature of welding projects and conduct evaluations. What they do is much more than what the on-site workers do, and the hardships behind it are often overlooked.

To ensure welding quality, the welding laboratory monitors every welding process of the product during testing, from the initial welding process evaluation to the inspection of each batch of welding materials upon arrival, all are on high alert. Only after confirming the quality of the welding materials can they be stored for baking and use. In addition, staff conduct periodic process inspections on-site and provide timely guidance for any issues found. A large number of welders with excellent professional skills have been cultivated. Master Hao expressed his feelings, saying, "In our line of work, most of the time is spent on-site, confidently watching their operations, but my eyes often feel uncomfortable."

Now, the entire welding laboratory is researching a new process technique to enhance welding automation. "At the end of May, I attended a high-efficiency welding forum in Nanjing for the shipbuilding industry, where the most discussed topic among experts was how to replace manual welding with automated welding to improve welding quality. Major shipbuilding companies are pursuing the goal of increasing the level of welding automation," Hao Qichun said with a smile. "We at Changhong also need to catch up." When asked about the specifics of the project, he replied seriously, "Currently, the company's automated welding is mainly used for submerged arc welding of panels, welding carts for flat steel, spherical flat steel, T-shaped materials, vertical automatic welding, etc., with significant room for improvement and enhancement. Our company can also gradually introduce dual-wire submerged arc welding machines, all-position welding carts, plasma arc planers, and other equipment in line with production to enhance the welding level of Changhong International." This is perhaps the new dream of veteran welders. Another technician in the laboratory, Li Jiahua, born in the 90s, said, "Love the job you do; seeing many steel materials take shape in your hands brings immense satisfaction. To do well in welding, it may take a lifetime."

Hearing this made me feel deeply moved.90"To cultivate and reap with knowledge and skills." This is the motto of everyone in the welding laboratory, and it is also the best interpretation of Changhong International's portrayal of the growth trajectory of young workers in the new era.