Luo Xiyu: From product to industry

The Iron and Steel Research Institute (ISRI) entered the diamond tool manufacturing industry in 1981, marking a pivotal shift in its research focus. At that time, the original powder metallurgy research laboratory—known as the "powder room"—was tasked with producing key military components, which were later transferred to a third-line factory. This project earned the National Science and Technology Invention Award and was successfully completed. As a result, the lab’s staff had to be reorganized. Additionally, under the broader context of institutional reforms, where research institutes transitioned from public institutions to more independent entities, the powder room established a specialized team in early 1981 to develop electric spark sintered diamond geological drill bits. Led by Luo Xiyu, who had recently returned from Japan, this team collaborated with the former Exploration Engineering Technology Research Institute of the First Metallurgical Exploration Bureau. Together, they tackled the complex challenges of designing and manufacturing these advanced drill bits. The team worked closely, brainstorming technical solutions tailored to the specific needs of geological drilling. They developed different carbide formulations based on the characteristics of electric spark sintering—such as activation, homogenization, and rapid sintering—and adjusted them to match the hardness of various rock formations. Through extensive testing, they overcame numerous technical hurdles, including die design, nozzle shaping, diameter control, and the secure connection between the drill teeth and body. In 1982, the team successfully produced rope and double-tube test drills. Luo Xiyu and two colleagues took the first batch of drill bits to the Guandifeng exploration team in Luliang Mountain, Shanxi Province, for field testing. The journey was tough—riding a three-wheeled train through rough terrain made everyone feel like they were bouncing on a trampoline. Later, he traveled to Xi’an and then to Huaibei, Zhejiang, for further tests. On the way, he suffered from severe headaches and was hospitalized in Xi’an People’s Hospital. After a lumbar puncture revealed bright red cerebrospinal fluid, doctors suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage. Without a CT scan available at the time, the diagnosis remained uncertain, but the condition eventually stabilized after treatment. While Luo was recovering, Peng Xianqi led the development efforts. The drill bit was tested across multiple regions, including Shanxi, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Liaoning, and Shandong, where it showed excellent adaptability and long service life. By 1985, it passed the technical appraisal by the former Ministry of Metallurgy. As China's reform and opening up progressed, the stone processing industry boomed. The powder room quickly adapted, developing diamond saw blades for cutting stone. The diamond geological drill bit served as a foundation for these new tools. The lab produced large saw blades with diameters up to 1.6 meters and smaller ones for finished boards. During times when substrate supplies were scarce, technicians even drove to factories to purchase materials. Some engineers spent over 20 days at stone processing sites, conducting experiments in all weather conditions. Today, ISRI is recognized as one of the pioneers in mass-producing stone saw blades. Over the years, the price-performance ratio of these tools has improved dramatically—by the late 1980s, a 1.6-meter blade could cut 4-6 square meters of hard granite per shift for 7,000 yuan, while today, the same size blade costs just 2,500 yuan and can cut over 20 square meters in a single shift. In the early 1990s, with the booming construction industry, imported 105-series diamond small saw blades began appearing in the market. Unlike larger saws, these featured an integrated sintered blade and tooth structure. Peng Xianqi and his team saw great potential and seized the opportunity. They rented dilapidated factories near Yuanmingyuan and later moved to Changping, working around the clock to overcome technical challenges. They developed the first domestically produced 105-series integrated sintered blades. With low labor and material costs, these products quickly gained international attention, leading to a flood of foreign orders. Despite the basic facilities—like brick squat toilets—production continued non-stop, and the company became a leader in the industry. By the late 1990s, ISRI deepened its reforms. In 1999, Antai Technology Co., Ltd. was established as a subsidiary, and it went public in Shenzhen in 2001. At the time, the Changping factory was the most profitable division. Today, the factory, now known as Beijing Antai Steel Research Superhard Material Products Co., Ltd., employs over 500 people under the leadership of Chen Zhe, Liu Yibo, and Xu Yanjun (a graduate student of Luo). The company operates a modern facility with eight product series and over 300 specifications, exporting more than 90% of its superhard tools. Driven by innovation and market demand, the company has expanded beyond traditional applications. While still excelling in concrete, asphalt, and building material processing, it has also ventured into emerging sectors such as metals, IT, LED, and photovoltaics. These are now referred to as "emerging superhard tools" within the industry. Over the past 30 years, ISRI has evolved from small-scale production to a globally recognized brand. This success is the result of national reforms, scientific innovation, and the dedication of researchers who embraced opportunities and worked together to achieve their goals.

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