Luo Xiyu: From product to industry

The Iron and Steel Research Institute (ISRI) entered the diamond tool manufacturing industry in 1981, marking a significant shift in its research focus. At that time, the original powder metallurgy research laboratory—known as the "powder room"—was responsible for key military projects previously managed by a third-line factory. This project earned the first prize of the National Science and Technology Invention Award and was successfully completed. As a result, the staff of the powder room had to be reorganized. Additionally, with the ongoing transformation of the research institute system from a public institution to a more independent entity, the powder room established a specialized group in early 1981 to develop electric spark sintered diamond geological drill bits. The team leader was Luo Xiyu, who had recently returned from Japan. This group collaborated with the former Exploration Engineering Technology Research Institute of the First Metallurgical Exploration Bureau to develop the drill bit. The developers worked closely together, brainstorming solutions to technical challenges. They focused on the unique characteristics of electric spark sintering—such as activation, homogenization, purification, and rapid sintering—and tailored different carbide formulations based on the drilling conditions of various rock formations. Through extensive testing, they overcame numerous technical hurdles, including die design, nozzle shaping, diameter control, and the rigid connection between the drill teeth and the body. In 1982, the team developed the rope and double-tube test drills. Luo Xiyu and two others took the drill bit to Guandifeng in Luliang Mountain, Shanxi Province, for field testing. The journey was tough—riding a three-wheeled train through mountainous terrain was like bouncing on a trampoline. Later, he traveled to Xi’an and then to Huaibei, Zhejiang, where he suffered a severe headache. He was rushed to Xi'an People's Hospital, where he experienced vomiting but remained conscious. A spinal tap was performed, revealing bright red cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Without a CT scanner available at the time, the doctors kept him under close observation. After treatment, he recovered and returned to Beijing a month later. During Luo’s illness, Peng Xianqi led the development of the drill bit. The product was tested in multiple regions, including Shanxi, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Liaoning, and Shandong, and showed excellent adaptability and long service life. In 1985, it passed the technical appraisal by the former Ministry of Metallurgy. With China’s reform and opening up, the stone processing industry rapidly expanded. The original powder room staff began developing diamond saw blades for cutting stone. Diamond geological drill bits, known for their complex shape and high performance, provided valuable technical support for the development of cutting tools. The team quickly produced large saw blades with diameters of 1.6 meters for cutting blocks and 0.4 meters for finished boards. At times, when substrates were scarce, technicians had to travel to factories to purchase them. For the saw blade development, engineers spent over 20 days at a stone processing factory, tracking experiments in all weather conditions. Today, ISRI is one of the pioneers in mass-producing stone saw blades. Over the years, the price-performance ratio of these products has improved dramatically. In the late 1980s, a 1.6-meter saw blade cost 7,000 yuan and could cut 4–6 square meters of hard granite per shift. Now, the same size blade costs just 2,500 yuan and can cut over 20 square meters per shift. In the early 1990s, with the booming construction industry, imported 105-series diamond saw blades appeared on the market. These blades featured an integrated sintered structure, unlike larger models. Peng Xianqi recognized the growing market potential and seized the opportunity. They rented dilapidated factories near Yuanmingyuan and later moved to Changping, expanding operations and working around the clock. Despite difficult conditions—sleeping on-site, eating instant noodles, and working without holidays—they overcame challenges in mold design and tooth formation. Their efforts paid off. The company successfully developed the 105 series and exported products to the U.S., triggering a surge in orders. With low-cost raw materials and labor, the company became a leader in the industry. By the mid-1990s, annual sales exceeded 100 million yuan, making them a top performer. Even with basic facilities, such as brick squat toilets, the company continued to grow and expand its export business. As demand for concrete cutting increased, laser-welded saw blades emerged. The Changping factory acted quickly, becoming the first in China to introduce a laser welding machine and successfully develop the new type of blade. It also became the first domestic company to pass ISO9001 certification and be recognized by the OSa standard. Recently, the company achieved success in anti-dumping cases against U.S. trade actions, further solidifying its reputation. By the end of the 1990s, ISRI deepened its reforms. In 1999, it established Antai Technology Co., Ltd., which was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2001. The Changping factory was the core pillar of the company, generating the highest annual sales and profits. Today, the factory is known as “Beijing Antai Steel Research Superhard Material Products Co., Ltd.”, led by more than 500 employees, including Chen Zhe, Liu Yibo, and Xu Yanjun (the latter two are graduates of Luo Xiyu). The modern facility produces eight series and over 300 specifications of superhard tools, with over 90% of products exported. Under the leadership of innovation and scientific development, the company now serves both traditional and emerging industries. While still excelling in processing non-metallic materials like concrete and asphalt, it has also ventured into advanced sectors such as metals, IT, LED, and photovoltaics. These are now referred to as “emerging superhard tools” in the industry. For over 30 years, the Steel Research Institute has been a key player in the superhard tool industry, evolving from small-scale production to global brand recognition. This achievement reflects the broader impact of China’s reform and opening-up policies on research institutions. It is also a testament to the dedication, vision, and teamwork of scientific researchers who seized opportunities and worked tirelessly to build a successful industry.

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