The 31st Annual Meeting of the Steam Turbine Industry Metal Cutting and Process Technology Liaison Network Successfully Held

November 3, 2025, Qingdao West Coast. An industry conference that appeared ordinary quietly commenced. Without the glare of spotlights or the attention of capital markets, the 224 attendees representing 77 organizations seated in the venue embodied the backbone of China's power equipment industry. They included deputy chief engineers, chief process engineers, process department heads, and tooling engineers from turbine manufacturers; leaders and technical experts from subcontracting firms; general managers, sales directors, marketing directors, and technical specialists from machine tool and cutting tool suppliers—a group often overlooked in grand energy narratives, yet serving as the “hidden champions” underpinning the stable operation of China's power systems.

This is The 31st Annual Meeting of the Steam Turbine Industry Metal Cutting and Process Technology Liaison Network. While the world's attention focuses on star sectors like photovoltaics, wind power, and energy storage, this technological network—spanning nearly four decades—is safeguarding China's energy security in the most pragmatic way possible.

Annual Meeting Consensus

System Development Seeks Synergy Power Equipment Pursues Innovation

——The irreplaceable ballast role of coal-fired power

 Conference data indicates that China's electricity generation is projected to exceed 10 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, far surpassing the United States. Coal-fired power, accounting for less than 40% of installed capacity, contributes approximately 60% of total generation, playing a critical supporting role during peak summer and winter demand periods. The national “Three 80-Gigawatt” coal-fired power construction plan is advancing steadily, with order volumes for the three major host manufacturers—Shanghai Electric, Dongfang Electric, and Harbin Electric—continuing to grow,Thermal power remains the cornerstone and stabilizer for ensuring the stable and secure operation of the power grid, and this will not change within the next decade.

——Gas-fired power generation (gas turbines) achieves breakthrough in localization

Gas turbines, serving as the primary peak-shaving power generation units, are poised for rapid development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Dongfang Electric's G50 gas turbine has achieved commercial operation and been exported to Kazakhstan, while the G15 model has rolled off the production line and the G80 is accelerating its R&D. Hangzhou Gas Turbine and Harbin Gas Turbine have also made significant strides in indigenous gas turbine development, with models like the HGT51F and HGT16 successfully completing test runs. These achievements mark China's breakthrough in key technologies for heavy-duty gas turbines—the “crown jewel of manufacturing”—signaling a shift from technology follower to parallel innovator.

——The nuclear power industry system is well-established and developing steadily.

China has joined the ranks of the world's major nuclear power nations, with its operational, under-construction, and planned reactors continuously expanding. The total installed capacity has surpassed 125 gigawatts. Since 2022, the annual number of approved reactors has remained above 10 units. The Hualong One reactor has achieved full self-reliance in all equipment, driving coordinated development across the entire industrial chain. China stands as the world's only nation to achieve full self-reliance across the entire spectrum of nuclear power technologies—from Generation II to Generation IV. Its nuclear power industry has reached internationally advanced levels in technology, construction, and operations.

——Upgrade Services Drive Unit Efficiency Enhancement

In the field of steam turbine retrofitting and services, Nanjing Electric Machinery has collaborated with Beijing Quan Siwei to achieve remarkable results in medium-to-large flow path modifications, with an annual retrofitting capacity reaching 3 million kilowatts. Through the use of specialized cutting tools and process optimization, machining efficiency has increased exponentially, demonstrating the positive impact of technological upgrades on operational efficiency and economic benefits.

——Digital Transformation Drives Manufacturing Upgrades

The steam turbine industry is actively advancing smart manufacturing and digital transformation. Dongfang Turbine, Harbin Turbine, and Shanghai Turbine have made significant progress in areas such as unmanned blade workshops, automated production lines, and intelligent tool management systems. Dongfang Turbine has become the industry's first enterprise to achieve dual Level 4 certification in both smart manufacturing maturity and digital transformation maturity, signifying that traditional heavy equipment manufacturing has entered the deep waters of digitalization.

——Establishing a Technology Liaison Network to Build an Efficient and Pragmatic Collaborative Innovation Platform

The Technical Liaison Network, now in its 31st consecutive year, has evolved into a unique collaborative mechanism within the industry. Though modest in scale, it brings together the core technical expertise of the sector, fostering an efficient, problem-oriented exchange ecosystem. For instance, Nanjing Automotive faced prolonged processing cycles for cylinder expansion joints, with each joint requiring four days to complete. By adopting specialized tools supplied by Shanghai Hasin, processing time was successfully reduced to just two days. Additionally, in machining the gas seal grooves for assembled static blades, collaboration with ISCAR doubled process efficiency. Such seemingly localized technical improvements yield significant cumulative effects, substantially boosting overall manufacturing efficiency across the industry. More importantly, this network establishes a direct “problem-solution” channel, enabling rapid response to technical challenges and achieving substantive breakthroughs.

Grand Opening

Annual Conference Reaches New Scale Old and New Friends Discuss Tomorrow

Ye Yuhang, Director of the Process Department at Jieneng Turbine Group Co., Ltd. Under the chairmanship, the 31st Annual Conference of the Steam Turbine Metal Cutting Network officially commenced.

Zhang Zhimin, General Manager of Qingdao Jieneng Turbine Group Co., Ltd., delivered the opening address. Qingdao Jieneng, with a history spanning 75 years, is a key enterprise in China's steam turbine industry. Following its strategic restructuring in 2023, the company has increased R&D investment, successively launching multiple industry-leading technologies such as the fifth-generation high-efficiency steam turbine. President Zhang believes that the steam turbine industry currently faces the critical mission of transformation and upgrading. Specifically, in terms of process technology, it confronts the major challenge of developing and maintaining competitive advantages. The communication platform established by the Steam Turbine Metal Cutting and Process Technology Liaison Network has continuously played a positive role in advancing steam turbine manufacturing and process technology. Particularly in the current context, the steam turbine industry must leverage the annual conference platform to engage in mutual discussion, exchange insights, and jointly explore new models and pathways for digital transformation. This will elevate the intelligence level of manufacturing processes, striving to achieve dual improvements in production efficiency and product quality.

One of the founders of the Liaison Network ——Mr. Gu Zuwei, a 91-year-old tooling expert, was also invited to attend the conference. He elaborated on the significance of tooling, the origins of the liaison network, and its achievements, while expressing his hopes for the current leadership and younger generation of the network.

Wu Tianming, Chairman of the Liaison Network, stated in his address that this year's conference saw record attendance and an expanded “circle of friends”: Beijing North Heavy Industries Turbine Generator Co., Ltd. returned as a council member, while four new subcontracting plants joined—Ningguo Sifang Precision Machinery Co., Ltd., Changzhou Kaidu Electromechanical Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Oumuda Turbine Parts Co., Ltd., and Changshu Qiangsheng Power Equipment Co., Ltd. Chairman Wu also provided a detailed analysis of developments in coal-fired power, gas-fired power, nuclear power, retrofitting services, and digital intelligence.

Chairman Wu stated that the liaison network conducts annual “invite-in” and “go-out” activities. “Invite-in” refers to bringing tooling, machine tool, and tool suppliers to the turbine factory to showcase advanced machine tools and cutting tools. “Go-out” involves visiting machine tool and tool manufacturing plants, enabling representatives to gain firsthand understanding of tool brands' capabilities and product quality at tooling factories, while facilitating face-to-face communication with suppliers regarding machining requirements. This approach ensures mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved. Over the past three years Metal Processing Journal under the organization,Representatives from the steam turbine industry successfully entered Zhuzhou Huarui Precision Tools Co., Ltd., Zhejiang XinXing Tools Co., Ltd., and Dalian Kede CNC Co., Ltd., The results have been excellent.

Paper Presentation

Advanced Practices Must Be Shared Technical Talent Must Be Motivated

Wang Honghai, Deputy Chief Engineer and Chief Process Engineer of Harbin Turbine Works, presided over the paper exchange session. Process engineers from various turbine plants delivered presentations covering multiple aspects of turbine and gas turbine manufacturing and machining. The topics covered five key areas: 1. Component machining optimization, such as deep-hole drilling for large F-series gas turbine shaft sleeves and countersinking for steam turbine cylinders; 2. Research and application of critical manufacturing technologies, including quality prediction for heavy-duty gas turbine rotor manufacturing and digital-intelligent technology implementation; 3. Cutting summaries for new materials, such as novel stainless steel alloys; 4. Process improvements, encompassing blade assembly and cost reduction strategies; 5. Measurement methodologies, including flow area measurement for partition plates.

Each year's conference proceedings feature emerging young talents, reflecting the event's role in nurturing the next generation of craft professionals. Following a joint selection process, this year's conference awarded four first prizes, five second prizes, and six third prizes. Certificates and monetary awards were presented to the winning representatives during the closing ceremony.

First Prize

Optimization of Large-Dimension Angled Deep Hole Machining for Large F-Series Gas Turbine Bearing Bushings — Wang Yong, Shanghai Turbine Works Co., Ltd.

Research on Automated Tooling Solutions for Counter-Sink Hole Machining in Turbine Cylinders — Chi Fangyue, Hangzhou Turbine Power Group Co., Ltd.

Research and Application of Key Technologies for Manufacturing Quality Prediction and First-Pass Assembly Success in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine Rotors — Zhou Yuanyu, Dongfang Electric Group Dongfang Turbine Co., Ltd.

Application Research on Rotary Cutting Blades for Machining Concave Surfaces of Rotor Impellers — Li Hongxi, Harbin Turbine Works Co., Ltd.

Second Prize

A Brief Analysis of CNC Machining Processes for Long-Shaft Components— An Jie, Sichuan Oujiete Electromechanical Equipment Co., Ltd.

Research on the Implementation and Application of Digital Intelligence Technologies in Steam Turbine Manufacturing— Zhang Hongyang, Harbin Turbine Works Co., Ltd.

Turning Processing of Moving Static Blade Dividers — Fu Gang, Nanjing Steam Turbine & Generator (Group) Co., Ltd. Innovative 3D Static Blade Machining Technology and Improved Rotor Blade Root Groove Processing for Steam Turbines — Yang Chao, Qingdao Jieneng Steam Turbine Group Co., Ltd. Research and Application of Intelligent Milling Programming Technology Based on Product Features — Qiao Jianhua, Shanghai Steam Turbine Works Co., Ltd.

Third Prize

Interim Summary of Machining a Novel Stainless Steel Material — Zhang Xiaowei, Wuxi Turbine Blade Co., Ltd.

Analysis and Case Studies of Several Cylinder Structural Issues — Xu Xuezhi, Qingdao Jieneng Turbine Group Co., Ltd.

Research on an Alternating Fork-Type Pre-Twist Blade Assembly Process — Sun Long, China Yangtze Power Group Co., Ltd.

Research and Application of an Intelligent CNC System for Small Parts Machining Centers Based on Open-Source Software — Zhou Xiao, Shandong Qingneng Turbine Co., Ltd.

Process Improvement Plan to Reduce Nozzle Chamber Machining Costs — Hu Jingjiang, Guangzhou Guangzhong Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.

A High-Efficiency Solution for Measuring Spacer Flow Area — Zhou Zhuo, China Yangtze Power Group Co., Ltd.

Supply-Demand Matching

Collaborative Innovation for Development Industry Advancement for Mutual Benefit

Under the leadership of Chairman Wu Tianming Under the chairmanship of [Name], 19 representatives from 16 suppliers shared their latest products, solutions, and application cases in the steam turbine industry. Chairman Wu noted that registration for presentations and exhibition booths at this year's conference was exceptionally high. The organizing committee sent out invitations for the 31st Annual Conference via the Dongfang Electric Conference WeChat group on August 12. By the end of August, all product presentation slots were fully booked. Despite continued registration requests from some suppliers, the conference could not accommodate additional participants due to time and space constraints.

The report content is as follows (in the order of presentation):

(1) Li Wenzeng, China Sales Manager, Beijing Representative Office of Weingartner Maschinenbau GmbH (Austria) “Application and Comprehensive Solutions of High-End Turning-Milling Composite Machining Technology in the Energy Industry”

(2) Pu Xiaoping, General Manager, Guangdong Luogeng Robotics Co., Ltd.“Fully Integrated Automated Solution for Intelligent Adaptive Grinding of Turbine Blades”

(3) Song Mingshan, Deputy General Manager, Marketing Center, Dalian Kede CNC Co., Ltd. “High-Efficiency Precision Machining Solutions for Turbine Core Components”

(4) Lu Chunjin, Digital Machining Director, Sandvik Coromant North Asia: “Digital Tools Empowering Machining Lines”; Guo Xihui, Process Solutions Capability Center Manager, Asia: “High-Efficiency Machining Solutions for Typical Features of High-Temperature Alloy Disc Components”; Wang Lichun, Senior Project Director, North Asia: “Sandvik Coromant Enabling Automated and Unmanned Turning Operations”

(5) Zhou Tiehua, General Manager, Alpha Precision Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. “Efficient and Safe Machining of Turbine Rotor Pine-Tree Grooves and Blade Roots”

(6) Dong Ya, Marketing Director, Yuhuan CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd. Ye Peicang, Deputy Director, Grinding Research Institute “Breakthroughs and Developments in Gas Turbine Wheel Tenon Groove Broaching and Face Gear Grinding Technologies”

(7) Yang Jiayong, Project Manager, Kennametal Asia (China) Enterprise Management Co., Ltd. “Kennametal's Empowering Solutions for the Turbine Industry”

(8) Shen Bo, Product Manager, Sandvik Coromant (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. “Comprehensive Turbine Solutions and Digital-Intelligent Interconnectivity”

(9) Wang Yang, General Manager, Beijing Ruide Carter Trading Co., Ltd. “Ruide Carter Innovative Tools Enhancing Machining Productivity”

(10) Song Yonghui, Senior Industry Manager, Ganzhou Aoketai Tool Technology Co., Ltd. “Aoketai Tool Industry Cutting Tool Solutions”

(11) Feng Yichao, Head of Application Technology Department, Zhuzhou Huarui Precision Tools Co., Ltd. “AI Reshaping Smart Machining: Huarui Precision Intelligent Machining Industry Software”

(12) Ma Qi, Marketing Manager, FFG International CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd. “FFG Group's Turbine Industry Case Studies and Smart Manufacturing Solutions”

(13) Pan Zhonghua, Sales Manager, Turbo Filtration Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. “Benefit Analysis of Turbo Intelligent Filtration Systems for Creating Stable Machining Environments”

(14) Lu Penghui, Energy & Heavy Industry Director, Xiamen Jinlu Special Alloy Co., Ltd. Applications of Jinlu Tools in the Turbine Industry

(15) Zhang Shuqiang, Northern Region Sales Manager, Hanmo (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. Quality-Driven Excellence: Powering the Energy Industry

(16) Meng Fanshuang, Regional Manager, Beijing Jingyi Hongli Industrial Products Trading Co., Ltd. Processing Applications of Italian Dandri CNC Rotary Tables in the Turbine Industry

Challenge Q&A

Racing to Tackle Difficulties Pooling Wisdom for Shared Progress

The “Technical Challenge Q&A” session remains a hallmark feature of the Liaison Network, consistently delivering value over the years. On this platform, turbine manufacturers publicly share real-world pain points and bottlenecks encountered in production. Machine tool and cutting tool suppliers present at the event then step forward to tackle these challenges, collaboratively seeking solutions across three dimensions: enhancing quality, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.

Hosted by Xu Fugen, Secretary-General of the Liaison Network, the session began by reviewing the implementation progress and outcomes of the previous year's technical challenges. The challenge list encompassed numerous tough problems, including: machining difficult-to-cut materials, processing large-diameter metric/imperial thread pilot holes in cylinders, efficient T-slot machining solutions, and optimizing milling/grinding processes for M247 nickel-based high-temperature alloy blades—totaling 15 items.

Subsequently, participants focused on 18 newly collected challenges for in-depth discussion. These included: high-value tool maintenance and full lifecycle management, steam chamber machining, rotor hydraulic hole machining, cylinder nozzle groove machining, long plate machining of high-temperature alloys, and side verticality control in low-pressure rotor tip insert groove machining. Companies including Redcart, ISCAR, Kennametal, Sandvik Coromant, Sichuan Miangong, and Ningbo Chuanjingyu actively undertook projects to tackle these technical challenges.

Revelation

“Capillaries” Hold High Value Ecological Health Is Key

Observing the 31st Annual Conference of the Steam Turbine Industry Metal Cutting Network, we can draw three insights.

First, In the grand narrative of energy transition, traditional energy equipment is not a “sunset industry,” but rather a strategic pillar ensuring the smooth progression of the transition.

Secondly, The competitiveness of China's manufacturing sector stems not only from the leadership of major enterprises but also from the specialized expertise and innovative capabilities of countless small and medium-sized enterprises in niche fields. The “capillaries” formed by tool suppliers, subcontractors, and process specialists constitute the core foundation of a healthy industrial ecosystem.

Finally, Low-key and pragmatic technical exchange platforms like the Jinqie Liaison Network serve as vital infrastructure for the continuous advancement of China's manufacturing sector. They facilitate the flow of expertise, expose technical challenges, and enable rapid matching of solutions.

As the sea breeze sweeps across Qingdao's western coast, discussions among 224 technical experts continue. Without grand declarations of changing the world, they safeguard the foundations of China's industrial sector through unwavering professional dedication. In this era of uncertainty, this very certainty itself represents the greatest value.