Core Insights - The successful trial of China's first 36,000-ton vertical extrusion machine marks a significant technological breakthrough, ending a 30-year Western monopoly on large-diameter thick-walled seamless steel pipes [1][6] Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The vertical extrusion machine was developed to produce large-diameter thick-walled seamless steel pipes, essential for critical industries such as thermal power, military, and aerospace [3][4] - The project faced significant challenges, including a lack of technical blueprints and experience, leading the team to rely on Soviet-era literature and foreign product catalogs for reverse engineering [4] Group 2: Cost Reduction and Market Impact - The price of P92 steel pipes used in power plants dropped from 160,000 yuan per ton to below 50,000 yuan, significantly reducing costs for domestic ultra-supercritical power generation units [6] - The successful production not only met domestic demand but also allowed for exports to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing China's position in the global market [6] Group 3: Military and Strategic Importance - The team behind the extrusion machine has a military background, previously developing high-strength artillery steel, which has contributed to advancements in strategic equipment like the CJ1000 aircraft engine and nuclear pressure vessels [8] - The machine has been operational for 15 years, working over 8,200 hours annually, and has equipped 85% of newly added ultra-supercritical thermal power units in China [8]

Core Viewpoint - The successful development of the 36,000-ton vertical extrusion press by China North Heavy Industries Group represents a significant breakthrough in China's high-end manufacturing capabilities, overcoming previous reliance on foreign technology and equipment [1][5][7]. Group 1: Challenges in High-End Manufacturing - In 2006, China's high-end manufacturing faced significant challenges, particularly in the production of large, complex components required for major national projects, which were largely dependent on foreign technology [2][3]. - The lack of domestic manufacturing capabilities and reliance on a 3,150-ton horizontal extrusion press highlighted the "bottleneck" issues in the industry [2]. Group 2: Development Journey - The development of the 36,000-ton vertical extrusion press was led by Lei Bingwang, who faced numerous challenges including a lack of technical solutions, manufacturing capabilities, and experience [3][4]. - The project involved innovative design and manufacturing techniques, aiming for a maximum extrusion pressure of 36,000 tons and a pipe diameter of 1.2 meters, marking a significant technical challenge [3][4]. Group 3: Achievements and Impact - The extrusion press successfully completed its first hot test in July 2009, producing seamless steel pipes with an outer diameter of 700 mm and a wall thickness of 100 mm, breaking the long-standing foreign monopoly [5]. - The press has been in stable operation for 15 years, achieving an annual working time of 8,200 hours and is recognized as a leading technology in the industry [5][6]. - The production line has significantly contributed to the domestic market, with P92 steel pipes being used in 85% of new ultra-supercritical thermal power units in the last three years [6]. Group 4: Future Directions - The successful development of the extrusion press is just the beginning; the focus is now on high-quality, low-consumption production techniques to enhance competitiveness against foreign pricing [6]. - Innovations in manufacturing technologies for high-performance, low-cost products are underway, including breakthroughs in G115 martensitic steel and support for major national engineering projects [6].