Argon arc welding churns out thousands of products, 100% of which tested free of flaws when examined through X-rays; 2415 metres of welds were subjected to NDT(Non-destructive testing), and the qualified rate of one-time flaw detections was only 99.9%. That’s the level of perfection that only welding master Hu Ming can achieve.

Hu Ming, Welder, Sichuan Chuanguo Boiler Co., Ltd.

The main function of welding is to connect parts and be able to bear all kinds of extreme forces and pressure. If the weld is not well-welded, it could lead to working on the product again or scrapping of the product during the manufacturing process. And if there is a problem with the welding on the construction site, the consequences can be very serious, even leakage or explosion.

Hu Ming takes pride in his contribution to the welding industry for over 30 years. An ordinary man, he has made extraordinary efforts in the welding industry. No matter how hard a job was, he could be counted on to see it through.

His spirit of research and excellent skills won Hu Ming many awards and recognitions. In 1991, he won the first place in the first Chengdu staff post skill competition; in 2005, he won the national labor model; in 2009, he became the first senior skilled person in Chengdu who was granted a government special allowance by the State Council. He attributes his success to his willingness to learn and to teach. In 2010, the company's first nuclear power header, led by Hu Ming, filled the gap in the production of such equipment.

Hu Ming, Welder, Sichuan Chuanguo Boiler Co. Ltd.

At that time, we were not very familiar with this material. After some of it was welded, we found that the back was not fused. With the help of my work experience, the research on the material, structure and characteristics of this product and after repeated experiments, I finally found a relatively easy way to weld it and shared my knowledge with other welders.

As they say, a single plant isn’t spring. So for more than three decades, Hu Ming taught countless apprentices while also devoting himself to technical research.

Hu Ming, Welder, Sichuan Chuanguo Boiler Co. Ltd.

I'm taking my apprentices with me. As long as they are willing to learn, let them take something useful from me. We are not afraid of hardship or fatigue, and we believe in conscientious learning and are responsible for our weld, responsible for our products!

Hu Ming's teaching skills are highly focused and individualized. He is leading a group of younger apprentices to become the backbone of the department.

Hu Ming, Welder, Sichuan Chuanguo Boiler Co Ltd.

Now I will take my apprentice with me. My apprentice, Bai Yingyu, was rated a national model worker. After she won the prize, she announced the good news to me. I told her, “You will always be my pride.”

Hu Ming finds honor in his work. The middle-aged man is now hunched over a piece of metal. As he welds it, bright sparks fly around and illuminate his face.