On November 8, a delegation led by Dr. Zhang Shihong, a researcher and doctoral supervisor at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited the research institute of Hailiang for an inspection. Dr. Peng Long, Vice President and Director of the Research Institute at Hailiang, warmly welcomed the delegation and facilitated in-depth discussions between the responsible personnel of both parties.

During the inspection, assistant researcher Wang Songwei from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, provided an overview of their team and research directions. Dr. Zhang Shihong's team successfully addressed key technical challenges in the processing of copper tubes and was awarded the National Science and Technology Progress Second Prize in 2015. The current research focus of Zhang Shihong's team includes precision copper tube processing, preparation of ultra-fine wire and cable, independent research and development of high-copper alloys, key technology development in the processing of plate and strip materials, and the application of digital technology. Their emphasis on both innovative process technologies and advanced digital applications aligns well with the research direction of Hailiang’s research institute.

Representatives from Hailiang, including Wang Zhenming, Deputy General Manager of the Coil Business Unit, Dr. Zhao Xuelong, Deputy Director of the Copper Tube Research Institute, Dr. Deng Bin, Director of the Product Research Institute, and Dr. Cui Chao, Deputy Director of the Copper Rod Research Institute, raised on-site practical issues related to excessive use of recycled copper, improvement of casting quality, and innovations in spinning and pressing methods. A comprehensive technical discussion ensued, leading to a series of constructive solutions. Both parties also discussed future prospects for the research and development of new products, technologies, and methods in the copper tube industry.

Professor Song Hongwu from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced the existing technical foundation of their team, He emphasized that the extensive cross-disciplinary cooperation space between the Institute of Metal Research and Hailiang. Besides, the potential points of collaboration can be progressively developed into long-term cooperative projects.

Dr. Peng Long provided an overview of Hailiang's basic information and development history, concluding the exchange meeting. He expressed that the current period is a crucial juncture for Hailiang's transformation and upgrade. The research institute values and insists on collaborating with domestic copper alloy research think tanks. Expectations were set for deep collaboration between the two parties in talent cooperation, cross-disciplinary projects, intellectual property rights, and joint project applications at various levels to support Hailiang in achieving new breakthroughs in green, low-carbon, and intelligent manufacturing. Dr. Peng emphasized the importance of maintaining an international perspective, urging both sides to rejected isolated research and actively promote industry progress and disciplinary development. 

This exchange meeting laid a solid foundation for future collaboration between Hailiang's research institute and the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research institute will continue to enhance the depth and breadth of research cooperation, fully leveraging the role of the innovation engine to drive innovation in product development, technological upgrades, breakthroughs in equipment research and development, and advancements in intellectual property rights, injecting new vitality into Hailiang's development in green, low-carbon initiatives, and the upgrading of intelligent manufacturing.

Participants in the exchange meeting included Associate Professor Li Haihong from Zhang Shihong's research team and officials from Hailiang's research institute, including Guo Honglin, Director of the Mold Research and Development Manufacturing Center, and Zhang Tengfei, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Management Department.