Ancient Craftsmanship Boosts Modern Tunneling Innovation

When centuries-old sword forging craftsmanship meets modern tunnel boring machine (TBM) production, the results are nothing short of revolutionary. A recent episode of China Central Television's "Intangible Cultural Heritage in China" spotlighted how traditional techniques are providing inspiration and technical solutions for manufacturing critical components of these engineering marvels.

The program followed host Long Yang, alongside cultural heritage expert Shan Jixiang and actor Xu Weizhou, as they explored China Railway Construction Heavy Industry's (CRCHI) innovative application of traditional sword-making methods in TBM main bearing production. These massive underground excavators, often called "underground dragons," rely on main bearings that must withstand extraordinary pressure and friction, demanding materials with exceptional hardness and durability.

CRCHI engineers discovered that the ancient art of quenching - a heat treatment process perfected by sword smiths over millennia - could provide the perfect solution. By precisely controlling temperature and cooling rates during the quenching process, they achieved the ideal balance of hardness and toughness required for TBM main bearings.

The integration of traditional quenching techniques into modern manufacturing processes represents more than just technical innovation. This fusion of ancient craftsmanship and contemporary engineering has significantly improved the reliability and service life of these critical construction machines, while demonstrating China's manufacturing capabilities in blending heritage with cutting-edge technology.

The "Intangible Cultural Heritage in China" program's focus on CRCHI highlights how traditional techniques are not merely historical artifacts, but living traditions that continue to contribute to modern technological advancement. This case study exemplifies how cultural heritage can undergo creative transformation to solve contemporary engineering challenges.