On March 24, People’s Daily published a feature titled “Advances in Intelligent Manufacturing for High-End Equipment Overcome Challenges in Customization and High Precision”, using the production of the CR450 EMU prototype to illustrate China’s progress in high-end equipment manufacturing, particularly in achieving micron-level precision and high reliability.
People’s Daily, March 24, 2025, Page 2
The report noted that many advanced equipment components require processing at the micron scale — a level of precision that traditional automation struggles to achieve. The complex technical requirements of projects like the CR450 have posed significant challenges to intelligent manufacturing upgrades.
Xie Yuanli programs the robotic automated welding system
CR450BF EMU undergoes type testing in Beijing
People’s Daily reported that many high-end equipment components require micron-level precision, which traditional automated systems often struggle to meet. In addition, the complexity of process parameters places extremely high demands on intelligent manufacturing upgrades.
For instance, a major hurdle in the CR450 prototype’s production was the welding of the lightweight, newly designed bogie frame. Due to the bogie’s innovative structure, even slight distortion during welding could compromise safety and product integrity.
To address this, Xie Yuanli, a senior technician at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, led a team to develop an entirely new robotic welding program. After extensive testing to fine-tune the welding torch’s angles, layer sequences, and timing, the team identified optimal parameters.
“We ultimately achieved clean welds with no deformation, zero post-weld adjustments, and passed all quality inspections. The robotic welding rate reached 90%,” said Xie.
The success of the CR450 prototype reflects meaningful progress in smart manufacturing capabilities and showcases China’s growing leadership in high-end, precision-driven rail equipment.
