Interview with Anastasia Nikolaevna Morozova, Head of the Central Factory Laboratory of the PZPS
Anastasia Nikolaevna, what do you like most about working at our company? What inspires you every day?
I really like the dynamic of our work, which is constant development et empowering production. Unpredictability inspires us: it is impossible to live a day according to a pre-built plan. New situations always arise that require adaptation and adjustment of our actions.
Can you tell us what projects and studies are you currently working on? What are their main goals and what is expected in the end?
We are currently working on a project to create standard enterprise samples (SOPs). The goal of the project is to form its own fund of SOPs to work with various alloys, as well as providing services to other enterprises to determine the chemical composition of materials.
What innovative materials are you currently researching? What are their potential benefits and why are they unique?
We are studying materials that are similar in their chemical composition and properties to well-known foreign alloys Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel C-276. These alloys have high heat resistance, heat resistance and corrosion resistance, which makes it possible to use them in the power industry, the chemical industry, as well as as a substrate for second-generation high-temperature superconductors.
Are you planning to upgrade your laboratory equipment in the near future? Is there anything specific you would like to replace or buy?
We have equipment is being updated constantly, including testing, measuring and auxiliary. We recently purchased the MK-3E magnetic measuring unit and the RKM 100.2.05.1 svo universal testing machine. An Eriksen stamp with a set of accessories is in the process of delivery. We are also considering the possibility of purchasing a portable XRF and a measuring microscope for the linear-angle measurement laboratory. We regularly attend specialized equipment exhibitions to keep abreast of new products.
How is work with staff organized at the TSL? What are your requirements for employees and what are you doing to improve their skills?
Our team relationships are partnering. The main requirements for employees are self-discipline, both individual and collective, within laboratories, as well as sharing responsibility for the quality of tests carried out. We expect our employees to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes. To improve their skills, our employees are trained in third-party organizations, which confirms their professional growth and development.
What measures are you taking to attract young professionals to your team and develop them professionally?
We organize exciting diving tours of the plant history, which helps to interest young professionals. For their professional development, we set tasks with innovative solutions, which allows them to develop their skills and knowledge in various fields and take a fresh look at possibly even standard situations.
How do you interact with other company departments and external partners?
We are actively cooperating with other departments, fulfilling their requests to determine the properties of materials and parts. We also turn to them ourselves for help to improve the efficiency of our work.
Our company has a PZPS Research Center. How does TSL participate in the company's research and development activities? Maybe there are some interesting projects that you are particularly proud of?
There was an interesting project to improve the quality of welds on a precision soft magnetic alloy tape 27KH. As a result of the work, we obtained data on the optimal mode heat treatment, which made it possible to significantly increase the resistance of welds during rolling.
What methods and technologies do you use to ensure your research is accurate and reliable? Is there anything you're particularly proud of?
We ensure the accuracy and reliability of our research due to metrological support, the availability of an attorney and certified equipment, and the regular updating of GOSTs. To maintain high measurement accuracy, we have developed our own guide to quality. The plans include organizing and participating in interlaboratory comparative tests (MSI).
The TSL has recently been certified. Could you tell us what was the purpose of this event and is accreditation planned in the future?
Attestation was carried out to confirm the competence of our laboratory, meet customer requirements and increase competitiveness. In the future, with the expansion of the staff and equipment fleet, we plan to conduct accreditation.
What challenges do you face while working? How do you usually manage to overcome them?
The main difficulties are the lack of control and standard samples and the failure of equipment. In the event of breakdowns, we try to promptly arrange repairs through the plant's auxiliary services or specialized services. If there are not enough samples, we contact third-party organizations to conduct the necessary tests.
How do you see the prospects for the development of the TSL? Maybe there are some new areas that we would like to develop?
In the future, along with the increase in production, we plan to develop additional testing methods in accordance with GOSTs for future products. This will allow us to expand range of services and improve quality our research.
