<\/a><\/noindex><\/p>\nAnd they moved through the shop. Sergey had chosen the research subject in advance, but due to his unfamiliarity with the layout of the machines, they had to wander a bit. No one paid attention to them, no one offered help \u2013 after all, who knows what kind of fools wander through the shop.<\/p>\n
Finally, the required section was found. It consisted of five similar grinding machines, quite old, produced back in the USSR days. The area was fairly enclosed, with the machines arranged in a circle, and the appearance of the 'students' did not go unnoticed \u2013 the workers began to glance at the guests sideways.<\/p>\n
Sergey, not wasting any time, immediately approached the container with the parts processed on one of the machines. He took one out, measured it. Then the second, third, fourth...<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let's gather about a hundred. \u2013 said Tolyan. \u2013 Better to do it all at once, right off the machine.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Why do it all at once?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Who knows, maybe we'll catch some trend. The machine is a grinder, the wheel should wear down quickly. If the guy messes up the adjustment in a timely manner, there will be a clear trend of increasing size.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Man, Tolyan. \u2013 Sergey dramatically shook his friend's hand. \u2013 How do you remember all this crap? I bet you can name all five stability criteria by Shukhart without stuttering?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Actually, there are seven. \u2013 Like a true nerd, Tolyan adjusted his glasses with his index finger. \u2013 And you never stopped being a novice.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Okay\u2026 \u2014 waved his hand Sergey. \u2013 Let's start sampling.<\/p>\n
They approached the nearest machine. Sergey hesitated a little, deciding whether to ask the worker to hand over the processed parts or to fish them out of the container. He decided to address the worker.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Excuse me! \u2013 Sergey approached the man closely. \u2013 Can you hand over the parts after processing? We will measure them.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And who are you guys? \u2013 the worker asked grumpily.<\/p>\n
\u2014 We are students, on an internship. Your engineer asked us to measure the parts.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Why?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don't know? Maybe he doesn't want to deal with us, so he sent us. We are from a technical school.<\/p>\n
\u2014 You seem a bit too old for a technical school\u2026 \u2014 the worker frowned.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yeah, we drink a lot, so we've aged a bit. So, will you give us the parts?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Alright. \u2013 the worker nodded after a few seconds of thought.<\/p>\n
Things went smoother after that. Sergey took a part, measured it with a caliper, told Tolyan the size, and he recorded it, placing the part in a box. The first few parts turned out to be defective. After each measurement, Sergey and Tolyan exchanged smiles like a shy couple on their first date, yet neither dared to speak up.<\/p>\n
\u2014 This... \u2014 Sergey finally asked. \u2013 It seems your parts are out of tolerance.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What? \u2013 The worker turned to Sergey and glared at him. \u2013 What do you mean, what allowance?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Here it is. \u2013 Sergey pulled a rolled-up piece of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and pointed at the drawing. \u2013 Look at the required size and the tolerance field here.<\/p>\n
\u2014 You\u2019ll be the one going into the field now. \u2013 The worker ignored the paper entirely. \u2013 Get the hell out of here!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Come on, what are you\u2026 \u2014 Sergey stepped back, tripped over Tolyan's leg, and almost fell. \u2013 If you don't want to, fine\u2026 Tolyan, let\u2019s go to another machine.<\/p>\n
The worker took a couple more steps toward him but, seeing that the students had retreated, turned proudly and continued working. Sergey looked around, searching for his next target, and stopped at a lanky man with a rather intelligent appearance.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Excuse me! \u2013 Sergey addressed another worker. \u2013 May we measure your parts?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, of course. \u2013 He smiled politely. \u2013 Is it for research? Or are you writing a thesis?<\/p>\n
\u2014 A thesis, yes. \u2013 Sergey nodded. \u2013 You know, give us the processed parts, we will measure them right away.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sure. \u2013 The worker nodded and returned to the machine.<\/p>\n
This time, all parts were within tolerance. Sergey noticed neither trends nor one-off deviations. When he had a hundred parts, he even started to get bored.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Can you tell me why your parts are free of defects? \u2013 Sergey asked the worker.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What do you mean? \u2013 He smiled. \u2013 Shouldn\u2019t they be defective?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well\u2026 We just measured at your colleague's station, and all theirs were out of tolerance.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I don\u2019t know. \u2013 The worker shrugged. \u2013 I\u2019m responsible for my work; the supervision is for someone else. Can I help you with anything else?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, thanks!<\/p>\n
Sergey and Tolyan stepped into the center of the area and began looking around, deciding what to do next.<\/p>\n
\u2014 We need to figure this out. \u2013 Tolyan began. \u2013 About that brash one over there. He\u2019s clearly violating the technology.<\/p>\n
\u2014 If he even knows anything about it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 If he even knows the word. \u2013 Tolyan added. \u2013 Come on, I don't know\u2026 Should we observe him or something\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let\u2019s do that. So, what\u2019s in the paper\u2026<\/p>\n
Sergey pulled out the paper again, looked at it from both sides, and put it back in his pocket.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Here, the operations are not detailed. Usually, it indicates how often to take measurements and adjust the grinding wheel.<\/p>\n
\u2014 He doesn't measure anything at all, \u2013 replied Tolyan. \u2013 Apparently, he doesn't have any measuring tools.<\/p>\n
\u2014 How is that possible? \u2013 smirked Sergey. \u2013 His eyes are enough. Well, for some guys...<\/p>\n
\u2014 Okay, that's just idle talk. \u2013 Tolyan said seriously. \u2013 I'm only here for a day; let's get to work. So, shall we go to the technician?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Nah, I don't want to. Besides, he'll just... Sabotage it. He'll say we need to make a request somewhere, to the archive or something\u2026 How about we ask that polite guy over there?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let's do it. \u2013 Tolyan nodded and moved towards the worker.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Excuse me, can we bother you one more time? \u2013 Sergey addressed him.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, what is it? \u2013 the worker's voice hinted at annoyance.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Um... You see, it seems you make the best parts. I assume you follow the requirements of the technology. We have a problem here \u2013 we didn\u2019t bring those requirements and can\u2019t check how others are adhering to them. Can you help us?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Help prove that my colleagues are slacking off? \u2013 the worker smiled.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Um... No, of course not. It\u2019s just...<\/p>\n
\u2014 I get it. Let\u2019s do this. \u2013 the worker cautiously glanced around, and Sergey instinctively did the same, noticing the unfriendly glares from his colleagues. \u2013 You go out for a smoke, and I\u2019ll join you in about five minutes. Sound good?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Wow, a secret meeting. \u2013 a strange spark lit up in Sergey\u2019s eyes. \u2013 Sure, let\u2019s do it!<\/p>\n
\u2014 So, Tolyan, shall we go smoke? \u2013 Sergey said loudly. \u2013 Nothing makes sense here anyway.<\/p>\n
Tolyan silently nodded, placed the papers with the measurements on a large container of parts, and the friends headed to the exit of the workshop, opposite to the one they entered. Behind the workshop gates was a dead end \u2013 about ten meters away, there was a fence, and the area was cluttered with rusty metal structures and crumbling concrete blocks. To the right of the door was a smoking area \u2013 several wooden benches, traditionally blackened by oily work uniforms, a couple of trash cans, and a small awning, clearly made by the workers themselves.<\/p>\n
With nothing better to do, Sergey sat down and lit a cigarette. On a nearby bench sat two workers. Before the 'students' arrived, they were animatedly arguing about something, then fell silent, but a couple of minutes later, sensing the visitors were harmless, they resumed. It seemed to be something about the 'Ural' and 'Druzhba' chainsaws.<\/p>\n
Five minutes later, when the long-awaited worker arrived, the chainsaw enthusiasts had already left, and it was possible to have a quiet conversation.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Guys, let me put it this way. \u2013 The worker began without hesitation. \u2013 Our site, to be honest, is a complete mess. You asked about the technology \u2013 if the technician remembers it, God bless. Not to mention the quality control, since we're talking about measurements and adjusting the circles. The part has been produced for a long time \u2013 even before our factory existed, everything was approved at a large automotive plant. And ours simply bought the decommissioned machines and do the same thing.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So the problem is the old machines? \u2013 Tolyan asked.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well\u2026 Formally \u2013 yes, they are old. On the other hand, because of their age, they are very simple in design. Well, you saw it yourselves. So, it's more about how to work with the machine, rather than the machine itself.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So how do you manage to avoid defects? \u2013 Sergey asked.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Barely, to be honest. \u2013 The worker smiled sadly. \u2013 We measure with calipers, you know what that is?<\/p>\n
Tolyan and Sergey nodded.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, that's it. All the information that the caliper gives \u2013 is the part within the tolerance field or not. That is, if a disc comes that wears out faster than usual, I will only find out that the size has shifted after producing a defective part. Fortunately, it usually shifts positively, and after adjusting the circle, I can process that part again. So, roughly speaking, I measure more often; as soon as the size shifts, I stop, start adjusting, and redo it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Do you measure every part? \u2013 Tolyan squinted. \u2013 That is, not according to technology? There surely it's every ten pieces.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Fifteen, if I remember correctly. \u2013 The worker corrected himself. \u2013 But the discs wear down faster, like sand. So I have my own technique. Although, it's more\u2026 for conscience's sake, if you will\u2026 Or to cover myself \u2013 you never know, maybe someone like you would come for an inspection. I heard the new quality director is a tough lady, and she plans to put things in order. And our production manager has been missing for two days.<\/p>\n
\u2014 And how do your colleagues regard your\u2026 approach to the task? \u2013 Sergey asked.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, you know... They laugh. They know everyone couldn't care less about quality. We're just doing an intermediate operation, then they wrap up with a response. And when it doesn\u2019t fit \u2013 they push harder, and it works out. Or file it down. They won\u2019t take it back \u2013 it\u2019s all theirs. And what happens to the customers \u2013 who cares? Just another bolt in some bucket.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Have you tried showing your work, the results, to anyone else?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I\u2019ve tried, of course... I tried with the guys \u2013 they laughed. We weren't really friendly to begin with, and now it's even worse... I tried with the foreman \u2013 he actually supported me, went with me to the technologists and designers. They didn\u2019t let me into the office, he went in alone, came out looking gloomier than a thundercloud after about five minutes, and took it out on me. I figured they gave him a hard time. Well, for the initiative, you know. And I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve gone to anyone else... Honestly, I can\u2019t remember.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So what to do... \u2014 Sergei pondered aloud.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Am I still needed? \u2013 asked the worker \u2013 Because I have two hundred more parts to do before I can head home. Summer, gardening.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, of course, thank you very much! \u2013 Sergei shook the worker's hand with respect and joy. \u2013 What\u2019s your name?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No, let's skip that. \u2013 the worker smiled. \u2013 My job is small. If you want to find me, you know where to look.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So what\u2019s the deal, Tolyan? \u2013 Sergei asked when the worker went back to the shop. \u2013 It turns out to be total control? Violating principles and standards?<\/p>\n
\u2014 No. The standards don\u2019t matter at all. The main thing is the Deming cycle. If there\u2019s an action that brings quality to an acceptable level and is cost-effective, it should become part of the process. We should also check the stability.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yes, we need to. \u2013 Sergei got up from the bench and resolutely strode towards the gates. \u2013 Something tells me the stability will be very good. And his manual interventions in the process seem more like ordinary than special causes of variation.<\/p>\n
When they reached the site, the guys were quite surprised \u2013 the things left on the container had gone missing. The selected parts, measurement results, and the handle were gone. Only the lever hook remained \u2013 apparently, they were afraid to take it, it\u2019s quite an expensive item.<\/p>\n
Sergey looked around but noticed nothing of particular interest. All the workers were unresponsive to the presence of outsiders, simply continuing with their tasks. Tolyan started to walk around the container, peeking into hidden corners, but Sergey stopped him\u2014there was no need to embarrass himself.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Tolyan, let\u2019s do this. \u2013 Sergey said loudly. \u2013 We\u2019ll go get some new papers, as someone has evidently stolen ours\u2014probably because they have no toilet paper of their own. And they grow hands out of their backsides if they can just take a hundred parts without knowing how to use them. At least they didn\u2019t take the bracket\u2014clearly, their brain couldn\u2019t grasp that a bracket could be slipped away for a couple of bucks. What kind of nerd is this who\u2026<\/p>\n
At that moment, Sergey was interrupted because a young worker rushed towards him\u2014almost bald, with a tanned face now a shade of gray, bearing the unmistakable stamp of a thug.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Hey, you! \u2013 he pointed a finger at Sergey. \u2013 What, you planning to measure something?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Yeah. \u2013 Sergey nodded.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What, maybe you want to measure me too?<\/p>\n
\u2014 I\u2019ll measure you, don\u2019t worry. Go back to work\u2014what are you standing around for, creep?<\/p>\n
\u2014 So what, let\u2019s do it right now. Measure me.<\/p>\n
\u2014 I need to go get the paper; there\u2019s nowhere to write it down.<\/p>\n
\u2014 No need to, just remember it. Measure. \u2013 and the thug made a strange gesture with his waist, as if inviting Sergey to engage in an intimate act.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Uhh\u2026 What are you suggesting to measure?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, figure it out. \u2013 the guy repeated his gesture.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Are you sure? \u2013 Sergey began to speak a bit louder so everyone could hear.<\/p>\n
\u2014 What\u2019s it to me. \u2013 the thug continued. \u2013 Come on, don\u2019t back down.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Do you know what a lever clamp is? \u2013 Sergey could no longer hold back his smile.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Well, there it is. \u2013 a shadow of worry crossed the guy's face. \u2013 What\u2019s there to know? Like a caliper, just trickier.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Do you know what the measurement range is for this specific clamp?<\/p>\n
\u2014 What?<\/p>\n
\u2014 That\u2019s right, deer. One and a half centimeters, you fool. Come on, take off your stinky pants, let\u2019s see what you wanted to show. I'm really curious\u2014what do you have that would fit in one and a half centimeters? Some bugs, perhaps\u2026<\/p>\n
The thug appeared slightly flustered and took a step back. He began looking around at his colleagues and saw smirks on their faces\u2014even from those who had sent the 'students' to the fields. His face quickly began to redden, and his eyes filled with blood. Sergey, just to be safe, took a step to the left so there were no dangerous parts behind him.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Oh you bastard\u2026 \u2014 the gopnik muttered through clenched teeth and lunged at Sergey.<\/p>\n
He moved very quickly \u2013 apparently, his experience from dealing the first blow was at play. Sergey managed to lean slightly and raise his arm, and the strike hit his forearm. The second blow aimed at his gut also missed, as it didn\u2019t catch him by surprise. Sergey wasn\u2019t a martial arts master, so he came up with no better idea than to bring his opponent into a clinch.<\/p>\n
At that moment, Tolyan arrived, grabbed the bully's arms, and for a few seconds they stood like that. Sergey noticed that out of all the workers, only their new friend took a couple of steps towards the fight, but apparently he didn\u2019t dare to intervene.<\/p>\n
\u2014 So, cooled off? \u2013 Sergey asked quietly, looking at the gopnik's close red face. \u2013 Can I let you go? Shall we shake hands?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Let\u2019s shake hands. \u2013 surprisingly easily agreed the gopnik.<\/p>\n
First, Tolyan released the guy's hands, then Sergey, slowly, unclenched his clinch. The gopnik stepped back a couple of paces, stretched his palms, cracked his neck, and extended his hand to Sergey.<\/p>\n
Sergey let out a relieved sigh to himself and reached out his hand in response. For a brief moment, he stopped looking at the gopnik, focusing on his hand and\u2026 <\/p>\n
Received a good hook to the head. He immediately staggered, began to sink down, but Tolyan managed to catch him. Without thinking, the gopnik took off.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Cool. \u2013 Sergey smiled as he stood up. \u2013 I think I\u2019ll stick around here. Let\u2019s go to Marina.<\/p>\n
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