ochin Shipyard CMD Jose V. J. and NeST Group CMD Dr. N. Jehangir inaugurate India's first indigenous Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) technology and R&D Centre at NeST Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery.
Kochi-based SFO Technologies, the flagship company of NeST Group, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have jointly developed what they describe as India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) technology.
The technology was unveiled on November 11 at the inauguration of the Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and Hybrid Laser Arc Welding R&D Facility at NeST Hitek Park, Kalamassery. The facility was inaugurated by CSL chairman and managing director Jose VJ and SFO Technologies chairman and managing director N Jehangir.
The HLAW system combines laser welding, conventional arc welding, robotics and advanced automation. Its key component is a high-power fibre laser source developed in-house by SFO Technologies.
The technology is designed to deliver faster welding speeds, deeper penetration, reduced distortion and more consistent weld quality. It is expected to find applications in shipbuilding, defence, heavy engineering, railways, energy and the manufacture of large industrial tanks and wagons.
The indigenous development could also help reduce India's reliance on imported high-end laser welding systems.
Jehangir said the development demonstrated India's ability to design and manufacture advanced industrial technologies domestically.
Jose VJ said the collaboration had produced a technology relevant to shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries, with the potential to improve productivity, quality and competitiveness.
The newly inaugurated centre will focus on research, testing, validation and commercialisation of advanced laser technologies.
