Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and SFO Technologies have jointly developed indigenous Hybrid Laser Arc Welding technology. The companies described it as India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured HLAW system.
They announced the development during the inauguration of an Advanced Laser Engineering Centre. The facility also houses a Hybrid Laser Arc Welding research and development facility at NeST Hitek Park, Kalamassery.
CSL Chairman and Managing Director Jose V J and SFO Technologies Chairman and Managing Director Dr N Jehangir inaugurated the centre on Wednesday.
HLAW technology combines laser welding and robotics
The jointly developed system integrates laser welding with conventional arc welding. It also combines robotics and advanced automation.
Furthermore, the system uses a high-power fibre laser source developed indigenously by SFO Technologies.
The technology is expected to deliver faster welding speeds and deeper penetration. It could also reduce distortion and improve weld consistency.
These capabilities could support applications across shipbuilding, defence and heavy engineering. Other potential sectors include railways, energy and strategic manufacturing.
The system could also support the production of large tanks and wagons. Consequently, manufacturers could improve productivity and manufacturing consistency.
Technology aims to reduce dependence on imports
The development is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported laser welding platforms. It also aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced industrial technologies.
Welding plays a central role in ship construction. Therefore, the technology could improve productivity, structural quality and manufacturing repeatability in shipyards.
Jehangir said the development demonstrated India’s ability to build advanced manufacturing technologies domestically.
“By developing the high-power fibre laser source in-house and integrating it with advanced welding, robotics and automation, we have demonstrated that high-end manufacturing technologies can be conceived, engineered and built in India,” he said.
CSL’s Jose V J said the partnership addressed practical industrial requirements through engineering innovation.
He added that indigenous HLAW technology could improve productivity, quality and competitiveness across Indian manufacturing.
New centre to focus on research and commercialisation
The Advanced Laser Engineering Centre will focus on research, testing and validation. It will also support the commercialisation of advanced laser technologies.
Furthermore, the facility aims to strengthen domestic industrial innovation capabilities. The initiative supports the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The companies expect the centre to contribute to Kochi’s emergence as a hub for industrial innovation. Its work will also support wider adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across Indian industries.
