Cochin Shipyard and SFO Technologies develop indigenous welding technology
The companies unveiled a hybrid laser arc welding system at a new research facility in Kalamassery, Kerala.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Kochi-based SFO Technologies Private Limited have unveiled a hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) technology that they claim is the first of its kind designed and made in India. According to The Hindu, the announcement took place during the inauguration of the Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and HLAW R&D facility at NeST Hitek Park in Kalamassery.
The HLAW system combines conventional arc welding with laser welding, robotics, and advanced automation. It is powered by a high-power fibre laser source that was developed in-house by SFO Technologies.
The developers stated that the technology is expected to provide deeper penetration, faster welding speeds, improved consistency, and lower distortion. They noted it could improve productivity in sectors such as defence, shipbuilding, railways, energy, heavy engineering, and the manufacturing of large tanks and wagons.
SFO Technologies Chairman and Managing Director N. Jehangir said that building the high-power fibre laser source in-house demonstrates that high-end manufacturing technologies can be engineered and built in India. CSL Chairman and Managing Director Jose V.J. said the collaboration produced technology relevant to shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries.
The new centre in Kerala will focus on the commercialisation, testing, validation, and research of advanced laser technologies.