Kolkata: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), in collaboration with SFO Technologies (NeST Group), has unveiled India’s first indigenously designed and developed Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) technology at the Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and HLAW R&D Facility in Kalamassery, Kerala. The development marks a significant milestone in India’s shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The new technology has been jointly developed to address practical requirements in shipbuilding and strengthen the adoption of advanced, automated welding solutions in the country. It is expected to support more efficient shipbuilding processes while contributing to India’s efforts towards technological self-reliance.
Key Features of the Indigenous HLAW Technology
The newly unveiled HLAW system integrates three major technologies: a 12 kW fibre laser, a six-axis industrial robot and Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding technology.
This combination enables the system to achieve welding speeds of up to 2 metres per minute. By bringing laser and arc welding processes together, the technology offers potential for automated fabrication applications, particularly in shipbuilding.
The indigenous development also represents progress in building advanced manufacturing capabilities within India.
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Applications Across Multiple Industries
Although developed with shipbuilding requirements in mind, the HLAW technology has potential applications across several industrial sectors.
One of its key applications is automated ship panel fabrication, which can support modern shipbuilding operations. Beyond the maritime sector, the technology could also be used in:
- Defence manufacturing
- Railways
- Energy
- Heavy engineering
Its potential use across these sectors highlights the wider industrial significance of the development.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Indigenous Innovation
The collaboration between Cochin Shipyard Limited and SFO Technologies (NeST Group) demonstrates the role of public-private partnerships in advancing indigenous technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The development of India’s first indigenously designed and developed HLAW system reflects efforts to strengthen domestic expertise in advanced engineering and reduce dependence on externally developed technologies.
The initiative also supports India’s broader vision of building a technologically self-reliant industrial ecosystem through innovation, research and advanced manufacturing.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a major Indian shipbuilding and ship-repair company based in Kochi, Kerala. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. CSL builds vessels for defence and commercial applications and contributes to India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities through the construction, repair and modernisation of a wide range of vessels.
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