NeST Group, Cochin Shipyard unveil indigenous hybrid laser arc welding technology

In a push for India’s advanced manufacturing ambitions, SFO Technologies, the flagship company of the NeST Group, and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on Wednesday unveiled an indigenously designed and manufactured Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) technology.

The companies also inaugurated an Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and a Hybrid Laser Arc Welding R&D Facility at NeST Hitek Park in Kalamassery. The facility was inaugurated by Jose V J, chairman and managing director of CSL, and N Jehangir, chairman and managing director of SFO Technologies, a press statement said.

Jointly developed by CSL and SFO Technologies, the HLAW system combines laser welding, conventional arc welding, robotics and advanced automation. It is powered by a high-power fibre laser source developed in-house by SFO Technologies, the press statement added.


The technology is expected to deliver faster welding speeds, deeper penetration, lower distortion and improved weld consistency across sectors such as shipbuilding, defence, heavy engineering, railways and energy. It can also be deployed in the fabrication of large tanks, wagons and other heavy industrial equipment, helping improve manufacturing productivity.

The companies said the development would reduce India's dependence on imported laser welding platforms and strengthen domestic capabilities in high-end industrial technologies. In shipbuilding, where welding is a critical process, the system is expected to improve productivity, structural quality and manufacturing repeatability.

“This is a proud moment not only for SFO Technologies but for Indian manufacturing. 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,” Jehangir said.

Jose V J said the collaboration demonstrated how engineering innovation could address industrial requirements. “The indigenous Hybrid Laser Arc Welding technology has the potential to enhance productivity, quality and competitiveness across Indian manufacturing,” he said.

The new centre will focus on research, testing, validation and commercialisation of advanced laser technologies, supporting the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and positioning Kochi as a hub for industrial innovation.