Research Projects

The Quasi Continuous Wave (QCW) fiber laser, introduced in 2011, is a flexible laser that can operate in continuous wave or pulsed mode with peak powers of 10 times the average power. These lasers are versatile and can be used for various applications, including additive manufacturing, cutting and drilling, and high-speed cutting of highly reflective materials. They can also replace Nd:YAG lasers used for deep hole drilling due to higher wall plug efficiencies and pulse repetition rates. A project aims to address technology challenges faced by the aluminum, forging, and textile industries using QCW lasers. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Aditya Birla Science and Technology Limited, Bharat Forge, and CMTI, focusing on multifunctional additive and ablative materials processing. Traditional repair methods like thermal spraying or welding are imprecise and often result in poor quality. To address this issue, a laser additive manufacturing-based robotic repair and restoration technology is proposed, which could lead to significant savings in time and cost by extending the service life of high-value components. The research aims to develop scientific knowledge and technology for an automated robotic restoration system, which includes modules such as autonomous damage detection, path planning, robotic material deposition, finishing, and inspection. QCW lasers are particularly effective in high-speed cutting and deep-hole microdrilling, which are currently imported from Germany. This project aims to develop indigenous competencies for complex manufacturing processes and support the ""Make in India"" initiative.