Presently, Dr. Fritsch India offers a comprehensive line for the production of diamond tools. Over the years, more than 200 machines were supplied to the domestic market, whilst over 150 units were exported worldwide. Given India's abundant deposits of natural stone, the majority of the diamond tools are used for processing materials such as granite and marble. However, there has been a significant increase in demand for diamond tools within the construction industry in recent years.

The construction industry contributes approx. 8% to India's GDP and is the second largest employer, providing jobs for millions of people. The future prospects are also promising as it is projected that 17 of the 20 fastest growing cities in the world between 2019 and 2035 will be in India, which requires significant infrastructure development. Consequently, the Indian government plans to make substantial investments for the construction of new houses and apartments, harbours, railway stations and airports as well as their expansions and modernisation. In the financial year 2021/22, almost 30km of national highways were built in India – daily! For comparison, in Germany, 61km of national highways were built throughout the entire year of 2019.

Diamond saw blades and core drills are essential in all of these areas, and the demand for laser welded tools is increasing steadily. Factors such as safety concerns and the ability to work without cooling water are primary reasons for the preference of laser welded tools over brazed ones. In anticipation of the needs of the Indian construction industry and recognising its substantial potential, Dr. Fritsch has made the decision to build a laser welding machine for the domestic market.

The development and design of the automatic LSM 160 laser welding machine is based on several generations of laser welding machines originating from Germany, which in total have been supplied globally more than 100 times. This establishes the LSM 160 as a machine with a proven mechanical design and software. Using the latest fibre laser technology, this machine allows users to laser weld both, diamond saw blades Ø 100mm – 1,650mm (including segments) as well as core drills Ø 50mm – 300mm. This versatility is said to make the machine unique.

Sanwa Diamond Tools, a pioneer in India’s diamond cutting tool industry with more than three decades of experience, sees also the rising demand of laser welded saw blades and core drills in the Indian construction market. Sanwa’s state of the art manufacturing facility emphasises its commitment to consistency and quality. Given this commitment and the longstanding partnership with Dr. Fritsch, Sanwa has chosen to invest in the LSM 160 to be best prepared for the future. The machine is scheduled for delivery in early 2024.

The LSM 160 will be introduced to the market at the DemTech international demolition conference scheduled for 28 and 29 September in Bangalore, India. Dr. Fritsch cordially invites interested parties to visit its stand number 34 to learn more about the versatility of the LSM 160 and looks forward to meeting Demtech attendees.