Pradeep Anant Dhage’s professional journey began in 1985 after completing his post-graduation from Mumbai University. Over the past four decades, he has worked across the electronics, computer, diamond and jewellery sectors, building a strong technical understanding of manufacturing technologies.
His work with laser machines began through service support for different industrial applications. During this period, he realised that better customer solutions required deeper knowledge of laser technology. This led him to pursue formal laser training in Germany in April 2005, followed by advanced technical training in Moscow, Russia, in July 2007.
These experiences strengthened his understanding of precision systems and gave him a closer view of how laser technology could improve quality, productivity and process control in jewellery manufacturing.
In this interview with Orozone Tech News, Pradeep Anant Dhage discusses the evolution of Asian Laser, the practical role of laser machines in jewellery production and what manufacturers should evaluate before investing in modern equipment.
Understanding Laser Technology
Before discussing its applications in jewellery manufacturing, it is important to understand what a laser is.
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A laser possesses several unique characteristics that make it valuable in industrial and jewellery applications:
- Monochromatic: Laser light consists of a single wavelength.
- Coherent: The light waves remain in phase with each other.
- Highly Directional: The beam travels with minimal divergence, allowing precise targeting.
- High Intensity: A large amount of energy can be concentrated into a very small area.
- Precisely Focused: The beam can be focused to an extremely fine point, enabling precision work.
- Polarized: Many laser systems produce light with controlled polarization for specialised industrial applications.
For the jewellery industry, the most important advantage is the ability to focus a high-energy beam into an extremely small spot. This allows manufacturers to perform highly precise welding, engraving and cutting while minimising heat impact and material loss.
How did Asian Laser begin, and what gap did you see in the Indian manufacturing market?
Asian Laser was founded in 2015 by Pradeep Anant Dhage, along with Rajesh Patil, Vice President of JMA, and Ranjit Acharekar. The company was started with the objective of delivering world-class laser solutions to Indian manufacturers.
According to Dhage, the market required reliable, cost-effective and application-focused laser systems supported by strong technical service. The aim was not only to supply machines, but to help customers improve their manufacturing processes through the right use of laser technology.
Today, Asian Laser is an ISO and CE-certified company and is recognised under the Make in India initiative. Dhage says the company’s focus on technology, application support and prompt service has helped it build trust within the laser industry.
Why has laser technology become important for jewellery manufacturers?
Jewellery manufacturing demands precision, consistency and productivity.
Laser technology helps manufacturers achieve fine detailing, accurate marking, precise cutting and strong welding with minimal material loss.
Dhage explains that laser systems reduce manual dependency, improve process quality and support faster production. In a competitive manufacturing environment, he believes laser technology has become an essential tool for jewellers who want to improve efficiency and maintain consistency.
How would you explain laser welding, engraving and cutting to manufacturers who are new to the technology?
Laser welding is used to join metal parts with high precision and minimal heat impact. It is useful for repair work, component joining, stone-set jewellery work and delicate applications where control is important.
Laser engraving is used for designs, patterns, logos, branding, serial numbers, hallmarking and personalisation. Asian Laser’s laser marking machine is also approved by BIS for hallmarking centres.
Laser cutting is used to create intricate shapes and designs with accuracy and smooth edges.
Together, these technologies help jewellers improve quality, finish, design capability and productivity.
Are laser machines useful only for large factories?
Dhage says this is a common misconception.
Laser machines are useful for large factories as well as small and mid-sized jewellery units.
For smaller workshops, laser technology can help improve repair quality, reduce rework, save time and increase productivity. It can also help them offer new services such as precision welding, engraving, hallmarking and customisation.
According to him, the return on investment can be attractive when the machine is selected according to the manufacturer’s actual application and production requirement.
What are the most common jewellery applications for laser welding?
Laser welding is widely used for chain repair, ring resizing, stone-set jewellery repair, correction of casting defects such as porosity and joining delicate jewellery components.
One of its major advantages is that repairs can often be carried out without removing stones. Since the heat is applied only to a controlled area, the process helps protect gemstones and preserve the original finish of the jewellery.
This makes laser welding valuable for manufacturers, retailers, repair centres and workshops handling fine and delicate jewellery.
What role does laser engraving play in branding, hallmarking and personalisation?
Laser engraving has become important for product identification and brand building.
It enables precise hallmarking, brand logos, serial numbers, product codes and custom markings.
It also supports personalisation through names, messages and design details. Dhage notes that personalisation is moving beyond text, with new concepts where jewellery can be scanned to access audio or video memories on a mobile device.
Such applications help jewellery businesses add emotional value, strengthen brand identity and offer differentiated products to customers.
How does laser welding reduce rework, finishing time and material loss?
Laser welding is a controlled process that applies heat only where required.
This reduces damage to surrounding areas and helps preserve the original finish of the jewellery.
The precision of the process reduces the need for repeated correction, excess polishing and additional finishing. It also helps lower material loss.
For manufacturers, this leads to faster repair, improved accuracy, better productivity and lower operating costs.
How should manufacturers calculate return on investment before buying a laser machine?
Dhage says manufacturers should calculate ROI by looking at multiple factors, not only the purchase price.
They should consider savings in labour, reduction in rework, lower material loss, improved productivity, faster delivery and the ability to offer additional services such as welding, engraving and customisation.
A laser machine should be viewed as a long-term production asset. When used properly, it can improve quality, increase output and support business growth.
What should manufacturers check before buying a laser machine?
Before investing in a laser machine, manufacturers should evaluate machine performance, reliability, ease of operation and suitability for their specific application.
Dhage also highlights the importance of after-sales service, spare parts availability and operator training. According to him, the machine should support the manufacturer’s current requirements while also allowing room for future growth.
He advises manufacturers not to buy a machine only on the basis of price, but to assess its long-term value and service support.
Which Asian Laser machines are suitable for different jewellery applications?
Asian Laser offers machines for different production needs.
Desktop laser welding machines are suited for jewellery workshops, showrooms, repair centres and retailers. They are useful for chain repair, ring resizing and stone-set jewellery work.
Deep engraving machines are suitable for hallmarking, branding, personalisation and decorative engraving.
Laser cutting machines are useful for manufacturers producing intricate designs and precision components.
For customers seeking premium performance, Asian Laser also offers Italian laser welding machines such as FINO 100 and POTENZA 225. FINO 100 is designed for showroom use and delicate repair work, while POTENZA 225 is suited for higher production environments requiring more power and versatility.
Dhage says the right machine depends on application, production volume and future business plans.
Where is laser technology heading in jewellery manufacturing?
Dhage expects laser technology to become more integrated into jewellery manufacturing over the next five years.
He sees greater use of automation, high precision systems, traceability, customisation and advanced production processes. Lasers will continue to support welding, engraving, cutting and quality-focused applications.
As global markets demand better consistency, faster delivery and superior finishing, laser technology can help Indian manufacturers meet international standards and strengthen their competitiveness in export markets.
What is your message to jewellery manufacturers?
Dhage believes technology is no longer optional for jewellery manufacturers.
“The jewellery industry is evolving rapidly, and technology is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Manufacturers must continuously upgrade their processes, adopt modern systems and focus on quality, efficiency and innovation.”
His message to manufacturers is to invest in technology before it becomes unavoidable. Modern laser systems can improve quality, productivity and competitiveness, helping jewellery manufacturers build stronger businesses in both domestic and export markets.
Company Update
As part of its continued expansion, Asian Laser is relocating to a larger and more advanced facility at WICEL, MIDC, Andheri East, Mumbai.
The new centre will include:
- Live demonstration zones for laser machines
- Dedicated hands-on training facilities
- Expert technical faculty for product demonstrations
- Enhanced infrastructure for customer support and application development
The expansion reflects the company’s ongoing focus on customer training, application support and technology awareness within the jewellery manufacturing sector.
Quick Rapid Fire
One laser machine every jewellery
manufacturer should evaluate:
A jewellery laser welding machine, because it offers quick improvement in
repair quality, productivity and process control.
One process where laser technology gives
immediate improvement:
Jewellery repair and welding.
One mistake manufacturers should avoid
while buying machines:
Choosing a machine only on price instead of application suitability, machine
quality and after-sales support.
One key factor in choosing a laser
supplier:
Reliable after-sales service and technical support.
One future trend in jewellery
manufacturing technology:
Greater automation and integration of laser technology for precision,
traceability and customised production.
One message for young jewellery
manufacturers:
Invest in technology early, keep learning continuously and focus on quality.
Technology will be critical for future growth and global competitiveness.
