The CSIR is involved in fundamental research and process development based on laser materials processing with specific reference to laser welding and cladding. Corney van Rooyen is a metallurgical/welding engineer at the CSIR National Laser Centre in the laser materials processing research unit. He focuses on laser welding and modifying surface properties of metals through laser metal deposition of a metallurgically-bonded surface layer.

Laser alloying of aluminium with mixed nickel, titanium and silicon carbide
CSIR laser researchers aim to improve the surface properties of aluminium by forming metal matrix composites and intermetallic compounds on the surface during laser alloying. The alloying powder was a mixture of Ni, Ti and SiC particles. The microstructure, hardness and in situ products were studied.