Rugby, U.K.– JK Lasers has supplied Setco Automotive with a high power industrial CW laser, which will be used to manufacture automotive clutch plates. The parts produced by the company will be used in heavy duty trucks in India and a range of Premium Class vehicles in Europe and Russia.
Setco Automotive has headquarters in Mumbai and manufacturing facilities in Kalol and Uttaranchal, India; Lancashire, UK; and Paris, Tenn., U.S.
JK Lasers was able to match Setco's strict quality requirements and was selected to provide a 2 kW laser to produce a 2.5 mm deep seam weld, joining the inner disc ring to the drive plate. The strength of the weld was of prime importance, therefore Setco Engineers and JK Lasers’ applications team carried out comprehensive trials to develop and perfect optimal laser welding parameters.
In addition to the strength requirements, JK Lasers had to achieve rapid cycle times to meet with Setco's high production demands. Following extensive trials, the entire 722 mm (230 mm diameter) seam weld was achieved in 20 seconds.
The innovative timeshare facility offered by JK Lasers was also utilized in this process. It enables two workstations to be supplied from a single laser source, which effectively doubles the production capabilities of the Setco plant.
Established in 1982, Setco Automotive Ltd (Lipe Clutch) is a manufacturer of medium and heavy duty commercial vehicle clutches.
JK Lasers provides innovative industrial lasers and laser processing solutions for the medical device, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries.
