John H Dutton

US Patent:

42089000, Jun 24, 1980

Filed:

Mar 6, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/883776

Inventors:

Joseph H. Zawacki - Detroit MI
John P. Dutton - Dearborn Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Siegler, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B21D 2200

US Classification:

72354

Abstract:

Apparatus and a method disclosed for forming an axle spindle from a hollow axle blank incorporate a hollow punch having a metallic body with an inner work surface defining a work opening and a mandrel fixed within the work opening projecting toward an open end thereof from a closed end of the opening. During forming, the punch is moved relative to the axle blank in the direction the mandrel projects so that the mandrel is received within the hollow axle blank as the work surface of the punch body forms the blank about the mandrel to provide a spindle. Preferably, several punches of this type are utilized to complete the spindle forming process on the axle blank. Each punch preferably has an elongated annular shape with a round inner work surface and a round outer surface on the mandrel so that the formed spindle is of a round shape. One of the punches which causes outward material movement has an undercut on its mandrel to facilitate punch withdrawal. The forming is best performed by a hot forging operation on a heated axle blank end and the hollow punch body has a sufficient length so it extends past the heated portion of the blank end before deformation begins.

US Patent:

41007816, Jul 18, 1978

Filed:

Mar 2, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/773456

Inventors:

Joseph H. Zawacki - Detroit MI
John P. Dutton - Dearborn Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Siegler, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B21B 4502
B21D 2200

US Classification:

72 41

Abstract:

Apparatus and a method disclosed for forming an axle spindle from a hollow axle blank incorporate a hollow punch having a metallic body with an inner work surface defining a work opening and a mandrel fixed within the work opening projecting toward an open end thereof from a closed end of the opening. During forming, the punch is moved relative to the axle blank in the direction of the mandrel projects so that the mandrel is received within the hollow axle blank as the work surface of the punch body forms the blank about the mandrel to provide a spindle. Preferably, several punches of this type are utilized to complete the spindle forming process on the axle blank. Each punch preferably has an elongated annular shape with a round inner work surface and a round outer surface on the mandrel so that the formed spindle is of a round shape. One of the punches which causes outward material movement has an undercut on its mandrel to facilitate punch withdrawal. The forming is best performed by a hot forging operation on a heated axle blank end and the hollow punch body has a sufficient length so it extends past the heated portion of the blank end before deformation begins.