Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for forging a wrenching socket in the end of a fastener which permit the production of such fasteners from materials which are difficult to forge, such as titanium and some high strength steels. A cylindrical preliminary socket is formed in the end of the blank forming the fastener with a punch having a circular cross section. The preliminary socket is sized to be at least as great as the maximum lateral dimension of the finished wrenching socket required. Subsequently, a tool having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the required finished socket is positioned in the preliminary socket and the material of the blank is extruded inwardly against the tool to form a cylindrical exterior surface and a finished socket having a non-circular cross section. With this invention, even very small hexagonal sockets can be formed in titanium fasteners. The particular illustrated embodiment also utilizes warm-forming, in which the blank material is heated to a temperature in the range of 1200.degree. to 1400.degree. F. before being formed.

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First Claim