Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for forming precision surface shapes on shaft-like parts comprises a pair of substantially cylindrical and rotatable dies having forming surfaces located adjacent a shaft-like part therebetween. The shaft-like part is located in a size control ring according to this invention and is concentric with an axis of rotation of the size control ring. Each of the dies includes a size control surface that pressurably engages the size control ring. The size control ring is sized so that the forming surfaces are located at a predetermined forming depth in the shaft-like part when a predetermined level of preload force is applied between the size control surfaces and the size control ring. It is contemplated that the size control ring experiences elastic deflection upon application of the predetermined preload. A size adjustment mechanism is provided to vary the preload applied by the dies on the size control ring and the part. This adjustment mechanism can include a nut and screw or, alternatively, a hydraulic press. Similarly, a single pair of opposing forming surfaces can be provided or a plurality of axially displaced forming surfaces can be provided.

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First Claim