Method of plastically forming splines on shaft-like workpiece

Abstract

A method of plastically forming splines on a shaft-like workpiece is provided. The volume of part of the shaft-like workpiece on which the splines are plastically formed is generally the same as the volume of plastically processed portion following processing. In addition, the part on which the splines are formed first is made with a maximum diameter. The shaft-like workpiece extends from the first formed part toward the part that is not plastically processed in a conical shape.

1 . A method of plastically forming splines on a shaft-like workpiece, wherein a volume of splines formed on the shaft-like workpiece is made substantially equal to a volume of a plastically processed portion, the method comprising:
 preparing the shaft-like workpiece such that the shaft-like workpiece has a maximum diameter in a portion where spline formation will begin, and such that the shaft-like workpiece extends in a conical shape from the portion where spline formation will begin toward a portion that will not be plastically processed;   loading the shaft-like workpiece onto a machine and forming the splines.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the splines are plastically formed on the shaft-like workpiece using frequency modulation while a feeder produces relative motion between the shaft-like workpiece and a die. 
   
   
       3 . A shaft-like workpiece blank comprising a shaft portion and a working portion, the working portion comprising a distal end and a proximal end with the proximal end being closer to the shaft portion than the distal end, the working portion being adapted to receive splines by plastic deformation, the working portion comprising a distal outer diameter and a proximal outer diameter, the distal outer diameter being larger than the proximal outer diameter and an outer surface of the working portion tapering from the distal outer diameter to the proximal outer diameter. 
   
   
       4 . The blank of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface tapers at an angle of between about 2 degrees and about 3 degrees. 
   
   
       5 . The blank of  claim 3 , wherein there is no location along the working portion in which a diameter is smaller than a diameter proximal of that location. 
   
   
       6 . The blank of  claim 3 , wherein there is no inflection point along the tapering outer surface.