A.a.m International S.a.r.l.

Earl Paul Barker, Ii

Adel Mohd Khanfar

A drive axle shaft and method for making the same are provided. The drive axle shaft includes an elongate tubular body and a wheel flange. The elongate tubular body has a longitudinal axis and comprises a first end portion and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to a side gear in a differential. The wheel flange is disposed at the first end portion and is configured to support a vehicle wheel. The elongate tubular body and the wheel flange are formed as a unitary body without any weld therebetween.

Variable-wall light-weight axle shaft with an integral flange member and method for making the same

A drive axle shaft and method for making the same are provided. A tubular blank is inserted in a first die including an orifice. The tubular blank is extruded through the orifice to form an elongate tubular body with a longitudinal axis. A first longitudinal end of the tubular body is heated. The tubular body is inserted into a bore in a support apparatus. The support apparatus defines a second die at one end surrounding the bore, and the first longitudinal end of the tubular body projects outwardly from the bore. A third die comprises a mandrel configured to be received within the tubular body. A wheel flange is formed by moving at least one of the support apparatus and the third die toward the other of the support apparatus and the third die to deform the first longitudinal end of the tubular body between the second and third dies.

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St. Clair, MI, United States of America

Earl Paul Barker, Ii