Method of forming a splined component

A method of manufacturing a torque-transmitting component, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a flat annular blank having a flat profile to a transfer press having a first station, second station, third station, and fourth station, the first, second, third, and fourth stations including a first, second, third, and fourth die and a first, second, third, and fourth punch, respectively;
• at the first station of the transfer press, drawing the blank between the first die and the first punch and forming an unfinished component having a radial flange segment and an axial hub segment, the unfinished component being in the form of a first cup-shaped preform;
• transferring the first preform to the second station and pressing the first preform between the second die and the second punch and defining a second preform of the unfinished component having a chamfer portion disposed between the flange segment and the hub segment;
• transferring the second preform to the third station and pressing the second preform between the third die and the third punch and defining a rough splined preform of the unfinished component having a plurality of rough splines extending radially outward from the hub segment;
• and
• transferring the rough splined preform to the fourth station and pressing the rough splined preform between the fourth die and the fourth punch and defining a smooth splined component having a final radial flange segment and a final axial hub segment;
• wherein the smooth splined component includes, along the final axial hub segment, a constant inner diameter, a smooth minor outer diameter, and a smooth major outer diameter.