Apparatus and method for refining a ball joint stud

Abstract

Provided is a method and apparatus for refining a ball joint stud. The method includes receiving and releasably securing the ball joint stud in a holder between a first die and a second die. The method further includes translating one or more of the first die and the second die towards the remaining die to apply a compression pressure to the ball joint stud. The compression pressure causes a plastic radial compression of the ball joint stud to a stroke length. The stroke length may be to induce a residual stress in the ball joint stud or increase a surface hardness of the ball joint stud. The first die and second die each include a contact surface configured to interface with the ball joint stud. The method may further include rotating one or more of the first die and the second die during the application of the compression pressure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.