Abstract: A flange and shaft for a two-piece forged axle and method for forging same. The flange includes a hub formed concentric about a longitudinal axis wherein the hub defines an inner annular face, an outer annular face, and a bore extending therebetween. The bore includes a first tapered surface diverging from the longitudinal axis. The flange further includes an annular ring coaxial and integral with the hub as well as a locking arrangement integral with the tapered surface for mechanically coupling the flange for rotation with a shaft. Additional embodiments of the present invention include a two-piece axle having a flange generally configured as described above and a cylindrical shaft disposed in the bore of the flange. The shaft includes a first end portion having a first radial upset engaging a first locking arrangement on the flange to couple the flange for rotation with the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ejecting a member from a die. The method includes the steps of rotating the member about its axis and axially displacing the member relative to the die. The ejector device includes an ejector having an axis and twisting means for rotating the ejector when the ejector is axially displaced. The invention further includes a formed member including a body being symmetric about an axis, a spiral protrusion extending from the body, and connecting means for rotationally coupling the body to an ejector device.