Abstract: A machine assembly for shaping a ball stud. The machine includes a shaping workstation that has at least one shaping tool for removing material from and shaping a preform. A finish workstation includes a finish spindle configured to couple to and rotate the preform about a finish axis of rotation relative to a finish cutting module and a burnishing module. The finish cutting module includes a finish cutting tool and an actuator configured to move an edge of the finish cutting tool into engagement with a ball of the preform. The burnishing module includes a hydrostatic quill configured to contact and burnish an exterior surface of the ball.

Abstract: A machine for forming an axle shaft includes a plurality of stations and a conveyor for transferring an axle shaft preform in a horizontal orientation between the plurality of stations. The plurality of stations includes a first hobbing station that has a hobbing unit and a holding unit. The holding unit includes a rotator for rotating the axle shaft preform and the hobbing unit includes a cutting tool and a linkage that is configured to articulate the cutting tool vertically to engage the axle shaft preform and horizontally to define a length and depth of a removed material. The rotator is configured to rotate the axle shaft preform between each articulation of the cutting tool.