Abstract: Disclosed is a crankshaft forming apparatus and method which has forming heads for forming throw sections at any angle 360.degree. about the rotational axis of the crankshaft and orienting the full length of the throw sections of the crankshaft. The throws are checked for parallelism to the rotational axis of the crankshaft. By turning suitable actuators such as screws, the forming heads are pivoted about a vertical and/or horizontal axis to adjust the throw formation relative to the longitudinal axis. In this manner, each forming head may be adjusted in position until all of the respective throws being formed are parallel to the rotational axis of the crankshaft. Also provided is a toggle mechanism which clamps tightly a rod being formed and opens and closes the clamping units for insertion and removal of the rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a crankshaft including a pair of spaced journal portions for formation into journals and at least one throw for entering into a power transfer relationship with another mechanical component. The apparatus includes first holding means for releasably holding one of the journal portions with respect to a first predetermined position and second holding means for releasably holding the other of the journal portions with respect to a second predetermined position. The first and second predetermined positions define a line of references that will be the axis of revolution of the ultimate operating crankshaft. The apparatus further includes position detection means for providing indication of an out-of-tolerance deviation of the position of the throw from a third predetermined position. At least the first holding means includes means for moving the one journal portion relative to the first predetermined position.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a multiple throw crankshaft from metal rod in a single forming operation. The ends of the rod are held in axially movable units through which electrical resistance heating to a deformation temperature may be effected. A forming head for each throw is clamped about the rod at a precise location therealong. The forming heads are mounted on individual carriages, which are axially movable along the machine base, and each supports a subcarriage for horizontal transverse movement on the carriage driven by a horizontal cylinder. Each subcarriage supports one of the forming heads plus a vertical cylinder for moving the head transversely up or down. Control means is capable of simultaneously actuating the horizontal and vertical cylinders associated with any individual forming unit to thus achieve composite deforming movement of the forming head in any desired transverse angular direction.