Ball stud, method and apparatus for production thereof, and ball joint

摘要

A ball stud has a buckle portion designed to buckle under an appropriate amount of longitudinal pressure. The buckle portion is formed by a rolling process resulting in furrowed portions and raised portions integrally formed in an accordion shape along a portion of the ball stud. The raised portions are formed from the surplus material displaced from forming the furrowed portions. The buckling strength is variable depending on the number of furrowed portions and raised portions in the ball stud. A ball head, connected to the ball stud is inserted into an opening of a housing. The process of making the ball stud requires minimal pressure in the rolling process, resulting in reduced production costs and roller wear.