Metal Spinning 101: A Guide
Advantages Of Metal Spinning
Advantages Of Metal Spinning
- Simple setup and quick changeover add up to short lead times for new parts
- Design changes with minimum expense
- Superior tensile strength within the finished material
- Dimensional stability with precise tolerances to 1000ths of an inch or 100ths of a millimeter
- Refined and strengthened grain structure
- High integrity and reliability for structural parts
The Metal Spinning Process
The Metal Spinning Process
In the basic set-up for a horizontal spinning lathe the tool (mandrel chuck) is mounted to the headstock of the lathe. A follower block (tail block) is mounted to the tailstock. A circular blank is then clamped to the tool by advancing the follower. The tool rest and pin provide a support system for the lever arms, a scissor-like apparatus. The lever arms apply pressure to the blank via a roller or other forming tool. The movement of the roller across the blank is called a pass. A series of passes, which ultimately forms the completed part, is achieved by repositioning the lever arms incrementally. Contact our Engineering department today to see how we can assist you in completing your project with metal spinning or metal stamping.
Materials we work with
Typical shapes that can be spun
;)
Dished;)
Domed;)
Domed with flange;)
Flanged;)
Flanged and flued;)
Flanged, dished and flued;)
Hemisphere;)
Semi-elliptical;)
TrumpetHistory of Metal Spinning
The metal spinning trade is one which dates back to antiquity. The skill was in use as far back as the Ancient Egyptian era when metal spinning was limited to soft metals spun by human power on primitive lathes. The technique saw significant advances with the advent of hydro and steam power in Europe and North America in the 19th Century, and by the early 20th Century the electric motor provided the necessary power and high-speed turning capability. Metal spinning craftsmen were now able to turn out quality workpieces in brass, copper, aluminum, and even stainless and cold-rolled steel.
Traditionally, metal spinning has been associated primarily with low volume production, chiefly due to the requirement for highly skilled human operators in a trade with a rather steep learning curve. While the metal turning process and its machine and tooling setups are quite fundamental, developing the required hand eye-coordination may involve a relatively long period of apprenticeship before the skill is mastered.
The dawning of the digital age in manufacturing has advanced metal spinning in a way that makes it cost-effective for both prototyping and volume production.
CNC Metal Spinning and Automation Today at Metal Craft
CNC and automatic spin forming machines turn out pieces at tolerances, which exceed even the most skilled manual processes. At Metal Craft Spinning & Stamping, we’ve added automated robots to our CNC production line to enhance accuracy in large-scale orders with the quickest turnaround times. Our state-of-the-art KUKA robot arms enable a savings of 18% in cycle times for unloading tasks while ensuring that our products have no defects. Whether short lead prototyping or large-scale production is required, our versatile custom metal spinning capabilities have a diverse spectrum of applications in industries and markets including:
- Agricultural
- Foodservice lighting
- Marine
- Automotive
- Commercial & industrial roofing
- Commercial & industrial lighting
- Bearing closures
- Air pollution and ventilation
- Custom display stands
- Funeral Urns
- Industrial vacuum cleaners
- Flag-stand bases
- Fireplace accessories
- Satellite dish manufacturing
At Metal Craft Spinning & Stamping, we’re equipped to take on any job, large or small, providing an economical option for high- and low-volume production and prototype fabrication with a host of advantages.
Metal Spinning Automation
Metal Craft has improved its process by adding robots to the metal spinning CNC production line. These automated robots allow us to complete large scale orders in quick turnaround times, which in turn keeps costs low.
We have employed two KUKA robot arms that have a very high accuracy rate, ensuring our products have no defects and are of the utmost quality in less time. Our robot models enable a savings of up to 18% in cycle times for unloading tasks.
What are the advantages of Automation?
Fast and greater flexibility
Powerful and precise
Ergonomic and safe
Traditional Metal Spinning Processes Step-by-Step
- The mandrel chuck is mounted to the headstock, and the blank is fixed in place by advancing a follower block fixed to the tailstock of the lathe.
- A tool rest and pin combine as a support system for the lever arms, a scissor-like apparatus. In this configuration, the arms have sufficient leverage to apply adequate pressure to the blank against a roller or other forming tool.
- Each movement of the roller across the surface of the blank is called a pass. A series of passes is usually required to form the completed part. Multiple passes are achieved by adjusting the lever arms incrementally as the blank is reduced to its final finished form
Common Metal Spinning Operations
Metal spinning is best applied to turn out symmetrical parts with a circular cross-section, but these may later be cut for reassembly in a variety of shapes to create a vast range of new products. After multiple passes have been made the finished piece most frequently has a diameter much smaller than the blank, though the original surface area is retained.
The thickness of the material also changes as the metal approaches its final shape. The metal behaves as if it was soft and malleable as multiple axial strokes are made with a variety of roller tools. The entire lathe operation is completed in a single horizontal setup, taking the piece from blank metal disc to the required design shape, and even removing excess flash on the final step.
Metal Spinning Tools and Machines
Metal spinning lathes fall into three general categories, each particularly suited for certain applications depending upon the material and dimensions of the workpieces.
Manual Spinning
lathes can accommodate a wide range of blanks from 1.0″ (6.35 mm) up to 72″ (1.8 m) in diameter. The largest finished diameter is 58″ and the smallest is 1.0″. Forming tool pressure is applied by a skilled human operator.
Power Assisted Spinning
is used for forming strong metals such as stainless steel. Hydraulic cylinders provide the additional force required to shape the piece when human power alone is insufficient.
Automatic Spinning
uses Computer Numerical Control (CNC) or Programmable Numerical Control (PNC) to automate the spinning process. This is especially effective for precision high-volume production. With PNC the first blank is formed with manual spinning while the PNC system records the forming tool movements. In “playback” mode the PNC lathe can repeat the process as many times as required, producing an exact duplicate each time; the operator need only position the blanks in the lathe and initiate the playback cycle.
Metal Spinning Tool Types and Materials
Metal spinning tools are grouped into three general categories, including:
- Male:The male tool is the most common and duplicates the interior dimensions of the part.
- Female:Exterior dimensions are duplicated by the female tool, commonly used to form returns and flanges.
- Collapsible or Segmented:Collapsible or Segmented: A collapsible male tool is required to remove the tool when the diameter of the workpiece is reduced while forming. The collapsible tool has a removable core which secures the perimeter forming pieces while turning is in progress. The core can be removed to allow those pieces to be removed when the forming is complete. Collapsible tools require assembly and disassembly for each new piece spun.
Metal spinning tool materials can be made from a variety of materials. Most frequently, spinning tools are fabricated from these three types:
- Steel: Steel tooling is required to form parts made from stainless steel and other strong metal alloys. Mild steel or tooling steel can be used to fabricate tooling, which can achieve a superior surface finish while still maintaining precise tolerances. Heat treating can also increase the lifecycle of the steel tool.
- Plastic: When the tool needs more durability to maintain closer tolerances, plastic tooling is an ideal solution. Plastic tools also provide a superior finish compared to wood.
- Wood: When exact tolerances or finish aren’t a concern, wood tooling can be a quick and inexpensive option. Wood spinning tools can be fabricated from maple or even fine grain particle board.
Metal Craft’s Specialized Metal Spinning Services
Metal spinning in the past was restricted to soft metals and low volume production runs, but this is no longer the case. Today’s advanced metal turning techniques have opened the door to high-volume production with the most highly durable materials.
That makes custom metal spinning a very cost-effective option for rounded metal parts and products in industries across the board. At Metal Craft Spinning & Stamping, our hand and CNC lathe operations now serve industries including:
Industrial
We can work with aluminum, cold-rolled steel, and stainless steel, as well as copper and brass to fabricate your industrial projects.
Learn MoreArchitectural
Our custom metal spinning process excels for large architectural pieces suited to your specific needs and price requirements. Complete piece service can include finish and assembly to streamline turnover time.
Learn MoreInjection Molding
We manufacture stainless steel and cold rolled steel hoppers and fittings, which are essential for injection molding machines.
Learn MoreRoofing
The roofing industry has been relying on our services since 1969. Today, our automated robots produce roof drains for high volume orders with short lead times.
Learn MoreCommercial Lighting
Our experience with these aluminum products also goes back to 1969 and today we are experts in the manufacturing of lighting reflectors. Plating, metalizing, and anodizing services are also available.
Learn MoreHVAC
Indoor and outdoor ventilation systems require parts with the durability of cold rolled steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, especially in the commercial HVAC sector where extreme conditions are the rule. We combine CNC and hand lathes with our metal stamping capabilities to complete both high and low volume orders with minimal lead times.
Learn MoreSanitation
High traffic areas and public spaces often require large garbage can lids to optimize public sanitation. We can manufacture lids and bases in a wide range of sizes and materials, most commonly stainless or cold rolled steel.
Learn MoreMetal spinning in the past was restricted to soft metals and low volume production runs, but this is no longer the case. Today’s advanced metal turning techniques have opened the door to high-volume production with the most highly durable materials.
That makes custom metal spinning a very cost-effective option for rounded metal parts and products in industries across the board. At Metal Craft Spinning & Stamping, our hand and CNC lathe operations now serve industries including:
- Dished
- Domed
- Domed with flange
- Flanged
- Flanged and flued
- Flanged, dished, and flued
- Hemisphere
- Semi-elliptical
- Trumpet
About Metal Craft Spinning and Stamping
Established in 1964 and incorporated in 1969, Metal Craft Spinning &Stamping is a family-owned business now into the fourth generation, continuing a hard-earned legacy of quality service and on-time delivery.
Our metal spinning department has mastered the ancient art and we’ve stayed on the leading edge of the industry with state-of-the-art CNC machines and hydraulic presses which allow us to produce thousands of quality parts and products for our hundreds of loyal customers across North America. When you’re ready to put our nearly 50 years of experience to work for you don’t hesitate to contact us.
Metal Spinning Tolerance Guidelines
| Diameter of Finished Part | Commercial Applications | Special Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 24″ in diameter (600 mm) | +/-0.015″ to 0.031″ (0.38 mm to 0.79 mm) | +/-0.001″ to 0.005″ (0.02 mm to 0.13 mm) |
| 25″ to 36″ in diameter (600 mm to 900 mm) | +/-0.031″ to 0.047″ (0.79 mm to 1.19 mm) | +/-0.010″ to 0.030″ (0.25 mm to 0.76 mm) |
| 37″ to 48″ in diameter (900 mm to 1200 mm) | +/- 0.047″ to 0.062″ (1.19 mm to 1.57 mm) | +/-0.010″ to 0.030″ (0.25 mm to 0.76 mm) |
| 49″ to 60″ in diameter (1200 mm to 1520 mm) * depending on the shape of part | +/- 0.062″ to 0.094″ (1.57 mm to 2.39 mm) | +/-0.015″ to 0.045″ (0.38 mm to 1.14 mm) |