Metal Spinning
Spin Forming or Metal Spinning
Metal spinning (spin forming) is a hand or CNC controlled
metal forming process by which a disc or tube of metal is
rotated at high speed and formed into an axially symmetric part.
Metals that can be easily spun are brass, copper, stainless
steel & aluminum (any ductile metal) . It is a process that
is used
often by artisans, but can be used for many commercial
applications.
Process: A mandrel, also known as a form, is mounted in the
drive section of a lathe. A pre-sized metal disk is then clamped
against the mandrel by a pressure pad, which is attached to the
tailstock.
The mandrel and workpiece are then rotated together at high
speeds. A localized force is then applied to the workpiece to
cause it to flow over the mandrel. The force is usually applied
via various levered tools. Simple workpieces are just removed
from the mandrel, but more complex shapes may require a
multi-piece mandrel. Extremely complex shapes can be spun over
ice forms, which then melt away after spinning. Because the
final diameter of the workpiece is always less than the starting
diameter the workpiece must thicken, elongate radially, or
buckle circumferentially.
A variation of metal spinning, "Hot Spinning", involves
spinning a piece of metal on a lathe while
heating it with a
torch. Once heated, the metal is then shaped as the tool on the
lathe presses against the heated surface forcing it to distort
as it spins. Parts can then be shaped or necked down to a
smaller diameter with little force exerted, providing a seamless
shoulder.
Casting Rep's suppliers can spin metal up to 3/4" thick with
diameters from 1/2" to 140"
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