metal spinning (3469-mt)

overview of metal spinning (3469-mt)

— metal spinning, also known as spin forming or spinning or metal turning most commonly, is a metalworking process by which a disc or tube of metal is rotated at high speed and formed into an axially symmetric part. spinning can be performed by hand or by a cnc lathe. metal spinning is the most advantageous way to form round metal parts for commercial applications. artisans use the process to produce architectural detail, specialty lighting & decorative household goods. commercial applications include rocket nose cones, cookware, gas cylinders, and brass instrument bells. virtually any ductile metal may be formed, from aluminum or stainless steel, to high-strength, high-temperature alloys. the diameter and depth of formed parts are limited only by the size of the equipment available. the spinning process is fairly simple. a formed block is mounted in the drive section of a lathe. a pre-sized metal disk is then clamped against the block by a pressure pad, which is attached to the tailstock. the block 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 block. the force is usually applied via various levered tools. simple workpieces are just removed from the block, but more complex shapes may require a multi-piece block. hot spinning involves spinning a piece of metal on a lathe while high heat from a torch is applied to the workpiece. 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. when the tool needs more durability to maintain closer tolerances, plastic (or phenolic) tooling is an ideal solution. plastic tools also provide a superior finish compared to wood.