processingdetails

Metal Spinning < 36"

Metal Spinning < 36" refers to the spinning range of diameter of finished part from 24" diameter to 36"diamerer (600 mm to 900 mm).

Metal spinning is a forming process that produces hollow parts that are typically circular in cross-section. The basic spinning process starts with a flat metal disc (blank) which rotates on a lathe. This rotating blank is pressed against a tool (mandrel, chuck) which duplicates the interior of the part. This pushing action over the tool results in a formed part. The basic metal spun shapes are the hemisphere, cone, cylindrical shell, and venturi as well as others.

Metal spinning used to be associated with prototypes and low volume production only. However, with the introduction of automatic lathes, spinning is now a cost effective option for both medium and high volume production. The relatively inexpensive tooling price for spinning still makes this forming method a cost effective one for fabricating prototypes.

Metal Spinning device Metal spinning lathes can be grouped into three broad categories: manual, power assisted, and automatic. Each paragraph below provides a brief outline of the equipment and typical applications. Manual Spinning lathes typically accommodate blanks ranging from 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) to 72 in. (1.8 m) in diameter. Larger manual lathes are available to accommodate blanks of up to 160 in. (4.1 m) in diameter. Power Assisted Spinning is manual spinning augmented by hydraulic cylinders which provide additional force on the workpiece rather than only human force. This additional power is useful when forming strong metals such as stainless steel and exotic alloys. Automatic Spinning is based on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Programmable Numerical Control (PNC). For PNC, the lathe is programmed through a "teach" mode where the first workpiece is manually spun while the computer records the movements. Once this initial workpiece has been spun, the lathe is put into "playback" mode for production. Blanks are positioned in the lathe by the operator and the playback cycle is initiated. The workpiece is then formed automatically, exactly duplicating the movements of the manual spinning. Automatic spinning is a cost effective option for medium and high volume production since it offers high repeatability and fast cycle times.