Advantages of Metal Spinning

Metal Spinning is one of the most important methods of metal fabrication. Ultimate Spinning advises that you should consider spinning prior to incurring the high costs of stamping or punching since the costs for these methods of producing a product could be exorbitant. A metal spun prototype is your best solution.

By definition, metal spinning is a method of forming a flat metal disc on a lathe into many shapes (See Shapes). Metal spinning is a must when you need a prototype, if tooling costs are too high, quantities are low, time to market is important, tolerances are not primary (can hold +/- .005), and there are budget restrictions.

Our process of metal spinning usually results in higher quality and lower costs, when compared to stamping, deep drawing, or die casting.

Inexpensive Tooling – Conventional casting or stamping dies are expensive. Spinning tooling is simple and less costly. Only a mandrel and a tool stop are needed along with a lever or a chest tool, which is typically fractionally less when compared to other forming methods. In some cases we can spin in the air. We design and build our own tooling to ensure the job is done right the first time. Our press department compliments our spinning operation.

Higher Strength (Improved Metallurgy) – Repeated passes with the tool work hardens the product and creates a stronger part (tensile strength) than a drawn product. In some cases lighter metal can be used.

Tailor-Made Tooling – Tooling costs can be kept in line with the parts’ life expectancy. If it is a one-time job, soft tools can be used. Long runs or repetitive jobs require more expensive hardened tooling.

Ease of Design Changes – These are easily made if the smaller tool is less expensive than other tooling. Parts can be refined and developed. Parts can be modified in-house without starting over. The constant changes often required in new product development make the low start up costs associated with metal spinning the ideal choice for sheet metal prototyping.

Short Turnaround – In many instances turnaround time can be days. Tooling is made in-house and inexpensively. Metal spinning is the answer for small to medium quality needed in 72 hours. Specifically, hand metal spinning affords quicker set up, which reduces the cost of small production runs. Additionally, it is performed by craftsmen, which allows for better control of wall thickness and improves overall dimensional stability.

Combination Spinning / Draw – Many times we spin in deep draw. The methods compliment each other.

Competitive Pricing – Products are inexpensive when compared to other methods of manufacture, but by no means cheap. Our processes often result in higher quality, lower cost parts when compared to stamping, deep drawing, or die casting.

Prototypes – We have the flexibility to provide fast delivery in a timely fashion.

Wide Range of Part Sizes – From 1” to 5’ metal spinning offers tremendous size ranges.

First Article – We can spin one to a few parts for your review of the spun product before actual production.

Minimal Scrap – Metal spinning is the most conservative metal forming process with material.

Secondary Operations – These are all done in-house.

No Seams or Welds