Metal spinning can be done manually or it can be automated with the use of CNC machinery. Manual metal spinning requires a highly skilled technician to operate the lathe. A flat metal disc, also referred to as a blank, is affixed to a lathe mandrel and rotated. The metal is then shaped with hand-held tools as the metal spinner technician applies pressure to the blank. In the end, there should be little to no metal waste and no wrinkling and both the interior and exterior surface of the product should be smooth and shiny.
Generally, metal spinning is a cost-effective choice for companies. It is typically used for smaller runs. Metal spinning produces hollow, symmetrical shapes maintaining a wall thickness throughout the piece. Metal spinning processes like hydroforming and shear spinning provide alternative ways to shape metal with a cold metalworking process.
Metals that can be used for metal spinning include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper titanium, and alloys of these metals. Metal spinning adds to the excellent characteristics of these metals and alloys such as their hardness, strength and durability.
