The delivery time for your order depends on several factors, such as whether it’s a new job requiring tooling or a recurring job, as well as the metal spinning method required. Manual spinning may take longer than CNC spinning, for instance.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Other factors that can affect lead times include quantity, material, and dimensions. We recommend checking out our blog posts on selecting the best metal spinning method and designing parts for metal spinning for more information.
Please note that lead times are subject to change daily. We encourage you to request a quote to obtain the most accurate delivery date for your specific project.
At Excell Metal Spinning, our hydraulic metal spinning lathe can spin mild steel with a thickness of up to 6mm and stainless steel with a thickness of up to 4mm.
For aluminum spinning, our CNC machines can handle thicknesses of up to 5mm.
However, the maximum thickness will depend on the size, shape, and depth of the spinning required for your specific component.
Have you ever wondered how skilled operators in the UK Manufacturing industry harnessed their skill in Metal Spinning? Presumably, you’re here to learn more about the Metal Spinning process and the steps involved to produce magnificent, hollow cylindrical components.
In our Ultimate Guide to Metal Spinning, we took you through what Metal Spinning is. We also explored three methods of metal spinning that manufacturers adopt to produce a vast array of products and components. In this guide, we will run you through a step-by-step guide to the Metal Spinning Process.
Sound good to you? Then let’s get started!
During this guide, we will be covering the art of manually hand spinning using conventional methods. This process involves the body of the spinner and the result of the process is heavily impacted by the skill of the operator (as with any hand forming process). At Excell Metal Spinning Ltd., our operators have over 200 years experience combined between them!
If you need more guidance on what Metal Spinning is, or you quickly want to learn more about conventional metal spinning, then read The Ultimate Guide To Metal Spinning (With Diagrams).
In the first attempt, we recommend practicing metal forming a flat-bottomed cylinder, roughly 50.8mm in diameter and 76.2mm high. This will require a 127mm diameter disc and a mandrel (commonly referred to as a ‘chuck’) that you will form the disc over.
You will also require a manual Metal Spinning Lathe that you will use to carry out the conventional metal spinning process. Refer to Figure 1.0 to observe what a typical hand spinning lathe would look like.
In our next guide, we will explore the different variations of chucks and spinning tools that highly skilled operators use during the metal spinning process.
In Figure 1, Wong, Dean & Lin () identify a spinning lathe used by Manual Hand spinners.
After the mandrel has been carefully selected, it should then be screwed into place over the threaded head-stock spindle as observed in Fig 1. By turning the lathe on, you can determine if the chuck is running true.
There are many possible causes for the chuck to not run true and these include;
Link to US Metal Spinning
A clamp, or block, should be attached to the tail stock spindle, ensuring the diameter of the block matches with the bottom of the mandrel. It’s important it matches as this could have adverse consequences should it not. Too small, and the bottom of the spinning will buckle during the process; Too large, and the spinning will not have proper contact with the mandrel.
Speed plays an important role throughout the metal spinning process. The general rule of thumb for most spinning operations will use a lathe speed anywhere between 800 to RPM. The larger the thickness or diameter the slower the RPM.
There are times when parts initially begin as thin discs which can be spun with speeds as high as 5,000 RPM, and on other occasions around 100 RPM for huge discs. It is important to identify the correct RPM to avoid wrinkling the material or burning out lubricant. Too slow an RPM, will result in hardening, tearing or misshapen parts.
At the beginning of the spinning process, the metal disc is clamped between the mandrel and the block attached to the tailstock. It is important to closely center the disc as possible. However, the likelihood of further centering is high.
A centering tool (more will be explained in another blog) is a useful tool operators use for this occasion. These tools can range from a hardwood flat stick, a flat faced spinning tool or the flat part of a tongue spinning tool.
The operator would hold the centering tool within their left hand, whilst the tool rests against the pin on the T-rest. Refer to figure 1 for the location of the T-rest and pins. With the disc’s rotation at a right angle to the face of the tool and the axis of the tool in the same plane, centering can take place. The contact between the tool and the edge of the disc is performed underneath and towards the front of the disc (in a 7 o’clock position).
The operator holding the centering tool stands to the right and controls the tail block pressure with their free right hand. The follow block is loosened slightly whilst the lathe is running an the centering tool is pushed up against the disc until vibrations cease. The tool block is then finally tightened and the centering tool is no longer required.
The beginning of the spinning process is often the most critical, and with the help of a spinning tool, its important the center of the disc is fixated around the mandrel. In doing so, the next set of strokes of the spinning tool can accurately smooth out any warps and ensure the disc remains even.
The spinner will use a ‘sweeping’ / radial motion to form the disc over the mandrel. They do this by holding the tool under their arm, and using the force from their shoulder, rib cage and lowered hip, as well as flexed knees and feet firmly flat on the ground. The tool will rest against the pin on the T-Rest, and the tip of the tool will be positioned to the right of the disc against the follow block at 7 o’clock.
As the body position of the operator stretches upwards, the tip of the tool drops in a small arc from the follow block to the edge of the disc, just like a sweeping motion, and again at 7 o’clock. The force of the ‘sweeping’ arc of the tool is in one lateral movement towards the headstock. With a combination of moving the upper body towards the right, and the unequal flexing of the knees, the spinner will exert enough force to form the disc over the mandrel. It will require multiple passes to full form the metal disc over the mandrel.
Depending on the project, trimming may be required to even out the component, which may have been distorted around the edge. A useful tip is to perform the final trim just before the final flap is laid down. This will help with any parts shorter than what the mandrel was designed for!
Operators would use a ‘Trimming’ Tool, which is a square shaft of steel cut diagonally around one edge. Again, resting the tool against the pin on the T-rest, and bring the edge of the tool to the edge of the disc will ensure precise trimming.
It is even more so important the correct PPE is worn at all times throughout the spinning process and the trimming of metal spun components.
With an efficient process of manufacturing at your disposal, you can drive down cost and increase your margins. Metal Spinning is now widely accepted as an efficient manufacturing process that has a higher material utilization and low cost production ideal for batch production.
As a leading expert in the field of Metal Spinning, and the leading organization in the UK Metal Spinning Industry, Excell’s services have been widely sought after worldwide. With the vast skills and knowledge required, we can ensure quality products are delivered on time and to your requirements!
To get started on your next project with us, and to determine the best possible solution for your industry needs, you can fill out a Quotation Form. Our team are on hand ready to help you!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Metal Spinning Services.