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Metal spinning is a cost-effective method used to shape ductile metals into symmetrical shapes using a lathe and a shaping tool. It is often used for small batches and decorative pieces, and can be controlled by hand or CNC. The process increases the tensile strength of the metal and allows for easy design changes.
Metal spinning is a method used to form metal discs into cylinders, cones, and other shapes that are symmetrical about an axis. Spinning is often used to make parts for industry and manufacturing, but many decorative pieces are also formed from spinning. Spinning can be controlled by hand or using a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe programmed with the desired pattern. Most ductile metals can be worked using the metal spinning process. This method is often used when a small number of parts are needed, as small batches can be made more cheaply and efficiently with metal spinning than with other methods.
To begin the metal spinning process, a metal disc, known as a blank, is fitted on a lathe. The blank must be made of a metal with high ductility. Ductility is a measure of how easily a solid material can be shaped when exposed to tensile stresses. Metals commonly shaped by spinning include aluminum, copper, and even stainless steel alloys. Gold, silver and brass can be spun into decorative pieces.
Also attached to the lathe is a shaping tool known as a chuck. The mandrel has the same shape as the inside of the finished product. For example, if you are forming a funnel, the mandrel may be cone shaped. As the mandrel rotates against one side of the stock, the rollers push against the other side of the stock, causing the metal to form into the shape of the mandrel.
Metal spinning usually forms fairly simple shapes, such as cones, hemispheres, and cylinders. These shapes can then be cut or welded to create more complex products. For example, a funnel can be formed by welding a cone onto the end of a cylinder. A more complex mandrel can also be used to form a complex shape. After spinning, the parts may also be drilled, heat treated, or otherwise modified to create the desired shape.
Unlike other methods of shaping metal, metal spinning is usually done when the metal is cold. The process actually increases the tensile strength of the metal being shaped. In the rare cases where heat is used, the process is called hot spinning. Hot spinning creates seamlessly spun objects, such as scuba diving tanks.
Metal spinning is quite cheap compared to other metalworking methods. It can be done quickly, and design changes are easy and cheap. These qualities make metal spinning an ideal choice for artists and inventors or engineers who are creating prototypes.
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