Metal spinning is one of the oldest techniques for the chipless production of circular hollow metal components. History records show that the Egyptians were metal spinning nearly 3,000 years ago, during the reign of the Pharaohs. Up until the First World War, only nonferrous metals such as gold, silver and brass were being spun. Wartime needs brought about new designs and stronger machines. Today, with new machines and better tooling, most metals and alloys can be spun.
Metal spinning involves spinning a flat sheet of metal — usually in the shape of a disk — at a controlled speed. A “spinning mandrel” is used instead of a clamping chuck. The mandrel is made to the from that corresponds with the contour of the part to be spun. A blank is placed between the mandrel and the tail stock of the lathe. Spinning rollers or spinning tools are then used against the blank with a series of axial movement. These movements are done with radial or swivel strokes either by hand or auxiliary force. As the blank flows against the mandrel the thickness can change.
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