This technical information has been contributed by
Century Metal Spinning Company
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Things to Consider When Designing for Metal Spinning

The Metal Spinning Process

Metal spinning is the forming of sheet metal or tubing into cylinders, cones, hemispheres and other contoured, hollow circular shapes. Metal Spinning is typically a cold forming operation.

Why Spinning?

Spinning is generally used to reduce the overall cost of producing a limited number of parts. At Century, spinning is an economical and efficient process to use when tooling & engineering costs of other methods are not justified for the quantity, shape or size of the part.

Material Thinning During the Spinning Process

Thinning is a controlled part of the metal spinning process. We will determine the best stock thickness to use in order to maintain what you require on your finished part. Cylindrical shapes will thin more than conical or hemispherical shapes.

Is There a Cutoff or Break-even Point for a Production Quantity?

Production quantity is determined by the scope of the job. The combined factors of Size, Thickness, Shape and Material Type determine feasibility of spinning for a certain quantity versus other metal forming methods.

Manual Spinning vs. Automatic Spinning

We have manual, automatic and hydraulic operated spinning equipment. Automatic technologies allow spinning to be competitive to other forming processes.

Spinning vs. Press Forming

The processes can be combined to produce the desired finished product. Parts that are press formed are often re-spun with necking, flanging, flaring and ironing operations.

At Century we use spinning in combination with other fabricating and forming methods to produce a greater selection of shapes and sizes; and to achieve additional technical details you may require.

Work Hardening

Some materials will work harden in the spinning process. Work hardening can be stress-relieved through specific heat treatment processes. The strength of a cold spun part is sometimes desirable for durability.