Spinning process definition
Metal spinning is a metal processing process that deforms metal materials by rotating the workpiece and applying local pressure to obtain parts of the desired shape and size.
CNC metal spinning—also known as spin forming—is an advanced sheet metal shaping process that transforms flat metal discs into precise, symmetrical forms. Using CNC-controlled lathes, the metal disc is rotated at high speed and gradually pressed against a pre-designed tool or mandrel using a tailstock and roller. Through multiple controlled passes, the roller shapes the metal over the tool, resulting in a finished part that exactly replicates the contour of the forming tool.
This technique is highly effective for producing a wide range of round geometries, including cones, cylindrical shells, hemispheres, flanged covers, parabolic profiles, and venturi shapes. Metal spinning is especially suitable for applications where part volume is moderate and traditional tooling costs for methods like stamping or deep drawing would be excessive. It also excels at handling complex geometries without compromising precision or consistency.
At USMS, we utilize state-of-the-art CNC technology to generate accurate spinning programs tailored to each unique component. This ensures repeatable, high-quality results with tight tolerances across every production run.
Advantages of Metal Spinning
Concentric Geometry: Since all spun parts are round, the process is ideal for creating components with consistent radii and symmetrical shapes.
Design Flexibility: The technique allows for diverse design features such as ribs, beads, steps, embosses, and hems, which not only enhance aesthetics but also improve part strength.
Material Efficiency: Increased stiffness from design enhancements means thinner, lighter materials can be used—making spun components a more cost-effective solution compared to stamped or fabricated alternatives.
Cost Savings: Lower tooling costs make CNC spinning a preferred choice for low-to-medium volume production.
Minimum Radius Guideline: For optimal results, the radius of a spun section should be at least twice the thickness of the material being used.
Shapes Commonly Formed by CNC Spinning
Conical – Cone-shaped profiles
Parabolic – Bell or dished shapes
Toroidal – Donut-like contours
Hemispherical – Half-sphere designs
Venturi – Hourglass configurations
Cylindrical & Lid Shapes – Straight or lidded shell forms
If you’re exploring options for metal forming and wondering whether your part is suitable for the spinning process, reach out to our experts at USMS Metal Spinning. We’re happy to review your design and suggest modifications that improve spin-compatibility—ensuring maximum performance and cost-effectiveness.
Spinning process classification
According to the deformation method, it is divided into ordinary spinning, strong spinning and shrinking spinning. Ordinary spinning uses the spinning wheel to roll and pressurize along the surface of the workpiece to gradually deform the workpiece, which is suitable for processing thin-walled parts.
Strong spinning increases the spinning force and reduces the contact area between the spinning wheel and the workpiece, so that the material produces a larger deformation in a smaller deformation area, which can improve material utilization and part strength.
Spinning process characteristics
It has high precision and can process complex shaped parts with high dimensional accuracy, such as rocket engine casings, aircraft landing gear, etc., to meet the strict requirements of part accuracy in the aerospace field.
High production efficiency, one clamping can complete multiple processes, reduce the number of clamping times and auxiliary time, improve production efficiency and reduce production costs.
Spinning is widely used in aviation, aerospace, military, radar, civil lighting, fan equipment, funnel, heating and other fields.
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Looking for high-quality metal spinning services? USMS provides professional high-volume spun metal and spin forming solutions to meet your various needs. Our metal spinning services not only cover a wide range of needs from small batches to large-scale production, but also ensure that each product meets the highest standards through advanced technology. Whether it is a complex design or precise specifications, we can provide you with a satisfactory answer. With our spin forming technology, you can get durable, precise and beautiful metal parts suitable for a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive industry, kitchenware manufacturing, etc. Choose USMS and experience top-notch metal spinning services to take your project to new heights.