metal spinning machine

Types of Metal Spinning Machines

A spinning machine for metal comes in various types to suit different production needs. Some common types are.

• Manual Metal Spinning Machine: It is a traditional metal spinning device that relies on hand-cranking for spinning the metal workpiece. The operator first clamps the metal blank on top of the spindle. Then, they turn the crank to enable the spindle to rotate. As the workpiece spins, the user uses hand tools to push and form the metal into the desired shape. Manual machines have low productivity. However, they are great for prototyping and low-volume production.
• Conventional CNC Metal Spinning Machine: This type of machine performs a spinning operation in a very similar way to the traditional method. However, it uses computer control to structure metal parts with higher precision and repeatability. With CNC technology, the setup can have pre-programmed designs for automatic production. Therefore, the CNC machine can create complex shapes faster than manual spinning metal devices. They are easy to operate and more efficient.
• Hydraulic Metal Spinning Machine: It uses a hydraulic system to spin the metal workpiece. The machine has a hydraulic motor that drives the spindle. Also, spinning machines with hydraulic feeds are popular in metal spinning gears. The feeds can perform the axial movement of the workpiece. Fixturing models with a hydraulic clamp make it easy to position and secure the metal workpiece during spinning.
• Electromechanical Metal Spinning Machine: This machine combines hydraulic and mechanical metal spinning methods. The machine features hydraulic spindles that offer axial movement. As the spindle rotates, a mechanical mandrel providing support spins in tandem. Electromechanical machines are versatile and have high productivity rates. They are suitable for high-volume production of cylindrical metal parts.
• Metal Spinning Machine with a Fixed Mandrel: It is also known as a thrust block. The machine has the blank clamped around a rotating mandrel. As the mandrel spins, the metal is forced into the desired shape using a form or tool.
• Vertical Metal Spinning Machine: The machine spins the metal horizontally or vertically. In the horizontal version, the tool supports the workpiece in a horizontal position. Both orientations have easy accessibility for the operator to spin, push, or hit the material into the desired shape.

Specifications and Maintenance

There are various types of metal spinning machines. Each type will have different specifications. Here are some general spinning machine specifications corresponding with the types:

• Spinning Diameter: The metal spinning machine workhorse has different spindle diameters. The machine's spindle diameter determines the maximum spinning diameter of workpieces it can produce. Smaller machines can spin 300 mm, while large machines can produce a diameter of 600 mm or more.
• Spindle Speed: Spindle speed is the same as rotational speed. Smaller machines have an average spindle speed of 800 to 1,200 RPM. Larger spinning machines have a lower spindle speed, but it can be adjustable. The spindle speed is important for achieving the right form of the metal workpiece.
• Drive Power: Drive power gives the machine enough power to spin and mold the metal. Smaller machines could have a power of 3kw to 5kw. Larger spinning machines use more power, and the machine could be using 10kw or more.
• Machine Size: Small metal spinning machines are about 600 mm in height and 700 mm in width. Large spinning machines are usually mounted on the floor and have larger dimensions.

Even with these differences, the maintenance and care are usually the same for spinning machines for working metal. Here are a few tips for machine care:

• Keep it clean: Use a clean, soft sponge to wash away dirt or dust. Check the under part of the device and use a brush to get to the hard parts. Clean it in all corners and make cleaning a routine.
• Lubricate regularly: Use machine oil to keep the parts of the metal spinning machine from getting worn-out quickly. Focus on the moving parts, edges of the clamps, slides, and lubrication points. Lubrication prevents early machine breakdown.
• Check for loose parts, like spin control bolts, and tighten them. Examine the spinning tool clamp and any moving part of the machine. Adjust spinning speed according to the type of metal being worked on. The operator should understand the machine's structure and adjust any clamp to fix its position.
• Follow the manufacturer's manual: Make repairs according to what the manual says. Ask the technician to give advice on any significant maintenance work. It is also essential to store the spinning tool away from humidity so that metal parts do not corrode.

Scenarios of metal spinning machines

The applications of metal spinning machines are widespread across many industries. Here are some of the most common industry uses and spinning machine parts:

• Automobile industry:

  Automobile makes use of metal spinning machines to produce customized or standard car parts. These can be car necks, wheels, end caps, hubcaps, trims, or any other part that needs a flexible metal. Also, metals with good elasticity such as aluminum, copper, and brass are spun forcar parts.

• Aerospace industry:

  Spacescrafts make use of the precision of CNC spinning tocreate light-weight parts such as ducts, rings, adapters, reflector dishes, and engine components. The space industry favors machines with second-speed motors for efficiency without compromising quality.

• Furniture industry:

  This industry uses spinning machines to makeup desk lights, lamp shades, decorative bowls, vases, planters, trash cans, etc. These items can be made of brass, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or even plastic and require design, creativity, and craftsmanship.

• Medical industry:

  Medical device manufacturers can use a metal spinning machine to form vital components such as stomatology instruments, handles, hubs, surgical tools, or orthopedic devices.

• Electrical industry:

  Electricalusually uses metal spinning to make electrical enclosures and components, lamp holders, — especially in tube lighting—reflectors, and light fixtures. All these parts are usually made with non-insulating metals like aluminum or brass, depending on the coefficient of reflection required.

How to choose the metal spinning machine

First, understand what type of metal spinning machine parts are required and what will be produced. The choice of machine will depend on whether an independent or another part of the production line will be involved in the spinning process.

There are the following criteria to focus on when selecting a suitable metal spinning machine:

• Production volume: Determine the required production scale. Is this a small-scale workshop producing limited pieces, or is it a large-scale production line requiring high-spinning capacity? For example, if a business produces hundreds or thousands of spinning parts daily, they may need a large automatic spinning machine. One with high capacity and fast speed will help meet the business’s production goals.
• Workpiece size: Consider the maximum size and weight of the workpieces that must be spun. Does the workpiece require double-headed spinning machines because it must be large and heavy? A business that needs to spin large and heavy workpieces will need a spinning machine with a more significant capacity. This means using a more extensive spinning tool or system that can handle bigger, heavier parts.
• Materials: The metal spinning machine works with different materials, such as metal sheet parts. Verify if the workpiece material requires a specific kind of tool.
• The workpiece's complexity: The shape is spun more simply and with higher accuracy. More complicated forms may need special fixtures or precision control systems to achieve the desired level of quality and complexity.
• Space and budget constraints: Consider the limit of available space and budget. Determine how much area is available for installation, and set a budget for investment in spinning machines. Focus on spinning machines whose space requirements fit the area used for work. Also, look for machines within the budget that meets most spinning needs.

By considering these criteria carefully before buying, businesses can choose spinning machines better suited to their needs, helping improve production lines' efficiency, capacity, and quality.

FAQ

Q1: Can all types of metals be spun using a metal spinning device?

A1: Generally, the metal spinning machine can spin most metals, including aluminum, copper, brass, steel, and titanium. However, certain limitations might be present concerning specific alloys or material conditions. Also, some metals are more suitable for spinning than others, making them easier to spin.

Q2: What are the thickness and diameter limitations for metal spinning?

A2: Usually, the thickness and diameter limitations for metal spinning depend on spinning machine models and setups. Nevertheless, metals with a thickness of up to 6mm can be spun in most cases. Also, the diameter limit can range from a few centimeters to about 120cm or more.

Q3: What are the production speed and volume limits for spun metal parts?

A2: As for the production speed, this already depends on the design complexity and the available setup. Generally, a production volume of up to 5000 pieces is okay for metal spinning.