Modern industrial applications are far more demanding, and as such, companies must rely on different metal forming processes. There are several processes to choose from—including forging, extrusion, deep drawing, and others—but few can match the efficiency of metal spinning.
Metal spinning, known as spin forming, is an ideal forming process for creating cylindrical, round, or spherical objects that are both robust and axially symmetrical. During this process, a disc of metal is spun at very high speeds on a vertical or horizontal lathe; as the metal becomes more malleable, it is shaped to fit precise part geometries.
The uniform forces applied to the metal blank provide an equally uniform finished surface to the material. The finished part surface is exceptionally smooth and seamless, foregoing the need for grinding, welding, and other secondary finishing services. The seamlessness offered by metal spinning can be quite significant to industrial professionals.
Over time, seamless metal spun parts won’t succumb to cracking, breaking, or misalignment. This seamless construction gives products enhanced resistance to internal and external pressures—this is highly sought after in high-pressure applications.
Thanks to the enhancements provided by the metal spinning process, products such as tank heads and custom pressure vessels are more suitable to perform in harsh environments. Tank heads, fire extinguishers, scuba tanks, carbon dioxide (CO^2) cartridges and other similar products must be capable of withstanding the most intense pressures. The seamless construction of metal formed products can also reduce cycle times, resulting in further cost efficiencies in the long run.