Spin forming, also known as metal spinning or rotational forming, is a metalworking process that transforms flat metal discs or tubes into hollow, axially symmetric components. The process involves rotating a metal blank on a lathe at high speed (typically up to 2,000 RPM) while applying pressure with rollers or tools against a mandrel to shape the material [1][3].
This manufacturing technique has been used for over 60 years across industries ranging from roofing and HVAC to aerospace and medical devices. The key advantage of spin forming lies in its ability to produce seamless components without welds, offering superior structural integrity and controlled material properties compared to fabricated alternatives [2][4].
The spin forming process can be categorized in several ways based on deformation characteristics, roller position, mandrel usage, and processing temperature. Traditional classifications include conventional spinning versus thickness-reduction spinning, external versus internal spinning, mandrel-based versus mandrel-free operations, and cold versus hot spinning [6].
"Metal spinning imparts continuous local plastic deformation to the workpiece, offering advantages over deep drawing for certain applications. However, controlling final dimensions can be challenging and requires careful assessment of workpiece, tooling, and process parameters" [5].
