Techniques of Metal Spinning ( 8 August, 2010 )
Flow Form
Using this metal spinning technique, an object is created by pressure being applied by a roller that shapes the metal as it pushed against the lathe. The flow forming technique begins with a disc shaped piece of metal which is pushed by a roller as it spins freely on the lathe. The metal disc is pushed against a fixed object by the moving rollers. The rollers may make numerous passes over the metal to form and shape the disc. The fixed object will determine the shape of the final spun metal disc. This is a widely used metal spinning technique which produces many everyday objects such as cooking pans, lamp bases and engine parts.
Shear Form
The shear forming technique is very similar to that of flow forming with one major difference – only one pass is made over the metal by the rollers. As with flow form, a metal disc is fixed against the lathe before angled rollers begin the process of shaping the disc into a consistent cone. Due to the fact that only one pass is made, this is a very efficient and economical process. However, there are of course disadvantages to using this technique as the process is very limiting and only basic shapes can be formed.
Beading
The metal spinning technique of beading is used to create a rounded edge or a lip on the metal spun object. A variety of tools are used to create this effect. The beading technique can be used to finish a previously spun object. As the metal is spun, different tools are either dragged or rolled against it using the force to create the beaded edge. Objects such as lamp bases, bannisters and candle holders have had this process used on them to give their beaded edges. Beading can be used for to give a specific finish or for decorative purposes.
Artec Engineering are metal spinners based in Hampshire. They have been supplying the industry with spun metal components and fabrications since 1964.
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