Metal spinning is a cold forming process that shapes flat metal discs or tubes into axially symmetric hollow parts by applying localized pressure with a roller tool against a rotating mandrel. Unlike stamping which requires matched die sets, spinning uses a single mandrel — dramatically reducing tooling cost and lead time. This makes spinning ideal for prototypes, low-to-medium volume production, and parts with large diameters that would require prohibitively expensive stamping dies.

At Conwhole, we operate CNC spinning lathes capable of forming steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. We produce parts ranging from 50 mm to 1,200 mm in diameter, with material thickness from 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm. Common applications include lighting reflectors, industrial housings, cookware, and ventilation components.

Key Takeaways:
– Max blank diameter: 1,200 mm
– Material thickness: 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm (steel), up to 4.0 mm (stainless)
– Materials: Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass
– Shaped parts: Cones, cylinders, hemispheres, venturi, parabolic curves
– Tooling: Single mandrel (low cost vs. stamping die)
– Lead time (tooling): 1-3 weeks
– Production volume: 10 to 50,000+ pieces
– Secondary ops: Trimming, beading, flanging, hole piercing in-house

Lighting & Illumination

– Aluminum alloy reflector bowls and lamp shades

– Street light housing covers and diffuser rings

– Track light spun bodies and trim rings

– Industrial high-bay fixture reflectors

Ventilation & Air Handling

– HVAC duct transitions and reducer cones

– Industrial fan inlet cones and outlet diffusers

– Exhaust system funnel adapters and end caps

– Air distribution spun nozzles and vents

Food & Catering Equipment

– Stainless steel mixing bowls and bain-marie inserts

– Catering display trays with rolled rims

– Coffee machine drip trays and funnel bodies

– Commercial kitchen kettle bodies and lids

Industrial & Tank Components

– Pressure vessel end caps and tank heads

– Funnel hoppers and material discharge cones

– Hydraulic cylinder reservoir ends

– Filter housing bodies and centrifuge bowls

Decorative & Architectural

– Column base covers and capital trims

– Decorative dome ceiling panels

– Pendant light canopies and ceiling roses

– Furniture leg ferrules and table base covers

CNC-controlled roller paths ensure consistent wall thickness and geometry from the first part to the last — no operator-dependent variation, no surprises in your assembly.

Single mandrel tooling costs a fraction of stamping dies — get your first spun parts in 2-3 weeks for a few hundred dollars, not thousands or tens of thousands.

Our spinning capacity handles large-diameter parts that would require massive and expensive stamping presses — ideal for lighting reflectors, tank heads, and architectural components.

In-house trimming, beading, flanging, hole piercing, and surface finishing (polishing, brushing, coating) — your spun part is finished and ready to use when it leaves our door.

Q1: What is the difference between metal spinning and stamping?
Metal spinning uses a rotating mandrel and roller tool to gradually form a flat disc into a hollow shape — tooling is a single mandrel (low cost, 1-3 weeks). Stamping uses a matched punch-and-die set in a press — tooling is expensive and takes 4-8 weeks but is faster per part at high volumes. Spinning wins for prototypes, low-medium volumes, and large diameters.

Q2: What shapes can metal spinning produce?
Spinning produces axially symmetric (round) hollow shapes: cones, cylinders, hemispheres, parabolic curves, venturi profiles, stepped diameters, and flanged or beaded rims. Non-round or asymmetric parts are not suitable for spinning.

Q3: What is the maximum size you can spin?
We spin blanks up to 1,200 mm in diameter. For steel, thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm. For stainless steel, up to 4.0 mm. For aluminum, up to 5.0 mm. We can advise on feasibility based on your part geometry and material.

Q4: What materials can you spin?
We spin mild steel (CRS, SPCC), stainless steel (SUS304, SUS316), aluminum (1050, 5052, 6061), copper (C1100), and brass (C2680). Aluminum and copper are the most formable; stainless steel requires more force but produces excellent results.

Q5: How much does spinning tooling cost compared to stamping dies?
Spinning mandrels typically cost 70-90% less than matched stamping die sets. A typical spinning mandrel costs a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, compared to $5,000-$50,000+ for stamping dies. This makes spinning ideal for parts with annual volumes up to 50,000 pieces.

Q6: Can you achieve mirror-polished surfaces?
Yes. We offer mechanical polishing up to mirror finish (Ra <0.2 µm) on aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Post-spin finishing includes satin brushing, polishing, anodizing, and powder coating. For lighting reflectors, we achieve bright-dip anodized finishes for maximum reflectivity.

Q7: What secondary operations do you offer after spinning?
We provide in-house CNC trimming (consistent edge profile), beading and flanging, hole piercing, welding of attachments, and complete surface finishing. This one-stop approach eliminates the need for multiple supplier handoffs.

Q8: What is the typical lead time for spun parts?
Tooling (mandrel manufacturing): 1-3 weeks. Prototype production: 1-2 weeks after tooling approval. Production runs: 1-3 weeks depending on quantity. Rush service available for urgent projects.

Send us your drawings for a free spinning feasibility review and quotation within 24 hours.