For general information purposes we will cover a few basics here:
 Shape:
Metal spinning is limited to concentric or round shapes. Whenever possible, design parts that increase in diameter as the depth increases. Radii can be no smaller than 2X material thickness. Whenever possible design the diameter greater than or equal to 2X the overall depth of the part. (A hemisphere would be an excellent example of a part that has a diameter twice the depth) While it is possible to exceed this ratio, in some cases significantly, this will create the most cost effective parts.
A wide variety of steps and or radii can be produced. Steps or strengthening ribs can be designed into parts. This often allows thinner, and more cost effective, material to be used while maintaining part strength and functional requirements.
Reverse angles (where the diameter decreases with the depth to the open end) can cause difficulties and will certainly add substantial costs in both tooling and processing times. The reverse angle prohibits the part from being stripped from the mandrel. Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. will usually decline to quote parts that have reverse angles.
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 Diameter and Material Considerations:
Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. can produce parts up to 96” in diameter and .375” in thickness. Since we operate powerful CNC controlled and hydraulically actuated lathes we can produce parts from stainless steel, red metals, and some aerospace alloys that work harden very rapidly. We also produce parts in carbon steel, coated steel, and aluminum. Since the metal spinning process works the material more than some processes we suggest that most powder coating, painting and plating be preformed after spinning. It is possible to spin galvanized and galvannealed materials without significant thinning or flaking of the coating.
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 Piercing Holes and Slots:
In many cases parts need to have holes, slots, or indentations so that other parts can be joined to them with fasteners. Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. operates CNC controlled turret presses which can produce numerous holes, hole sizes, and in precise patterns in a single operation. This is a very efficient and cost effective method. We also operate punch presses, beading and trimming machines, and brake presses that enable us to punch holes, and bead or brake flanges after spinning the part to its final dimensions. See our CAPABILITIES page for a complete list of ancillary services.
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 Tooling:
Tooling for metal spinning is inexpensive compared to stamping and hydroforming dies. Typically the savings are 75% - 90%. Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. produces all tooling in-house out of wood, tool steel, or composites.
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 Tolerances:
Metal spinning is not a close tolerance process when compared with CNC machining and forming processes. However, with the advent of CNC controls we are able to produce closer tolerances than have ever been possible with manual metal spinning equipment. Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. operates more CNC lathes than any custom metal spinning company in the US. On our CNC lathes we can hold tolerances of less than .030 on most dimensions. Additionally, it is possible to hold much tighter tolerances on some dimensions, depending on material type, thickness, and part geometry.
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 CNC Advantage:
CNC metal spinning technology has additional benefits:
- Vastly increases production rates
- Provides consistency form first part to last
- Improves finish
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