Frequently Asked Questions
Metal spinning is a cold-worked metal forming process that starts with flat sheet metal cut into a disk and then forms the material over a rotating mandrel to make a round shape. The result is a perfectly symmetrical part like a cone, cylinder, dome, or hemisphere, without seams or weak points. Learn more about metal spinning!
Wenzel Metal Spinning, Inc. is a privately owned and owner-operated metal spinning manufacturing company. Our advances in technology and automation make us the industry leader in metal spinning.
- Wenzel Metal Spinning leads the industry
- Three locations
- Wide range of capabilities
- Best and largest automated CNC spinning
- Skilled workforce dedicated to quality
- Emphasis on customer service
- Quick and prompt deliveries at a competitive price
- We have a fast turn-around time on most inquiries
Metal spinning offers structural integrity through seamless parts formed from a single sheet. This reduces waste and ensures durability. Metal spinning’s cost efficiency, versatility across materials, and adaptability for both prototypes and high-volume runs make it ideal for many applications. With fewer steps, less scrap, and short lead times, it’s a fast, sustainable, and precise manufacturing solution.
- Quick and low-cost tooling
- No minimum orders
- Flexible quantities
- Short lead times
Read more on the differences and benefits of metal spinning vs spinning.
All forming methods have their own particular limitations and drawbacks. Like all forming processes, in metal spinning each unique part needs is own unique tool. Parts that are redesigned or changed with larger dimension require new tooling.
The metal spinning process is confined to concentric shapes. Another limitation of metal spinning is that we cannot guarantee a finished material thickness. Some amount of material thinning will occur and the experienced member of the Wenzel team will assist you in determining a starting thickness if you need any assistance.
Common shapes are:
- Conical – cone-shaped
- Parabolic – bell-shaped/dished
- Toroidal– donut-shaped
- Hemispherical – half of a sphere
- Venturi – hourglass shaped
- Cylindrical and lid shapes
If you are unsure if the shape of your part is a good fit for the metal spinning process, please contact us. We are happy to assist you with modifications that can make your part more spin-friendly.
Wenzel Metal Spinning is proud to offer a standard tolerance of at least +/-.060” on most quotes; however certain exceptions apply on a case by case basis.
Metal cones are widely used across industries for their strength, durability, and versatility. A metal cone can serve as a transition piece in ductwork, hoppers, funnels, or chutes, helping control and direct flow in manufacturing, agriculture, and processing applications. A steel cone is often chosen for heavy-duty use where toughness is essential, while a stainless steel cone is ideal for food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries that demand corrosion resistance and hygiene. Large metal cones are commonly used in construction, energy, and material handling, while smaller metal cones can be found in precision equipment and custom fabrication projects.
Common metals that can be spun include aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and specialty alloys. Aluminum is lightweight and cost-effective, stainless steel provides strength and corrosion resistance, copper is valued for conductivity and aesthetics, and specialty alloys are used when enhanced performance or unique properties are required. This flexibility allows metal spinning to serve industries from automotive to food processing.
Galvanized steel is steel that has been coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. Because of its strength, affordability, and resistance to wear, galvanized steel is widely used in construction, automotive, agriculture, and countless industrial applications. Learn more about galvanized steel.
Spun aluminum refers to aluminum that has been formed into a round or cylindrical shape using the metal spinning process. With this method, a flat aluminum disk is rotated at high speed on a lathe and gradually shaped over a mold or mandrel using force and precision tools. Spun aluminum is commonly used for automotive components and decorative or architectural applications, thanks to its strength, corrosion resistance, and smooth finish.
The key difference between steel and aluminium is weight and strength. Aluminum is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for automotive and transportation. Steel is stronger, more durable, and cost-effective for construction and heavy-duty uses. Choosing steel vs aluminum depends on whether strength or weight savings is the priority. Learn more about which metal is better for your project.
Metal spinning is perfect for making custom parts. With the low tooling costs, low start-up costs, and flexible production quantities, a custom part is a textbook application for metal spinning. If your part is round and symmetrical, you need to check out the custom metal spinning process.
How long it takes to make a spun part depends on the part’s complexity and configuration. At Wenzel Metal Spinning, the entire production process can range from three or four weeks for a simple part to ten weeks for more complicated designs. The actual spinning of the part can take anywhere from a couple of minutes for simple parts to many hours, or even days, for intricate parts that are spread out over multiple setups and workstations.
Contact Us
Let’s get started! Please fill out the form to let Wenzel Metal Spinning assist you with any questions about the design of your part, our capabilities, or to find out how we can help you reduce the cost of your current metal spinning.