A spinning machine (also called a Metal Spinning Lathe or spin forming machine) is widely used in metal forming to produce hollow, axisymmetric parts by rotating a blank and shaping it with tools. But the versatility of spinning machines depends heavily on the the material properties. In this article, we explore which materials are suitable, what limiting factors matter, and how to choose a machine capable of handling various substrates.
Here are common material types that spinning machines can typically process:
| Material Type | Examples | Advantages / Challenges in Spinning |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum alloys | 1100, 3003, 5052, 6061, etc. | Very popular choice. Soft, ductile, good formability. Relatively low force is needed. |
| Copper and copper alloys | Pure copper, brass, bronze | Good malleability, but work hardens more quickly. Tooling must account for higher stiffness. |
| Stainless steel | 304, 316, 430 | Possible but more difficult — requires greater force, stiffer tooling, perhaps intermediate annealing to avoid cracking. |
| Carbon steels / Low alloy steels | Mild steel, low carbon grades | Usable for thicker workpieces. But might require pre-heating or lubrication to prevent defects. |
| Titanium and titanium alloys | Ti-6Al-4V, etc. | Very demanding due to high strength and springback. Requires very rigid machines and precise control. |
| Nickel alloys / Inconel | Inconel 718, Hastelloy, etc. | Among the most challenging; suitable only for high-end, high-capacity spin forming systems. |
| Precious metals | Copper, silver, gold for decorative / small shells | Works for thin, delicate parts. Requires careful control to avoid surface damage. |
When assessing whether a spinning machine can handle a given material, engineers examine several material properties:
Yield strength / flow stress — Higher yield strength means more force is needed to deform.
Ductility / elongation — More ductile alloys allow larger deformation before cracking.
Work hardening behavior — Some alloys rapidly stiffen as they deform, increasing force requirements.
Thickness and blank size — Thicker workpieces need more torque and rigidity.
Grain structure / annealing state — Well-annealed material spins more easily; cold-worked blanks may crack if not softened.
Springback tendency — High modulus or high strength materials tend to “spring back” after forming; machine stiffness and tool design must compensate.
Force and torque limits: Every spinning machine has maximum torque and axial force ratings. If the material demands exceed that, the machine will stall, deflect, or even risk damage.
Tooling and backup rollers: Stronger materials require stiffer tooling (rollers, mandrels, backers). Tool deflection must be minimized.
Stepwise deformation / annealing steps: For hard alloys (e.g. stainless steel or titanium), it's common to spin incrementally — partially form, then anneal, then continue.
Surface quality & finish: Some materials are more prone to surface scratches or work hardening marks; using proper lubrication / polishing tools helps.
Cooling / lubrication: Especially with high-strength alloys, lubrication and cooling can reduce friction, heat, and tool wear.
Among the more demanding materials are titanium alloys and high-strength nickel alloys (e.g. Inconel). Their combination of high strength, low ductility, and strong work hardening means only very robust, precision spin forming machines can handle them reliably.
To build or select a machine that can handle a broad range of materials:
Aim for high rigidity / low deflection structure — heavier frames, quality bearings, precise alignment.
Ensure high torque drive systems (hydraulic or servo motors) with sufficient safety margin.
Provide adjustable RPM and feed control to vary forming speed (slower speed often helps with tougher materials).
Design tooling and mandrels that are modular and can be swapped for different material hardness.
Support re-annealing or intermediate processing, as needed for tough alloys.
If you are looking for a manufacturer of spinning machines with flexibility and industrial-grade performance, ZHUOSHENG (Jiangmen Zhuosheng Machinery Co., Ltd) is worth considering. Their product range includes metal spinning lathes, single- and double-wheel spinning machines, Flanging Machines, Plate Rolling Machines, and more.
ZHUOSHENG emphasizes customization of non-standard machinery for specialized needs, which makes them a suitable partner when your material or part demands push conventional equipment limits.
Spinning machines can handle a wide variety of sheet metals — from aluminum and copper alloys to stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, and even nickel-based alloys. The feasibility depends on material strength, ductility, thickness, and the machine’s rigidity, torque capability, and tooling design. For advanced or demanding materials, choosing a robust and well-designed spinning machine is critical. If you're evaluating suppliers, ZHUOSHENG offers a strong portfolio of spinning and forming equipment along with customization options to meet high-performance requirements.
