08/20/13
Metal spinning is considered by many to be just as much of an art as it is a manufacturing science. While spinning itself is an artistic trade, spinning under heat is at an even more complex level. During the spinning process the metal can begin to crystallize and become brittle or too hard to handle-- we call this “Work Hardening.” This hardening mostly happens with stainless steel or more exotic metals we spin like inconel – although it can happen with any metal. Often we need to send the material out to a company that specializes in Annealing (Metallurgy) softening the metal midway through the process. When we get the metal back we can finish the spinning process.

In special circumstances, we can avoid the cost of softening by spinning under heat. Keeping the metal at extreme temperatures will keep the material ductile through the entire spinning process. This is procedure takes special skill and experience from our craftsman to complete successfully…it’s also a lot of fun to watch!