Part Consistency
At Lewark Metal Spinning, we have several independent hand metal spinning work cells. Each metal spinner work cell has the necessary tools to manufacture your part with consistency, efficiency and quality. We have equipped our operators with an array of Grabo, Leico, Leifeld and Pryibil Hand Metal Spinning Lathes.
In addition to these catalysts, each work cell can feature necessary support tools such as bead & trim machines, grinders, welders, cutters, circle shear machines, etc. Tight tolerances, such as those used in aerospace or ground power turbine generation, can be held in accordance to specifications.
Hand Spinning
Lewark Advantage
- Blank Size - 72" Diameter
- Thickness (Aluminum) - .100" (12ga)
- Thickness (Hot Rolled Steel) - .060" (16ga)
- Thickness (Cold Rolled Steel) - .060" (16ga)
- Thickness (Stainless Steel) - .050" (18ga)
- Tight Tolerances - Held to Specifications
A Leader in Capabilities
Hand Metal Spinning and shear forming are generally in competition with pressing and deep drawing. Against these methods, which feature short cycle times and the facility to produce irregular shapes as well as rotationally symmetrical parts.
There are several benefits of Hand metal spinning and shear forming:
- Minimal Set-UpsSeveral operations can be performed in one set-up. Work pieces may have re-entrant profiles. The design profile in relation to the center line therefore is virtually unrestricted.
- Simple OptimizationThe work piece can easily be optimized by a simple modification to the program.
- Design Change FlexibilityThe different forming parameters can be altered quickly, and at little cost, to accommodate product design changes.
- Consistent RepeatabilityCloser tolerances can be achieved with consistent repeatability.
- Lower Hand Metal Spinning Tooling CostsLower tooling costs compared to creating complex molds and massive forms.
- Shorter Lead TimesShorter lead times are achieved by the simplicity of loading materials and creating exact tooling.
- Less WasteLess waste with near to net use of materials.
- Cost-Effective ProductionSpinning processes are extremely flexible and lend themselves to automation. They are equally applicable to the cost-effective production of small batches, one-offs and prototypes.
Resource Flexibility
Our expertise and talent are second to none. Our expert craftsmen are capable of performing highly specialized techniques producing the most advanced, highest quality custom work. Listed are the material types we excel at:
- AluminumWe specialize in CNC metal spinning aluminum of various sizes and alloys. Aluminum is ideal for CNC metal spinning because it is a highly elastic metal and therefore extremely formable. Aluminum is also a highly polishable metal making it a favorable choice for reflective applications. Aluminum is a light weight and durable material. It is available in a large variety of size and alloy combinations allowing for an endless amount of finishing possibilities. Aluminum spinnings can be found in a broad and ever growing range of industries. Our expertise combined with the most state-of-the-art technology allow us to be industry leaders in fabricating complex CNC metal spinning components. At Lewark Metal Spinning, we CNC metal spin aluminum up to 52" in diameter with thicknesses up to .250".
- SteelSteel is extremely common in CNC metal spinning applications. Steel is a ferrous metal, with carbon being the primary alloying material. Carbon variation determines the strength and quality of the finished steel. Steel spinnings are popular in industrial applications requiring strength and durability. At Lewark Metal Spinning, we CNC metal spin steel up to 52" in diameter with thickness up to .187".
- Stainless SteelStainless steel has many special CNC metal spinning applications. Popular for performance, strength and its non-corrosive attributes - this steel is noted for its hardness and is used in many industrial and exposed exterior applications. Stainless steel is defined as a ferrous alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. Its name is derived from the fact that stainless steel resists staining or rust more than regular steel. The chromium content forms an invisible barrier against water and air protecting the metal beneath against oxidization. Invisible to the eye, this layer quickly reforms when scratched maintaining a high shine and finish. At Lewark Metal Spinning, we CNC metal spin stainless steel up to 52" in diameter with thicknesses up to .125".
- BrassBrass is an alloy of zinc and copper and can be worked cold or hot depending on its zinc content. Brass is most commonly used for decorative purposes with a wide range of quality finishes.
- CopperCopper CNC metal spinning products are very popular in the lighting and decorating industries. Copper is prized for its heat resistant qualities. Copper is malleable and ductile, and is used extensively in applications such as wiring, plumbing, decorative furnishings, cookware and musical instruments. Copper is also a common choice among exposed exterior applications in harsh climates. Copper oxidizes and develops its own specific coating and coloring depending on its surrounding environment.
- Specialty Ductile MetalsOur expertise and talent are second to none. Our expert craftsmen are capable of performing highly specialized techniques producing the most advanced, highest quality custom work. We can work with any ductile metal, including platinum, bronze, silver and more. At Lewark Metal Spinning, we take pride in our ability to design and produce some of the world's best custom CNC metal spinning work.
Metal Spinning Under Heat
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!