The metal spinning tools themselves are the maestros that transform flat sheets into beautiful and functional shapes. Here’s a closer look at these essential tools:
Types of Spinning Tools:
The world of metal spinning boasts a variety of tools, each designed for a specific shaping task. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Roller: This is the workhorse of spinning tools. It has a smooth, cylindrical profile and is ideal for creating basic shapes like cones, cylinders, and hemispheres. Variations exist with slightly curved profiles for achieving gentle bends.
- Forming Roller: This specialized roller features a specific contour that matches a particular desired shape. It’s used for more complex shapes that require a precise profile, like parabolic dish antennas or specific curves in automotive parts.
- Planishing Roller: This roller has a broad, flat profile and is used for smoothing out the surface of the metal sheet after the initial shaping process is complete. Imagine ironing out wrinkles on the formed metal.
- Beading Roller: This tool features a grooved profile that creates decorative ridges or beads on the metal surface. It adds a touch of flair to lampshades, bowls, or other decorative pieces.
- Sipe Roller: This specialized roller has a sharp edge, like a chisel on a smaller scale. It’s used for creating sharp corners and folds in the sheet metal, particularly useful for boxy shapes or intricate designs.
Material Selection:
Spinning tools are typically crafted from hardened steel to ensure they can withstand the pressure applied during the shaping process. This allows them to effectively press against the metal sheet without deforming themselves. In some instances, other materials like nylon or wood might be used for specific applications. For instance, softer materials might be preferred when working with very soft metals to avoid marking the surface.
Choosing the Right Tool:
The selection of the appropriate spinning tool depends on several factors:
- Desired Shape: The profile of the tool needs to match the form you want to achieve in the metal sheet. If you’re creating a cone, a standard roller will do the trick. But for a decorative ridge, you’ll need a beading roller.
- Stage of Spinning: Different tools might be used at various stages of the spinning process. For instance, a roller might be used for initial shaping, while a planishing roller comes in later for smoothing.
- Metal Type: The hardness and work hardening characteristics of the metal being spun can influence the tool selection. Softer metals might allow for the use of simpler rollers, while harder metals might require specialized tools that can handle the pressure required for shaping.
Using the Spinning Tool:
The spinning tool is mounted on a tool rest on the metal spinning machine. The operator skillfully guides the tool along the length of the rotating mandrel, pressing it against the sheet metal to achieve the desired form. The pressure applied and the path of the tool are crucial for successful shaping. An experienced metal spinner can manipulate the tool with finesse to create the exact contours needed.
In essence, metal spinning tools are extensions of the metalworker’s hand. With the right tool selection and skillful manipulation, these tools transform flat sheets of metal into a vast array of useful and beautiful shapes. The variety of spinning tools available allows metalworkers to tackle a wide range of projects and achieve stunning results.
EMS Metalworking Machines
We design, manufacture and assembly metalworking machinery such as:
- Hydraulic transfer press
- Glass mosaic press
- Hydraulic deep drawing press
- Casting press
- Hydraulic cold forming press
- Hydroforming press
- Composite press
- Silicone rubber moulding press
- Brake pad press
- Melamine press
- SMC & BMC Press
- Labrotaroy press
- Edge cutting trimming machine
- Edge curling machine
- Trimming beading machine
- Trimming joggling machine
- Cookware production line
- Pipe bending machine
- Profile bending machine
- Bandsaw for metal
- Cylindrical welding machine
- Horizontal pres and cookware
- Kitchenware, hotelware
- Bakeware and cuttlery production machinery
as a complete line as well as an individual machine such as:
- Edge cutting trimming beading machines
- Polishing and grinding machines for pot and pans
- Hydraulic drawing presses
- Circle blanking machines
- Riveting machine
- Hole punching machines
- Press feeding machine
You can check our machinery at work at: EMS Metalworking Machinery – YouTube
Applications:
- Beading and ribbing
- Flanging
- Trimming
- Curling
- Lock-seaming
- Ribbing
- Flange-punching