We recently received an enquiry from a new customer, who required a 1200mm dia. brass bowls, which was to be used in an event at a World famous recording studio in London.
Having manufactured a wide range of different styles of spinning’s for some renowned companies in the Art and design industry, this enquiry was something we could produce to the meet the aesthetic standards required for the end user.
Due to the gradual profile of the spinning, the most suitable approach to manufacturing this part was to use our semi-automatic hydraulic spinning lathe.
The customer required the brass bowl to have a mirror finish on the inner face.
This process was to be conducted inhouse by one of our expert metal finishers.
Due to the urgency of this part, we were tasked with turning the spinning around in less than a week.
However, due to the prestigious location the spinning was going to be showcased, we knew that we had to be involved in the project.
Step 1 – Guillotine / Circle Shear / Centre. Hole
The first stage of the manufacturing process was to cut a sheet of 2.0mm brass into a 1210mm x 1210mm square.
To create the circular 1200 dia. blank, the square of material is centred on the circle shear, which then cuts the material to create a 1200mm dia. blank.
During the circle shearing, this will create a slight dimple in the centre of the material that is then drilled to make an 8mm ctr. hole.
This centre, hole is used to locate the blank centrally onto the tooling prior to spinning.
Step 2 – Spinning
To achieve the profile of the brass bowl, we opted to perform the spinning operation on the hydraulic spinning lathe.
This spinning lathe works by applying pressure to the material against the tooling using rollers.
The rollers are controlled by the machine operator, who will gradually apply pressure through the hydraulic roller.
An advantage of using a hydraulic spinning lathe is that the pressure being applied to the material is consistent.
In the video you will be able to see our expert metal spinner apply the correct amount of pressure to the material to start to form the spinning.
Step 3 – Skimming spinning to size
After the material has been spun to the profile of the tool, our expert metal spinner then removes the excess material using a bladed tool.
This process is called ‘skimming’ and ensures that the spun part is dimensionally correct.
Step 4 – Metal Polishing
As this spinning is going to be used as a decorative piece, the aesthetics of the finish are paramount to the customer.
The first process in the metal polishing is to remove the spinning lines that are formed during the spinning process.
Our expert metal finisher will gradually go through grades of polishing compound and mops to get the mirror polish finish.
Get in touch
If you have a sample or high volume batch work that you are looking to have manufactured, then please get in touch today and see how Artec Engineering Precision Metal Spinners can assist you.
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