The advantages of metal spinning are numerous, as are the industries it serves, the parts and products it can create, and the materials which can be used in conjunction with it.
A popular metal of choice is aluminum, and there are various aluminum alloys that each offer distinct characteristics and advantages (depending on your specific needs). Aluminum is often chosen when costs must be kept down and product weight must be kept to a minimum.
Not only is aluminum lightweight and cost effective, but its many alloys can provide distinctly diverse chemical components, giving users diverse options.
Material Specifics
Aluminum is a malleable metal known for its significantly low density and high corrosion resistance, making it ideal for a range of applications within the construction, transportation, and aerospace industries.
Material Characteristics
The following aluminum alloys are best used for metal spinning: 1100, 3003, 5052, 2024, and 7075.
- Aluminum 1100 is the commercially pure grade of aluminum alloys, with an aluminum composition of 99%. It is characterized as soft and lower strength.
- Aluminum 3003 is a non-heat treatable alloy consisting of copper, iron, manganese, and trace amounts of other elements. It is regarded for its good corrosion resistance and moderate strength.
- Aluminum 5052 primarily consists of magnesium and chromium, and is often referred to as “anodize-quality aluminum” due to its excellent finishing and anodized coating properties. It has good strength and flexibility.
- Aluminum 6061 has two main alloys: magnesium and silicon. It is known to have relatively high strength, high corrosion resistance, and good overall workability.
- Aluminum 2024 uses copper as its primary alloy. It is known for having a good strength-to-weight-ratio and good fatigue resistance – but has poor resistance to corrosion.
- Aluminum 7075 primarily consists of a zinc alloy and is considered one of the highest strength aluminum alloys available, making it ideal for parts that undergo heavy stress. Its strength is comparable to that of many steel materials.
Metal Spinning and Aluminum
Due to the fact that aluminum alloys are generally more cost-effective and lighter than stainless steel, they are often an excellent choice for metal spinning – especially when the specific properties of stainless steel are not needed.
There are numerous aluminum alloys to choose from, each with distinct characteristics that are useful for many applications. Helander can spin aluminum parts up to 1.50″ thick.