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Brass Spinning 101: Understanding Tools & Techniques

Brass Spinning

Brass spinning is a metal working process that makes brass parts that are axially symmetrical. It entails rotating a brass tube or disc at high speeds on a machine.

This process is also known as brass turning or brass spin forming.

After reading this guide, you will become aware of what brass spinning entails. Let’s read on.

Suitable Speed Spinning Brass

Brass Spinning
Brass Spinning

The range you should comply with sits between 610 and 1220 m/min. This is a good starting point and which speed you select depends on what you are making.

Tools Necessary When Spinning Brass

To have a successful spinning process, you should have the right tools. Some of these tools include the following:

Center

This part makes sure the brass stays at the center of the work piece. For this reason, it ensures the final product is symmetrical.

Chuck

This part holds the brass material securely in place during the spinning process.

Holder

This enables you cut with precision without second guessing the pressure needed for the process. The holder securely holds the cutting tool in place.

Coolant

This is not entirely necessary but it can help cool down the tools when heat buildup. Since brass and coolants may react, clean the machine before and after spinning.

Air

This is a system that will ensure the shavings from brass do not end up hitting your body and face. It pushes the brass shavings away from you making the whole process safe to conduct.

High Velocity Metal

These are metals made from steel that enable a clean cutting process. Also, they may have tips made out of tungsten or ceramic.

Step-by-step How To Spin Brass

To successfully spin brass, you need both a roller and a lathe. The lathe will spin the brass metal at high speeds on an axis. Here are the steps you will follow for this process:

Step 1: Install a Chuck

Make sure the chuck has suitable teeth structure to ensure brass will not slip as you are spinning.

Illustration on Brass Spinning
Illustration on Brass Spinning

Step 2: Install the Center and the Sled

Here, ensure you have a center tool which holds the drill that cuts a hole at the center. Afterward, push a tailstock inside the center hole.

Using the correct bolts and screws, tighten the tool sled on the tooling. This allows you to only adjust the tool as you are spinning.

Step 3: Adjust the Lathe Speed

Begin with slow speeds when spinning so as not to damage the brass material. Move consistently to get the best shapes.

Step 4: Place the Brass Material

This entails placing the brass material and cutting a hole at the center. Now that the brass is secure, apply pressure using the center drill. This cuts a hole right in the middle.

Afterward, shut down the machine and pull the brass on the appropriate length that you plan to cut. Remember to use the center as a support to the brass material from the hole you made at the center.

Step 5: Start Spinning Brass

https://youtu.be/1EtApg0Hgyw

Begin by cutting along the whole brass length that is on the outside. This process ascertains that everything will be centered.

Afterward, continue cutting from the part in contact with the chuck to ensure you maintain the center position.

Note: Depending on the type of brass components you want, you may opt for CNC precision brass spinning parts. The CNC brass spinning machine allow for high degree automation. As a result, you will get accurate spun brass parts with tight tolerances.

Properties Making Brass Suitable For Spinning

Some advantages of brass that make it suitable for spin forming include the following:

  • Malleable: this makes brass easy for form into various shapes
  • Corrosion resistant: brass will last for long periods even when exposed to different elements
  • Attractive: brass has a reddish-yellow color making it appealing

Suitable Brass Grade For Spinning

Brass comprises of zinc and copper in different ratios. CZ121 is an all-round grade suitable for spinning as it exhibits strength and hardness.

On the other hand, when spinning using a wooden lathe, you can use soft brass since it’s easy to form.

Applications Of Brass Spinning

There are many products you can make just from spin forming brass. Besides, these products exhibit a symmetrical shape. They include:

Custom Cone
Custom Cone
  • Musical instruments like flutes, cymbals, metal spinning brass casing, etc.
  • Spinning brass balls steam engine
  • Architectural products like tubes, sprinklers, pipes, and poles
  • Household products such as candle holders, brass bowl metal spinning, spinning brass lamp top, etc.
  • Spinning brass cartridge
  • Gaming products such as spinning tops
  • Spinning socket lamp brass

Conclusion

As you have read, metal brass spinning is an important process to making artisanal products. It is also a simple process that requires accuracy to achieve desired results.

For all your inquiries on spin forming brass, contact us now.

More resources:

Metal Spinning Process – Source: IQS Directory

Metal Spin Forming – Source: Wikipedia

Brass Fabrication – Source: KDMFAB

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