Definition
A metal-forming process in which a flat disc or short tube of soft sheet metal is pressed against a rotating shaped form (called a chuck or mandrel) using a smooth, blunt tool. As the metal spins, the tool gradually forces it to take on the contour of the form, producing symmetrical hollow parts such as cones, hemispheres, or domes without removing any material.
Plain English
A way of shaping a flat metal disc into a smooth curved part by pressing it against a spinning form until it takes that form's shape.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and fabrication when making or repairing smooth curved metal parts, especially round or cone-shaped covers.
Derivation
From 'spin,' meaning to rotate rapidly. The metal disc spins on a lathe-like machine while being shaped, which is where the name comes from.
Why Pilots Care
Produces strong, lightweight, seamless parts that maintain balance and structural integrity in rotating or high-stress aircraft components.
Analogy
Imagine pressing a soft clay disc against a spinning pottery wheel form -- the clay takes the shape of the form. Metal spinning is the same idea, but with thin metal and a smooth tool instead of fingers.
Intuition Check
Metal spinning does not mean the metal is being wound up or twisted. It means the metal is rotating while a tool presses it into shape.
Example Sentence 1
The propeller spinner on the nose of the aircraft was produced by metal spinning a single aluminum disc over a steel form.
Example Sentence 2
Metal spinning created a smooth engine cowling that reduced drag and improved cooling airflow.