Metal Spinning
Metal Spinning is a unique process used for shaping seamless, hollow sheet metal parts using the combined forces of rotation and pressure.  Practically any metal that can be worked can be spun.  In fact, some metals and shapes are easily spun that cannot be drawn or formed by other methods. Spinning is ideal for applications where there is a demand for absolute structural integrity, a minimum number of components, or a requirement for the use of advanced materials.
Metal spinning is an excellent method to consider in conjunction with other forming methods to produce parts and shapes.  Spinning can replace many of the initial forming steps required for drop-hammer or hydro-forming, thus saving time and money.
Due to its simplicity, metal spinning offers many advantages over drop-hammer and draw forming.

Flexibility in Part Design

Part Strength & Integrity
There are few limitations on spinning designs, even out-of-round shapes can be spun.  Ideal parts are hemispheres, cones, domes, and re-entrant shapes.

 Wall thickness is controlled throughout the part, which prevents excessive thinning of the metal.  Grooves can also be added either internally or externally to increase stiffness.
Metal Spinning Combined with High Speed Machining

Sheets Mfg. has combined metal spinning with high speed machining to our lipskin manufacturing process. This produces lipskins with machined tolerance never achieved before. Sheets Mfg. can hold wall thicknesses of +- .003 and contours of +- .010 plus value added details such as net trim, holes, cutouts and landings.
Aircraft Engine and Nacelle Components
Engine cowlings or nose lipskins are manufactured by Sheets Manufacturing Co. using spinning technology to produce a quality part at the lowest price possible.  We have been producing lipskins for over four decades for a variety of aircraft including:
  • 747-200
  • 737
  • 707
  • DC9 preforms
  • 747-400
  • 727
  • MD-80
  • 717
  • 777
  • GV
  • Global Express
  • 757
  • 767
  • 787
  • A320
  • RJ
 
Sheets Manufacturing Co. is the only manufacturer to produce the 777 lipskin in one piece.
We also manufacture a variety of aircraft engine and nacelle components, including spinners, tail cones, bullet assemblies, pressure seal assemblies and ducting assemblies.