AN ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL SPINNING OF LIGHT SHEET METAL

E. Quigley(1), J. Monaghan(2),

(1)Institute of Technology, Tallaght, D24, Ireland. (2)Trinity College Dublin, D2, Ireland.

Abstract: Spinning is frequently used for manufacturing axi-symmetric shapes where press tooling might not be justified on grounds of size and production volumes. Spinning also has the possibility of producing parts that cannot be deep drawn. In this paper conventional spinning is studied, that is a rotational forming process that does not set out to change the wall thickness. Both the blank and the finished product have roughly the same thickness.

Previous authors have proposed various analyses of the spinning process. This paper presents an investigation of deformation mechanisms in conventional or constant thickness spinning. Finite element analysis is applied to the investigation of the process. A number of simpler models, which separate the various loading mechanisms, are presented. Some simple experimental validation is described. Finite element results are compared with established contact theory and with established deformation patterns. The material modelled in this work is light gauge sheet Aluminium (Al 99.0-Werkstoff 30205, Material condition HH, 0.2% yield 110 MPa).

Keywords: conventional metal spinning, shear forming, finite element analysis