Revolutionising traditional metal spinning

The MTC works with Primetals Technologies and the University of Cambridge to develop ground-breaking specialist machine to revolutionise the traditional world of metal spinning.

This collaborative way of working enabled a culture of co-operation, learning and innovation to be fostered.

Nick Champion, Head of Technology, Primetals Technologies

The Challenge

The purpose of this development programme was to upscale a laboratory concept for mandrel-free spinning, developed by the University of Cambridge, into a customer-driven and commercially relevant flexible forming machine. The main goals of this new spinning technology are:

Elimination of tooling costs
Rapid and low cost component prototyping
Advanced part geometry not currently accessible through conventional spinning

MTC's Solution

In partnership with Primetals, the MTC developed an 11 axis machine capable of spinning blank sizes of up to 2.5 metres
This machine is fully CNC operational. Currently, standard spinning machines are more reliant on manual operations as fully CNC variants are not available

The Outcome

Innovative machine concept based on fundamental academic research
Fundamentals of toolpath design addressed through ongoing university support
Commercially relevant up-scaled machine built and installed at the MTC
Successful partnering could form the basis for a future innovative collaboration model.

Benefits to the client

Integrated approach between Primetals Technologies, The University of Cambridge and the MTC to revolutionise the traditional world of metal spinning
The foundation of a UK capability in the design, development and commercialisation of novel flexible forming machines.

It was a fascinating project to work on due to the many aspects that had to be considered. Given the collaborative nature of the project it was always a pleasure to work on, even when presented with tough challenges.

Marie Wells, Advanced Research Engineer, MTC