Metal spinning machinery and equipment, such as metal spinning machines, or metal lathes as they are sometimes called, is a serious investment. Lots of capital will be wrapped up in this machine and you need it to produce the intended products to keep your clients happy.

Cost analysis and acquisition require several important steps to make the best investment in one of the many spinning machines on the market. Here is what to consider before investing the capital:

1. Will my company use this machine often enough to make it a worthwhile purchase investment?
2. Should I consider used metal spinning machines?
3. Is renting a spinning machine cost effective option?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Balance product demand with metal spinning machine acquisition costs

Before you even contact a distributor of industrial metal spinning machines, you need to consider your product demand. Take into account quality, availability and projected production costs. You'll need to get several quotes and/or have the sales rep visit your facility to customize a spinning machine that works for your shop.

I recommend: In order to calculate production costs, you'll need to create an acquisition budget. To do this, you'll need to get several quotes or search listings for pricing guides. When that's done, Action Machinery Company has a great online calculator that lets you input things like hours used and loan terms for your investment. Exact Machine Service works with Crest Capital, a specialty financing company designed especially for equipment financing.

Consider your metal spinning machine acquisition options

Because of the investment of any shop tool as large as a metal spinning machine, you might want to consider alternatives. This may be a machine that combines two techniques, therefore limiting the need for different setups.

I recommend: Consider metal spinning and shear forming in the same setup. Leifeld USA Metal Spinning has machines for metal spinning with single forward pass spinning that minimize costs by combining the two techniques. MJC Engineering has a wide variety of spinning machines with many configurations available.

Decide if a new or used metal spinning machine better suits your company's needs

You need to determine whether buying new or used is a more cost effective option for your shop. Many distributors offer warranty terms with comprehensive service agreements to suit any size shop.

I recommend: Hildebrand Machinery Company and Industrial Machinery both have used and new metal spinning machines for sale. These companies also provide a web listing of their current stock and easy phone access to a sales rep.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing metal spinning equipment, service options should be a primary cost evaluation issue. Consider buying a spinning machine from a company that provides service as well.