About

A Modern Approach To An Age Old Art

Founded by brothers David & Kevin Hobbs in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Our customers come from all across the UK and Europe, and they value our friendly yet professional approach. Our team of six spinners and welders have over sixty years combined experience so we’re confident we have the experience and expertise to turn our customers’ requirements into perfect products, no matter what the challenge.

We are proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality products on time and on budget, and that always comes from close collaboration with our customers, at every stage necessary, to ensure that their expectations are met and usually exceeded.

Metal Spinning Advantages

Why Use Metal Spinning?

Metal spinning is still needed even today! It has a major advantage over metal pressing as only one forming tool is required whereas pressing can involve 1, 2 or in some cases many forming tools which can cost thousands of pounds!

We work with various metals and alloys including, stainless steel, duplex, monel, mild steel, brass, copper, silver, kovar and aluminium.

1. Cost-Effective for Small to Medium Runs
  • Low Tooling Costs: Unlike other processes like pressing or casting, metal spinning requires minimal tooling, making it more affordable for small to medium production runs.
  • Faster Setup: The process can be set up relatively quickly compared to other methods, reducing lead times and making it cost-effective for custom or low-volume production.
2. Ability to Create Complex Shapes
  • Variety of Shapes: Metal spinning can create a wide range of shapes, including cones, cylinders, hemispheres, and other complex geometries, which might be difficult or expensive to achieve using other techniques.
  • Thin-Walled Parts: The process is ideal for making thin-walled parts with consistent wall thickness, which can be especially useful in industries like aerospace and automotive.
3. Material Flexibility
  • Wide Range of Metals: It can be used with a variety of metals, including aluminum, brass, copper, steel, and stainless steel, offering versatility for different applications.
  • Work Hardening: Metal spinning can increase the strength of the material due to work hardening, making it ideal for parts that need additional strength.
4. High Precision and Tolerances
  • Dimensional Accuracy: Metal spinning can achieve tight tolerances and high precision, making it suitable for high-performance applications where part quality is critical.
  • Smooth Surface Finish: The process often results in a smooth surface finish, which can reduce the need for secondary operations like polishing or coating.
5. Reduced Material Waste
  • Material Efficiency: Metal spinning uses a minimal amount of material, especially in comparison to casting or machining, where a lot of material might be wasted. The metal is deformed into shape rather than removed, reducing waste.
6. Lightweight Components
  • Low Weight, High Strength: Metal spinning is ideal for producing lightweight components that retain strength, which is particularly important in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.
7. Versatility in Sizes
  • Custom Sizes: Metal spinning can be used to create parts ranging from small components to large items, providing flexibility in the size of the final product.
8. Suitable for High-Volume Production

Once the tooling is in place, metal spinning can be used for high-volume production, providing a good balance of cost, speed, and material efficiency.

timeline

The Calibre History

2010
Where We Started

Calibre Metal Spinning is born in 2010 when brothers David & Kevin Hobbs acquire the assets of a small Metal Spinning Company in Denmead Near Waterlooville, Hampshire and a small Workshop approximately 800 sq ft in size.

2011
Relocation

After outgrowing our first premises we relocated to the heart of Portsmouth to a 2000 sq ft workshop.

2012
First Employees

First employees join Calibre Metal Spinning.

2013
ISO Accreditation

Accreditation for ISO 9001:2008 is accomplished, and more employees join the team.

2015
Youth Training Scheme

After a successful period of growth we employ two trainees via a youth training scheme.

2017
ISO 9001:2015

Make the successful transition to ISO 9001:2015

2018
More Space

We purchase our first automated spinning machine a Leifeld PNC 106.. take on a further 1000 sq. ft to accommodate this and other new equipment.

2019
New Premises

We move to our current premises a 5000 sq ft workshop in Waterlooville Hampshire

2020
Covid

Let’s not go there!

2021
Made In Britain

Joined the Made in Britain Campaign. Coming out the other side of the pandemic we establish ourselves in a new location, attract new clients and continue to grow the team.

Customers

A Few People We Work With

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Check Out Our Work

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Testimonials

A Few Words From Our Customers

Phil Whiting – Delta Xero

We’ve been using Calibre Metal since 2018 when we first moved into manufacturing and the help, support and advice we have received from Dave and the team is second to none. They have been integral to our growth as manufacturer throughout the years. The relationship we have with them has seen Calibre become one of our closest suppliers and we absolutely cannot fault the service and quality we receive. It’s been a pleasure working with Dave and the team and I look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come.

Rupert – Hercules Propellers

We are delighted with the spun steel cover plates that Calibre produced for us. We required some obsolete parts for a historic aircraft propeller and provided Calibre with original WW2 drawings. Calibre produced tooling and the parts they made for us are perfectly to specification and conform to the tight tolerances

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