Spin casting, also called centrifugal casting, is a process in which molten metal or resin is poured into the centre of a spinning disc shaped silicone mould, and centrifugal force drives the material outward to fill every detailed cavity. For custom awards it is the ideal method for small, highly detailed metal pieces such as medallions, emblems and badges produced in efficient batches.
Spin casting occupies a specific and valuable niche in our Antwerp studio. When a design calls for many small, crisply detailed metal parts, medals, coins, emblems or decorative accents, spin casting produces them faster and more affordably than most alternatives. It is the bridge between the fine detail of silicone moulding and the genuine metal presence of casting, and it fits naturally into our hybrid production approach.
How Spin Casting Works
A circular silicone mould is made containing several cavities of the part arranged like spokes around a central pouring point, taken from masters that are very often 3D printed in our studio. The mould is clamped between two plates and spun at speed. Molten metal, typically a low melt alloy, or catalysed resin is poured into the centre. Centrifugal force flings the material outward through channels into each cavity, filling fine detail completely and pushing out trapped air.
Once the material solidifies, the mould is opened and multiple finished parts are removed at once. Because a single mould holds many cavities and can be cast repeatedly, spin casting produces detailed parts in quantity with impressive efficiency.
Why Centrifugal Force Matters
The spinning motion is the key to the whole process. Gravity alone struggles to push molten material into fine, thin or intricate cavities, leaving detail incomplete and surfaces flawed. Centrifugal force multiplies the pressure, driving material into the finest features and expelling air that would otherwise cause defects. This is why spin casting captures crisp detail in small parts so reliably.
That fidelity depends on the master. As with silicone moulding, we build masters through 3D printing and hand refinement, so every detail is present before the mould is even made. Our 3D printed trophy page shows how printing feeds our casting workflows.
Materials for Spin Casting
Spin casting works with materials suited to the flexible silicone moulds and the process temperatures.
- Zinc alloys (pewter type): the classic spin cast metal, low melting and superb for detail.
- Tin and pewter alloys: for a refined finish on medals and emblems.
- Lead free white metals: for safe, detailed decorative parts.
- Polyurethane resin: for lightweight detailed parts in the same moulds.
Cast metal parts are then plated, polished or enamelled to their final finish. Our materials overview explains how these finishes present on a completed award.
Spin Casting Versus Sand Casting
Both are metal casting methods, but they serve opposite ends of the spectrum. Spin casting excels at small, highly detailed parts in low melt alloys, produced many at a time in reusable silicone moulds. Sand casting handles larger, heavier parts in higher temperature metals like bronze and aluminium, using single use sand moulds.
The decision is guided by size, detail and metal. For a batch of detailed medallions or emblems, spin casting is the efficient answer. For a large solid bronze statement award, sand casting is the right route. We advise on this openly, matching method to object.
The Advantage of Multi Cavity Moulds
A defining strength of spin casting is that one mould holds many cavities, so a single cast yields several parts simultaneously. For an award programme needing dozens or hundreds of matching medallions, this multiplies output dramatically and lowers per part cost. The reusable silicone mould can be cast again and again until its fine detail begins to soften.
This efficiency makes spin casting particularly attractive for recognition programmes with recurring small metal components, where consistency and quantity both matter. It brings genuine metal quality to volumes that would be uneconomical to machine individually.
Finishing Spin Cast Parts
Raw spin cast parts are removed from the mould still joined to the central feed by thin channels. These are trimmed away, and each part is cleaned and finished. Common finishes include plating in gold, silver, nickel or antique tones, polishing for shine, and colour enamel fills that bring logos and detail to life.
This finishing, performed in house, transforms a raw alloy casting into a jewel like medallion or emblem. When combined with a larger cast, machined or printed award body, these finished metal parts add the crisp detail and metallic sparkle that elevate the whole piece.
When Fabit Recommends Spin Casting
We recommend spin casting for small, detailed metal parts, medallions, coins, emblems, badges and decorative accents, produced in efficient batches. It is less suited to large or very heavy parts, or to high temperature metals, where sand or investment casting serve better.
With master making, moulding, casting and finishing all in house, we keep the full process under one roof and integrate spin cast parts seamlessly into larger awards. See finished pieces on our custom trophies service page.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is spin casting best for?
Small, highly detailed metal parts such as medals, coins and emblems, produced many at a time in reusable silicone moulds.
Are spin cast parts real metal?
Yes. They are cast from low melt metal alloys, then plated or polished to their final finish.
How many parts can one mould make at once?
A multi cavity mould yields several parts per cast, and can be cast repeatedly, making batches highly efficient.
How are masters made?
Usually by 3D printing and hand refinement in our studio, so all detail is present before the mould is created.
If your award programme needs detailed metal medallions or emblems, our Antwerp studio responds within 24 hours and ships worldwide. Start your brief at our design studio and we will produce your pieces with precision.
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