Hot spinning process has attracted significant attention because it can be used to manufacture complex parts, extend the forming limit of materials, decrease forming forces and reduce process chains. In this paper, we review researches on lightweight metals spun at elevated temperatures since they are difficult to deform at room temperature. These metals include light alloys, such as titanium, magnesium and aluminum alloys, and metal composites. Then, the heating methods used in the hot spinning process and the treatment methods employed for the temperature boundary condition in finite element analyses for the process were discussed. Finally, the future development directions for the hot spinning process of lightweight but difficult-to-deform alloys were highlighted.
