Abstract Metal spinning process is widely used because of its low power requirement to producing complex symmetry components. Spinning process parameters influence the spinning force and wall breakage or wrinkling problems of finished parts. The experimental and numerical simulation of metal sheet spinning has been applied to investigate the effect of spinning process parameters in order to achieved lower force and large deformation without the wall breakage or wrinkling failure. In the study, Taguchi method is implemented in cooperate with finite element analysis to reduce the number of numerical simulation. The spinning experiments were carried out on a modified turning lathe to accommodate a Kreisler force transducer to measure spinning forces. The three dimensional finite element model of sheet metal spinning was developed using the same spinning experiment process parameters. The SPCC sheet metal workpiece is modelled as an isotropic elastic-plastic material. The average predicted spinning force was 853 N. There is an error of 6.25% in the FE model prediction. Furthermore, the predicted thicknesses of the deformed part were compared with the measured experimental parts thickness and the error was 6.06%. It is clear that the finite element model results agreed well with the spinning experimental results. The effect of eight process parameters, i.e. roller radius, spindle speed, feed rate and feed depth, friction coefficient, width of support roller, diameter of support roller and angel of mandrel slope, on spinning force and deformation were studied. Finite element analysis of Taguchi-L18 spinning experiment were carried out. Taguchi main effect analysis and ANOVA results show that the slope of mandrel, spinning depth and support roller width are the most important factors influencing the spinning force. The slopes of mandrel, spinning depth and roller radius are the most important factors influencing the thickness variation of deformed parts. The roller radius, spinning depth and support roller width are the most important factors influencing the severity of wrinkling failure.