When metal is machined or formed you actually change the molecular structure of the material. Altering the metal surface actually creates tensile stresses across the surface of the material which increases the chances of fatigue cracking. By applying a residual compressive stress to the surface you remove or reduce the tensile stress created which reduces fatigue cracking and thus increases the fatigue life of the part.
So you say Big Deal!
The amazing part about shot peening is you can actually increase the fatigue life of a part by 200% – 300%! That is huge when you are talking about extending the life of a part before it fails, especially when the part operates in a high stress environment. The major advantage of shot peening is to increase the fatigue life of the part but is also used to improve the durability of certain coatings.
At Precision Finishing we shot peen utilizing conventional air blast and wheel blast equipment. Shot peeing is a very critical and certified process and is successful only when all of the parameters are considered. Some such considerations are:
- Part Material, hardness and thickness
- What areas should be shot peened
- What areas definitely should not be shot peened
- Media type and hardness
- Intensity required
- Equipment Type
- Velocity
Because you are drastically changing the surface of the part, shot peening can easily destroy a perfectly good part if it isn’t done correctly. It is imperative that you work with an organization which has a complete understanding of the process to assist you in incorporating the shot peening process. Our Precision Finishing contract shop is ISO certified and we shot peen to military specifications to assure that your part is done correctly. Offering shot peening services has also enabled us to develop the expertise to assist in equipment / process recommendation and training to customers wanting to perform this process in their own facility.
Jeff Bell
Precision Finishing Inc.
Learn More About Us On: