Shot Peening: What is It?

Shot peening involves the application of round-shot particles on a part's surface through a spray or blast technique to enhance its durability and prolong its lifespan. Generally, the initial stages of material fatigue occur on the component surface.

The application of shot peening creates small indentations or bends on the metallic surface, generating a compressive stress layer that retards the formation and progression of fatigue cracks. This technique increases a component's fatigue life by around 2,000%.

Enhancing the surface of materials can be achieved through peening in the engineering field. This method offers a practical and cost-effective means to prolong the lifecycle while improving the performance of significant construction components.

Peening creates a residual compressive pressure layer and alters the mechanical properties of several metals, making it a controlled process. With the introduction of residual stress to the surface, cracks formation on alloy components under stress are avoided. Manufacturing processes like milling or drilling can help generate pressure on the material surface.

Shot Peening Functions

To achieve shot peening, glass beads or metallic balls are accelerated at high speeds until they reach the surface. Upon impact, each tiny bead creates indentations, stretching the surface and generating compressed stress. The material must yield for this process to occur. As a result, the component becomes encased in a layer of stress. Shot peening is the most practical and budget-friendly method for ensuring surface stress in manufacturing.

Application of Shot Peening

Shot peening, also known as shot blasting is effective engineering that helps improve the surface of different materials. The spherical material called the shot is utilized to hit the product material's surface.

As each bead hits the material's surface, it creates a dimple, and when hundreds of shots are fired at the material, a precise shape or crater takes shape. These dimples make the material's surface strong and more resistant to cracking. Before processing, each application of shots is carefully thought out and specified. The depth and size are determined, and the work gets tested for repeat work.

Cold Hammering

Similar to sandblasting, shot peening produces less dust and is used for aircraft repairs as it relieves tension from grinding. The beads available for shot blasting are varied and include spherical cast steel shot, ceramic bead, glass bead, and rounded cut wire, each of which results in a distinct finish. Peening is often employed to improve material strength.

Shot Peening applications in the following sectors:

• Airframe components
• Automotive gear parts
• Coil springs
• Connecting rods
• Crankshafts
• Gear wheels
• Medical implants
• Suspension springs
• Turbine blade (Aircraft)

Why Shot Peening is required?

Shot peening offers various advantages, from preventing corrosion, fatigue cracks, and strength degradation, to diminishing the chances of stress concentration in machined or formed metal components. Its additional advantage is its capacity to ward off the formation and growth of cracks caused by imperfections on the surface of materials. This technique does not limit itself to structural solidity and the prevention of cracks. It is utilized for constructing sturdier and tougher parts, like carburized gear cogs, that can withstand shock and fatigue applications with a Rockwell hardness above 60RC.

Peening enables existing designs to operate under increased stress, enhances lubricity when used on moving parts, and produces more aesthetically uniform surfaces enabling applications of special coatings and adhesives. Furthermore, peening is advantageous in hardening the matting surfaces to prevent galling and fretting. Depending on product requirements, different machines are employed for diverse applications and parts.

Shot peening treats various components but creates a crucial impact when applied to gears due to their frequently strenuous workloads. For maximum efficiency, it is essential to ensure the right selection of equipment matches the proper materials for a given application.

Advantages Of Shot Peening:

There are several advantages, and they include:

• Stress corrosion splitting lessened using straightening
• Prepares components for plating
• Deformations during manufacturing straightened out
• Reduces permeability in casting
• Alters dimensions of parts
• Improves oil retention

Why Choose Surface Shot Finishers?

Surface Shot Finishers are a preferred choice for shot peening in Bangalore. We are a familiar name in this business. As a renowned company offering the best solutions to business needs, we have established an impeccable reputation for delivering outstanding shot-peening services to multiple industries.

Our skilled technicians are proficient in using cutting-edge equipment and processes to ensure that every project need is met and accomplished to the highest standard. Additionally, we have the expertise to create custom solutions for specific industries, ranging from aerospace, and automotive, to manufacturing that meet industry regulations.