Product Info

Shot peening is an industrial technology designed to enhance the structural strength of metal components by precisely applying controlled force to the surface.

What is Shot Peening?
Shot peening is a surface treatment process that improves metal surfaces by bombarding them with small spherical media such as steel shot or ceramic beads ("shots") at high velocity. This impact creates residual compressive stress in the surface layer of the metal, significantly improving its fatigue strength and wear resistance. This technique is commonly applied to components subject to cyclic loads—like those in aerospace, automotive, heavy machinery, and precision equipment—to extend their service life.

Basic Principle of Shot Peening
In this process, shot media are propelled at high speeds using compressed air or mechanical force, causing localized plastic deformation on the metal surface. The repeated impacts generate residual compressive stresses that counteract tensile stresses, reducing the likelihood of fatigue cracks and enhancing the component’s durability.

Applications and Benefits
Shot peening is widely used in various industries, such as:

- Aerospace components (e.g., turbine blades, gears): Reduces fatigue from repetitive loading, significantly extending service life
- Automotive parts (e.g., suspension springs, crankshafts): Increases fatigue strength and resistance to vibration-induced wear
- Medical devices and precision machinery: Minimizes the risk of fractures and surface wear by precisely managing surface stress

When properly optimized, shot peening can extend component lifespan by 1.5 to 2 times, offering greater design flexibility and improved safety.

Process Conditions and Impact on Quality
The effectiveness of shot peening depends on various parameters:

- Shot material: Steel, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass—selected based on the application
- Shot size: Smaller media produce smoother surfaces but shallower compressive layers
- Peening intensity (Almen Intensity): Measured using an Almen strip to ensure processing quality

Fine-tuning these parameters enables manufacturers to achieve the desired performance characteristics efficiently.