Shot Peening - A Viable Method to Extending Component Life

Engineers are constantly looking for better tools which can be used to design extended life into various components of heavy duty equipment. One of these tools is the shot peening process and our purpose here is to bring an understanding of this process and how we can apply it to a variety of applications. Shot peening, with its resultant residual compressive stresses, has shown itself to be a viable low-cost alternative to meet higher capacity requirements within the same design envelope. We will look at some varied applications including Austempered Ductile Iron, as well as some of the process specification parameters. We shall also look at the controls required to give consistent levels of coverage and intensity along with a view to the latest state-of-the-art microprocessor equipment in use to assure the highest levels of quality control.