Shot Peening Services: Improve Fatigue Life of Metal Parts
Shot peening fires a stream of small spherical media at a metal part to pound the surface into a state of compressive stress. That compressive layer is the secret: it fights the tensile stress that opens fatigue cracks, so springs, gears, and shafts last dramatically longer. When a part fails by cracking from the surface, shot peening is the fix. This guide covers how it works, when to choose it, intensity control, and how to spec your job.
How Shot Peening Works
A wheel or nozzle hurls hardened shot (steel, glass, or ceramic) at the part. Each impact leaves a tiny dimples that stretches the surface, creating compressive residual stress underneath. We often peen parts after heat treatment and before final surface grinding, and we pair it with centerless grinding for shaft diameters.
Controlling Intensity: Almen Strips
Peening force is measured with Almen strips—small steel strips that arc when peened. The arc height (Almen intensity) tells us how hard the part was hit, so the process is repeatable and certifiable.
Shot Peening vs. Other Finishes
Unlike polishing or grinding, peening is not about appearance or size—it’s about life. It intentionally roughens the surface to buy fatigue strength.
Materials We Peen
- Spring steels and gear steels—the classic fatigue parts.
- Titanium and aluminum alloys—for aerospace structures.
- Stainless and superalloys—for turbine and engine parts.
Industries That Rely on Shot Peening
Aerospace turbine blades, automotive springs and gears, and oil-field components all depend on peening for certified fatigue life.
How to Spec Your Shot Peening Job
- State the Almen intensity (e.g. 0.008A–0.012A) required.
- Specify coverage—usually 100% with 200% over-peen for confirmation.
- Define media type and size (steel/glass/ceramic).
- Note any masked areas that must not be peened.
- Share the fatigue requirement or standard (SAE, AMS).
- Flag critical dimensions that must stay in tolerance.
FAQ
Does peening change size?
It can add a few microns of waviness; we mask and control it tightly.
Can it crack a part?
No—done to spec it induces beneficial compressive stress.
Is it for aluminum?
Yes, with the right media to avoid contamination.
Why Choose Huaxiao for Shot Peening
Our shot peening service is controlled by Almen intensity and coverage so your fatigue-critical parts meet spec. Send your drawing for a quote covering peening, inspection, and certification.
