What is shot peening and how does it work?
Shot peening is a mechanical treatment used to improve the characteristics of metal surfaces. It is performed with a controlled flow of metallic abrasive launched at high speed and force, creating a mechanical hardening of the material’s surface. This cold process is similar to sandblasting but uses metal spheres instead of sand. Shot peening machines, called peening machines, harness the centrifugal energy of a turbine to propel the shot onto the surface to be treated.
The high-speed impact creates microscopic deformations that compress the material, increasing its fatigue strength and surface hardness.
After impact, the shot bounces back and is recovered, cleaned, and reused. The powders and residues from the treatment are instead eliminated. Shot peening is a continuous cycle process that can be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired results.
What are the advantages of shot peening?
Shot peening treatment allows for the improvement of wear resistance and potential breakage, in particular:
- Increases fatigue strength and surface hardness;
- Improves stress distribution on the surface;
- Reduces material porosity;
- Enhances coating adhesion;
- Cleans surfaces
- Significantly reduces stress concentrations caused by notches, threads, and surface decarburization
- Ensures greater resistance to stress-corrosion
Shot peening is synonymous with quality and high performance
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For more information on shot peening and Cogeim shot peening machines, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is available for personalized consultations and technical details.
In which sectors is shot peening used?
Shot peening, with its versatility and effectiveness, is fully integrated into various industrial sectors where the quality and reliability of materials are indispensable.
In the aerospace industry, where every component is subjected to extreme loads and stresses, shot peening plays a fundamental role. Thanks to its ability to harden and reinforce metal surfaces, it contributes to the creation of components capable of withstanding the highest stresses, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft and spacecraft. Also in the automotive industry, shot peening finds extensive use. Springs, connecting rods, and other critical vehicle components undergo this treatment to increase wear resistance and durability over time, ensuring optimal performance and safe driving.
In construction, shot peening plays a fundamental role in preparing metal surfaces before the application of protective coatings. Its ability to remove impurities and rust creates an ideal base for coating adhesion, ensuring greater protection against weathering and corrosion. Also in the shipbuilding industry, shot peening is a widely used process to treat hulls, decks, and other metal structures of ships. Its reinforcing action helps maintain the structural integrity of vessels, ensuring their safety and reliability in often adverse marine conditions. Finally, in the oil industry, shot peening is used in the cleaning and preparation of pipelines and tanks. Its ability to remove residues and scale ensures the proper functioning of plants and prevents accidents and leaks of hazardous substances.