Peen-Forming - A Developing Technique

Author:  Peter O"Hara, Metal Improvement Co Inc, Newsbury,
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-8 Sept. 16-20, 2002 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Doc ID:  2002030
Year of Publication:  2002
Abstract:  
Abstract The application of Controlled Shot Peening to form or correct the shape of components has been in process for over 50 years. The extension of the principles of the Almen strip has been well applied through a range of industries although Aerospace has been the greatest user. Shot Peen-Forming uses the compressive stresses induced by shot peening to alter the stress pattern, magnitude and depth, within a structure to deliberately create a change in product shape. Gentle curves, within the elastic range of the material, are regularly formed to consistent tolerances in to-day's peen forming facilities. Changes to those induced stresses in magnitude or depth will alter the products profile. Consequently, the introduction of compressive stresses significantly deeper than can be achieved by conventional shot peening will extend the potential of using this forming method on a range of component parts. Lasershot Peening achieves that by introducing residual compressive stresses 3 to 4 times deeper than conventional shot peening. Thus opening up the Peen-Forming method to section thicknesses beyond present capability and producing tighter radii more consistently.