Shot Peened Surface Analysis With GelSight Mobile™

Author:  Micah K. Johnson, Ph.D | Co-founder and Chief Science Officer | Gelsight
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 36, Issue 4, Fall 2022
Doc ID:  2022041
Year of Publication:  2022
Abstract:  
INTRODUCTION For a shot peener, it might seem intuitive to run the process for an extended amount of time to achieve full coverage. However, excessive peening wastes time and materials and can have adverse effects on the surface [2]. Accurate characterization of the rate of coverage increase can more precisely predict the time required to achieve the desired coverage specification. One common method for characterizing shot peen coverage and intensity is to insert an Almen strip into the process. The Almen strip can be taken to the lab and evaluated under a microscope to track the shot peening process. However, material differences between the Almen strip and the component, as well as component geometry can lead to different coverage amounts on the component when compared to the Almen strip [3]. A system that can assess shot peen coverage on the component itself while it is being processed will provide a more accurate assessment of the shot peen coverage and save time.