Misconceptions in Shot Peening

Author:  Kumar Balan | Blast Cleaning and Shot Peening Specialist
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 39, Issue 3, Summer 2025
Doc ID:  2025017
Year of Publication:  2025
Abstract:  
To err is human, to forgive, especially in shot peening, might need a new saturation curve! Much as we discuss peening fluently within our circles, fundamental concepts of the process continue to be misunderstood even among regular users. Though users that operate the process with strict conformance to specifications such as AMS 2430 and 2432 are expected to have a better understanding of the process, I have noticed gaps there as well. In this article, we shall discuss some of the common misunderstandings I have seen in our industry. Misconceptions range from deflecting the Almen strip and referring to the arc height as intensity, to several other areas of equal, fundamental significance. The purpose of our discussion is to help current users and those that will be specifying new peening equipment in the future to make informed decisions. Saturation Time “T” and Cycle Time Unlike in aerospace, automotive applications are highly motivated and driven by throughput or production volumes. Though I do not intend diminishing automotive users’ earnestness in peening a component correctly, I have often seen automotive components either under- or over- peened. Acknowledging the perennial time constraint within this industry, their actions are not surprising. “More” and “faster” are key words. On top of that, the universal statement, “we have always done it this way” is often offered to defend their actions. Our discussion is geared to all such users.