Shot Peening
A controlled cold-working process that induces a beneficial layer of compressive residual stress — the single most effective metallurgical treatment for extending the fatigue life of critical metal parts.
The Process
Controlled impact
Spherical media — never angular — strikes the component surface at a precisely governed velocity and flow rate. Each particle acts as a miniature peening hammer.
Compressive stress layer
Each impact plastically stretches surface fibres. The underlying material resists, locking the surface in compressive residual stress to a controlled depth.
Extended fatigue life
Fatigue cracks initiate under tension. The engineered compressive layer suppresses crack opening, multiplying the number of cycles a part can sustain before failure.
Key benefits
+40% fatigue life
Compressive stress delays crack initiation and slows growth in springs, gears and shafts — often multiplying service life several times over.
Prevents stress corrosion
The compressive layer counteracts the tensile stresses that drive stress-corrosion cracking in fasteners and structural steel.
Fretting resistance
Work-hardened surfaces resist micro-welding and surface damage at contacting interfaces under cyclic loads.
Damage tolerance
Aerospace and automotive parts gain a measurable safety margin against unexpected overloads, scratches and handling damage.
Verified, documented
Almen intensity and coverage are measured and certified per AMS-S-13165 and SAE J442 for full process traceability.
No dimensional change
Peening is a surface-only treatment — critical tolerances on precision shafts, bores and gear flanks are unaffected.
Recommended abrasives
Cut Wire Shot
SAE J441 · CW-0.6 to CW-1.2
Uniform size and controlled microstructure deliver exceptionally consistent Almen intensity — the preferred choice for aerospace and automotive spring peening where repeatability is mandatory.
View specs →Stainless Steel Shot
Grade 304 / 430
Zero iron contamination risk for stainless steel, titanium, and aluminium components. Fully conditioned (round) to prevent angular particles from notching fatigue-critical surfaces.
View specs →Cast Steel Shot S-110 / S-230
SAE J444 · S110 / S230
Cost-effective for general automotive spring and gear peening where Almen requirements are standard and ferrous contamination is acceptable.
View specs →Get an application-specific recommendation
From conditioned cut wire to controlled-hardness cast shot, our team will match media to your Almen intensity and coverage requirement.