Peening

This category encompasses the process of Peening, which induces compressive stresses in a component through the mechanism of material compression and yielding.

Compression is induced by force either applied at the surface, using shot or media, or applied through the surface with shock waves.

Metal, ceramic and glass media are commonly used to provide improved fatigue strength and corrosion resistance. After the ‘shot’ strikes the material and compresses it, the material tries to restore its original shape. This creates a layer of cold worked, highly stressed metal on the surface.

Laser Peening is capable of penetrating far deeper than the surface without thermal effects taking over. Controls are refined in all processes, however Laser Peening offers a substantial increase in control and repeatability, which naturally comes at a cost.