Given the intensity of the aerospace environment, many aerospace companies prioritize manufacturing and metal finishing processes that improve the durability and fatigue resistance of their components. Shot peening is a popular way to achieve this.
National Aerospace Processing (NAP) is proud to be a trusted provider of NADCAP shot peening services and other aerospace surface treatments for many major names in the aerospace industry. With our years of shot peening experience and deep knowledge of aerospace surface treatments, we can advise you on the optimal approach to designing and finishing your aerospace components.
What Is Shot Peening?
The shot peening process is a metal finishing technique that increases the compressive stress of a component’s surface. High-volume quantities of “shot” are fired directly at the component, creating hundreds or even thousands of small indentations or deformations across its surface. Common shot media include glass, metallic, or ceramic spheres and small pieces of cut wire. These media are usually deployed via air or centrifugal blast.
Shot Peening’s Impact on Fatigue Resistance
The shot peening process increases the compressive stress or residual stress of a material’s surface. The force of the shot media creates compressive stress on the surface that remains in place, or is “locked in,” even after the manufacturing process is over and no more shot is being fired at the surface. This aerospace surface treatment can significantly improve the fatigue resistance of the material and the component by introducing beneficial compressive residual stresses. These stresses counteract applied service loads, helping to prevent crack initiation and extend part life.
Benefits of Shot Peening
When considering different metal finishing process options and aerospace surface treatments, there are considerable advantages to choosing shot peening. Shot peening can extend the service life of your compound, increase its resistance to surface damage, and protect against corrosion.
Extended Service Life
Shot peening extends the service life of aerospace components by improving the component’s fatigue resistance and slowing down the wear process. This allows aerospace companies to save money by replacing components less frequently. Additionally, shot peening can reduce the frequency of maintenance and repair work, which can preserve resources and reduce downtime.
Enhanced Reliability
Shot peening can meaningfully improve the reliability of aerospace components. The shot peening process increases the fatigue resistance of aerospace parts and components, so they can stand up more reliably against aggressive environmental conditions that may accelerate failure modes.
Resistance to Surface Damage
In addition to increasing fatigue resistance, shot peening also improves the corrosion resistance of surfaces and components. Aerospace components are often subjected to corrosive forces, such as moisture on runways and precipitation, while in service, and the shot peening process can increase resistance against moisture penetration and subsequent pitting corrosion.
Consistency and Repeatability
Technological advancements have refined the consistency and repeatability of the shot peening process. NAP uses CNC-controlled shot peening systems with automation functionality to ensure precision and repeatability during aerospace surface treatment.
Industry Standards for Shot Peening
There are several industry standards and accreditations in circulation designed to elevate the quality and reliability of shot peening services throughout the aerospace industry. Two common examples are NADCAP and AMS 2431.
NADCAP Shot Peening
NADCAP is a global accreditation program specific to aerospace and defense. NADCAP accreditation requires rigorous technical assessments and exhaustive audits that examine every aspect of a manufacturer’s resources and processes.
NAP is proud to offer NADCAP shot peening to our valued customers. We strive to exceed NADCAP expectations for quality and service.
AMS 2431
AMS 2431 is a compliance standard that details the requirements for any shot peening media used for shot peening metal parts, such as aerospace components. AMS 2431 discusses quality requirements, test methods, and more.
The team at NAP has a deep understanding of AMS 2431. We can advise our customers on how to navigate the regulatory environment when approaching shot peening processes, other metal finishing services, and more.
Choose NAP for Industry-Leading Shot Peening Solutions
Shot peening is a highly effective metal finishing option for aerospace components, offering considerable fatigue resistance to resilience against surface damage. NAP is proud to offer reliable shot peening services, including NADCAP shot peening. Our U.S.-based facility in Stow, Ohio, is equipped with CNC-controlled shot peening systems, so we can keep tight controls on the process and deliver precise, repeatable results.
Our loyal customer base includes many leaders and major names in the aerospace industry, all of whom trust us to deliver on our promise of quality products and excellent service. From the early stages of design to final quality checks, you can count on NAP for expert support and reliable, high-quality production, and NADCAP accredited processes.
Ready to learn more? Contact us!