When most people think about strengthening metal, they imagine high-tech alloys or heat treatments. But there’s another process that’s just as critical— shot peen . This surface treatment quietly improves the fatigue resistance of parts, prevents cracks, and keeps engines, gear systems, and turbines running longer. In this article, I’ll break down what shot peen is, how it works, and why industries worldwide depend on it. What is shot peen? Shot peen is a mechanical surface treatment where tiny spherical particles, called “shots,” are propelled at high speed against a metal surface. Each tiny impact leaves a small indentation. When millions of these impacts occur, they create a layer of compressive stress in the surface of the material. This matters because cracks in metals usually start at the surface under tensile stress . By replacing that with compressive stress, shot peen makes parts much more resistant to crack formation and growth. Think of it as giving the surface of a metal ...
What is sandblasting, and how does it work? Sandblasting , also known as abrasive blasting, is a surface treatment method that uses high-pressure air (or water) to propel abrasive materials against a surface. Traditionally, sand was the primary abrasive, which is how the process earned its name. Today, however, a wide variety of abrasives are used, including glass beads, aluminum oxide, steel grit, and even organic materials like walnut shells. The impact of these particles removes rust, paint, dirt, and other surface contaminants. It also smooths rough edges or creates a textured finish that improves adhesion for paints, coatings, or sealants. What materials can be cleaned or treated with sandblasting? Sandblasting is highly versatile and can be applied to many materials, such as: Metal surfaces – Removing rust, mill scale, or old paint before refinishing. Concrete and stone – Cleaning grime, graffiti, or weathering from buildings and monuments. Wood – Stripping paint ...