Shot Peening

Shot peening is a process that enhances the quality and performance of metallic mechanical components subjected to cyclical loads or friction stresses. The process is performed by projecting hard spherical media at high velocity, which hardens metallic surfaces and induces compressive stress on their superficial layers. The benefits of shot peening include a dramatic increase of resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion. This process also can be used to shape or straighten flat metallic parts by deflection effect, which is known as peen forming.

Saint-Gobain ZirPro Zirshot^® ceramic shots are the industrial reference for ceramic shot peening media. Zirshot conforms to the most stringent automotive and aerospace shot peening standards (like SAE J1830, AMS 2431/7) due to its unique material structure, optimal shape and tight size ranges.
 

Peening with Zirshot ceramic shots delivers outstanding benefits:

• High level of compressive stress near the surface
• Smooth surface finish minimizes crack initiation
• Very low material abrasion maintains accuracy of fine geometries
• High rebound allows uniform coverage of intricate geometries
• Very low level of particle embedment
• No need for decontamination post-treatment for non-ferrous alloys
• Treatment of hard metals
• Cost savings on downstream processes (coating, polishing)

These benefits, combined with ZirPro’s shot peening processing expertise, have accelerated Zirshot’s expansion into new applications. For example, the use of Zirshot has allowed manufacturers to design and produce automotive parts with lower weight and improved fatigue resistance, which leads to reduced fuel consumption.

The quality of the peening media is a critical parameter that directly impacts the service life of treated components. ZirPro’s manufacturing of shot peening media is thoroughly controlled by stringent procedures and specifications. With sizes ranging from Z100 (100-150 µm) to Z850 (850-1180 µm), Zirshot ceramic shots cover most Almen peening intensities in N & A ranges. The versatility of Zirshot media make them suitable for all types of shot peening processes ranging from wet pressure and pneumatic pressure or suction to wheel turbines machines, including the use of robotized equipment.