Services · Shot peening
Controlled Shot Peening Services
Review the process parameters, application scope, required input data and feasibility for a specific component.
What is shot peening?
SP Center performs controlled shot peening in accordance with the customer’s drawing and specification. The process introduces beneficial compressive residual stresses into the surface layer and improves fatigue resistance. Feasibility for the specified material, geometry and required intensity is confirmed before quotation.
In controlled shot peening, a stream of selected media is directed at the component surface using air pressure or centrifugal force. Unlike shot blasting, the purpose is not surface cleaning but controlled surface strengthening. The process controls media properties and condition, intensity, the saturation curve where required by the specification, coverage in accordance with customer documentation, and parameters such as media flow, pressure or machine speed, component positioning and exposure time.
Media are selected according to the material, component geometry, required intensity, coverage and customer specification.
Media used:
- Cast steel shot
- Stainless steel shot
- Conditioned cut wire shot
- Glass beads — Glass Bead Peening
- Ceramic beads — Ceramic Bead Peening
Shot peening is most commonly applied to:
- Springs
- Gears
- Torsion bars
- Turbine components
- Crankshafts
- Connecting rods
- Drive shafts
- Brackets and structural elements
What is the shot peening process?
The principle of shot peening is based on controlled, repeated impacts on the material’s surface using specially prepared shots. Each impact causes micro-deformations in the material’s structure, leading to expansion of the surface layer. The key factor is controlling the force and quantity of the shots to achieve the desired effects without excessively damaging the treated surface.
At first glance, shot peening appears very similar to standard shot blasting. During shot peening, the surface is “bombarded” with spherical shot particles. The resulting compressive stresses prevent and delay the formation of microcracks on the surface of treated components.
Stream shot peening is the most economical and practical method for introducing compressive residual stresses into a surface. These stresses also significantly improve corrosion resistance, including enhanced resistance to fretting wear and pitting wear.
Strengthening abrasive blasting is primarily used in the aerospace and automotive industries. Typical components include springs, drive shafts, crankshafts, gears, connecting rods, steering and gearbox parts, turbine blades, and more. Applying this process allows for a reduction in the weight of structural components while maintaining the same mechanical load capacity. Among other benefits, this weight reduction contributes to fuel savings.
+48 519 772 773
Controlled shot peening supplier for European manufacturers
What information is needed for a shot peening quotation?
SP Center needs enough information to assess the process without guessing the parameters. A drawing and specification are the best starting point. If the full package is not ready, send the component description and known requirements first.
| Information | Why it matters | Can it follow later? |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing and shot peening specification | Defines areas, exclusions and acceptance criteria | Preferably included at RFQ |
| Material and component condition | Affects media and process feasibility | Required before approval |
| Required Almen intensity and coverage | Defines the controlled process window | Required if stated by the drawing |
| Quantity and production phase | Separates samples, qualification and series planning | Estimate accepted at RFQ |
| FAI, PPAP or customer documentation | Defines the qualification and release package | Scope can be agreed after review |
| Requested delivery date and destination | Supports capacity and logistics review | Required before order confirmation |
How does SP Center control the shot peening process?
SP Center controls the process variables required by the drawing, specification and agreed project scope. The current service description includes media condition, Almen intensity, saturation curve when required, coverage, media flow or pressure, machine speed, component positioning and exposure time. Masking and tooling are defined when the component requires protected areas.
SP Center uses cast steel shot, stainless steel shot, conditioned cut wire, glass beads and ceramic beads. The final medium is selected for the material, geometry, required intensity, coverage and specification. A media option is not approved for a component until the project review confirms it.
Which components can be reviewed for controlled shot peening?
SP Center’s current service scope lists springs, gears, torsion bars, turbine components, crankshafts, connecting rods, drive shafts and structural parts as common applications. Listing a component does not confirm feasibility for every material or geometry. The drawing and specification control the decision.
What qualification and quality evidence is available?
SP Center can plan qualification around trials, sample parts, PPAP or FAI requirements and residual stress measurements when required. The agreed documentation scope can include process flow, control plan, PFMEA linkage, traceability, inspection points and release records. XRD residual stress measurement is supported in cooperation with a specialised laboratory; the scope and chain of custody must be agreed for the project.
SP Center holds BSI certificate FM 829811 for EN 9100:2018 and ISO 9001:2015. The published certificate scope is “Shot peening services for the aerospace, automotive, medical and general industries” and the certificate is shown as valid until 7 October 2028. Certificate validity, customer approvals and project-specific requirements must be checked before order confirmation.
When is an external shot peening supplier the right choice?
| Situation | External specialist is useful when | Keep or develop in-house when |
|---|---|---|
| New component | qualification capability and documentation are needed before series | stable high volume justifies dedicated equipment and staff |
| Capacity constraint | a controlled alternate route reduces single-source risk | existing capacity is sufficient and qualified |
| Complex quality package | the supplier can support agreed FAI, PPAP and traceability | the organisation already owns the qualified process and evidence |
| Low or variable volume | outsourcing avoids underused dedicated equipment | predictable volume supports total-cost investment |
| Independent verification | external process and laboratory evidence are required | internal approvals already cover the full requirement |
The decision should compare qualification cost, logistics, lead time, approvals, process evidence and supply risk. Piece price alone does not show the total cost of a controlled special process.
What happens after the RFQ is sent?
- SP Center checks whether the drawing, specification and project information are complete enough for review.
- A process engineer identifies missing requirements, risks and the proposed qualification scope.
- Capacity, testing, documentation and logistics are reviewed before quotation.
- The quotation and project plan state the agreed scope. No unconfirmed parameter or approval is assumed.
Frequently asked questions about outsourcing shot peening in Europe
Does SP Center accept a drawing before all process parameters are known?
Yes. Send the drawing and known requirements. SP Center can identify missing information, but it will not invent a required Almen intensity, coverage or approval without a controlling document or customer decision.
Can the project include PPAP or FAI?
PPAP or FAI can be included when required and agreed. The required forms, samples, measurements, approval route and customer-specific requirements must be defined during review.
Is XRD residual stress measurement performed on site?
SP Center’s quality page states that XRD residual stress measurement is supported in cooperation with a specialised laboratory. The laboratory, method, sample identification and report scope should be agreed before testing.
Does a quality certificate approve a specific component?
No. A management-system certificate does not replace customer approval, source approval, Nadcap status or a component-specific qualification. SP Center verifies the required approvals for each project before order confirmation.
Send your drawing and requirements
A process engineer will review the input and confirm the next step. Include the drawing, specification, material, quantity, required delivery date and documentation expectations when available.
Second-source supply
Qualifying an alternate shot peening supplier?
Review the required inputs, trials, FAI or PPAP, documentation and approval path before launching a second source.