Shot Peening: How to Instill Maximum Material Durability

30. 1. 2026

 

In modern mechanical engineering and industry, the success of components exposed to cyclic stress, vibration, or aggressive environments is determined primarily by what happens beneath their surface. At FK system - povrchové úpravy s.r.o., we offer a specialized shot peening service – a controlled blasting technology that fundamentally modifies the physical properties of the material and elevates its service life to a new level.

Shot peening (often referred to as controlled blasting) is a sophisticated technological process aimed at increasing the mechanical strength and fatigue resistance of metal.

During this process, spherical media impact the surface of the part with precisely defined energy, velocity, and angle. The result is a targeted change in the internal structure of the material, meeting the strictest industrial standards for critically stressed components.

The effectiveness of shot peening lies in the microscopic modification of the metal structure. During the controlled impact of the shot, local permanent deformation occurs, which:

Think of the material as a rigid structure that shot peening "locks" from the outside. By forcing the atoms closer together, it prevents the material from "opening up" under stress and forming micro-cracks. The compressive stress thus effectively eliminates the tensile forces that are the primary cause of fatigue fractures and material failure.

This technology is intended for cyclically stressed components where any failure would result in significant economic losses or jeopardize operational safety.

• Nuclear Power: Turbine blades.
• Aerospace: Treatment of turbine blades, critical wing structural elements, and aircraft landing gear components.
• Automotive Industry: Strengthening of coil springs, crankshafts, connecting rods, and gearbox gears.
• General Engineering: Exposed shafts, pins, springs, gearing, and tools subjected to an extreme number of duty cycles.

At FK system - povrchové úpravy s.r.o., we place maximum emphasis on precision. To ensure the best possible results for your components, we operate in accordance with recognized technical standards and the internal requirements of our customers.

1. Resistance to Fatigue Cracking: Extending the service life of parts by tens to hundreds of percent by eliminating the initiation points of fatigue cracks.
2. Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking: The compressed surface prevents aggressive substances from penetrating the metal structure and slows down the propagation of stress corrosion.
3. Protection Against Cavitation: The hardened layer significantly better withstands the destructive effects of cavitation in turbines, hydraulic systems, and pumps.
4. Weight and Cost Optimization: Higher surface strength allows engineers to design slimmer and lighter parts while maintaining the same safety factor.

At FK system - povrchové úpravy s.r.o., we will help you set the optimal technological process for your specific parts so that they meet even the most demanding operational requirements.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in more information or for a professional consultation regarding your projects.