Research conducted by Achem Institute in Germany concluded there were no detrimental effects to machine spindles caused by energy transfer from peening hammers clamped in spindles. Even so it may be possible to adapt customized clamping fixtures where spindles are not engaged.

Machine hammer peening does not affect surface geometries or dimensions. The peening process flattens cutter cusp peaks into the valleys thus maintaining dimensional uniformity. By contrast hand stoning and polishing removes high point materials to the low levels resulting in changed geometric and dimensional accuracies.

For most applications peening is a “forgiving” process and it isn’t necessary to use your best cutting machines. An exception would be where the highest grades of surface finishes are required – Grade-A diamond finish for lens molds for example.

Many applications are well suited for use of robots. Our software supports robots with up to 7 axes. Customized manipulating devices can also be tailored for simple or dedicated operations.

Machining methods are often modified prior to peening where significant milling or turning time is reduced. In some cases machine time can be cut in half or more before peening operations begin.

Mechanical increase of surface hardness is dependent upon a number of variables, most notably the type of material being peened and any pre-treatments. Hardness increases can range from 3 to 20 HRC points and almost always to a depth of 1.5 mm on a decreasing gradient. Compressive residual stress can be induced to depths up to 20 mm.

The highest grades of diamond buff finish are possible.

Any ferrous or non-ferrous metals can be peened.

A lubricant on the workpiece surface helps reduce friction. Machine way oil works well.

Peened surfaces respond well to acid texturing processes.

Yes, for certain applications it is possible to actually peen-stamp a random texture into mold surfaces eliminating the need for secondary texturing processes.

Peening produces a superior surface platform for coating adherence.

Noise levels from peening depend on many variables, most notably the material being peened, the method of holding the material, and the machine being used. Rough milling or turning operations are often louder than peening but use of ear plugs are still recommended.

While “strikers” might be considered consumable items, practically they do not wear out and for most applications they will last a very long time. The exception would be where they are used for peening very hard tungsten particles into surfaces.