Automatic peener

Citation

(2002), "Automatic peener", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849aad.015

Automatic peener

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Peening

Aerospace surface preparation and treatment specialist, USF Vacu-Blast International - part of the USF Surface Preparation Group - has installed an automatic shot peening machine at the new state-of-the-art assembly and fabrication facility of SPS Aerostructures in Annesley, UK.The custom-engineered machine operates to the highest quality standards, and was designed to enhance the fatigue performance of various structural components for the BAe Systems' Airbus programme but can also be used for processing parts for other aircraft. Typically, the parts peened measure u to 2030mm long x 760nun wide x 100mm deep, although the machine can accept components as long as 3050mm (Plate 4).

Plate 4 Figure caption

The programmable machine uses steel shot and operates on a pass-through basis with parts located in fixtures on a powered work trolley to streamline throughput and facilitate handling. The processing enclosure has been designed to minimise noise levels and features an array of eight peening nozzles, attached to a two-axis roof-mounted manipulator. The nozzles are on universally adjustable mounts so that optimum nozzle positions can be set. Individual peening programs are selected according to component type, with all processing parameters variable to suit the particular component topography and peening intensity required.

The machine has been designed to undertake the multiple-pass peening of complex parts, as well as the processing of a part with two different sizes of shot at different peening intensifies, depending on material thickness.

Spent shot is recovered pneumatically and fed through a size classifying unit. This reportedly removes damaged and under- or oversize media and debris, and returns reusable shot back to the peening nozzles via the reclaimer- generator unit.

Part of the global SPS Technologies Group, SPS Aerostructures (formerly known as Chevron Aerospace) opened its Annesley facility in December 2000. The facility is one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, with a world class capability and reputation for precision machining and surface processing a wide variety of aircraft structural components.

Details available from: USF Vacu-Blast International. Tel: +44 (0)1753 526511; Fax: +44 (0)1753 538093; E-mail: info@vacu-blast.co.uk; Web site: http:\\www.surfacepreparation.com