Cautionary Tale: Shot Peening Compression Springs

Author:  Mark Hayes, Sr. Metallurgist, IST in Sheffield, En
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 24 / Issue 1, Winter 2010
Doc ID:  2010003
Year of Publication:  2010
Abstract:  
Cautionary Tale: Shot Peening Compression Springs has been reprinted with permission from Springs magazine, April 2009. Shot peening is a process used by the spring industry that brings significant benefits to spring performance. It is a process that is not always fully understood. Springmakers usually know that the process improves the fatigue resistance of the springs they make, but do not always fully understand the mechanism behind this improvement. The purpose of this cautionary tale is to explain some of the theory behind shot peening of compression springs, which will help springmakers and their customers understand the process and the benefits it brings.