1 Shot Acceleration System

The shot acceleration system is the heart of a high intensity shot peening machine. In centrifugal type machines, it consists of the impeller, motor, and associated drive components. The impeller is typically made of high strength and wear resistant materials, such as alloy steel, to withstand the high stresses and abrasion caused by the shot. The motor provides the necessary power to rotate the impeller at high speeds, usually ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of revolutions per minute.

In air blast machines, the shot acceleration system includes the blast pot, compressed air supply, hoses, and nozzles. The blast pot stores the shot and mixes it with compressed air. The compressed air supply, which can be from an air compressor or a compressed air tank, provides the energy to accelerate the shot. The hoses and nozzles are designed to deliver the shot air mixture accurately to the workpiece surface.

2 Shot Recycling and Separation System

To ensure continuous and efficient operation, high intensity shot peening machines are equipped with shot recycling and separation systems. After the shot impacts the workpiece, it falls into a collection area. The recycling system then separates the used shot from the debris, dust, and any worn out shot particles.

This separation is typically achieved through a combination of screening, magnetic separation (if the shot is magnetic), and air classification techniques. The cleaned and reusable shot is then returned to the shot storage or acceleration system for reuse. This closed loop system not only reduces the cost of shot consumption but also minimizes environmental impact by reducing waste generation.

3 Workpiece Handling and Positioning System

The workpiece handling and positioning system is crucial for ensuring accurate and uniform shot peening. In some machines, workpieces are mounted on a rotating table or a conveyor belt, which allows them to be continuously exposed to the shot stream. For more complex or delicate workpieces, robotic arms or specialized fixtures may be used to position and manipulate the workpieces precisely.

The positioning system also enables operators to control the angle and orientation of the workpiece relative to the shot stream, ensuring that all critical surfaces receive the appropriate shot peening treatment. This is especially important for components with complex geometries, where different areas may require different levels of shot peening intensity.

4 Control and Monitoring System

Modern high intensity shot peening machines are equipped with advanced control and monitoring systems. These systems allow operators to precisely control parameters such as shot velocity, shot flow rate, peening time, and workpiece movement. Digital displays and user friendly interfaces make it easy for operators to set and adjust the process parameters.

The monitoring system uses sensors to measure various aspects of the shot peening process, such as shot velocity, air pressure (in air blast machines), and the temperature of critical components. Real time data from these sensors is used to ensure that the shot peening process is carried out within the specified parameters, and any deviations can be immediately detected and corrected.