Glass bead peening is an effective way of improving the fatigue properties and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Glass beads are hard and lightweight thus producing a high magnitude surface layer of residual compressive stress while leaving a smooth surface finish. They are available in smaller sizes than traditional steel peening media making them useful on delicate parts with intricate geometry. Also, they are chemically inert, recyclable and environmentally friendly. Air nozzle style equipment is the most commonly used means for this process.
When used in a precision operation, this process helps in removing burrs and feathered edges from metal surfaces. The main reason why this process is required is that corners and edges of metal parts must be smooth and finished for assembly and precise operations. Abrasives other than glass beads can sometimes remove the base metal from the surface of metal parts during the deburring process. It however offers quality deburring of corners and edges without removing of base metal.
Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies can help you with all of your shot peening needs.