Shot Peening
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Shot peening is a cold working process similar to sandblasting. Also called "shot blasting," it is used to modify the mechanical properties of metal by producing compressive residual stress layers on the material's surface. Shot of various mediums, such as round metallic pellets, glass beads, or ceramic particles, are impacted on the work surface at high speeds, creating plastic deformation. Though the process by which the blasting media is delivered is similar to sandblasting, the mechanism by which it works is different. Sandblasting relies on abrasion; shot peening depends on plasticity, with each projected particle operating like a ball-peen hammer. The shot peening process, in general, removes less material and produces less dust than does sandblasting.