Superfinishing and shot peening of surfaces to optimise roughness and stress

Residual stress and surface roughness significantly affect component performance. For many years, Engineers have designated roughness constraints on drawings with little heed to residual stress. Fortunately this is changing as industries become aware of the significance of each and both are designated in critical applications. Superfinishing is developing as a post Shot Peening treatment in situations where metal to metal contact occurs, high temperature or fluid flow and/or optimum performance is required. Consequently the combination of residual stress and roughness control are essential on certain applications.