Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Wet peening capability", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772aab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Wet peening capability
Keywords USF Impact Finishers, Peening, Finishing, Aircraft, Aero engines
Specialist aerospace surface finishing subcontractor, USF Impact Finishers, informs us that it has installed a new advanced wet peening machine at its Coventry facility (Plate 5), to extend its precision shot peening capability for fatigue life enhancement. In particular, it reports that the new machine enables the company to meet the latest civil and military manufacturers' wet peening specifications, covering fan blades, discs and other aeroengine components.
Plate 5 The
new advanced wet peening machine, installed at USF's Coventry facility
The fully programmable machine incorporates nine peening nozzles, with three-axis component tracking, and has a 1,700mm x 1,700mm x 1,500mm high peening enclosure. Components are processed on a 1,500mm diameter turntable and are retained in purpose-designed fixtures. Peening parameters are controlled and constantly monitored by a state-of-the-art USF Vacu-Blast "Vacutrol" process control system operating via a PC under Windows.
According to USF Impact Finishers, it provides a fast-response service for the precision shot peening of aeroengine and aircraft structural components and is one of only a few companies in the world with this speciality. In addition, the company offers a range of other surface finishing services, including the plastic media depainting of aircraft structural and aeroengine parts, controlled abrasive blasting, painting and powder coating.
The company also operates a UK peening facility in Slough and is currently expanding its operation into mainland Europe and across the USA. This is part of a major investment programme, aimed at providing a dependable peening service to the aviation industry worldwide. This covers both aircraft production and maintenance requirements through a series of strategically located, dedicated subcontract operations.
Details from USF Impact Finishers. Tel: +44 (0)1753 526511; Fax: +44 (0)1753 538093.