In
our experience, there are a number of areas that are
critical to consider when evaluating the feasibility
of doing shot peening in-house.
1.
How many different peening operations will be required
for your parts?
For
optimum production flow, each different operation may
require a different machine, thus adding to start up
capitol expense and on-going operational expenses. ID
and OD peening; shot and glass bead peening; large and
small parts are all factors that may necessitate additional
machines.
2.
What is your current air compressor capacity?
Pneumatic peening machines require a large volume of
clean, dry, and uninterrupted air. Typically, air dryers
are needed to keep moisture out of the system.
3.
Where do you plan to put the equipment?
By
their very nature shot peening machines increase the
noise level and may create a "dusty" environment that
can be incompatible with many manufacturing operations.
4.
How will machine down time affect your manufacturing
workflow?
Over
time a peening machine will "eat itself up" from the
inside. Replacement and repair of such items as nozzles,
cabinet walls, motors, holding fixtures and air lines
are necessary on a regular basis and may require sudden
and immediate attention.
5. How reliable will your source of shot be?
Good
quality peening media in accordance with AMS 2431 is
fundamental to the process. Shot can frequently be a
back ordered item with a qualified supplier, causing
serious delays in production. Therefore it is imperative
to maintain a substantial inventory of peening media.
6.
Have you fully considered all the quality requirements
for the shot peening specification?
In
addition to needing trained and qualified operators,
additional important requirements under most shot peening
specifications include process development, equipment,
and process shot control.
7.
Do you have enough peening workload to justify doing the
work in-house?
Unless
machines operate at high capacity levels, they can be
expensive to run. An outside peening source may be a
more economical way to go.
8.
Do you believe that by having the shot peening process
in-house, you will improve inventory turns?
If
you had a dedicated supplier in close proximity, could
you better invest your capital allocation elsewhere?
If an approved supplier operated a shot peening department
in your facility, would this be an alternative solution?
If
you have any questions about these or other matters
regarding setting up to do your own shot peening, Metal
Improvement Company's Technical Service Managers are
available to discuss and evaluate your needs and develop
a customized solution for your situation.
|
