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The Metal Improvement Company laser peening process uses a unique Nd:glass, high output, high repetition laser combined with precision robotic manipulation.

During the laser peening process, the laser is fired at the surface of a metal part to generate pressure pulses of one million pounds per square inch, which send shock waves through the part. Multiple firings of the laser in a pre-defined surface pattern will impart a layer of compressive stress on the surface that is four times deeper than that attainable from conventional peening treatments.

The primary benefit of laser peening is a very deep compressive layer with minimal cold working, which increases the component's resistance to failure mechanisms such as fatigue, fretting fatigue and stress corrosion. Compressive stress layer depths of up to 0.040 inches (1.0 mm) on carburized steels and 0.100 inches (2.54 mm) on aluminum and titanium alloys have been achieved.

A secondary benefit is that thermal relaxation of the residual stresses of a laser peened surface is less than a shot peened surface due to the reduced cold work that is involved with the process.

Metal Improvement Company currently operates laser peening facilities in the United States and United Kingdom, and offers a mobile laser peening system in order to bring this unique technology directly to customers on site. Metal Improvement Company developed the laser peening process in conjunction with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

To see where the Metal Improvement Company laser peening facilities are located, click here.