SHOTMETER – Real-Time Shot Velocity and Flow Measurement for Shot Peening Processes
TECNAR SHOTMETER is an advanced process monitoring and measurement system developed for the direct, non-contact, and real-time measurement of one of the most critical parameters in shot peening: shot velocity.
The results achieved in a shot peening process—including Almen intensity, induced compressive residual stresses, and process repeatability—are influenced by several parameters such as media characteristics, shot velocity, media flow, impact angle, and process geometry. SHOTMETER provides measurable data about the actual blasting conditions during the process, helping manufacturers achieve better process understanding and control.
Make Your Shot Peening Process Measurable
In conventional shot peening process control, Almen strips are one of the fundamental methods used to verify process intensity. However, the Almen test is an indirect method that represents the overall effect of the peening process.
SHOTMETER directly measures the actual behavior of the shot stream during operation, enabling important process parameters to be monitored in real time.
This makes it easier to identify changes in machine settings, nozzle conditions, air pressure, media delivery, and other process variables that may affect shot peening performance.
Key Benefits of SHOTMETER
Support for digital process monitoring and data recording
Real-time measurement of shot velocity
Detailed monitoring of shot peening process conditions
Improved process stability and repeatability
Detection of changes in machine and nozzle performance
Comparison of different shot peening parameters
Support for process optimization and parameter development
Measurable data for quality control and process validation
Why Is Shot Velocity Important?
The kinetic energy transferred by the shot media during impact can be expressed as:
E = ½mv²
where m represents the mass of the shot particle and v represents its velocity.
Because velocity is squared in the kinetic energy equation, even relatively small changes in shot velocity can result in significant changes in the impact energy transferred to the component.
For this reason, measuring shot velocity provides valuable process information, particularly in aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, and other high-performance engineering applications where controlled and repeatable shot peening is essential.
Does SHOTMETER Replace the Almen Test?
SHOTMETER should not be considered a replacement for Almen testing. Instead, it is an advanced process monitoring tool that complements conventional Almen intensity measurements.
While Almen strips and Almen gauges are used to verify peening intensity, SHOTMETER provides additional measurable information about the behavior of the shot stream and the actual process parameters during operation.
Combining these measurement approaches provides a more comprehensive understanding of the shot peening process, particularly for critical components requiring high levels of process control and repeatability.
Applications
SHOTMETER is suitable for applications requiring advanced shot peening process control and repeatability, including:
Aerospace & Space • Defense • Automotive • Energy • Turbine and Engine Components • Gears • Springs • Landing Gear Components • Research & Development Laboratories • Shot Peening Process Development
TECNAR SHOTMETER in Türkiye
TECNAR’s advanced shot peening measurement technology is now available in Türkiye through KM Shot Peening.
KM Shot Peening provides TECNAR SHOTMETER systems in the Turkish market together with product information, technical guidance, and application support, helping manufacturers make their shot peening processes more measurable, controllable, and repeatable.
TECNAR SHOTMETER
Don’t estimate shot velocity. Measure it.
See the process. Control it. Make it repeatable.
