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Shot Peening in Auckland: Metal Finishing Tasks Require The Right Tools And Methods

Tuesday 20 September 2016, 4:21PM

By Syntech Surface Finishing

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AUCKLAND

There’s a reason why different kinds of metal are used in industries. It’s due to two things: they can be beaten (i.e. Forcibly shaped) into desired contours, all while retaining their strength. This is a property that metals are widely known to possess, making them invaluable in a lot of applications. Using tools, they can be made into almost anything — the various technological wonders all around being proof. 

Realise, however, that not all metals can be easily shaped or finished. Malleability — the feature that allows metal to take on shapes without losing strength — varies greatly across different types of metal. Before you start using methods on a metal sheet, you must first understand the basics of malleability.

The Science

All metals are malleable. This is due to their structural composition — they are made up of a series of hexagonal and cubic packed structures, all of which can be moved by force. Applying force on these atoms, such as shot peening to even out or shape a metal sheet, causes them to slide from their plane past atoms on another plane. The only thing that distinguishes various metals from one another is that their atoms are easily moved compared to others.

Various processes make shaping metal easier. They can either be melted and/or heated first for their atoms to be moved, allowing for easier shaping. It’s why you see blacksmiths/armourers heat specific types of metal first, then start pounding on them with a hammer. The types of metal they use are more malleable under extreme stress: that is, a combination of extreme heat and continuous applied physical force.

But remember that hardness and malleability are two distinct things. “Hard” metals are difficult to shape without breaking because of their tougher crystal structure. The atoms of these metals have more grain boundaries — the more these boundaries exist, the more fragile and less malleable a metal is.

Keep all these in mind before venturing into the metal finishing/forging business or industrial products such as dust extraction systems. A little scientific knowledge wouldn’t hurt, while also ensuring top quality work.

Syntech has been in the industry since the early ‘70s, and there’s no sign of slowing down for the company. Over 25 years of experience was enough for Syntech to build a reputation for customer-oriented service, specifically in the abrasive blasting niche. Syntech’s expertise in numerous fields of abrasive finishing separate them from everyone else in the industry.

Work with a trusted company for your abrasive finishing needs. Visit http://www.syntechnz.com today.