Precision Shot Peening for Orthopedic Devices

What is precision shot peening and why is it needed?

Shot peening is a well established technology in the aerospace industry used to increase strength while reducing weight. It works best on parts that experience cyclic fatigue. Shot peening, by nature, alters the outer layer of a part. By bombarding it with spherical media, the molecules in the region are realigned and compressed. In a cyclic fatigue environment this compression must be overcome before the part enters tension, where micro-cracks, and ultimately failure occurs.

Precision shot peening applies the principles of MicroBlasting to conventional shot peening, resulting in a technology that caters to smaller devices with a much more targeted and measured approach.

Medical implants must be strong, long lasting and appropriately sized. Spinal surgery components such as rods, heads and screws experience a significant amount of cyclic fatigue from the simple motion of walking. Each step causes motion in multiple directions.  Both the small size and fine threads on bone screws are prefect candidates for precision shot peening.

When it comes to small parts, industrial shot peening equipment is not appropriate. Comco’s AccuFlo Mico-precision sandblasting technology provides an accurately metered flow of precision shot material necessary to obtain consistent results.

Comco’s automated platform, the JetCenter, completes the system. Through our engineering expertise working with abrasive environments, we’ve built the system tough enough to withstand the harsh environment shot peening entails.

This combination of technologies combines a uniform media stream that is focused and controllable. This eliminates the need for masking, resulting in greater coverage with fewer passes and less shot being wasted.