In aerospace component manufacturing and MRO, the choice of surface treatment processes directly impacts fatigue life, crack resistance, and long-term performance. One such critical decision is selecting between wet and dry shot peening — particularly for jet engine fan blades.
Why is wet shot peening typically the preferred method for these components?
▶️ Superior Surface Integrity: Wet shot peening delivers a smoother, more uniform surface finish, reducing the likelihood of stress risers and potential crack initiation sites — essential for thin-section, high-performance fan blades.
▶️ Effective Process Temperature Management: The water medium acts as a coolant, mitigating the risk of localised heating and preserving the microstructural integrity of heat-sensitive materials like titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys.
▶️ Lower Risk of Surface Contamination: Wet peening minimises the chance of foreign particle embedding — a known concern in dry peening, particularly for titanium, where contamination can lead to embrittlement or FOD (Foreign Object Debris) related failures.
▶️ Controlled Compressive Stress Introduction: The cushioning effect of the water medium enables more precise control of shot velocity and impact energy, reducing the risk of surface micro-cracking while still achieving the desired compressive residual stress profile. It’s worth noting that wet shot peening is at the same intensity as dry shot peening.
▶️ Enhanced Environmental and Operational Safety: Reduced airborne particulates result in a cleaner working environment and streamlined compliance with aerospace FOD and cleanliness standards.
For critical rotating components like jet engine fan blades, where surface integrity and fatigue performance are non-negotiable, wet shot peening offers a clear process advantage. It’s a prime example of how refining established manufacturing techniques continues to deliver measurable improvements in aerospace reliability and safety.
Find out more about the advantages of wet shot peening fan blades, turbine blades and other jet engine components on our MRO page.
