Shot peening and increase in Stainless 316L hardness?

[bry1975]

Hi there,

I would like to be able to work harden stainless 316L, will shot peening do this?

Also what would be the increase in hardness for 316L stainless?



Regs


Bry

[Gordon]

Hi Bry

Shot peening will work harden the surface of 316 stainless steel. It is difficult to put a hardness value to it as it is very much a shallow surface effect. The hardening effect at the surface can be quite significant considering that it is non-hardening steel by heat treatment. Usually used for improving fatigue strength as a posed to a wear resistant surface though.

[bry1975]

Thanks Gordon,

I will have to look at shot peening, at the moment I bead and grit blast, be good if I can use the same bit of kit plus the correct shot media.

[Grettir]

Hello,

You can also increase the hardness of AISI 316L by "Kolsterising". This method can surface harden austenitic stainless steel while the corrosion resistance and non-magnetic properties of the steel are retained.

This is used alot in the medical implant industry.

Hard chromium is also a cheap solution to increase hardness. But a decrease in shock resistance and toughness will occur.