What is the key component in a successful shot peening facility? From many years of experience in designing, operating and auditing such facilities, I say categorically that the key to success is the capability of the operational staff. Machine operators, team leaders and support engineers need a thorough understanding of the process so that the desired outcome can be achieved. This is why MFN places a high priority on maintaining the very high quality of their training courses for Shot Peening. These courses are reviewed and revised to meet and exceed the industry standards and so accord to the quality management principles of continual improvement.
All three levels of training and qualification have been recently revised by an MFN team of shot peening specialists, to whom I am very grateful for their contributions. In addition, a particular note of thanks goes to Giovanni Gregorat, who originated some sections and assisted with the peer-review of all other presentations.

The principles of the review were:

1. Customer focus.
The three levels are designed to deliver the knowledge appropriate to the customer’s needs. Level one provides a fundamental knowledge of the process and the application of workshop procedures to achieve the required results. All relevant staff should receive the fundamental knowledge of level one and it gives the minimum required training for operators.
Level 2 provides a deeper understanding of shot peening and the ability to develop and troubleshoot the process. Supervisors, planning and support engineers should be trained to level 2.
Level 3 explains the material science associated with the process, also alternative technologies and new developments.  Level 3 is targeted to those who need to specify, qualify or audit the shot peening process.

2. Conformance to Specifications.
As shot peening is a "special process" (in which correct processing cannot be verified by a final inspection) evidence of the conformance to required specifications is essential to obtain and verify the required results. Consideration has been given to the requirements of AMS2430 Automated Shot Peening, Nadcap checklist AC7117 and other specifications in the training revision.
Using MFN will provide a workforce with structured, relevant and current training with the option for FAA-accepted qualification.

Special Guest Editor for September 2017
Paul Huyton
MFN Director of Training for Shot Peening
E-mail: peening@btinternet.com