Abstract: A method for calibrating a gage for measuring shot blast intensity having an indication mounted on a platform adjusts the calibration of the indicator to compensate for variations of positioning of the Almen test strip supports on the platform. After verifying that the test strip supports are within tolerance by use of “go-no go” gages, the indicator is mounted on the support and calibrated by using a notch calibration block to first set the zero datum of the indicator and then to make a calibration reading of the depth of the notch. If the reading is within specifications, the notched calibration block is removed, and a calibration block having a curved surface simulating the curvature of an Almen strip to be measured by the Almen gage and having a known maximum deflection is installed on the gage and the indicator used to measure the deflection. If the measured deflection is within tolerance limits of the known actual deflection, the indicator is recalibrated to read the actual deflection.

Abstract: An Almen type gage to measure the deflection of a test strip relative to a supporting surface to provide an indication of shot blasting intensity includes curved surfaces extending from the support surface for supporting the test strip. A holding block is also mounted on the support surface. Plungers carried by the holding block opposite the curved surface clamp the test strip between the spring loaded plungers and the curved surface. The holding block is undercut to accommodate the test strip so that the weight of the holding block is not borne by the test strip and the test strip is retained on the supporting surface by the force of the spring loaded plungers clamping the test strip against the curved surface. Since the weight of the holding block is not borne by the test strips, the holding force is constant and the weight of the holding block does not corrupt measurement of the deflection of the test strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a shot peening operation includes the measurement of pressures at the nozzle which directs the shot unto the workpiece and just downstream of the point where the conveying medium (generally compressed air) is communicated into the transport hose. By comparing these pressure levels with the pressures set forth in a table for a given mass rate of flow of shot through the transport hose, the peening operator can control the velocity of the shot particles applied to the workpiece, thereby controlling peening intensity.