CNC Shot Peening Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Shot Peening Operator)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsDescription
Set up, program, and operate computer-controlled shot peening machines or robots to treat specified surfaces of metal or composite parts. Select media and parameters, mask and fixture parts, verify intensity and coverage, and maintain equipment and process records.
- • Review blueprints and process specs to determine peening areas, intensity, coverage, and masking requirements.
- • Set up and operate CNC shot peening machines or robots to peen specified surfaces.
- • Select and load shot media; verify size, hardness, and condition per specification.
- • Lay out and mark areas to be shot peened and install masking to protect restricted surfaces.
- • Mount, align, and secure parts, masks, nozzles, and fixtures on machines.
- • Input programs and peening parameters, including pressure, media flow, standoff, angle, and traverse rates.
- • Transfer and retrieve programs from servers or networked controllers.
- • Write or edit simple robot paths or peening recipes to meet coverage and access needs.
- • Calculate exposure time and nozzle passes to achieve required intensity and coverage.
- • Perform Almen strip tests, measure arc height, and establish saturation curves.
- • Measure and record intensity and coverage results; compare to specifications.
- • Inspect peened surfaces for coverage using visual or fluorescent methods at specified magnification.
- • Monitor machine operation, gauges, and displays for pressure, flow, wheel speed, and alarms.
- • Listen for abnormal sounds and observe for clogs, leaks, or excessive vibration; adjust as needed.
- • Adjust pressure, media flow, nozzle speed, standoff, or path to correct coverage or intensity.
- • Stop machines to remove parts or change nozzles, media, masks, fixtures, or programs as required.
- • Ensure proper media classification, recycling, and replenishment during operation.
- • Operate and maintain media reclaimers, classifiers, separators, and dust collection or slurry systems.
- • Replace worn nozzles, hoses, blast wheels, liners, and other wear items using hand tools.
- • Clean cabinets, conveyors, and work areas; remove spent media and debris.
- • Degrease or clean parts prior to peening to ensure surface readiness.
- • Lift and position parts with cranes, hoists, or manual methods following safe rigging practices.
- • Document process data, lot traceability, and quality records in logs or MES.
- • Confer with supervisors, programmers, or quality to resolve equipment or process issues and obtain approvals.
- • Implement approved changes to programs or parameters and save revised versions.
- • Set up tooling, masks, and programs for upcoming jobs while machines are running.
- • Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on peening equipment.
- • Follow safety procedures and use required PPE for media handling, noise, and dust.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
