Surface Enhancement Services for High-Performance Metal Components
Precision shot peening and abrasive blasting services designed to improve fatigue life, durability, coating adhesion, and surface performance for critical aerospace, medical, and industrial parts.
All Services
SURFACE ENHACEMENT CAPABILITIES & PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES
MIL delivers controlled and repeatable surface enhancement processes that improve wear resistance, mechanical strength, and component longevity. Our processes support applications where surface condition and fatigue performance are specification-critical.
Spec & Capability Highlights
- NADCAP-accredited shot peening
- 6-axis robotic processing for precision coverage
- Multiple abrasive blasting media options
- Capacity for small, complex features and large components
- Integrated with coating, NDT, and finishing for complete process flow
EXPLORE OUR COATING PROCESSES
MIL offers one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of coating processes under one roof. Explore each process page for specifications, approvals, and application guidance.
Shot Peening
MIL’s NADCAP-accredited robotic shot peening improves fatigue resistance, reduces crack initiation, and enhances surface durability for fracture-critical components.
Learn More
Visit our Shot Peening page for detailed capabilities, media types, intensity controls, tooling, and process specifications.
Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting removes contaminants, prepares surfaces for coating, and creates uniform textures to meet engineering and specification requirements.
Learn More
View our Abrasive Blasting page for media options, part-size capacities, cabinet configurations, and technical requirements.
How the Surface Enhancement Process Works
Step 1 — Part Evaluation & Process Selection
Material type, geometry, and specification requirements determine the appropriate enhancement method.
Step 2 — Masking & Fixturing
Critical surfaces are protected using custom masking and precision fixturing for consistent results.
Step 3 — Controlled Surface Processing
Parts undergo tightly controlled peening or blasting using calibrated parameters for pressure, media, exposure, and coverage.
Step 4 — Verification & Post-Process Inspection
Coverage, surface condition, and specification adherence are validated for compliance and repeatability.
Why Work With MIL for Surface Enhancement?
NADCAP-Accredited, Specification-Driven Processes
MIL meets stringent aerospace and defense standards, ensuring repeatable, traceable quality.
Robotic Precision for Complex Geometries
6-axis robotic shot peening ensures accurate, uniform coverage even on challenging part designs.
Integrated Processing Under One Roof
Shot peening, blasting, coating, NDT, and finishing can be completed in one facility to reduce handling risk and turnaround time.
Built for High-Performance Manufacturing
Machine shops, OEM engineers, and program managers rely on MIL for consistency, reliability, and technical expertise.
Applications & Industries Served
Component Types
- Gears, shafts, and drivetrain components
- Landing gear and aircraft hardware
- Turbine and engine system parts
- Structural components requiring fatigue resistance
- Precision machined components needing controlled surface prep
Industries
- Aerospace & defense
- Medical device manufacturing
- Industrial & commercial equipment
- Power generation
- OEM and precision manufacturing
FAQs
MIL supports a wide range of prime-approved shot peening and surface enhancement specifications, including common requirements from major aerospace OEMs. Our processes align with:
- AMS 2430 / AMS 2432
- MIL-S-13165 (legacy requirements)
- Customer- and prime-specific intensity, coverage, and masking standards
- NADCAP-controlled process documentation
If you provide a drawing or specification, our team can confirm approval status and compliance before processing.
Typical turnaround times are:
- Standard jobs: 3–5 business days
- Complex geometries / heavy masking: 5–10 business days
- High-volume or repeat production: Scheduled for predictable weekly release
- Urgent prototype or AOG work: Expedited slots often available
Turnaround may vary based on masking complexity, media changes, or required downstream finishing.
MIL maintains strict control over shot type, intensity, and coverage using robotic systems and calibrated equipment.
Capabilities include:
- Media Types: Steel shot, glass bead, ceramic bead (others available per spec)
- Intensity Range: Typically 0.003–0.024 A/N Almen depending on specification
- Coverage:
- Standard: 100% coverage
- High-reliability applications: 150–200% coverage (per print or prime requirement)
Robotic peening enables tight repeatability on complex shapes, small radii, and mixed contour parts.
Yes. MIL performs:
- In-house Almen strip measurement
- Full saturation curve development and verification
- Routine intensity checks
- Media size, shape, and flow-rate monitoring
All results are documented and included as part of NADCAP-compliant process control.
In many cases, yes—with proper evaluation and masking.
We regularly peen components that are:
- Anodized
- Chem-filmed
- IVD aluminum coated
- Primed or partially coated
Our masking specialists use custom fixtures, elastomeric masks, and part-specific tooling to protect critical finishes while still achieving required intensity and coverage.
Typical capabilities include:
- Shot Peening (Robotic): Medium-sized components up to ~550 lbs
- Abrasive Blasting: Parts up to ~11 ft long × 3 ft wide in our manual cabinets
- Precision / Pencil Blasting: Small, intricate components requiring high accuracy
If your part falls outside these ranges, we can review drawings to determine feasibility.
MIL performs standard shot peening process verification in-house; however:
- Fatigue-life testing and
- Residual-stress XRD (X-ray diffraction)
Can be arranged through qualified external laboratories when required by the specification or program.
We coordinate coupon preparation, testing, and reporting for full traceability.
Request a Quote or Speak with a Surface Enhancement Specialist
Get fast, accurate quoting for shot peening or abrasive blasting services.
Need help determining intensity, media, masking, or spec requirements? Our engineering team is here to support you.
When Your Parts Carry Risk, We Carry the Load. 82 Years of Flight-Critical Confidence.