What is the ideal hardness for a steel insert used in an impacting peening gun?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DTM
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hardness Impact
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The ideal hardness for a steel insert used in an impacting peening gun should be between RC48 and RC55, with a consensus leaning towards RC50 for optimal performance. S7 tool steel is recommended due to its superior impact resistance. Testing various hardness levels, such as RC48, RC52, and RC58, is advisable to determine the best balance between deformation and impact resistance. Case hardening is suggested as an alternative if S7 does not meet performance expectations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of S7 tool steel properties
  • Knowledge of Rockwell hardness scale (HRc)
  • Familiarity with impact testing methods
  • Experience with case hardening techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of S7 tool steel
  • Learn about Rockwell hardness testing and its implications
  • Explore impact testing methodologies for material selection
  • Investigate case hardening processes and their effectiveness
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, tool designers, and materials scientists involved in the design and optimization of impact tools and components.

DTM
Messages
75
Reaction score
9
I'm designing a tool that will be driven by an impacting peening gun. The peening gun will be act like a jack hammer with a flat tipped cylindrical anvil. The tool being hit will have a steel insert that will act to transfer the energy from the impacting peening anvil to the tool. I've done some research and it looks like S7 tool steel is about the best material for this type of impact. The question is, how hard should I harden the S7? I see it can be hardened up to RC58. My gut tells me somewhere around RC50 would be best. Note that we cannot have this insert "mushrooming" So we can't put an unhardened piece of steel in there, which sure, it won't fracture, but it will mushroom.
Thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 
The spec sheet looks like you made a good choice.

My gut feel tells me 48-52 HRc. No more than 55 HRc. But that is gut feel...

Are you able to make some test anvils in a range of harnesses? That way you could do three, say 48, 52 and 58 and find the right balance between deformation and impact resistance.

I would look at case hardening if S7 doesn't work.