Every day, we all read in the newspapers about the problems related to the sustainability of the industrial society and the need to look for an alternative way for growth that respects the planet and its inhabitants. This justifies the increasing attention given by the automotive players, mainly driven by stricter and stricter regulatory pressures, to the three sustainability types: environmental, economic and social. Indeed, there are several ways to make the automotive industry more sustainable: a car is a very complex object, and the reduction of the environmental impact can be obtained by considering each single part. Focusing on shot peening, this treatment can contribute to the sustainability in several ways. First, shot peening can increase the component lifespan, that shot peening, by improving the fatigue life of automotive parts, reduces also the frequency of replacements and repairs. This directly translates to lower consumption of raw materials and energy, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing of new parts. But this is not the only effect; by means of its beneficial effects, shot peening allows for the use of less materials or thinner components, without compromising strength and durability. Everyone understands that weight reduction contributes to better fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

But we can think to the environmental benefits that can be obtained by applying shot peening from another point of view. This means that we can consider that the material recycling is not the only option of the end of life of vehicles; other options are possible. This is to say that the process of shot peening can refurbish worn components, giving them a new lease of life. This refurbishment reduces the amount of waste generated and the demand for new materials, contributing to a circular economy in the automotive sector. The extension of the endurance of the treated parts, a topical aim of shot peening, reduces the overall energy consumption of the manufacturing process. This reduction is crucial in lowering the carbon footprint of automotive production.

Finally, traditional methods of enhancing the durability of automotive parts often involve the use of coatings and treatments that can contain hazardous chemicals. Shot peening is a mechanical process that does not rely on such chemicals, thereby reducing the environmental and health risks associated with chemical treatments.

If we consider the economic and operational aspects, the extension of component lifespan through shot peening translates into cost savings for automotive manufacturers and consumers. Reduced maintenance and replacement costs contribute to the overall affordability and sustainability of vehicles. Shot peening is also compatible with green manufacturing practices, including the use of renewable energy sources and recycling of shot media. Automotive manufacturers can integrate shot peening into their sustainable manufacturing processes to further reduce environmental impact.

However, we know that automotive is moving towards electric vehicles and someone says that shot peening will no longer be necessary. Indeed, shot peening and allied processes are able, not only to improve the mechanical strength of components, but also for many other aspects that remain of interest in electric vehicles. Some of these aspects have been already underlined in this column, some other could be mentioned in the next issues. Anyway, I have not any doubt that shot peening will keep on contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly automotive sector. As the industry continues to innovate and prioritize sustainability, shot peening will remain a critical tool for achieving these goals.

Contributing Editor MFN and 

Full Professor of Technical University of Milan

20156 Milan, Italy

E-mail: mario@mfn.li