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Interview
in Vol. 26 - November Issue - Year 2025
Engineering Beyond Equipment: Building Complete, Sustainable Peening Systems
Mike Langtry, President of Langtry Blast Technologies
Wheel Blast Equipment
Wheel blast machines are a simple yet complex balance of shot flow and RPM. We have a long history of designing, servicing, and retrofitting wheel blast machines.
The blast wheel is built for harsh environments yet remains easy to maintain. Its housing allows cost-effective replacement of wear parts and is lined with high-density metal for superior wear resistance, protecting the motor and drive system from abrasive media.
The blast wheel is built to withstand the harshest environments. Despite its rugged design, it remains maintenance-friendly. The housing allows for cost-effective replacement of wear components and is lined with high-density metal for superior wear resistance, protecting the housing, motor, and drive system from turbulent media inside the blast system.
Perfect for Peening. Powerful in Cleaning. Primed for Surface Prep
MFN was able to get an interview with Mike Langtry, President of Langtry Blast Technologies.
(?) MFN: Many companies approach projects as a one-and-done. How does Langtry differentiate by delivering engineered, end-to-end solutions rather than just equipment?
(!) M. L.: The way we look at it, a machine on its own doesn’t solve the whole problem. What makes us different is that we engineer entire systems. We sit down with customers to understand exactly what they’re trying to achieve, then carry that through design, fabrication, installation, and training. Along the way, we build in custom controls, a range of retrofits, and tailored features to suit their process—not just off-the-shelf solutions. The real value is that customers know we’ll stand behind the system long after delivery, making sure it keeps working the way they need.
(?) MFN: There’s a trend toward greener processes. How does Langtry’s automation help reduce consumable use, energy, or waste in peening operations?
(!) M. L.: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s built into our designs. Systems like the M3-100 recycler, sweep-in reclaim, and the M3-100D dryer for wet abrasive make a big difference by cutting down on wasted media and lowering operating costs. Add in sensors and closed-loop controls, and you’ve got a process that reuses material instead of throwing it away. That efficiency matters not only for saving money but also for helping our aerospace and defense clients meet the tough environmental standards they’re required to follow.
(?) MFN: Shot peening is increasingly used in new areas like medical implants and lightweight aerospace materials. How is Langtry responding?
(!) M. L.: We’ve been quick to move into these new applications. On the medical side, we’ve done blasting work on hip implants—delicate parts that pushed us to design systems for smaller, more precise geometries. On the aerospace side, we’ve been developing nozzle designs and robotic controls tailored to lightweight alloys. What ties it all together is adaptability. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.” Every industry has its own challenges, and our job is to build equipment that’s a perfect fit for those needs.
(?) MFN: Which global regions or industries are driving the newest demand for your services?
(!) M. L.: Right now, most of our growth is coming from North America, especially the U.S. Aerospace and defense remain strong, and we’re also seeing more activity in the nuclear and automotive sectors across both the U.S. and Canada. Beyond that, automotive lightweighting and shipbuilding are creating new opportunities. The common theme across all of it is that customers want faster lead times and local support. As a Canadian manufacturer, we’re well positioned to deliver exactly that.
(?) MFN: Does your team have areas of specialization (e.g., control systems, robot programming), and how do they collaborate?
(!) M. L.: We’ve got a highly diverse team. Some are deeply involved in controls and programming, while others bring expertise in mechanical or electrical systems. We offer a full range of robotic customization—and always work with the customer’s preferred robot brand and setup. Everyone has their niche, but no one works in isolation. Our mechanical, electrical, and software engineers work shoulder to shoulder throughout each project, so by the time a system leaves our shop, it’s already a fully integrated solution. That teamwork is a big reason why our equipment is reliable from day one.
(?) MFN: What role does innovation play in the way Langtry approaches projects and technology development?
(!) M. L.: Innovation is built into how we operate. Much of what we create begins with a customer challenge—something off the beaten path that doesn’t have a “standard” solution. We love those kinds of projects because they push us to develop new controls, tooling, and layouts. Whether it’s integrating automation into existing lines, reworking an older system, or designing something completely from scratch, we’re constantly refining our processes and technology to stay ahead of where the industry is heading.
(?) MFN: Tariffs and supply chain shifts are reshaping sourcing strategies. How is Langtry adapting to new U.S. duties or prioritizing localization?
(!) M. L.: We’ve managed it by maintaining a strong balance. Our long-time U.S. suppliers remain key partners, but we’ve also built relationships with more local Canadian suppliers. And because all our machines are fully fabricated, assembled, and tested before they ever ship, installation on-site goes smoothly and minimizes delays. At the end of the day, it’s about loyalty to the partners who’ve supported us, while also making smart moves to keep customers protected from supply chain surprises.
(?) MFN: Quality challenges—from media consistency to contamination—are real. How is Langtry ensuring standards for customer-ready systems?
(!) M. L.: Quality is something we never compromise on. We keep our ISO certification current every year and actively implement strategies recommended by ISO and Nadcap. We host Tier 1 supplier meetings right in our shop to stay aligned on expectations. On the technical side, we’ve developed systems with advanced filtration, precise media classification, and automated monitoring to eliminate contamination risks. Combined with continuous R&D and ongoing team training, every system we deliver is thoroughly tested before shipping. Ultimately, the customer has the final say—they sign off on the machine to confirm it meets their requirements before it ever leaves our floor.
MFN would like to thank Mike Langtry for this interview!
For Information:
Langtry Blast Technologies Inc
5390 Munro Court, Burlington
Ontario, L7L 5N8, Canada
Tel. +1.905.681 2030, Fax +1.905.681 2814
E-mail: info@langtry.org
www.langtry.org
