Salient_Characteristics_Rev_1.docx

Salient Characteristics

Almen Test Strips shall conform to Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J442 & SAE J443. Strips are 2.996” length x 0.748” width (76.098 mm x 18.987 mm). The Grade 1S strips are inspected IAW AMS 2432B. Ensure a dated certification of compliance is issued, signed and archived.

“A” strips are used for medium intensity applications. “A” is used for shot peening with cast shot or cut wire shot.

Thickness “A-1S” = .051” (1.3 mm) Flatness (Pre-Bow) “A-1S” =± .0005″ (±0.0127 mm) Hardness “A-1S” =45-48 HRc Thickness Tolerance “A-1S” = ± .0005″ (±0.0127 mm)

“N” strips are used for low intensity applications. “N” is usually for glass bead and ceramic bead peening.

Thickness “N-1S” = .031” (0.79 mm) Flatness (Pre-Bow) “N-1S” =± .0005″ (±0.0127 mm) Hardness “N-1S” = 73.0-74.5 HRc Thickness Tolerance “N-1S” = ± .0005″ (±0.0127 mm) Requirements:

The Almen strip arc height is a function of the energy of the shot stream and is very repeatable; therefore, for Almen strips to provide reliable and repeatable intensity verification, it is critical that they are consistent in thickness, flatness and hardness. The strips’ prebow shall be measured and recorded. After each test cycle in an air blast cabinet, the arc heights are measured on a calibrated Almen gage and the prebow compensation is applied. The values of the Performance testing results shall be provided.

BOXED ALMEN STRIPS

· Do not remove the shrink wrap covering the box of strips until the strips will be used.

· Do not discard the VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper after opening the box. VCI material prevents corrosion.

· Return unused strips to the original EI box and replace the VCI paper, making sure the unprinted side of the paper is in contact with the strips.

BULK ALMEN STRIPS IN BAGS

· Almen strips in blue VCI polyethylene bags. In addition, EI places a 12” x 12” sheet of VCI paper in the bags.

· The Almen strips should remain in the blue bag until the time of use. Always return unused strips to the VCI bag and replace the VCI paper, making sure the unprinted side of the paper is in contact with the strips.

· Before returning Almen strips to storage, close the blue VCI bag. Fold the leaves of the box to close it tightly or tape the box shut. Do not leave the strips open to the environment.

RECOMMENDED CLIMATE CONTROL

· Avoid major temperature changes when storing or using Almen strips. In particular, do not move strips from a warm environment to a cold one. This can cause condensation on the surface of the strips

· Recommended storage conditions are 65°-75°F (18˚C-24˚C) and a 20% – 60% relative humidity.

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