WPC is a micro dimple treatment process that improves the metal surface to reduce friction and increase the strength of parts.
This process is typically used in automotive engine parts that undergo stress, friction, wear and tear.
Surface modifications can improve material properties and part performance when used with the proper blast materials.
However, WPC treatment should not be confused with shot peening. Micro shot blasting allows the surface to be mechanically coated with a protective film to improve lubrication or corrosion resistance.
As a standard for shot blasting, particles with a diameter of 0.6 to 0.8 mm are used to impart residual compressive stresses to the surface of machine parts. However, WPC treatment produces pits of much smaller diameter at a higher density per unit area.
Micro shot blasting maintains a low Ra or medium surface roughness to conventional shot blasting materials.
The WPC process is a micro shot peening process that improves the metal surface to reduce friction and increase the strength of parts.
When the surface of a metal part is treated with WPC, small microscopic particles are blasted on the surface. This will create small pits on the surface of the part. The media that is blasted also contains solid lubricants.
When you use WPC treatment on metal surfaces, it penetrates through any cracks or defects and fills these areas with a protective layer. The result is a highly-durable part with less friction from moving parts.
WPC treatment is a process that can be used in many industries. A few of the benefits are: -
- Improved strength and reduced friction
- Higher cost-efficiency
- Less energy required
- The better surface quality of the metal parts
- Process has a shorter cycle time than traditional methods
Although WPC treatment is an excellent way to improve fuel efficiency and engine performance, it does have its limitations.
WPC processing cannot be used on all metal surfaces; in fact, some surfaces such as aluminium or magnesium can corrode instead of being improved.
Additionally, the WPC process is an energy-intensive process that requires a high skill level and experience.
Plus, there are issues with the durability of parts after the process is applied. For example, when a part is made out of steel or another metal type that has a higher strength threshold than aluminium or magnesium, the WPC process can leave micro-pits that decrease its durability.
The micro dimple process can be used to produce engine parts with a very high degree of accuracy and strength. It is ideal for applications that require a lightweight and precision machined component.
The micro dimple process involves two stages: deburring and dimpling. The deburring process prepares the surface of the material by removing any sharp edges or burrs.
The second step is to create dimples on the surface of the material by blasting microscopic media at high speeds.