Almen Test Strip
A standardized test strip made of spring steel for quantitatively measuring the shot intensity in shot blasting. The deflection characterizes the kinetic energy of the process.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The Almen test strip is made of spring steel and is bent by the shot blasting process. The expansion or deflection of the strip is proportional to the kinetic energy of the blast.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Measuring the deflection gives an indication of the blast intensity and thus the quality of the welding process. A deflection that is too high or too low can indicate problems like insufficient energy supply or over-dosing, which can lead to cracks or inaccurate weld seams.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
Use the Almen test strip to check the blast intensity. The normal deflection should be between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. If deviations occur, check the energy settings of the blasting unit and optimize them accordingly.