A laser beam impacts the surface of a metal part with the instantaneous power output of a nuclear power plant. The shock waves created by the laser beam compress the metal’s surface, strengthening its resistance to cracking and corrosion. This is the essence of laser peening technology, which Curtiss-Wright commercialized in 2003.

Hundreds of commercial aircraft are now flying with critical parts of their jet engines laser peened to improve their durability and reliability. Laser peening creates a layer of compressive strength in the areas of the part that are most vulnerable to failure. Estimated maintenance savings for these aircraft are significant. As new aircraft are developed, our laser peening technology will enable engineers to design parts that are safer, lighter and perform more efficiently and economically.

Today, we operate laser peening facilities in the United States and United Kingdom, as well as our mobile laser which provides this unique technology to customers on site at their facility.

In addition to current applications on aircraft jet engine and power generation components, laser peening is utilized to shape the complex curvatures of certain wing skins of the Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Future uses are anticipated in nuclear power generation, hazardous waste disposal, oil and gas drilling, medical implants and high-performance racing markets.

Developed in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, Curtiss-Wright has the exclusive worldwide rights to the laser peening intellectual property necessary for its use on commercial components.

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