Almen strips are classified into 3 types: ‘A’, ‘N’, and ‘C’. They differ in their thickness but have the same width and length. The type of strip is usually specified by the part designer.
- “A” strips are used for medium intensity applications. “A” strips are predominantly used for shot peening with cast shot or cut wire shot.
- “N” strips are used for low intensity applications. “N” strips are used usually for glass bead and ceramic bead peening.
- “C” strips are used for high intensity applications.
Grade 1 – Premium Grade (A-1™, N-1™, C-1™)
Meets SAE J442. Electronics Incorporated performs all the inspection and packaging operations listed for Grade 2 strips. Strips are sample inspected for flatness (±.001-inch) on each side. A dated certification of compliance is issued, signed and archived. The Premium Grade 1 strips are identified by batch control number which provides traceability.
Grade 2 – Standard (A-2™, N-2™, C-2™)
Meets AMS-S-13165. Excess oil is removed from the Grade 2 Standard strips. The strip surfaces are then visually inspected for score marks, scratches, nicks, burrs, pits and rust. Strips are certified using a sampling inspection plan for hardness, length, width, thickness, and flatness. A dated certification of compliance is issued, signed and archived. We then package “A” and “N” strips in groups of 50 and “C” strips in groups of 25.