Component treatment method and apparatus

A method for modifying the mechanical and surface properties of a component, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) removably attaching a component to at least one component support that is located within a vibratory trough of a component treatment apparatus, the at least one component support being a support shaft upon which the component is removably mountable within the vibratory trough;
• (b) supplying the vibratory trough with treatment media;
• (c) moving the component support or the vibratory trough so that the component is immersed into the treatment media;
• (d) vibrating the vibratory trough to provide a substantially uniform surface treatment of the component, the vibratory trough being movable by at least one trough vibrating mechanism whose actuation is controlled by a controller in response to signals received from at least one sensor located on or within the vibratory trough;
• (e) removing the component from the treatment media;
• and
• (f) detaching the component from the component support, wherein
• the vibrating of the vibratory trough includes controlling the energy of peening by adjusting height, volume, and mass of the treatment media through movement of at least one trough wall in the vibratory trough.