A method of manufacturing a workpiece involves performing any one of
various post-processing part modification steps on a workpiece that has
been previously subjected to laser shock processing. In one step, material
is removed from the compressive residual stress region of the processed
workpiece. Alternately, the workpiece may be provided with oversized
dimensions such that the removal process removes an amount of material
sufficient to generate a processed workpiece having dimensions
substantially conforming to design specifications. Alternately, the
material removal process is adapted to establish a penetration depth for
material removal that coincides with the depth at which the workpiece
exhibits maximum compressive residual stress. Alternately, a first
high-intensity laser shock processing treatment is performed on the
workpiece, followed by the removal of material from the compressive
residual stress region, and then a second low-intensity laser shock
processing treatment is performed on the workpiece. Material may be
removed from the compressive residual stress region through a workpiece
surface different from the laser shock processed surface. Material may
also be deposited onto the laser shock processed surface.
