When the process is specified, more or less complete information is provided as the application is responsible.
1 °) Almen numbers are always required and generally provided in pairs, limiting the maximum and minimum intensity to be applied.
In some cases only one number is indicated and a percentage higher or lower (0.012A ± 10%).
It is unusual to establish only a minimal intensity, however it is common for rough parts subjected to energetic treatments.

2 °) Usually the coverage is specified. When omitted, it is recommended to provide 100%.

3 °) Restrictions regarding contamination problems, roughness limits, etc., lead to complementary specifications of the nature of the material and / or particle size.

4 °) Finally, in special cases methods and detailed devices are indicated to ensure the accurate reproduction of the process.

Whatever the degree of detail of the specification, the first step is to position the Almen plate on the same level as the surface of the part to be treated, reproducing the same automatism conditions as for the process application. For example, for “peening” on an inner corner of a crankshaft bearing (figure), it is usual to modify a discarded part by machining a support block housing cavity with an Almen plate, locating it exactly at the point to be hit. The part is mounted on a rotating device and the test is performed with all the automation features for future reproducible reproduction parts. It is common to use simple devices designed with the sole care of correctly positioning the nameplate and reproducing the movements in front of the pistols or turbines, such as the surface to be blasted.

As already said, it is not enough that the intensity to be reproduced is equal to the specified. It has to be obtained in the saturation area of ​​the intensity / time curve, which requires the observance of a working method.