More and more companies in Pennsylvania and around the nation are incorporating abrasive flow machining (AFM) as part of their manufacturing process. AFM is a finishing process used to smooth and polish a workpiece.
During the AFM process, a specially formulated semi-viscous abrasive flow media is extruded along the inner and outer surfaces of a workpiece. The abrasive flow media is a putty-like substance that consists of an abrasive material mixed into a polymer carrier medium. As it flows across the workpiece, the abrasive media erodes away burrs and other surface imperfections.
Advantages of Abrasive Flow Machining
Manufacturers employ AFM because It provides many benefits over other finishing methods:
- The process effectively removes burrs, sharp edges, and other irregularities from machined or cast parts.
- AFM provides consistent results, ensuring that all parts are finished to the same quality standards.
- AFM is capable of finishing complex and intricate shapes that are difficult to address with other finishing processes.
- AFM can achieve extremely fine surface finishes, reducing roughness and improving the overall texture of a workpiece.
- AFM can be used to improve the flow characteristics of fluid-carrying components, such as nozzles, valves, and molds.
- AFM allows for precise control over the amount of material removed.
Applications for Abrasive Flow Machining in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, AFM is employed by a variety of industries for a number of applications that require precise surface finishing and deburring. Some of the industries that use AFM include:
Aerospace
Applications: Deburring and polishing turbine blades and vanes, and critical engine components.
Automotive
Applications: Extrusion die polishing, gear deburring, fuel injector nozzles finishing, and hydraulic valve body surface improvement.
Tooling
Applications: Tool and die polishing for improved cutting performance, including the reconditioning and resharpening of cutting tools.
Mold and Die
Applications: Injection molding tool cavity polishing, die-casting mold finishing, and precision mold component deburring.
Chemical Processing
Applications: Valves, nozzles, and pump components finishing to improve chemical resistance.
Energy
Applications: Used for finishing oil and gas industry valves and drilling equipment.
Medical
Applications: Medical implant surface finishing, surgical tool edge and surface refinement, and prosthetic joint finishing.
Consumer Goods
Polishing and deburring of various consumer products, including eyeglasses, jewelry, cutlery, and decorative items.
Plastics
Applications: Plastic extrusion die and mold finishing and plastic injection mold part deburring and surface improvement.
Deburring & Finishing Technologies are Pennsylvania’s Abrasive Flow Machining Experts
Deburring & Finishing Technologies has been a leading provider of abrasive flow media and abrasive flow machining services in Pennsylvania and around the country since 2009. Our customers know they can depend on Deburring & Finishing Technologies’ custom-formulated abrasive flow media to deliver the highly precise surface finishing required in many of today’s industrial applications. We also offer outstanding abrasive flow machining services suitable for a wide range of applications.
Our team of highly experienced engineers and specialists is here to ensure the success of your AFM project. Contact Deburring & Finishing Technologies through our website or call us at (412) 849-1522. for more information about abrasive flow machining in Pennsylvania and get a free quote.