Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a non-traditional precision machining process used to finish a variety of parts and components. It offers an efficient and cost-effective way to remove burrs and other unwanted surface imperfections from a workpiece. The AFM process can greatly improve the function, appearance, performance, and durability of the finished part.
The Abrasive Flow Machining Process
A lot of Pennsylvania manufacturers have heard of abrasive flow machining but may not be familiar with the process. AFM uses an abrasive media, usually a mixture of abrasive grains and a viscous carrier fluid to finish parts. Hydraulic rams force the abrasive media across the inner and outer surfaces of a workpiece. The abrasive media removes material and smooths rough surfaces.
The process parameters, such as pressure, flow rate, and duration, are carefully controlled to achieve the desired surface finish and dimensional accuracy. This for precise and controlled surface finishing that produces consistent and repeatable results. It can be used to deburr and smooth workpieces made from a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites.
AFM provides many advantages over other finishing methods. It is particularly well-suited for parts with complex geometries and external radii. The process is often used in industries where high-precision finishing of internal passages and complex geometries is required, such as aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, and die and mold making.
How Does the AFM Process Smooth and Deburr Inner Passages?
AFM can smooth and deburr inner passages that other finishing methods can’t reach. The abrasive media is injected into one end of the internal passage or cavity in the workpiece. The pressure applied forces the abrasive media to flow through the passages, conforming to the shape of the cavity or passage.
As it flows through the internal passages of the workpiece, the abrasive media scours the inner surfaces, removing material and smoothing rough surfaces. The abrasive action occurs due to the relative movement between the abrasive particles and the workpiece surface.
Applications For AFM
Abrasive Flow Machining is often used in industries where high-precision finishing of internal passages and complex geometries is required, such as aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, and die and mold making. Examples of parts with intricate inner passages include:
- The turbine blades used in aircraft engines or power generation.
- The heat exchangers utilized in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, or industrial processes.
- The fuel injectors found in automobile engines have complex inner passages designed to precisely control the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber.
- The microfluidic devices used by laboratories and medical diagnostics to manipulate small amounts of fluids.
- 3D-printed parts often have intricate inner passages that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.
- Hydraulic valves and pumps contain complex passages through which hydraulic fluid flows to control the movement of machinery.
Abrasive Flow Machining Services in Pennsylvania
Deburring & Finishing Technologies has been providing abrasive flow media and abrasive flow machining services in Pennsylvania since 2009. We have the capabilities to handle just about any abrasive flow machining project. If you need abrasive flow media, we can mix an abrasive flow media to precisely meet your needs.
You can contact Deburring & Finishing Technologies through our website or call us at (412) 849-1522. Our highly experienced engineering team is here to ensure your abrasive flow machining project is a success.