Mechanical abrasion is the process of wearing away material by friction or contact with another material. In industrial applications, mechanical abrasion is a factor that needs to be managed, as well as a technique to utilize. Understanding and managing abrasion is crucial in industrial applications to ensure efficiency, maintain equipment longevity, and produce high-quality products.
Abrasive machining is a process that removes material from a workpiece through the use of an abrasive material. The goal of abrasive machining is to achieve a desired shape or finish. Examples of abrasive machining include grinding, honing, sanding, and polishing.
Abrasive machining is one of the oldest manufacturing processes; ancient peoples used various types of stones to hone tools, sharpen weapons, and shape jewelry, statues, and other ornamental items.
TYPES OF ABRASIVE MATERIALS
A variety of abrasive materials are used in abrasive machining. The most important factor is that the abrasive must be harder than the material that is being removed. There are two types of abrasive materials: natural and synthetic.
Naturally occurring abrasives include calcium carbonate, diamonds, garnets, and sand. Examples of synthetic abrasives include aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, zircons, and boron carbide. Which type of abrasive is used depends on many factors, such as:
- The hardness of the abrasive material.
- The hardness of the workpiece material.
- The size and shape of the abrasive particles.
- The density of the abrasive particles.
- Contact force – the more force the faster the abrasion
- Flow rates
- Surface hardness of the workpiece
ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING
One type of abrasive machining that’s gaining in popularity is abrasive flow machining (AFM). AFM is a finishing process that is used to smooth and deburr workpieces. AFM greatly enhances the function, appearance, durability, and safety of a part.
The AFM process employs specially formulated abrasive flow media. The abrasive flow media is a viscous, putty-like substance that is hydraulically extruded along and through a workpiece. This action erodes burrs and other imperfections while smoothing and polishing the workpiece’s inner and outer surfaces.
AFM provides many advantages over other abrasion-based finishing methods. These advantages include:
- Precise, uniform surface finishing.
- Smoothing and polishing inner surfaces that are impossible to reach using other methods.
- The process produces consistent and repeatable results, ensuring all parts are finished to the same quality standards.
- It can be used with a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and ceramics.
- More cost-effective than other finishing methods.
WHERE TO FIND ABRASIVE FLOW MACHINING IN PITTSBURGH
Deburring & Finishing Technologies has been a leading provider of abrasive flow machining services in Pittsburgh and across the U.S. since 2009. We’ve partnered with local manufacturers from a variety of industries, including aerospace, consumer electronics, electronics, automotive, oil & gas, and medical devices. We also offer several different kinds of abrasive flow media suitable for a wide range of workpiece materials.
There’s no AFM project we can’t handle. You can contact Deburring & Finishing Technologies through our website or call us at (412) 849-1522 for more information about AFM and abrasive flow media, and receive a free quote.