Leading Abrasive Flow Machining Manufacturers

One fixture can process several or even dozens of pieces, resulting in production speeds of up to hundreds of parts per hour. Changing the process parameters produces different outcomes. Even in production settings, tooling can be created so that it can be modified in a matter of minutes. The surface finishes produced by the AFM method often improve by 90%, and stock removal may be controlled to within 10% of the stock removed.

How Abrasive Flow Machining Works

The abrasive-filled fluid runs through the item during the extrusion honing procedure to erode it. The elevated features on the surface are removed as it comes into contact with the abrasive fluid, similar to how sandpaper removes wood splinters. Hydraulics push the fluid through during the process. No areas are overlooked since the putty-like material may mold itself to the exact shape of the item chamber. Abrasive Flow Machining can be used as a two- or one-way flow technique.

A semisolid abrasive media is extruded back and forth through passageways created by the work piece. The process is abrasive only in the extrusion area, where the flow is constrained. The abrasive media gently and uniformly hones the surface or edges, simulating a grinding or lapping procedure. This technique helps shape materials ranging from soft aluminum to strong nickel alloys, ceramics, and carbides.

Applications of Abrasive Flow Machining

• AFM is used in the automotive Industry to enhance uniformity and surface quality of finished products. The automotive industry often uses radiusing -a method of creating a consistent radius for rounded edges. AFM also helps polish engine parts to increase efficiency and reduces emissions.
• The aerospace industry uses AFM to improve the texture of products. This increases cycle fatigue strength.
• The die and mold industry uses AFM to lower production costs while maintaining uniform and quality products.
• The AFM process is also used in the medical industry through deburring. Deburring removes extra material from components that have been cut, drilled, or burred. This is crucial for objects like needles and cannulas that are injected into people.

Benefits of Abrasive Flow Machining

• Versatility: Any metal, including titanium, super alloys, and materials that have been hardened or are otherwise challenging to mill, can be processed using AFM.
• Precision: Targeted and challenging spots, such as cross-drilled and intersecting holes, can be emptied of component material by AFM.
• Efficiency: A single pass can finish the roughing and finishing of the workpiece.
• Customizability: The abrasive media can be developed to meet the demands of a given application.
• Consistency: Technique control offered by the AFM process ensures excellent reproducibility and constant quality.

Drawbacks of abrasive flow machining

• The process is very expensive and is also not usable on soft or ductile products
• Processing of blind holes is very complex

Choosing the Proper Abrasive Flow Machining Company

To make sure you have the most beneficial outcome when selecting an abrasive flow machining company, it is important to compare at least 5 companies using our abrasive flow machining directory. Each abrasive flow machining company has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the company for more information or request a quote. Review each abrasive flow machining company website using our patented website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple abrasive flow machining companies with the same message.