Abrasive flow machining can improve suitable fuel and air pathways by moving flexible abrasive media through the internal geometry of the part.
Unlike conventional hand porting, the media can travel through turns, transitions, and restricted areas that may be difficult to reach directly.
How AFM Improves Automotive Components
The AFM process uses a polymer media containing suspended abrasive particles.
Hydraulic force pushes the media through the component.
As the media moves across the internal surfaces, it gradually removes material from raised areas and restrictions.
Because the media conforms to the passage, the process can treat a complicated shape without requiring a rigid cutting tool that matches every bend.
Extrude Hone AFM controls the process using factors such as:- Abrasive size
- Abrasive concentration
- Media characteristics
- Hydraulic pressure
- Tooling
- Workpiece material
- Passage geometry
Common Automotive Applications
Suitable components may include:
- Intake manifolds
- Exhaust manifolds
- Turbo housings
- Turbo impellers
- Pumps
- Cylinders and engine passages
- Fuel pathways
- Air passages
The intake manifold is among the most common automotive AFM applications.
Extrude Hone AFM specifically recommends it as the component to consider first when a customer can choose only one part for extrude honing.Flow, Combustion, and Performance
Internal restrictions can limit how efficiently an engine moves air and fuel.
By improving the surface and reducing restrictive areas, AFM can increase flow through suitable engine components.
Extrude Hone AFM reports potential fuel and air-flow improvements of up to 25 percent in appropriate automotive applications.Better flow may contribute to improved volumetric efficiency, which can support horsepower and torque gains as part of a properly configured engine system.
Actual performance changes depend on the entire engine, including intake design, fueling, exhaust, tuning, displacement, and other variables.
Boston Automotive Applications
The Boston region supports restoration, performance automotive businesses, specialty machining, motorsports enthusiasts, and manufacturers producing precision mechanical components.
AFM can be especially useful for rare or specialized parts where replacing the component with a higher-flow aftermarket version is not possible or desirable.
Restoration projects, custom engines, performance builds, and specialty vehicles may all present components whose internal geometry can benefit from controlled flow finishing.
Working With Aluminum and Cast Iron
Engine components are manufactured from different metals, and abrasive flow machining must account for those differences.
Extrude Hone AFM can use lighter or more aggressive abrasive formulations depending on the workpiece.Existing company guidance specifically notes different approaches for aluminum and cast iron.
Repeatable Processing
Hand porting can vary from one runner or component to another.
AFM provides a controllable process where tooling, media, and pressure can be repeated.
This can be useful for manufacturers and engine builders who want consistent treatment across similar passages.
Request Boston Automotive AFM
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss automotive AFM for Boston, MA components with Extrude Hone AFM. The team can evaluate your part and determine whether abrasive flow machining is appropriate for your application.
FAQs
Can AFM be used on turbo components?
Yes. Turbo impellers, housings, and related suitable components are among the applications Extrude Hone AFM identifies for AFM.
How much material is removed?
For automotive flow improvement, Extrude Hone AFM notes that up to about 1 millimeter, or .040 inch, may be removed depending on the application.
Can Boston customers ship parts to Extrude Hone AFM?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM serves automotive customers throughout the United States.
