For tooling, aerospace, energy, medical and advanced industrial components, AFM can be especially useful where EDM surfaces are located inside features that cannot be polished reliably by hand.
EDM Recast Removal With Abrasive Flow Machining
Electrical discharge machining creates precision features through controlled electrical erosion. The process can leave a thin recast layer of resolidified metal on the workpiece.
AFM can remove that material by flowing an abrasive-filled polymer through the selected portion of the component.
As the media contacts the workpiece, it produces controlled surface removal.
Complex Geometry Is Where AFM Excels
EDM is often used because the component itself is difficult to machine. That means the resulting surface may also be difficult to finish.
AFM can reach:
- Internal passageways
- Intersections
- Cross holes
- Cavities
- Detailed dies
- Complex mold surfaces
- Other restricted-access features
Tooling controls where the media travels, allowing Extrude Hone AFM to focus the finishing process on the appropriate surfaces.
Surface Quality and Process Control
Every component has a different starting point. Extrude Hone AFM considers the material, geometry, initial surface condition and required result when developing the process.
Potential advantages include improved surface finish, controlled removal, consistency across production parts and reduced reliance on manual polishing.
For suitable applications, AFM can improve an approximately 1 micron (40 Ra) surface to around 0.1 micron (4 Ra) while maintaining required workpiece geometry.
Supporting Pittsburgh's Manufacturing Base
Pittsburgh has a long manufacturing history and today supports companies involved in advanced materials, energy, medical technology, robotics and precision industrial production.
When these applications depend on EDM-produced parts, Extrude Hone AFM can provide a specialized finishing resource capable of handling both complex geometry and demanding specifications.
Request an Evaluation
The best AFM process begins with the part itself. Provide Extrude Hone AFM with component drawings, specifications or information about the surface requiring recast removal.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss EDM recast removal for Pittsburgh, PA.
FAQs
Can AFM replace manual polishing after EDM?
In many difficult-access applications, AFM can reduce or eliminate the need for manual finishing. Suitability depends on the part.
Is AFM repeatable?
Yes. Controlled processing conditions make AFM well suited to applications that require consistent treatment across multiple parts.
Can Pittsburgh companies send parts to Extrude Hone AFM?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM serves manufacturers nationwide from its Paramount, California facility.
