What is abrasive flow machining?

Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM), also known as abrasive flow deburring or extrude honing, is a process that finishes interior surfaces. Developed in the 1960’s, the process involves utilizing pressure or hydraulics to pass an abrasive laden viscoelastic substance back and forth through a work piece. The abrasive laden fluid often has the consistency of putty and as it is pushed through the work piece, it smooths rough surfaces. As a result, the interior surface is polished and deburred.

Abrasive Flow Machining is often used when hand polishing or deburring is either impossible or would provide inconsistent results. The process is utilized by a variety of industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, and more. Typical applications for abrasive flow machining include edge radius generation, deburring, surface polishing, polishing complex shapes to mirror finishes, removing thermal recast layers, and improving gas or liquid flow path in fittings and valves.