Atlanta, GA manufacturers can turn to Extrude Hone AFM for flow deburring when precision components contain burrs in passages, intersections, or other areas that are difficult to access with conventional deburring equipment.
Abrasive flow machining uses a controlled flow of abrasive-filled polymer media through selected sections of a workpiece. As the media passes over edges and surfaces, it can remove burrs, smooth irregularities, and radius sharp features while following complex internal geometry.
This makes AFM particularly useful for components in which the most difficult finishing work is located inside the part rather than on an exposed surface.
Deburring Complex Internal Geometry
Most machining operations can create burrs. Drilling a cross hole into an existing passage, for example, may leave a raised edge at the intersection.
If the intersection is several inches inside a component, accessing that burr with conventional tools can become difficult, labor-intensive, or inconsistent.
Flow deburring addresses the problem differently.
Instead of bringing a rigid cutting tool to the burr, Extrude Hone AFM brings the abrasive media through the passage containing the burr.
Applications can include:
- Cross-drilled passages
- Hydraulic manifolds
- Valve bodies
- Fuel and air passages
- Precision tooling
- Dies and molds
- Medical components
- Aerospace parts
Why Use AFM Instead of Manual Deburring?
Manual deburring can be effective on accessible features, but it becomes much more challenging when line-of-sight access is limited.
Results may depend heavily on operator technique, and some features simply cannot be reached with hand tools.
AFM provides several potential advantages:
- Access to enclosed or restricted surfaces
- Controlled edge radiusing
- Consistency across repeated components
- Simultaneous finishing of multiple reachable features
- Reduced dependence on manual finishing
- Surface smoothing in addition to burr removal
The process can therefore address both the location of the burr and the consistency challenge associated with repeated production.
Supporting Atlanta-Area Manufacturing
Atlanta and the surrounding region support aerospace, transportation, medical, industrial equipment, and precision manufacturing operations.
These industries commonly use machined components containing interconnected fluid, air, or mechanical passages.
As component designs become more complex, effective deburring becomes increasingly important. Burrs left inside a component may affect flow characteristics, cleanliness, assembly, or long-term performance depending on the application.
Extrude Hone AFM provides a specialized process for reaching these hidden areas.Developing the Right AFM Process
Different burrs require different processing conditions.
A heavy machining burr in a large passage does not present the same challenge as a fine burr at a small cross-hole intersection.
Extrude Hone AFM considers factors including:- Workpiece material
- Passage size and geometry
- Burr size and location
- Desired edge condition
- Surface requirements
- Production volume
Media, tooling, and processing parameters can then be selected to suit the component.
Request Flow Deburring for Atlanta Components
If your parts contain burrs that are difficult to reach consistently with conventional tooling, Extrude Hone AFM can review the application and determine whether AFM is a good fit.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss flow deburring for Atlanta, GA components.
FAQs
Can AFM deburr more than one internal feature during a cycle?
Potentially, yes. If multiple features lie along the controlled media flow path, AFM may be able to work on several areas during the same process.
Can AFM radius an edge as well as remove the burr?
Yes. Abrasive flow machining can be used for controlled edge radiusing in addition to burr removal.
Can Atlanta companies ship parts to Extrude Hone AFM?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM serves manufacturers throughout the United States from its California facility.
