Abrasive flow machining allows Extrude Hone AFM to polish restricted passages and blade surfaces by forcing flexible abrasive media through the component.
Surface Finish Affects Pump Performance
The purpose of a pump is to move fluid efficiently.
Any unnecessary roughness along the flow path creates resistance.
Machining, casting, EDM, and additive manufacturing can all leave positive surface features behind.
Extrude Hone AFM specifically notes that poor surface finish can create drag and slow the volume pumped through a centrifugal system. Improving the impeller, turbine, and housing surfaces can support greater efficiency and reduce load on the motor.AFM for Complex Flow Components
Abrasive flow machining may be used for:
- Pump impellers
- Turbine components
- Pump housings
- Blade passages
- Internal fluid channels
- Gas-flow paths
- Restricted internal surfaces
- Additive-manufactured flow components
Abrasive particles are suspended in polymer media and moved through the part hydraulically.
The media molds itself to the geometry and removes raised material.
Columbus and Ohio Manufacturing Applications
Ohio has a substantial manufacturing base involving automotive, aerospace, energy, industrial machinery, water systems, agriculture, transportation, and precision engineering.
Columbus and central Ohio are positioned within this broader industrial network.
Pumps and turbine components may be used in manufacturing equipment, utilities, engines, fluid systems, power applications, and industrial processing.
AFM can help component manufacturers improve the flow surfaces used in these systems.
Finishing Between Impeller Blades
Closely spaced impeller blades can make conventional polishing difficult.
Even when a tool fits between blades, it may be difficult to maintain uniform contact across a curved surface.
Extrude Hone AFM specifically states that AFM can reach restricted areas between blades and uniformly remove the required amount of material across an impeller, pump, or turbine.This allows the actual functional flow path to receive finishing.
Reducing Restrictive Surface Features
AFM does not remove material equally from every surface.
Areas where media flow is restricted experience greater velocity and pressure and therefore higher material-removal rates.
For pumps and turbines, this behavior can help reduce raised or restrictive features that interfere with smooth flow.
Custom tooling controls where the media is directed.
Additive Manufacturing and Complex Geometry
Ohio manufacturers increasingly use metal additive processes for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Extrude Hone AFM has specifically used AFM on additively manufactured pumps, turbines, motors, and related parts whose internal passage surfaces are too complicated for traditional finishing.AFM can therefore provide a bridge between advanced component design and the surface quality required for effective flow.
Surface Finish Improvement
Extrude Hone AFM lists representative finish improvements including:- 16–8 Ra to approximately 3–4 Ra
- 32 Ra to 8 Ra or better
- 64 Ra to 16 Ra or better
- 125 Ra to 63 Ra or better
These examples demonstrate process capability rather than guaranteed results for every component.
Material Compatibility
AFM can finish aluminum, bronze, copper, titanium, Inconel, hardened metals, superalloys, and other metal materials.
Media and process parameters are selected according to the workpiece.
Repeatability for Ohio Manufacturers
Once Extrude Hone AFM establishes the correct tooling, media, pressure, and processing conditions, surface-finish improvement and stock removal can be monitored for repeatability.
This can support both specialty components and recurring production runs.
Request Columbus Turbine and Pump Finishing
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss turbine and pump flow finishing for Columbus, OH with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM improve centrifugal-pump impellers?
Yes. Impellers are among the primary turbine and pump applications for AFM.
Can AFM polish surfaces created by additive manufacturing?
Yes. Suitable metal additive-manufactured flow passages can be improved using AFM.
Can Columbus manufacturers send components to Extrude Hone AFM?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM serves manufacturers throughout the United States.
