Abrasive flow machining uses a flexible abrasive media to refine internal surfaces and reduce restrictive areas in suitable engine components.
The technology is applicable to many gasoline and diesel engine configurations as well as naturally aspirated and turbocharged systems.
How Automotive AFM Improves a Component
The AFM process forces a polymer media containing abrasive particles through the part.
As the media travels along the same path air or fuel would take, it contacts the passage walls and removes controlled amounts of material.
Because the media follows the component's geometry, it can reach areas that conventional porting equipment may not access evenly.
Components for AFM
Possible applications include:
- Intake manifolds
- Exhaust manifolds
- Turbo impellers
- Turbo housings
- Pumps
- Cylinders
- Fuel passages
- Air passages
- Other suitable engine components
The intake manifold is the most common automotive AFM target and is recommended by Extrude Hone AFM as a strong first choice for customers interested in engine-flow improvement.
Fuel and Air Flow Improvement
Extrude Hone AFM reports automotive flow gains of up to 25 percent in suitable applications.Smoother and less restrictive passages may support:
- Better volumetric efficiency
- Increased horsepower
- Improved torque
- More complete cylinder filling
- Improved exhaust evacuation
- Better combustion efficiency
These outcomes depend on the overall engine configuration and are not guaranteed for every component.
DFW Automotive and Diesel Applications
Dallas-Fort Worth has a large performance, truck, diesel, motorsports, restoration, and specialty automotive market.
AFM can be relevant to high-performance gasoline builds, diesel engines, turbo applications, custom vehicles, and specialty manufacturing.
A builder who has already optimized intake, exhaust, fueling, and tuning may use AFM to address internal passage quality that is otherwise difficult to reach.
Material-Specific Process Development
Aluminum, cast iron, and other automotive metals require different abrasive strategies.
Extrude Hone AFM can select media viscosity, abrasive concentration, grit, tooling, and pressure for the specific part.This allows AFM to be used across a broad range of stock and aftermarket components.
Controlled Material Removal
In flow-improvement applications, Extrude Hone AFM notes that up to approximately 1 millimeter, or .040 inch, of material may be removed.
The process is engineered so that material removal supports the desired flow improvement without unnecessarily compromising the component.
Repeatability for Builders and Manufacturers
AFM can be repeated once the correct processing conditions have been established.
That can help with consistency between multiple components or passages and may be valuable for limited production runs.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss Dallas, TX automotive AFM with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM be used for diesel performance?
Yes. Diesel engines are specifically included among Extrude Hone AFM's automotive AFM applications.
Can AFM process turbo parts?
Yes. Suitable turbo impellers and housings can be evaluated.
