Abrasive flow machining is particularly valuable when a component's geometry prevents direct access with conventional finishing tools.
By directing abrasive media through the workpiece, Extrude Hone AFM can reach difficult features while providing controlled material removal.
Internal Deburring With Abrasive Flow Machining
Burrs commonly form during drilling, milling, turning, and other machining processes.
When one passage breaks through into another, a burr can remain at the intersection.
The problem is often hidden inside the component.
Abrasive flow machining uses a viscoelastic polymer media carrying abrasive particles to reach the target area.
As the media moves through a restricted flow path, it abrades raised edges and surfaces.
Components That May Benefit
AFM flow deburring may be suitable for:
- Aerospace components
- Hydraulic manifolds
- Automotive parts
- Valve bodies
- Fuel and air passages
- Precision dies and molds
- Pump components
- Industrial machinery
- Medical components
The key question is whether media can be directed through the feature requiring work.
Dallas-Fort Worth Manufacturing Needs
DFW supports one of the country's major aerospace and defense manufacturing clusters, along with electronics, transportation, machinery, medical technology, and other precision industries.
Parts produced for these applications may contain complicated fluid or air paths where internal burrs are difficult to remove manually.
Extrude Hone AFM provides manufacturers with a specialized process designed specifically for hard-to-access surfaces.Its abrasive flow machining experience spans aerospace, automotive, hydraulics, turbines and pumps, medical components, dies and molds, and many other applications.
Burr Removal and Edge Radiusing
Some applications require complete removal of a loose machining burr. Others require the intersection itself to be rounded to a controlled edge condition.
AFM can be developed to accomplish both.
Extrude Hone AFM evaluates:- Burr dimensions
- Workpiece material
- Passage geometry
- Desired radius
- Surface finish requirements
- Production volume
From there, media, tooling, and processing conditions can be established.
Repeatability Without Manual Access
AFM is especially valuable when conventional hand deburring would require difficult manipulation on every component.
Once the process is established, the target feature can be treated repeatedly under controlled conditions.
This can reduce variability and make internal deburring more practical for ongoing production.
Dallas manufacturers can send parts to Extrude Hone AFM's Paramount, California facility for AFM processing.
Call (562) 531-2976 to request a flow deburring quote.
FAQs
Can AFM deburr aerospace components?
Yes. Abrasive flow machining is widely applicable to suitable aerospace components with difficult internal features.
Does flow deburring improve airflow or fluid flow?
Removing burrs and smoothing internal surfaces may improve the condition of a flow path, although the effect depends on the component and application.
Can DFW manufacturers ship parts to Extrude Hone AFM?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM provides AFM services to customers throughout the United States.
