Using abrasive flow machining, Extrude Hone AFM can reach internal features with flexible abrasive media and perform operations including polishing, deburring, edge radiusing, thermal recast removal, and flow adjustment.
Aerospace has been central to AFM since the technology was originally used for aircraft hydraulic and fuel-system components.
Aerospace AFM Applications
Examples include:
- Compressor and turbine airfoils
- Blades and vanes
- Hydraulic components
- Fuel spray nozzles
- Fuel-control bodies
- Nozzles and diffusers
- Combustion liners
- Bearings
- Hubs, shafts, and disks
- Laser- and EDM-machined features
AFM can support finishing after profile milling, casting, EDM, and ECM.
Aerospace Manufacturing Along Colorado's Front Range
Colorado's Front Range supports a major aerospace and space technology ecosystem.
Manufacturers in the Denver region work with high-value components where internal surface condition and dimensional precision may be critical.
AFM allows abrasive finishing media to conform to these internal geometries while process tooling controls where abrasion occurs.
Flow-Path Adjustment
Aerospace blades, vanes, combustion liners, nozzles, and diffusers may require carefully controlled airflow.
Extrude Hone AFM uses AFM to adjust resistance through suitable components.For multi-hole fuel and air nozzles, the process can also help equalize holes that initially flow at different rates.
Hydraulic Deburring
Aircraft hydraulic bodies can contain numerous intertwined and intersecting passages.
AFM can reach these internal features and may allow several intersections to be deburred and radiused together.
When needed, custom tooling can isolate individual regions so each receives appropriate media flow.
Finishing Difficult Aerospace Materials
Aerospace manufacturing commonly uses difficult materials and tight tolerances.
AFM's material-removal rate depends on the material as well as passage geometry, starting surface roughness, tooling, media properties, pressure, and abrasive concentration.
This makes process engineering essential for each component.
Thermal Recast Removal
Extrude Hone AFM can also use AFM to remove thermally affected recast layers produced during EDM or laser processing.This can be incorporated into the final finishing process for suitable aerospace features.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss aerospace AFM for Denver, CO with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM work on aerospace parts after EDM?
Yes. AFM can remove thermal recast and improve the resulting surface.
Can AFM improve airflow through aerospace parts?
Yes. Flow adjustment is an established application for blades, vanes, nozzles, combustion liners, and diffusers.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Colorado manufacturers?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM provides aerospace AFM services nationwide.
