Abrasive flow machining moves abrasive-filled polymer media through a component, allowing internal fuel and air passages to be smoothed and refined even where direct polishing access is limited.
Extrude Hone AFM has decades of experience applying AFM to automotive engines and helped establish the process within the performance industry.How AFM Works Inside an Engine Component
During automotive AFM, hydraulic pressure moves the media through the component.
The media conforms to the passage and keeps abrasive particles distributed throughout its flow.
As those particles contact surface irregularities and restrictions, they remove material in a controlled manner.
The process can be tuned by changing media characteristics, abrasive concentration, particle size, pressure, tooling, and cycle count.
Automotive Components That May Benefit
AFM may be considered for:
- Intake manifolds
- Exhaust manifolds
- Turbo impellers
- Turbo housings
- Pumps
- Cylinders
- Air passages
- Fuel passages
The process can be applied to many gasoline, diesel, turbocharged, and performance-engine configurations.
Why Intake Manifolds Are Common AFM Parts
An intake manifold must deliver air efficiently toward each cylinder.
Internal bends, rough casting surfaces, and restrictive transitions can affect that flow.
Extrude Hone AFM identifies intake manifolds as the most common automotive AFM application and recommends them as a priority component for performance-oriented customers.Potential Performance Benefits
For suitable automotive applications, Extrude Hone AFM reports increases in fuel and air flow of up to 25 percent.
Improved internal flow may support better volumetric efficiency and contribute to horsepower and torque gains.
Performance depends on the full engine system, so AFM should be considered one component of an overall performance strategy rather than a guaranteed standalone result.
Denver Automotive and Performance Market
Denver and Colorado's Front Range support a strong community of performance vehicles, off-road builds, motorsports, restoration, trucks, diesel applications, motorcycles, and specialty fabrication.
High-elevation performance considerations also make efficient engine breathing an important topic for many enthusiasts, although AFM results still depend on the component and overall engine design.
The process may be especially useful for custom or difficult-to-replace parts whose internal passages cannot be addressed effectively through ordinary tooling.
Materials and Process Control
Automotive components may be aluminum, cast iron, or other suitable metals.
Extrude Hone AFM adapts its abrasive approach to the material and passage requirements.The process can remove up to approximately .040 inch, or 1 millimeter, in appropriate flow-improvement applications.
Consistent Results
Once the required tool, media, grit, and pressure have been identified, AFM can provide repeatable processing of similar components.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss Denver, CO automotive AFM with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM be used on turbocharged engines?
Yes. Turbocharged applications are among the engine types suitable for automotive AFM evaluation.
Can AFM help an engine breathe more efficiently?
Its primary automotive purpose is to improve fuel and airflow through suitable internal passages.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Denver?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM accepts automotive components from customers nationwide.
