Abrasive flow machining can polish surfaces that are difficult to reach using conventional equipment by moving abrasive polymer media through the internal geometry of the workpiece.
This makes AFM especially useful for aerospace, medical, energy, hydraulic, and advanced manufacturing applications throughout Colorado's Front Range.
Surface Finishing Complex Internal Passages
Machining a complicated internal feature is only part of the manufacturing challenge.
Once the geometry exists, the surface may still contain tool marks, roughness, burrs, or other raised features.
Direct polishing may not be possible if the passage curves, intersects with other features, or extends deep into the component.
AFM allows the polishing media to travel through the part instead.
The media conforms to the passage as hydraulic force moves it back and forth across the surface.
Applications for Denver Manufacturers
Flow polishing may be suitable for:
- Aerospace passages
- Hydraulic components
- Pump and turbine parts
- Precision tooling
- Dies and molds
- Medical components
- Additive-manufactured channels
- Other specialized metal components
The same AFM process can sometimes combine surface polishing with deburring or edge radiusing.
Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing
Colorado has a significant aerospace and advanced technology manufacturing presence.
Parts used in these applications may involve titanium, Inconel, hardened alloys, and other high-performance materials that are expensive and difficult to finish.
Extrude Hone AFM can apply abrasive flow machining to these materials as well as aluminum, bronze, copper, and other softer metals.How Smooth Can AFM Make a Surface?
The final result depends on the component.
Representative improvements listed by Extrude Hone AFM include 16–8 Ra surfaces reaching approximately 3–4 Ra, 32 Ra reaching 8 Ra or better, and 64 Ra reaching around 16 Ra or better.
These examples should be used as general indicators rather than guaranteed specifications.
Geometry, material hardness, original finish, media properties, and abrasive characteristics all influence the outcome.
Tooling Controls the Flow Path
Tooling is an essential part of AFM.
It supports the component, directs the media toward the area requiring surface improvement, and protects other surfaces.
In many applications, a restriction is intentionally created to concentrate abrasive action where polishing is needed.
Repeatable Precision Finishing
Developing a defined AFM process can also benefit manufacturers producing repeated parts.
Rather than manually polishing a difficult internal passage on each component, the workpiece can be processed under established media and tooling conditions.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss flow polishing for Denver, CO with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM polish titanium aerospace components?
Yes. Titanium is among the metals suitable for abrasive flow machining.
Does AFM work inside curved passages?
It can work with many irregular and complex passages when media can be properly directed through the feature.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Colorado?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM accepts components from manufacturers nationwide.
