Abrasive flow machining can reach restricted surfaces using flexible abrasive media that follows the geometry of the workpiece.
Why Surface Finish Affects Flow
Any roughness on a functional flow surface creates additional resistance.
In centrifugal pumps, positive material buildup or rough manufacturing texture can cause drag.
Extrude Hone AFM notes that this drag can reduce the volume of fluid moving through the system. Improving the surface condition of the impeller, turbine, and housing can support greater efficiency and reduced motor stress.How AFM Works
A hydraulic ram pushes abrasive-filled polymer media through the selected area of the component.
The media conforms to blade shapes and internal passages.
As abrasive particles contact raised surface features, those features are gradually removed.
This can support:
- Impeller polishing
- Turbine finishing
- Pump-housing improvement
- Internal passage smoothing
- Blade-surface finishing
- Deburring
- Flow-path geometry refinement
Denver and Colorado Applications
Colorado's Front Range supports aerospace, energy, water technology, industrial equipment, scientific systems, mining-related technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Pumps and turbine components are used throughout these sectors.
Aerospace applications may use high-performance materials and complex blade geometries, while water and industrial applications may emphasize fluid efficiency and long-term operation.
AFM can provide specialized finishing for both.
Restricted Blade Passages
The space between blades can be extremely difficult to polish.
Extrude Hone AFM specifically states that AFM can improve surfaces in the most restricted areas between impeller and turbine blades.The media travels with the geometry, eliminating the need to insert and manipulate a rigid polishing tool through each narrow passage.
Additive-Manufactured Turbines and Pumps
Colorado manufacturers make extensive use of advanced manufacturing techniques.
Metal additive manufacturing can create sophisticated internal flow paths, but the printed surface may require additional finishing.
Extrude Hone AFM has specifically used AFM for SLS-produced turbines, pumps, motors, and similar components because their intricate passages can be impossible to finish conventionally.AFM allows manufacturers to retain complex geometry while still improving the functional surface.
Process Control
Material removal depends on:
- Workpiece material and hardness
- Passage dimensions
- Media-flow rate
- Carrier viscosity
- Abrasive size
- Abrasive concentration
- Tooling
Restricted areas receive more abrasive action because media pressure and speed increase there.
Extrude Hone AFM uses tooling to control where that action occurs.Surface Finish and Materials
AFM can be applied to aluminum, titanium, Inconel, hardened metals, superalloys, bronze, copper, and other metals.
Representative surface improvements include 32 Ra to 8 Ra or better and 64 Ra to 16 Ra or better.
Repeatable Production
Once the correct process is developed, finish improvement and stock removal can be monitored for recurring components.
Request Denver Turbine and Pump Finishing
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss turbine and pump flow finishing for Denver, CO with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM finish metal additive-manufactured turbine components?
Yes. Complex 3D-printed internal flow passages are an established AFM application.
Can AFM process Inconel components?
Yes. Inconel and other difficult-to-machine alloys can be processed.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Colorado?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM provides AFM services nationwide.
