Abrasive flow machining can access internal features using flexible abrasive media and can provide polishing, deburring, radiusing, recast removal, and flow-path adjustment.
AFM has a long aerospace history because its original applications included critical aircraft hydraulic and fuel-system components.
Aerospace AFM Applications
Extrude Hone AFM can use abrasive flow machining for:- Compressor and turbine components
- Airfoils
- Blades and vanes
- Fuel spray nozzles
- Hydraulic bodies
- Fuel-control components
- Combustion liners
- Bearings
- Hubs, disks, and shafts
- Nozzles and diffusers
The process may be used following machining, casting, EDM, or ECM operations.
Indianapolis Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing
Indianapolis and central Indiana support aerospace, engine manufacturing, automotive, motorsports, medical technology, and precision machining.
Aerospace and engine components often contain internal air, fuel, oil, or hydraulic passages that are challenging to finish after machining.
AFM can reach these areas without requiring direct access from a conventional tool.
Improving Engine and Turbine Flow
Blades, vanes, nozzles, diffusers, and combustion liners may require adjustment to airflow resistance.
Extrude Hone AFM can use AFM to remove controlled amounts of material along the flow path.For cast impeller-type components, polishing the blade surfaces can also support smoother flow and closer blade-to-blade dimensional consistency.
Fuel and Hydraulic Components
Aircraft fuel and hydraulic systems are particularly well suited to AFM.
Multiple internal intersections may be deburred and radiused through a controlled media path.
Fuel or air nozzles with several openings may also be processed so more restrictive holes receive greater material removal and move toward more consistent flow.
Recast and Edge Finishing
Laser and EDM operations can leave thermally affected recast layers.
AFM can remove these layers from suitable aerospace parts.
The same technology can also generate polished edge radii on holes and attachment features used in blades, disks, hubs, and shafts.
Process Variables for Aerospace AFM
Aerospace components require application-specific processing.
Extrude Hone AFM controls tooling, pressure, viscosity, abrasive concentration, particle size, and media flow according to the part.Starting surface roughness, passage dimensions, and workpiece material also affect the amount of material removed.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss Indianapolis, IN aerospace AFM with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM process aerospace engine components?
Yes. Turbine, compressor, fuel, air, and other propulsion-related components are common AFM applications.
Can AFM deburr internal fuel passages?
Yes. Aircraft fuel and hydraulic passages are established uses for AFM.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Indiana aerospace manufacturers?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM accepts components from manufacturers nationwide.
