Abrasive flow machining can finish internal passages and edges that conventional hand tools may not be able to reach directly.
Flexible abrasive media flows through the workpiece, conforming to the geometry and removing controlled amounts of material from raised surface features.
Medical Applications for AFM
Medical-device manufacturers can evaluate AFM for components including:
- Surgical instruments
- Orthopedic components
- Spinal components
- Implantable parts
- Diagnostic devices
- Needles and cannulas
- Pumps
- Valves
- Drug-delivery systems
Deburring Sharp Internal Features
Machining a medical component may create an edge that is technically within the required geometry but still contains a burr.
If that burr lies inside a passage, manual access may be limited.
AFM allows abrasive media to move through the passage and work directly on the feature.
The process can also radius sharp edges where a smooth transition is required.
For medical components, Extrude Hone AFM notes that this can contribute to smoother interaction with tissue.
Surface Polishing
Surface roughness is another important concern.
AFM can polish internal areas by removing microscopic raised features.
Extrude Hone AFM emphasizes that improved medical surfaces can reduce surface negatives that may otherwise contribute to bacterial contamination.This does not replace required cleaning or sterilization, but it can improve the underlying manufactured surface.
Southern Nevada Medical Manufacturing
Las Vegas and Southern Nevada support healthcare, medical technology, precision manufacturing, electronics, and other technical industries.
Medical-device manufacturers in the region may encounter components where internal finishing is too specialized or infrequent to justify developing an AFM process in-house.
Extrude Hone AFM provides access to dedicated equipment, media, tooling, and decades of abrasive flow machining experience.Controlling Material Removal
AFM can range from delicate surface honing to substantially more aggressive removal.
Media formulations and abrasive particle sizes can be selected for the job.
The workpiece material, hardness, passage size, media viscosity, pressure, and abrasive concentration all influence the result.
Medical Materials
Suitable materials may include titanium, hardened metals, superalloys, aluminum, bronze, copper, and other metals.
Extrude Hone AFM selects the media and abrasive approach according to the workpiece.Repeatable Production Finishing
A medical-device manufacturer may need identical parts to receive the same edge and surface treatment.
Controlled process variables and dedicated tooling can make AFM repeatable across recurring components.
Tooling also protects areas that do not require abrasive flow.
Request Las Vegas Medical Device Surface Finishing
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss medical surface finishing for Las Vegas, NV with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM finish implant features with cross holes?
Yes. Cross-drilled orthopedic and spinal features are among the medical applications identified for AFM.
Does AFM work only on stainless steel?
No. The process can be applied to many metals, including titanium and various hardened and softer materials.
