Using abrasive flow machining, Extrude Hone AFM can smooth and refine fuel and air passages that may be difficult to reach with conventional porting equipment.
The process has been used throughout the automotive industry for decades and can be adapted to many engine configurations and materials.
What Automotive AFM Does
Abrasive flow machining uses a polymer media loaded with abrasive particles.
The media is hydraulically forced through the component.
Because it is flexible, it follows internal bends and transitions while the suspended abrasive gradually removes material from the passage walls.
The process can address casting texture, machining marks, and restrictive areas along the flow path.
Components Suitable for Automotive AFM
Extrude Hone AFM can evaluate:- Intake manifolds
- Exhaust manifolds
- Turbo impellers
- Turbo housings
- Pumps
- Cylinders and internal engine passages
- Fuel passages
- Air passages
Many gasoline, diesel, naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and performance engines may contain suitable components.
Intake Manifolds and Volumetric Efficiency
The intake manifold is one of the most common automotive AFM applications.
Smoother, less restrictive runners can allow air to move more freely toward the cylinders.
Extrude Hone AFM reports that suitable intake and engine flow components may achieve fuel and airflow increases of up to 25 percent.Improved volumetric efficiency can contribute to better engine performance, but results depend on the complete system.
Nashville and Middle Tennessee Automotive Applications
Middle Tennessee has a major automotive manufacturing presence as well as a strong community of performance shops, restoration specialists, engine builders, truck enthusiasts, and motorsports customers.
AFM may be useful both for production-oriented engine parts and for individual performance components.
It can also be valuable when a customer has an older or custom part for which no higher-flow replacement is available.
Aluminum, Iron, Diesel, and Turbo Components
Different engine types create different finishing challenges.
A cast-iron diesel part may require a more aggressive abrasive approach than an aluminum performance intake.
Extrude Hone AFM can select grit, media, pressure, and tooling based on the component's material and geometry.Controlled and Repeatable Processing
Automotive AFM can remove up to approximately 1 millimeter, or .040 inch, in appropriate flow-improvement applications.
Material removal is controlled rather than arbitrary.
Once a successful process has been developed, it can also be repeated on similar parts, making AFM useful for manufacturers or builders processing multiple matched components.
Request Nashville Automotive AFM
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss your Nashville, TN automotive component with Extrude Hone AFM.
The team can evaluate the part, its material, current passage condition, and performance goals to determine whether AFM is appropriate.
FAQs
Can AFM be used on diesel components?
Yes. Diesel engine components are among the automotive applications identified by Extrude Hone AFM.
Can AFM improve intake-manifold flow?
Yes. Intake manifolds are one of the most common automotive components processed with AFM.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Nashville?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM serves automotive customers throughout the United States.
