Abrasive flow machining can improve complex internal surfaces using flexible abrasive media that travels through the component under controlled pressure.
The process is particularly valuable where conventional tools cannot reach internal lumens, cross holes, or small fluid passages consistently.
Why Medical Components Need Specialized Finishing
Medical devices often use small parts with complicated geometries.
A machining operation may successfully create the required feature while leaving:
- Sharp edges
- Internal burrs
- Surface roughness
- Cross-hole burrs
- Microscopic cavities
- Uneven fluid pathways
These features may need to be addressed before the component meets its final manufacturing requirements.
Extrude Hone AFM uses AFM in medical applications specifically for polishing, deburring, and radiusing.Surgical and Implantable Components
For components that interact with tissue, edge condition can be particularly important.
Extrude Hone AFM's medical guidance notes that smoother, radiused edges can reduce destructive interaction with tissue compared with sharp unfinished edges.Potential applications include orthopedic and spinal components, surgical instruments, implantable parts, and diagnostic devices.
Internal Fluid Pathways
Medical pumps, valves, drug-delivery systems, cannulas, and other devices may contain internal pathways that must move fluid predictably.
Roughness or burrs within these passages may be undesirable.
A recent Extrude Hone AFM medical-device application identifies polishing fluid pathways in pumps, valves, and drug-delivery systems as a key AFM use.
How AFM Works
Abrasive particles are suspended in a polymer media.
Hydraulic pressure moves the media through the target section of the workpiece.
The media conforms to the passage and contacts raised surface features.
Material removal can then be controlled through:
- Flow rate
- Pressure
- Media viscosity
- Abrasive particle size
- Abrasive concentration
- Component geometry
- Workpiece hardness
These variables can be adjusted to achieve the required level of polishing or radiusing.
Nashville Medical Manufacturing
Nashville is a major healthcare center and supports medical technology, device manufacturing, healthcare services, and associated precision industries throughout Middle Tennessee.
Medical manufacturers serving this ecosystem may need specialized finishing for components that are too intricate for ordinary polishing methods.
AFM provides an outsourced option that can be incorporated into a larger manufacturing workflow.
Repeatability for Production Components
A medical-device manufacturer may need hundreds or thousands of components to receive the same internal edge or finish.
Once an AFM process has been developed, the controlled media and tooling conditions can provide repeatable finishing from part to part.
Extrude Hone AFM's tooling holds each workpiece, directs media into the required area, and protects surfaces that should not receive abrasive flow.Suitable Metals
AFM can be applied to titanium, hardened materials, superalloys, aluminum, bronze, copper, and other suitable metals.
Request Nashville Medical Device Surface Finishing
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss medical-device surface finishing for Nashville, TN with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM deburr orthopedic components?
Yes. Deburring cross-drilled features in suitable orthopedic and spinal components is an established application.
Can AFM finish fluid pathways?
Yes. Pumps, valves, and drug-delivery pathways can be evaluated for AFM polishing.
Does Extrude Hone AFM serve Nashville manufacturers?
Yes. Extrude Hone AFM provides nationwide AFM processing.
