Abrasive flow machining provides a way to reach cross holes and internal intersections using flexible abrasive media that travels through the component's own flow pathways.
Why Conventional Deburring Can Fall Short
A hydraulic manifold can contain highly intertwined internal channels.
Machining each channel may create burrs where holes intersect.
Traditional deburring tools are limited by access.
A brush, scraper, or cutter may reach part of the passage but leave material behind in deeper or more complicated sections.
Extrude Hone AFM specifically notes that these microscopic residual burrs can break free during hydraulic operation and become contamination within the system.AFM offers a more complete internal approach.
Using Abrasive Media to Reach Hidden Features
During abrasive flow machining, a polymer media containing abrasive particles is forced through the part hydraulically.
The media expands against the passage walls and conforms to intersections and changes in geometry.
As it moves, abrasive action removes burrs and conditions sharp internal edges.
Potential applications include:
- Hydraulic manifolds
- Valve bodies
- Cross-drilled passages
- Precision fittings
- Industrial fluid-control blocks
- Pump-related components
- Mobile-equipment hydraulic parts
Processing Many Passages at Once
The interconnected nature of hydraulic parts can actually become an advantage for AFM.
Extrude Hone AFM documents valve-body applications involving more than 100 intersecting holes.By designing a fixture that establishes the correct media flow path, many of these intersections can often be deburred and radiused at the same time.
Where certain passages require different treatment, they can be isolated or processed separately.
Inland Empire Hydraulic Manufacturing
San Bernardino and the Inland Empire support industrial equipment, aerospace, transportation, logistics equipment, manufacturing, and heavy machinery.
Hydraulic systems are common in many of these sectors.
Manufacturers producing manifolds or fluid-control parts can use Extrude Hone AFM's Southern California facility for specialized internal deburring rather than attempting to reach every feature manually.
Controlled Material Removal
AFM is a controllable machining process.
Extrude Hone AFM can modify the material-removal rate by adjusting:- Media flow pressure
- Media viscosity
- Abrasive concentration
- Abrasive particle size
- Tooling
- Flow restriction
- Workpiece material
The hydraulic FAQ describes available flow pressures between approximately 200 and 2,000 psi and a wide range of media viscosities and abrasive sizes.
Edge Radiusing
Removing the burr may not be the end goal.
Some blueprint requirements specify a finished radius at the intersection.
AFM can produce a smoother, rounded transition where required.
Extrude Hone AFM notes that desired radii and surface improvements can be achieved while working within drawing tolerances when the application is planned correctly.Repeatable Production Processing
Once tooling and AFM variables are established, the process can be monitored for consistent stock removal and radius generation.
This can support both specialized work and recurring production components.
Request San Bernardino Hydraulic Deburring
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss hydraulic component deburring for San Bernardino, CA with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM deburr several intersections at once?
Yes. Many connected intersections can often be processed simultaneously through properly designed tooling.
Does AFM work on internal passages only?
AFM is especially useful internally, although other accessible surfaces can also be processed where tooling directs the media.
