Abrasive flow machining works by moving abrasive-filled polymer media through a component, allowing internal surfaces to be smoothed and restrictive areas to be addressed without relying entirely on conventional porting tools.
Automotive applications have been a major use of AFM for decades, and Extrude Hone AFM helped establish the process within the performance-engine industry.
Automotive AFM Applications
Suitable components may include:
- Intake manifolds
- Exhaust manifolds
- Turbocharger-related components
- Turbo impellers
- Pumps
- Internal engine passages
- Fuel pathways
- Air passages
The process can be used with a wide variety of engines, including multi-cylinder gasoline engines, diesels, turbos, hemis, and motorcycle applications.
How Abrasive Flow Improves a Passage
AFM media has enough flexibility to conform to complex internal geometry while carrying abrasive particles throughout the passage.
Hydraulic pressure moves the media through the workpiece.
As it encounters rough or restrictive areas, controlled abrasive action removes material.
This can improve the consistency of the internal pathway without requiring direct access to each individual surface.
Intake-Manifold Performance
The intake manifold is one of the strongest candidates for automotive AFM because it plays a central role in delivering airflow to the engine.
Extrude Hone AFM identifies intake manifolds as the most common automotive components to receive AFM and recommends them as a priority when only one part will be processed.Improving runner surfaces and restrictions may support better volumetric efficiency.
Potential Flow Gains
Extrude Hone AFM reports automotive fuel and air-flow increases of up to 25 percent in suitable applications.
That does not mean every component will gain 25 percent or that every engine will experience a specific horsepower increase.
Actual performance depends on the component's starting condition, overall engine design, tuning, exhaust, induction system, and other modifications.
Bay Area Automotive Applications
The San Francisco Bay Area has a diverse automotive community including restoration, racing, specialty imports, custom fabrication, classic cars, motorcycles, and advanced vehicle engineering.
AFM may be particularly useful when working with rare or specialized components whose internal geometry cannot easily be duplicated or replaced.
Performance builders can also use the process as one part of a broader airflow and engine-efficiency strategy.
Different Metals Require Different Processing
Automotive parts may be made of aluminum, cast iron, or other metals.
Extrude Hone AFM can modify abrasive concentration and media formulation based on the material. Existing company guidance notes the use of lighter approaches for aluminum and heavier abrasion for cast-iron components.Repeatability
Once the appropriate tool, grit, media, and pressure are established, Extrude Hone AFM can repeat the process on similar components.
This can help with flow matching and provide greater consistency than purely manual internal finishing.
Call (562) 531-2976 to discuss San Francisco, CA automotive AFM with Extrude Hone AFM.
FAQs
Can AFM work on turbocharged engines?
Yes. Turbo applications are specifically included among Extrude Hone AFM's automotive AFM capabilities.
Can AFM improve fuel and air flow?
Yes. Improving internal fuel and airflow is a primary purpose of automotive abrasive flow machining.
