AFM works on many different metal materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, brass, cast iron, titanium and nickel alloys as well as thermoplastics. The automotive, aerospace, food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, molding, marine and electronic industries use this finishing operation on a number of different products. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Cutting Experts
Tucker, GA | 866-500-6098Cutting Experts has worked with our clients to custom make products for their needs since 1977. We have expert staff, a wide variety of materials, and the best technology available. Our clients work hand in hand with our experts to create a product that has unrivaled craftsmanship. As the industry grows, Cutting Experts strives to continuously be the best in the industry.
Mach 1 Manufacturing
Kearny, NE | 308-627-6533Mach 1 Manufacturing is one of the best waterjet cutting manufacturers in the industry. Our advanced technology and expert team allow us to cut complicated, detailed designs into a wide range of materials. Our large waterjet cutting bed is 24 feet by 6 feet and can cut materials that are up to 8 inches thick.
Advanced Waterjet & Laser
Anaheim, CA | 714-278-9874Advanced Waterjet & Laser is a precision waterjet cutting and laser engraving shop that has the capacity to cut virtually any solid up to 6" thick including stone, plastic and metals. We have developed a very successful glass cutting technique as well. We cater to the smaller run with no minimums. What can we cut for you?
Barton International
Glens Falls, NY | 518-798-5462Barton International is a leading manufacturer and provider of abrasive blasting and waterjet cutting services. With more than 142 years of operation and five generations of the Barton family's leadership, we have cemented ourselves as one of the most trustworthy names in the industry. Today, we have forty stocking locations across North America and have expanded our product offering to more than 3000 Waterjet parts. Visit our website to learn more about our products or make an order.
Precision Wire EDM
Grand Rapids, MI | 616-453-4360Precision Wire EDM has been a leader in the waterjet cutting industry since 1991. We are known throughout the industry for our high quality and fast turnaround times. In addition, precision Wire EDM offers 24/7 service to help meet the needs of our customers. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Abrasive Flow Machining - Hydro-Lazer, Inc.Internal combustion engines in aircraft and automotive vehicles that use AFM to improve fuel economy, semiconductor equipment, surgical instruments, molds and dies for metal, glass and plastic product forming also often undergo abrasive flow machining to create shiny, smooth and even internal surfaces. The abrasive media and water that erode the product surface are forced through the cavity by a hydraulic system, which can have one or two-way flow directions.
The abrasive action created by AFM happens when the work piece, the product to undergo machining, is clamped between two media cylinders, one at the top and one at the bottom. The process is fully automated and computer controlled, thus greatly reducing labor costs, which are high if the process is manual because it is so time consuming and tedious.
The hydraulic system starts at the bottom cylinder, and the water and media mix is shot at high speeds and pressure through the work piece. The water flow is either linear or comes out of both cylinders at the same time, thus decreasing the erosion process time. A temperature-controlled cooling jacket is used to keep temperatures consistent during the manufacturing process.
AFM may be customized for specific results or when working with certain materials by using different grit sizes and types of resin and media, different viscosity and high or low flow rates and pressure. These factors are all determined by the material properties of the product being eroded, the desired finish and time constraints. Many abrasive flow machines are able to process many parts at once; they can also process multiple cavities and spaces of a single product.
