AFM, often referred to as abrasive flow deburring or extrusion honing, is a method of internal surface finishing that involves passing an abrasive fluid through a work piece. Abrasive flow machining forces a semi-liquid, abrasive material through or over a workpiece to polish surfaces and edges. Only in areas where the media flow is restricted does abrasion occur; other regions are unaffected. It can simultaneously process many chosen sections on a work piece, including unreachable locations. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Mercer Gasket & Shim
Bellmawr, NJ | 800-210-5000For over 100 years, Mercer Gasket & Shim has been a leader in the waterjet cutting industry. Our highly equipped professionals work alongside our customers to ensure that we are meeting their needs. Mercers Gasket & Shim has perfected our techniques over the years in order to serve the needs of diverse markets.
Abrasive Waterjet of Indiana
Noblesville, IN | 317-773-1631Abrasive Waterjet of Indiana can work with you on your various prototype projects and production models. With our OMAX abrasive waterjet technology, we can provide complex cutting of virtually any material. This state-of-the-art technology offers flexibility and fast turnaround from prototype to production.
B.G. Peck Company, Inc.
Lawrence, MA | 978-686-4181Since 1947, B.G. Peck has specialized in custom parts, metal stamping, water jet cutting and tool making for an array of different industries. Our waterjet cutting services allow us to cut cost and reduce processing time whether your needs are simple or complicated, one item or one million. From prototype to full production, B.G. Peck ensures you get the part you need when you need it every time.
FEA, Inc.
Sanford, FL | 407-330-3535FEA Waterjet is a custom machining shop specializing in waterjet cutting, CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication. We are also capable of laser cutting. We have serviced many industries including the U.S. government, architecture facilities, and manufacturing plants. Give us a call today!
Hydroknife
Tampa, FL | 813-886-5761Hydroknife has over 16 Years Experience in water jet machining, from prototyping to large production runs to one of a kind works of art. You can be assured that Hydroknife can handle your water jet Requirements.
Pegasus Northwest, Inc.
Kent, WA | 253-854-5451Pegasus Northwest is a Boeing-certified waterjet cutting service company, offering reverse engineering, prototypes, full production, and assembly. As the premier water jet cutter, we provide precise drilling and cutting of a wide range of soft and hard materials. Your unique needs are our top priority.
Abrasive Flow Machining Companies List
One fixture can process several or even dozens of pieces, resulting in production speeds of up to hundreds of parts per hour. Changing the process parameters produces different outcomes. Even in production settings, tooling can be created so that it can be modified in a matter of minutes. The surface finishes produced by the AFM method often improve by 90%, and stock removal may be controlled to within 10% of the stock removed.
How Abrasive Flow Machining Works
The abrasive-filled fluid runs through the item during the extrusion honing procedure to erode it. The elevated features on the surface are removed as it comes into contact with the abrasive fluid, similar to how sandpaper removes wood splinters. Hydraulics push the fluid through during the process. No areas are overlooked since the putty-like material may mold itself to the exact shape of the item chamber. Abrasive Flow Machining can be used as a two- or one-way flow technique.
A semisolid abrasive media is extruded back and forth through passageways created by the work piece. The process is abrasive only in the extrusion area, where the flow is constrained. The abrasive media gently and uniformly hones the surface or edges, simulating a grinding or lapping procedure. This technique helps shape materials ranging from soft aluminum to strong nickel alloys, ceramics, and carbides.
Applications of Abrasive Flow Machining
- AFM is used in the automotive Industry to enhance uniformity and surface quality of finished products. The automotive industry often uses radiusing -a method of creating a consistent radius for rounded edges. AFM also helps polish engine parts to increase efficiency and reduces emissions.
- The aerospace industry uses AFM to improve the texture of products. This increases cycle fatigue strength.
- The die and mold industry uses AFM to lower production costs while maintaining uniform and quality products.
- The AFM process is also used in the medical industry through deburring. Deburring removes extra material from components that have been cut, drilled, or burred. This is crucial for objects like needles and cannulas that are injected into people.
Benefits of Abrasive Flow Machining
- Versatility: Any metal, including titanium, super alloys, and materials that have been hardened or are otherwise challenging to mill, can be processed using AFM.
- Precision: Targeted and challenging spots, such as cross-drilled and intersecting holes, can be emptied of component material by AFM.
- Efficiency: A single pass can finish the roughing and finishing of the workpiece.
- Customizability: The abrasive media can be developed to meet the demands of a given application.
- Consistency: Technique control offered by the AFM process ensures excellent reproducibility and constant quality.
Drawbacks of abrasive flow machining
- The process is very expensive and is also not usable on soft or ductile products
- Processing of blind holes is very complex
Choosing the Proper Abrasive Flow Machining Company
To make sure you have the most beneficial outcome when selecting an abrasive flow machining company, it is important to compare at least 5 companies using our abrasive flow machining directory. Each abrasive flow machining company has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the company for more information or request a quote. Review each abrasive flow machining company website using our patented website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple abrasive flow machining companies with the same message.
