AFM

As part geometry has continued to become more complex, the need for has also increased in kind. Being one of the only existing technologies capable of improving surface finish for complex, internal, cavities and passages Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) has found its way into most markets. Including but not limited to: Automotive, Fluid Power & Control, Energy, Medical, and even Aerospace. The same holds true for the Additive Manufacturing (AM) market. As the AM market branches into more and more areas, saving manufacturers scrap, weight, at times even combining multiple parts together into a singular part, or making formerly impossible parts a reality the need for finishing has never been higher. Unfortunately, for manufacturers making the impossible, possible, often means traditional machining or finishing practices are no longer a viable option for these complex parts of the future. It’s in these parts, that AFM is able to really shine.

Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) utilizes an abrasive media applied at higher pressure to change the surface characteristics of a part. This media is comprised of what we call the “carrier” and the “abrasive.” The carrier is a chemically inactive, non-corrosive, material that when applied under pressure wants to behave more like a solid than a liquid. Once this pressure is applied, the abrasive material is then forced against the surface of your part to grind away unwanted material. The necessary pressure is applied via cylinders within our machines, essentially pumping the media back and forth through your part to achieve the desired results. The rate of material removal is then dependent on: Media Flow Rate, Media Viscosity, Abrasive Particle Size & Concentration, Abrasive Particle Density & Hardness, and ultimately the hardness of your part. This media can be selected from our catalog over 1,000 different options or custom designed if necessary, to match your part’s specific needs.