PRECISION ABRASIVE
FLOW MACHINING FOR
COMPLEX COMPONENTS
VERSATILE, EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, AND FLAWLESS
WHAT IS AFM?
Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a precision finishing process ideal for achieving uniform, high-quality finishes on surfaces with complex geometries that are otherwise difficult to access.
This is deburring and polishing method removes burrs, surface irregularities, and improves surface finish, enhancing both the performance and aesthetics of parts.
The pressure, media composition, and flow rate can be tailored to meet specific finishing requirements.
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Deburring
Internal Radiusing
Surface Stress Relief
Polishing
Geometry Optimization
AFM is especially useful for parts with internal channels, cavities, or intricate features that need consistent finishing.
Commonly used on metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. -
Process efficiency
Versatility
Precision-quality
Repeatability
Enhanced component
Performance
Customizability
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The process involves the controlled flow of a highly viscous abrasive media through or across the part's surfaces. The media, usually a semi-liquid polymer filled with abrasive particles, is forced under pressure through internal passages, holes, or over intricate surface geometries, effectively polishing, deburring, or smoothing the surface.
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fluid viscosity
media flow rate
particle density and hardness
substrate hardness
abrasive particle size
abrasive concentration
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Aerospace
Food processing
Automotive
Hydraulics
Medical
Electronics
Firearms
SURFACE ROUGHNESS CONVERSION CHART
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Rt
0.3
0.5
0.8
1.2
2.0
4.0
8.0
13
25
50
100
200
CLA (N)
1
2
4
8
16
32
53
125
250
500
1000
2000
RMS
1.1
2.2
4.4
8.8
17.6
32.5
64.3
137.5
275
550
1100
2200
Ra (microinches)
1
2
4
8
1.6
32
63
125
250
500
1000
2000
Cut-off Length (in)
0.003
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.03
0.03
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.3
Ra (micrometers)
0.025
0.05
.1
.2
0.4
0.8
1.6
3.2
6.3
12.5
25.0
50.0
Cut-off Length (mm)
0.08
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.8
0.8
2.5
2.5
2.5
8.0
8.0
Ra = Roughness Average in micrometers or microinches.
RMS = Root Mean Square in microinches.
CLA = Center Line Average in microinches.
Rt = Roughness Total in microns
N = New ISO (grade) scale numbers.
Cut-off Length = Length required for sample.
WE MEETS TIGHT TOLERANCES
Superior Precision Finishing
By using a variety of media and precise flow rates, we customize our AFM process to meet your exact technical specifications, ensuring superior results for even the most challenging components. Whether your project is large or small, we guarantee unmatched quality and consistency across industries when precision matters most.
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Thermal Deburring
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Vibratory Tumble Deburring + Polishing
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Precision Hand Deburring
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Dry Ice Blasting
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Cryogenic Deburring + Deflashing
FAQs
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Abrasive flow machining (AFM) may also be called abrasive flow deburring, abrasive flow grinding, and extrusion honing.
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Our Engineering and Quality team is determined to help achieve your surface finishing solutions.
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Yes, Higher viscosity media is used for uniformly abrading the walls of large passages. Lower viscosity media is generally appropriate for radiusing edges and for processing small areas.