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Abrasive Flow Machining

On projects large or small, we use abrasive flow machining (AFM) for deburring and polishing any size parts with intricate or complex internal shapes.

 

Versatile, Efficient, Effective and Flawless

We use various media and precise flow rates to produce the results that meet your technical specifications. The process handles various parts requiring simultaneous machining, deburring, and polishing.

deburring media

Applications of Abrasive Flow Machining

  • Deburring
  • Internal radiusing
  • Surface stress relief
  • Polishing
  • Geometry optimization

 

Other Services

FAQs

Abrasive flow machining (AFM) may also be called abrasive flow deburring, abrasive flow grinding, and extrusion honing.

Abrasive flow machining is especially suited for deburring and polishing complicated and intricate metal parts with areas inaccessible with other deburring methods.

Several factors impact the results of abrasive flow machining, including:

  • fluid viscosity
  • media flow rate
  • particle density and hardness
  • substrate hardness
  • abrasive particle size
  • abrasive concentration

AFM services offer the following benefits:

  • Process efficiency
  • Versatility
  • Precision-quality
  • Repeatability
  • Enhanced component
  • performance
  • Customizability

Abrasive flow machining provides benefits to industries including:

  • Aerospace
  • Food processing
  • Automotive
  • Hydraulics
  • Medical
  • Electronics
  • Firearms

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.

Surface Roughness Conversion Chart

Ra (micrometers) Ra (microinches) RMS CLA (N) Rt N Cut-off Length (in) Cut-off Length (mm)
0.025 1 1.1 1 .3 1 0.003 0.08
0.05 2 2.2 2 0.5 2 0.01 0.25
.1 4 4.4 4 0.8 3 0.01 0.25
.2 8 8.8 8 1.2 4 0.01 0.25
0.4 1.6 17.6 16 2.0 5 0.01 0.25
0.8 32 32.5 32 4.0 6 0.03 0.8
1.6 63 64.3 53 8.0 7 0.03 0.8
3.2 125 137.5 125 13 8 0.1 2.5
6.3 250 275 250 25 9 0.1 2.5
12.5 500 550 500 50 10 0.1 2.5
25.0 1000 1100 1000 100 11 0.3 8.0
50.0 2000 2200 2000 200 12 0.3 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 Keep Industries Moving

Our abrasive flow machining process ensures quality finishing for metal and steel parts that are becoming more complex in every industry.

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Medical

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We finish your materials within tight tolerances to meet exacting quality and regulatory demands.

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Military

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Defense contractors rely on our anodizing, laser-marking, descaling, and other services to meet military specifications.

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Aerospace

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We offer a range of finishing services for aerospace components and maintain NADCAP certification

Manufacturing

Precision Manufacturing

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CNC manufacturers rely on our services to complete final finishing.

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Pharmaceutical

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We innovate processes in the science and art of finishing precision-engineered pharmaceutical components.

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Water Purification

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Our services for finishing water-system components include cryogenic deflashing, passivation, and laser marking.

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Automotive

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Our precision capabilities handle high-volume jobs for automotive OEMs.

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Computing

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We offer anodizing and laser marking of components and enclosures for computers and audio equipment.

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Electronics

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Our finishing services meet critical tolerances for metal and plastic parts made for consumer electronics.

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Food Service

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Our cleaning and finishing services meet strict regulatory requirements while enhancing performance and longevity.

Hydraulic machines

Hydraulics

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Our deburring, deflashing, and other services optimize the operating life of hydraulic equipment.

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Firearms

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Our suite of capabilities delivers precise results producing the highest quality finishes.

Industries We Support About Industries

Nadcap Administered by PRI Accredited
ISO 9001:2015
TUV logo
Thomas logo
ATFE logo
ITAR logo
NSSF - The Firearm Industry Trade Association
NADCA - North American Die Casting Association
MPMA - Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association

End-to-End

Finished Means Finished. Done

We eliminate the need for your parts to go elsewhere.

A conveyor belt carrying unfinished parts through a box with the Arrow Cryogenics logo, and when after the parts pass through, they are deburred and clean.