More and more companies are choosing Deburring and Finishing Technologies for professional abrasive flow machining (AFM) services in West Pennsylvania/East Ohio. We’ve been providing AFM services and abrasive flow media to local companies since 2009. They know we have the experience and capabilities to tackle even the most challenging of AFM jobs.
The Benefits of AFM
AFM is a finishing method that uses an abrasive media to smooth and deburr a workpiece. This abrasive flow media consists of a specially formulated mixture that combines an abrasive material with a viscous carrier medium. During the AFM process, hydraulic pumps extrude the abrasive media along the inner and outer surfaces of the workpiece, polishing and removing surface imperfections to achieve the desired finish.
The AFM process provides many benefits. The process can be precisely adjusted to achieve uniform surface finishing. It produces consistent and repeatable results, ensuring that all parts are finished to the same quality standards.
AFM can be used to finish parts manufactured from a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. It is especially effective for finishing parts with complex geometries, especially those with intricate inner surface features that may be impossible to reach using other methods. AFM can improve the function, durability, and appearance of a part.
How is AFM More Sustainable Than Other Finishing Methods?
Another advantage you may not be aware of is the sustainability of the AFM process. By prioritizing sustainable practices and choosing appropriate finishing techniques, manufacturers can minimize their environmental footprint while achieving high-quality finished products.
Here are a few of the ways AFM can be more eco-friendly compared to other finishing methods:
- AFM typically generates minimal waste compared to traditional finishing methods like grinding or chemical deburring. The smoothing process dissolves burrs and other surface imperfections without generating solid or chemical waste. In many cases, the abrasive media can be reused.
- AFM tends to be energy-efficient compared to processes like grinding, which may require significant power consumption. The energy consumption in AFM primarily stems from the hydraulic system used to drive the abrasive media through the workpiece.
- AFM typically relies on abrasive media that don’t use harsh chemicals.
- Other finishing methods may have a more significant environmental impact due to factors such as chemical pollution, energy consumption, and waste disposal. AFM is a closed-loop system that generates minimal waste contributing to a smaller ecological footprint.
Today’s successful manufacturing companies are committed to reducing waste disposal costs, energy efficiency, and improved process efficiency. The AFM process allows them to do all three.
Deburring & Finishing Technologies: The Abrasive Flow Machining Experts
Contact Deburring & Finishing Technologies to learn more about our AFM services and receive a free quote. In addition to AFM services, we provide several types of abrasive flow media that can be custom-mixed abrasive flow media to meet your requirements. Deburring & Finishing Technologies is also the place to find great deals on abrasive flow machinery.
You can reach Deburring & Finishing Technologies by calling us at (412) 849-1522 or contacting us online. Our team of engineers and technicians is here to provide expert solutions to your AFM finishing needs.