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Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a non-traditional machining process used for precision finishing, deburring, and edge radiusing of complex internal and external geometries that are difficult to access with conventional methods. Unlike traditional cutting or grinding, AFM uses a viscous abrasive-laden media to remove material through controlled flow, making it ideal for intricate components in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.  
How AFM Works:  
1. Abrasive Media – A semi-solid polymer-based paste mixed with abrasive particles (e.g., silicon carbide, diamond, or boron carbide) is extruded through the workpiece.  
2. Flow Mechanism – Hydraulic systems push the media back and forth or in a unidirectional flow, allowing abrasives to polish and remove micro-level material.  
3. Material Removal – The abrasive particles erode peaks and burrs through micro-cutting and shearing action, improving surface finish (as fine as 0.05 µm Ra).  
Key Features of AFM as an Unconventional Process:  
No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) – Unlike EDM or laser machining, AFM is a cold process, preventing thermal distortion.Adaptability – Can finish complex shapes, including cross-holes, turbine blades, and fuel injector nozzles.Automation-Friendly – Suitable for batch production with consistent results.Applications:Aerospace: Polishing turbine blades and fuel system components.Medical: Smoothing surgical implants and prosthetics.Automotive: Deburring engine parts and transmission components.AFM is a unique unconventional process that excels where traditional methods fail, delivering high precision without mechanical or thermal damage.Abrasive Flow Machine Uses Diamond Fine Powder, Silicon Carbide Powder or other Abrasives Mixed Into Polymer Elastic as a soft medium.
The abrasives flow up and down through the inner holesor over the machined surface to achieve surface polishing. Especially suitable for all kinds of mould and irregular shape tiny cavities.Abrasive flow is not only a device, but also a system engineering!It includes equipment, abrasives, tooling fixtures, and important detail design and experience, which are not only reflected in the final effect and efficiency, but also reflected in the long-term stable use, and can help customers save a lot of trial and error costs!