Abrasive Flow Machining Process
Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a purely mechanical process. A chemically inactive and non-corrosive media, similar to a soft clay, is used to improve surface finish and edge conditions.The abrasive particles in the media grind away, rather than shear off, the material. The same type of media can be used on different metals. In many cases, the same batch of media can be used on different metals without transferring removed material between workpieces.
AFM is used for surface or edge conditioning of internal, external, and otherwise inaccessible holes, slots, and edges. It is highly efficient and accurate, and can be used in one-way or two-way applications.
The most abrasive action occurs during AFM if a hole changes size or direction.