ABSTRACT
Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is a finishing process that removes small quantities of material by flowing a semisolid, abrasive-laden putty through or across a workpiece. AFM is particularly useful when applied to workpieces containing passageways that are considered to be inaccessible with conventional deburring and polishing tools. A typical AFM machine is constructed with two opposing medium chambers that are hydraulically or manually clamped together with the workpiece between them. The function of AFM tooling is to hold the part or parts in position and to contain and direct the medium flow. Four types of abrasives are commonly used in AFM. They are aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, boron carbide, and diamond. The parameters that have the greatest effect on the results achieved with AFM are the number of cycles, pressure, grit composition and type, and the configuration of the fixture.
