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| AFM Media - AFM Polishing Media / Die Polishing Paste - STREAMER© |
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Economical Finishing of Aluminum Extrusion Dies
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The “MicroStream®“ Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) process for “Automated Die Polishing” developed and marketed by 70806 Kornwestheim, (Germany) offers |
![Polished Aluminium Extrusion Dies [click to enlarge]](img/en_s43/img_2_1.jpg)
(Click to enlarge!)
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• unparalleled quality on bearings
• considerable cost reductions
• longer Die life
Abrasive Flow Machining is known as a process for over 35 years.
However in Aluminium Extrusion it has begun its triumphal procession about 5 years ago with the availability of MicroStream® technology.
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STREAMER© - AFM Media - AFM Polishing Media / Die Polishing Paste
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The STREAMER© - AFM Media - our high-tech grinding tool is a polymer based plastic mass, permeated by special grits, and acts -> like a liquid file.
Besides the variety of different basic viscosities, a full range of the known grinding medium particle sizes from 14- to 2000-grain and mixing quantities are available. High viscosity medium varieties act as a relatively elastic mass homogeneous in itself and during the machining allow the maximum material removal per through flow cycle. Lower viscosities are also available, so that thanks to their very good flow properties even the smallest slits and openings (down to 0.2 mm) can be machined. The most often used grinding media are silicon carbide, aluminium oxide or even boron carbide particles. In exceptional cases diamond particles cooperation with the University of Berlin we do research in the behaviour of the media under specific conditions.
Depending on the Die requirements and the result desired, a distinction is made between eroded surfaces in new Dies and Dies already in use. According to requirements the medium is then specially chosen and the machine parameters set appropriately. Normally, for new Dies a slightly coarser grain and more frequent cycling (a cycle is one back-and-forth movement) are used. Thus, as a rule a Die is delivered with surface roughness Rz about 8 to 18 μm. After about 10 to 12 minutes the machining of such a Die has been completed and its surface roughness values are then Ra = 0.2 μm and Rz = 1 μm. |
The STREAMER© - AFM Media - our high-tech grinding tool is a polymer based plastic mass, permeated by special grits, and acts -> like a liquid file.
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Besides its very short processing time and the guarantee that the section has identical roughness depth values all over, the MICRO STREAM® AFM (Abrasive Flow Machining) system removes every trace of the grey/melted laver and gives a machined surface roughness depth of 1 μm or less. Used Dies are machined or refurbished in much the same way, but the initial roughness depth is in this case Rz = 2 to 3 μm. After processing for around 1 to 3 minutes such a Die has roughness depth values Ra = 0.1 μm and Rz distinctly smaller than 1 μm.
These values apply regardless of the size and shape of the section. It is also immaterial how the previous heat treatment takes place.
Manuel touch up of the Dies is
- Cost expensive and
- Time intensive.
Depending on Die dimensions and the size of the machine used, Dies with simple or multiple sections can be machined. In choosing the machine, it must be ensured that there is enough room between the machine columns to accommodate the Die, and that for the processing of Dies for hollow sections; a sufficient aperture width is available.
If you have questions about AFM Media - STREAMER© (also for other branches/ industries - for polishing or/ and deburring) please use our  Web Request or call us by phone. |
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