Air eroding has been a very important process in the manufacturing of mechanical parts since its introduction in 1913. Air eroding is a process that utilizes erosive particles like plastic media, sand and steel balls to rapidly morph or shape parts mechanically. The process consists of a stream of erosive particles that are blown on a surface at high velocity in order to provide a more gradual and precise machining process that has a low environmental cost.
Air eroding is used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes including the fabrication of parts in the automotive and aerospace industries, general machining, deburring, and surface texturing. This process is becoming more popular as it requires minimal machine up-time and can retain good surface finish and angular hold of the material.
Air Erosion technology has two main components: the air eroder and the nozzle. The air eroder machine is a self contained unit capable of providing the air pressure and air volume required to promote the eroding action. The nozzle is a hollow, tapered, cone shaped instrument that focuses and directs the air erosive particles onto the part. The size of the nozzle affects the diameter of the stream of erosive particles.
Nozzle technology has advanced over the years and there are now nozzles available with adjustable profiles and flow rates, allowing for a variety of different erosive effects. The size of the particle and the shape of the nozzle can be adjusted to custom tailor the eroding action of air pressure and air volume. Adjustment of the nozzle size and velocity can allow for a wide range of desired effects including deburring, polishing, and light calibration of precise form.
Air eroding is a relatively inexpensive method of machining and can produce precise metal parts with high accuracy, repeatability, and consistency. Parts produced with air erosion have a smooth and even finish with no grinding or heat affected zones. This machining method is also extremely precise, often allowing for detailed engraving, forming, or peening of metal parts with a high level of accuracy.
The benefits of air eroding are useful in the construction of internal or external parts on machines. Air-eroding allows for a precise cutting process which is particularly useful in the construction of internal or intricate components. In additional, air eroding can be done quickly with good control and superior surface finish.
Air eroding produces a uniform and precise finish in every instance and it is a highly specialized practice. A trained professional with knowledge and experience of air eroding technology is best suited to perform this type of machining process.
As with any machining process, air eroding requires proper use and maintenance of the machines and tools used in order to maximize the life and accuracy of the parts produced. Proper maintenance of the nozzles is important because they are the main source of the erosive particles used to cut the parts. The nozzle should be kept clean, calibrated properly and inspected regularly to ensure that it is set properly and arranged correctly.
In conclusion, air eroding is a highly specialized machining process that has been around for decades. It offers metal fabricators and machinists the ability to produce superior quality parts quickly, accurately and consistently. Air eroding is increasingly popular as it is an inexpensive and low-cost process that can provide high accuracy and is ideal for parts with intricate profiles or sealed surfaces.
