The shop I work at uses AFM process a lot. So far we have manufactured temporary threads for connecting workpieces to our AFM machine, but I am looking for something faster, such as a connector that would either mechanically or hydraulically expand inside a hole. Unfortunately I am having little luck finding such connectors! If anybody knows a manufacturer, I'd appreciate the info.
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Connector that expands in a hole
- Thread starter 316head
- Start date
- Replies 25
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Limy Sami
Diamond
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- Jan 7, 2007
- Location
- Norfolk, UK
Pardon my ignorance (and I dare say that of a few others 
), but what the 4x is AFM process?
), but what the 4x is AFM process?LKeithR
Stainless
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- Sep 1, 2011
- Location
- Langley, B.C.
Pardon my ignorance (and I dare say that of a few others
I feel the same way--and it isn't just this post. It's not uncommon on all of the forums that I visit to see someone asking
a question about a process or tool and using nothing but initials to describe it. A lot of the younger generation are lazy
and seem to use initials a lot--I think it has to do with the fact that it saves them time when texting. I guess "they" know
what the initials mean but for a lot of us older folk they might as well be talking in code.
A clear description and some pictures are always going to elicit better responses.
There, that feels better--got it off my chest...
eKretz
Diamond; Mod Squad
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- Mar 27, 2005
- Location
- Northwest Indiana, USA
My first guess would be Abrasive Flow Machining, like Extrude Hone or whatever it's called.
Edit: Doug beat me to the punch. SMHWTFLMAO
Regarding the problem at hand, there are lots of fasteners that will expand inside a hole. It's the collapsing that's going to give you grief.
Edit: Doug beat me to the punch. SMHWTFLMAO
Regarding the problem at hand, there are lots of fasteners that will expand inside a hole. It's the collapsing that's going to give you grief.
Bill D
Diamond
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- Apr 1, 2004
- Location
- Modesto, CA USA
How big a hole and what pressures. An expanding rubber cork with a cam lock lever comes to mind. Cherne makes expanding test plugs for pipes. the bigger sizes have a tube through to both sides.
Bil lD.
Bil lD.
Cole2534
Diamond
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- Sep 10, 2010
- Location
- Oklahoma City, OK
Push a rubber plug (or an o-ring, or a u-cup) onto a tapered hollow mandrel. Depending on media pressure, a secondary jig may be required to constrain the axial thrust.
lanb
Aluminum
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2006
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- Colo Spgs CO
Search for expanding pins. Carrlane is one manufacturer. They could be made in-house if desired. I am having difficulties posting links or I would add one.
Hodge
Stainless
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- Jul 30, 2008
- Location
- spartanburg sc
If I'm not mistaken, based on what's been described, y'all are most certainly looking for an expanding boat plug.....
jims
Hot Rolled
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2004
- Location
- Sonora , Calif
Sounds to me like an expanding collet would be the ticket. Look on you tube for Rovi collets. They go from about 5/16 dia to 6 inch dia.
Larry Dickman
Titanium
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- Jan 30, 2014
- Location
- Temecula, Ca
Extrude Hone AFM Porting of a 1993 Mustang Cobra Intake Manifold - YouTube
there's just something about this process that gives me the creeps.
there's just something about this process that gives me the creeps.
Bill D
Diamond
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- Apr 1, 2004
- Location
- Modesto, CA USA
TDegenhart
Diamond
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- Mar 26, 2011
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- Geneva Illinois USA
Perhaps you need to explain in more detail what you want to do. Is this coupling a customer's device to your system? How were the threads used? If these are used in the honing process, are they single use?
Tom
Tom
EPAIII
Diamond
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- Nov 23, 2003
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- Beaumont, TX, USA
What's AFM? What a bunch of dunces. First Google result for AFM = Atomic Force Microscopy.
Atomic force microscopy - Wikipedia
What could be simpler.
A connector that expands? Connector? Mechanical connector? Electrical connector? Hydraulic connector? Pneumatic connector? Vacuun connector? Or WHAT?????????
Would a pop rivet work? It expands inside a hole. Fairly cheap too. They have holes so a fluid or gas could flow through them. And they are conductive metal so they could conduct electric currents. Sounds universal to me. One connector fits all.
To use a phrase
From my military days,
WTF, Over!
Atomic force microscopy - Wikipedia
What could be simpler.
A connector that expands? Connector? Mechanical connector? Electrical connector? Hydraulic connector? Pneumatic connector? Vacuun connector? Or WHAT?????????
Would a pop rivet work? It expands inside a hole. Fairly cheap too. They have holes so a fluid or gas could flow through them. And they are conductive metal so they could conduct electric currents. Sounds universal to me. One connector fits all.
To use a phrase
From my military days,
WTF, Over!
