Abrasive flow machining

Imagine you have a bunch of tiny rocks and a container with a small opening. If you push the rocks through the opening with water, they will create a flow that will rub against any surface in their way.

Abrasive flow machining works in a similar way. The tiny rocks are replaced with abrasive particles (like sand), and water or a special gel is used to push them through a small opening. The abrasive particles rub against the surface of the object being machined, smoothing it out and removing any imperfections or rough spots.

This process is often used in manufacturing to create smooth surfaces on things like engine parts, molds, and dies. It can be more precise than other methods of surface finishing, and can even be used on complex shapes that would be difficult to machine with other techniques.