What are the advantages of graphite materials compared to copper mold electrodes?

1、 More than 90% of electrode materials in Europe choose graphite as the electrode material. Copper, a once dominant electrode material, has almost disappeared from its advantages compared to graphite electrodes.

2、 The reason why graphite is used as an electrode:

1. Faster processing speed: Generally, the mechanical processing speed of graphite can be 2-5 times faster than that of copper; And the discharge machining speed is 2-3 times faster than copper;
2. The material is less prone to deformation: it has obvious advantages in the processing of thin rib electrodes; The softening point of copper is around 1000 degrees, which is prone to deformation due to heating; The sublimation temperature of graphite is 3650 degrees; The coefficient of thermal expansion is only 1/30 of that of copper.
3. Lighter weight: The density of graphite is only 1/5 of copper, and when using large electrodes for discharge machining, it can effectively reduce the burden on machine tools (EDM); More suitable for application on large molds.
4. Less discharge consumption; Due to the presence of C atoms in spark oil, during discharge machining, high temperatures cause the C atoms in spark oil to decompose and form a protective film on the surface of the graphite electrode, compensating for the loss of the graphite electrode.

The characteristics and application scope of graphite materials

Carbon materials are inorganic non-metallic materials mainly composed of carbon elements, among which carbon materials are mainly composed of non graphite carbon materials, while graphite materials are mainly composed of graphite carbon materials. Graphite is further divided into two categories: natural graphite and artificial graphite.

Graphite materials are mainly composed of polycrystalline graphite. Graphite is a layered crystal with hexagonal planar grids between carbon atoms. Although graphite belongs to inorganic non-metallic materials, it is called a semi metal due to its good thermoelectric conductivity. Graphite has higher thermoelectric conductivity than some metals, and also has a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion than metals. It has high chemical stability, which makes it of great value in engineering applications. Graphite is chemically inert in non oxidizing media and has good corrosion resistance. Except for strong acid and strong oxidizing media, graphite is not corroded by other acids, alkalis, or salts, and does not react with any organic compounds.

Graphite material is another type of high-temperature resistant material. Graphite does not melt at high temperatures and its gasification temperature is very high. However, it begins to sublimate into gas at atmospheric pressure of 3350 18. The strength of general materials gradually decreases at high temperatures, while graphite increases with temperature below 2500 ° C. At temperatures above 2000 ° C, its strength doubles compared to room temperature. Graphite materials also have excellent thermal shock resistance, so graphite materials have their unique advantages as high-temperature materials.

Due to its advantages such as high temperature strength, conductive heat transfer, thermal shock resistance, corrosion resistance, and good lubrication, graphite materials have become indispensable structural materials, high-temperature materials, conductive materials, wear-resistant materials, and functional materials in the development of the national economy. Currently, graphite materials have been widely used in sectors such as metallurgy, chemical industry, electronics, electrical appliances, machinery, nuclear energy, and aerospace industry, and can be used as electrodes, electrolytic anodes, molds, and high-temperature bearings; Surface coatings used as neutron deceleration materials and nuclear fuel in nuclear reactors; In the aerospace field, graphite materials can be used for components such as artificial satellite antennas, spacecraft casings, and rocket generator nozzle throat liners.