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Why is graphite used for electrodes?

electrode made out of graphite
Electrodes can be made from any conductive material. Depending on the nature of the application, electrodes are typically from graphite. Noble metals like gold, silver or platinum can be used but are very expensive. Copper, titanium and brass are other options, but they are also costly.

Graphite is used as an electrode material because it is a good conductor of electricity, is chemically stable, and can withstand high temperatures. It also has a low reactivity and thermal expansion coefficient, making it suitable for electrode use in electrochemical cells.

Graphite is a Good Conductor of Electricity

Graphite’s unique structure, with layers of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal, allows the electrons to move freely, making it a good conductor of electricity and useful as an electrode material.

In graphite, the carbon atoms are arranged in layers, retaining their structure through covalent bonds. A significant feature of graphite’s structure is the number of delocalized electrons present. Graphite requires only three of its outer energy electrons to bond, leaving the fourth free to act in a delocalized manner. Delocalized electrons are not readily associated with a particular atom and move freely. These electrons enable graphite to exhibit a high level of conductivity, explaining why the material is frequently used for electrodes.

Graphite Electrode Materials

Check out MWI’s graphite product guide that contains information for our Electro-Carb “EC” family of graphite electrode materials. Graphite grades include EC-4, EC-12, EC-14, EC-15, EC-15C. EC-16, EC-17, HK-6, and HK-6C.

DOWNLOAD OUR GRAPHITE PRODUCT GUIDE
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What to Look for in a Graphite Machining Company

reliable graphite machining company

When looking for a graphite machining company, there are several factors to consider:

1. Experience

Look for an industry leader with a track record of successfully machining graphite for various applications. It’s important to work with a reputable and experienced graphite machining company that has the expertise and resources to deliver high-quality results.

2. Capabilities

Ensure the company has the necessary equipment and expertise to meet your specific machining needs. If the graphite machining company offers custom solutions, keep them at the top of your list because they’ll be able to work with you to design and produce customized products. Check out MWI’s capabilities page!

3. Quality

Look for a company committed to producing high-quality parts with a quality control process. In addition, graphite is fragile by nature, so to ensure these valuable products are securely positioned and protected, look for a company that designs customized packaging tailored to your requirements. Check out MWI’s quality page!

4. Lead time

Lead time is essential in many industries, like graphite machining. It’s a measurement you can use to calculate how quickly and efficiently a company can produce or obtain goods. Consider the company’s ability to meet your deadlines and turnaround times.

5. Customer service

Don’t overlook the importance of customer service. It directly impacts your company’s profitability as your customer service team is the front-line response to your customer’s needs. In addition, it’s crucial for long-term customer retention. When looking for a graphite machining company, look for one that is responsive and willing to work with you to meet your needs.

6. Cost

Before choosing a graphite company, you should first understand the pricing of the products or services. To avoid overpricing, you must conduct a market survey of how other companies charge for similar products or services. Consider the company’s pricing and whether it is competitive within the market.

7. Certifications

Certifications like ISO and ITAR indicate that a manufacturer must prove through paperwork, interviews, and inspections that they are adhering to best practices within the manufacturing industry. Look for a company that has updated the necessary certifications.

Conclusion

By considering these factors, you can find a graphite machining company that is reliable, capable, and able to meet your needs.

Graphite machining can be a tricky business, so keeping certain issues top of mind is vital to productivity and profitability. Check out Modern Machine Shop’s “Five Reminders for Machining Graphite” here.

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Tellurium Copper (Telco) and Manufacturing

Tellurium copper (Telco) performs the same as pure copper as an electrode material. It has a huge advantage because of its high machinability rating: 90% (free cutting brass = 100%). Pure copper has a rating of 20%. Its high machinability rating and fast speeds make it ideal for highly detailed, difficult to flush electrodes.

Telco is a machinable copper alloy manufactured for use as an EDM electrode material. An increase in machining of 90% is achievable versus pure copper. Not only will the machining of a Telco electrode be faster, but also you will be able to machine to sharper detail. A Telco electrode’s EDM performance is identical to pure copper.

Why Tellurium and Copper Work So Well

SpecificationsFree CuttingBrass Hard Drawn CopperTELCO
Relative Machinability Rating100%20%90%
Electric Conductivity26%100%90%
Density0.3070.3230.323
>Approx. Wear Ratios Steel1:12:12:1

Benefits of Telco Electrodes

  • Telco wire EDM’s to finer detail and at faster rates than other EDM electrode materials (graphite, copper-tungsten and carbide).
  • Conventional machining of TELCO electrodes will not produce the dust associated with the machining of graphite.
  • Telco has a high resistance to DC arcing caused by EDMing under poor flush conditions.
  • Telco will produce fine surface finishes.

Element Insights: Copper and Tellurium in Telco

Standard Tolerances

  • Plate (+/- .005) Thickness and Width (Minimal) Length
  • Round (+/- .005) Outside Diameter (Minimal) Length

Summary

When you combine tellurium and copper in precise proportions, the result is a tellurium copper (Telco) alloy that delivers both machining speed and EDM prowess. If you’re machining intricate electrodes and need copper-level performance, Telco—an alloy of copper and tellurium—is unmatched.

Telco is available in both plate and round stock. MWI, Inc. stocks all popular sizes to fit your Telco electrode material needs.

GET A QUOTE ON TELCO
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What are the Benefits of Custom Crating?

benefits of custom crating

Crating is a specific type of packaging solution that has many benefits. Shipping crates are heavy-duty wooden boxes that offer much more protection than other packaging solutions. A custom crate is designed to ensure that it’s adequately built to handle the weight of the item being transported.

The process of packaging and shipping takes time and money, and it is important to consider several key factors to ensure that your items are adequately protected, packaged securely and that they reach their destination safely.

Some of the many benefits custom crating offers include:

  • Cost-effective: While custom crating may seem expensive, it will pay for itself in several ways. Not only do they reduce transportation and storage costs, but they are also environmentally friendly and a renewable natural resource.
  • Reusable: Options for reusing a crate are infinite. New items can be stored or transported in it or even broken down, so the wood can be used for other projects. If you’re storing items, crates offer the advantage of saving space as they can be stackable.
  • Transportation: The majority of custom crating is designed to ship via Flatbed or dry van. MWI crates are ISPM certified for international shipping.
  • Safe and Secure: Wood crates make shipping your products safe and secure. They are very durable and protect the items inside. Options to include a lid or hinged top allow easy access to the products inside without requiring the crate to be lifted.

Depending on the size of your order, we can build custom crates specifically to ship your parts. Our crates are designed to ship via LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight carriers, to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. MWI handles your items with great care.