Graphite is a natural carbon substance with unique physical and chemical properties and is widely used in industry and technology. According to the crystallization degree, morphology and use of graphite, it can be divided into the following categories:
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1. Classification according to degree of crystallization
Crystalline graphite: It has a highly ordered crystal structure, and its physical and chemical properties are closely related to the crystal structure. Crystallized graphite can be divided into:
Flake graphite: It is composed of flaky crystals. It has good cleavage properties and is easy to be processed into various shapes.
Block graphite: It is made up of small crystals tightly bound together. It has a hard texture, high strength and good corrosion resistance.
Fiber graphite: It is made of intertwined slender fibrous crystals. It has good thermal and electrical conductivity and can be used to make high-temperature materials and electrodes.
Amorphous graphite: The crystal structure is disordered, microcrystalline or amorphous, and its physical and chemical properties are unstable. Amorphous graphite can be divided into:
Amorphous graphite: Appearance is black powder, soft texture, strong adsorption capacity, can be used to make lubricants, fillers, etc.
Calcined graphite: Calcined from amorphous graphite or crystalline graphite at high temperatures, it has high electrical and thermal conductivity and can be used to manufacture batteries, electrodes, etc.
2. Classification by form
Natural graphite: Graphite produced in nature mainly includes flake graphite, block graphite and fiber graphite.
Artificial graphite: Graphite made from carbonaceous materials such as petroleum coke and coal coke through high-temperature treatment. It has high purity and density and can be used to manufacture high-performance graphite products.
3. Classification by use
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Refractory materials: Graphite has good high temperature resistance and can be used to make refractory bricks, crucibles, furnaces and other refractory materials.
Conductive materials: Graphite has good conductivity and can be used to make conductive materials such as electrodes, brushes, and batteries.
Lubricating materials: Graphite has good lubricity and can be used to make lubricating materials such as lubricating oil and grease.
Other uses: Graphite can also be used to make sealing materials, anti-corrosion materials, adsorbents, catalysts, etc.
The classification method of graphite is not unique, and the above classification method is for reference only. In practical applications, the specific classification method of graphite should be based on its specific use and performance requirements.
Machining graphite can prove tricky, particularly when components with intricate geometries require outstanding accuracy. Here are four points to keep in mind when machining any graphite grades:
Graphite grades are difficult to distinguish visually, especially to the untrained eye. That being said, all graphite grades feature unique physical characteristics and properties that our graphite experts at Semco can easily recognize. Graphite grades are grouped by average particle size. The general rule is that 0.030’’ particle size materials are extruded materials, while materials in the 0.002’’ down to microns particle size are isomolded graphite grades. This is a very general classification, with exceptions at both ends of the spectrum. How grades rank within classifications is an indicator of potential applications and performance. Rougher work is better suited for the 0.030’’ particle size materials, while intricate, fine machining is better suited for the small particle size materials (again, with exceptions). The graphite experts at Semco can always help you determine the best graphite grades for all your applications.
Compressive strength, flexural strength and shore hardness are three key determinants of performance during graphite machining. Compressive and flexural strength are measures of how the material performs under loads, while hardness is a measure of the internal strength of the material, as well its machinability. Harder graphite grades machine better and finer. It is important to note that, usually, the harder the material, the lower the impact strength and thermal shock. These considerations should also be taken into account when choosing a graphite grade for your specific application. In addition, hard, dense materials can be very abrasive to cutters, causing wear that increases the cost of the job.
As readers of this blog well know, there are dedicated machines for graphite machining. While these machines will greatly speed along production, they are not the only machines manufacturers can use. A machine with a fast spindle and a control with a high processing speed can be used for graphite manufacturing. Ideally, the fast control should also have look-ahead functionality, and the user should utilize toolpath optimization software.
Synthetic graphite is an inert material, and so not as hazardous to humans as some other materials. Nevertheless, improper ventilation of a workspace where graphite machining is occuring can still cause problems. Synthetic graphite is electrically conductive, posing issues around equipment that can short out upon contact with foreign conductive materials. For this reason, air positive pressure on all controls is a great investment. Graphite dust can also cause stinging, watering, and redness of the eyes if not properly ventilated. Contact with the dust of all graphite grades can be abrasive and mildly annoying.
Not only can dust from graphite machining cause electrical problems and physical irritation for machinists, but accumulated dust in the workplace can be flammable under certain circumstances. Controlling any one hazardous element (fuel, oxygen, ignition, dispersion, or confinement) drastically lowers the possibility of a fire. Removing dust at the source through ventilation is best practice for controlling risk. Dust removal at the source is usually accomplished with the installation of high-velocity air systems with dust collection, including HEPA filters. While dust removal is a great practice, graphite machining shops should consider all factors for maximum safety.
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