Premium Graphite Electrodes Maximize EDM Efficiency and Reduce Costs

In Booth 1037, Poco Graphite, Inc. (Decatur, TX) will showcase their premium graphite product line that includes more than 100 grades of graphites used in EDM, semiconductor, and other industrial applications. Several machined electrodes of various material classifications will be displayed to show the type of machining detail that can be achieved with these EDM materials. These featured electrodes are provided by end users in the industry and represent actual applications from the aerospace, medical, consumer and automotive industries. Using their EDM graphites will increase the potential for optimum performance, maximizing the cost of ownership in a shop’s EDM operations. Highly recognized as the standard for EDM graphite electrodes, the company produces materials with consistent properties and performance for maximum EDM efficiency and overall cost reduction. However, enhanced EDM performance is not all that is being offered: these materials also allow for increased electrode detail and improved machining productivity.

Any machinist who has ever machined graphite is aware that it cuts very easily. Simply being easy to machine does not necessarily make a material the best choice for a defined electrode detail; it must also be strong enough to resist damage from handling in addition to the EDM process. Sufficient strength and small particle size are important for achievable minimal radii and close tolerances. Material hardness is also a factor in graphite machining, as the harder electrode materials will be more prone to chipping during the machining process.

It goes without saying that today’s market wants products to be significantly smaller than their predecessors. To manufacture these products, a more elaborate electrode detail is required to produce the mold. This demands an electrode material that will enable an efficient and economical machining process while producing an increasingly intricate, delicate electrode detail without chipping or breakage. Having a consistent uniform structure in the graphite material allows this achievement with higher levels of success.

Material classifications of graphite are based on the particle size and largely impacts the microstructure of the electrode material. It is commonly stated that the achievable detail on a machined electrode can only be as fine as the microstructure will allow. While one may think that the difference between one classification and another may seem trivial, it actually has a significant effect on the ability to machine the desired electrode feature and the machining parameters essential for success. On hand at the show will be a team of EDM applications specialists that are dedicated to provide technical assistance, applications support, answer any EDM questions about EDM and machining processes, and explain how material properties impact not only the EDM application but also the ability to efficiently manufacture the electrode. Visitors should also ask about the no-cost technical training offered by Poco Graphite.

www.poco.com.