About Graphite
There are two types of graphite used in the industry: natural graphite and synthetic graphite. Natural graphite is a naturally occurring element and it is used mainly as a lubricant, carbon additive and pencil lead. Synthetic graphite is a petroleum based composite material used in a variety of applications requiring superior to natural graphite properties. Synthetic graphite is also called artificial graphite, and is classified by a method of manufacturing and/or by production stage. There are four methods of manufacturing synthetic graphite: extrusion, vibration molding, compression molding and isostatic molding. There are also four production stages: baking, graphitization, purification and impregnation. The combination of methods of manufacturing and production stages determines the future properties of graphite. Manufacturing graphite is a lengthy and expensive process. However, the result of this process is a material offering a combination of some very unique properties:
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- Good thermal shock resistance
- High mechanical strength
- Low coefficient of thermal expansion
- Low coefficient of friction
- Superb chemical resistance
Typical Grades of Graphite
| Method of Manufacturing |
Grade | Density | Particle size | Hardness | S T R E N G T H | Resistivity | CTE | Temp. | Porosity | Ash | ||
| Compressive | Flexural | Tensile | ||||||||||
| gr/cm3 | inch | scleroscope | psi | psi | psi | ohm/in | in/in/F | F | % | % | ||
| EXTRUDED | GR030 | 1.72 | 0.03 | 65 | 6,100 | 2,800 | 1,700 | 0.0003 | 2.5 | 750 | 22 | 0.1 |
| GR030PI | 1.74 | 0.03 | 65 | 6,500 | 2,950 | 1,800 | 0.0003 | 2.5 | 750 | 18 | 0.1 | |
| GR060 | 1.66 | 0.06 | 55 | 5,400 | 2,200 | 1,200 | 0.0003 | 2.5 | 750 | 23 | 0.5 | |
| GR060PI | 1.70 | 0.06 | 55 | 5,700 | 2,300 | 1,350 | 0.0003 | 2.5 | 750 | 16 | 0.5 | |
| GR125 | 1.55 | 0.125 | 50 | 4,900 | 1,900 | 800 | 0.0003 | 2.5 | 750 | 24 | 0.5 | |
| COMPRESSION MOLDED |
MC-01 | 1.83 | 0.003 | 100 | 37,000 | 10,000 | n/a | n/a | 2.6 | 500 | 1 | 0.5 |
| MC-03 | 1.78 | 0.003 | 65 | 20,000 | 7,500 | n/a | n/a | 2.5 | 500 | 10 | 0.1 | |
| MC-01RO | 1.85 | 0.003 | 95 | 27,500 | 8,500 | n/a | n/a | 2.5 | 1,100 | 1 | 0.5 | |
| MC-03M | 2.40 | 0.003 | 75 | 30,000 | 11,000 | n/a | n/a | 3.7 | 500 | 1 | n/a | |
| ISOSTATICALLY PRESSED |
CM-00 | 1.81 | 0.0003 | 75-80 | 20,000 | 8,000 | n/a | 0.001 | 2.8 | 800 | 10 | 0.02 |
| CGM-1 | 1.55 | 0.0007 | 50 | 8,000 | 4,500 | n/a | 0.001 | 1.8 | 800 | 15 | 0.1 | |
| GM-10 | 1.82 | 0.0004 | 65 | 17,000 | 8,500 | n/a | 0.00055 | 2.5 | 800 | 9 | 0.05 | |
| GM-11 | 1.87 | 0.0004 | 80 | 20,000 | 9,500 | n/a | 0.00055 | 2.5 | 800 | 8 | 0.05 | |
Disclaimer: This information presents typical properties only and is intended to provide general description of our products and their uses. It should not be construed as guaranteeing specific values or grade suitability for a particular application.
Typical Graphite Applications
| Application | Product |
| Electrical, Electrochemical, Electronic, EDM, Semiconductor | Brushes, Anodes, Cathodes, Current Collectors, Sliding Contacts, EDM Electrodes, Resistors, Brazing Tips, Heaters, Seed Holders |
| Metallurgical | Trays & Boats, Crucibles, Fluxing (Degassing) Tubes, Molds & Dies, Furnace Parts, Foundry Accessories, Canisters & Aluminum Extrusion Boards |
| Chemical | Vessels and Reactors, Bushings & Bearings, Packing Rings & Seals, Roller Guides, Valves, Rotors & Vanes |
| Aerospace | Rocket Nozzles |
| Nuclear | High Purity Structural Components, Reflectors, Moderators |
Carbon Fiber
Our carbon fiber reinforced carbon/graphite is an alternative material of choice where traditional graphite and carbon/graphite fails. This is achieved by the carbon fiber reinforcement that adds substantially high stiffness, strength and fracture toughness to carbon/graphite while retaining all the unique properties of graphite. Thus it provides a cost-effective solution for design and performance improvement that was not possible with traditional carbon/graphite material. Our materials can be customized to provide optimized physical and chemical attributes to suit your needs such as Silicon carbide surfacing to have increased abrasion and oxidation resistance for your harsh environment applications.
| Properties | Carbon fiber reinforced carbon/graphite |
Graphite |
| Density (gm/cc) | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Strength (MPa) | 150 | 80 |
| Stiffness (GPa) | 50-200 | 10-20 |
| Thermal expansion (ppm/C) | 1 to 5 | 6 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m-K) | 40-150 | 100 |
| Fracture toughness (MPa-m1/2) | 10-15 | 2 |
When application requires extended performance, we recommend using our carbon fiber materials to make products such as piston rings, crucibles, vanes and wear plates.
We can manufacture flat plates, solid rounds and cylinders in sizes ranging from 1/16" to 5" (plate or wall thickness) by 18" Square.
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Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
Phone: (847) 279-1925
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support@graphtekllc.com
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Smithfield, PA 15478
USA
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Colonia Moisés Sáenz
Apodaca, Nuevo León
Mexico
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