What are the characteristics of graphite electrodes used in EDM?

Professional graphite electrode equipment has fast processing speed, particularly outstanding precision machining speed, no machining burrs, and high strength. For ultra-high (50-90mm) and ultra-thin (0.1-0.5mm) electrodes, they are not easily deformed during processing. In many cases, products need to have good textured effects, which requires making graphite electrodes as integral male electrodes as much as possible. However, there are various hidden corners in the production of integral male electrodes. Due to the easy to repair nature of graphite, this problem is easily solved and the number of electrodes is greatly reduced, which copper electrodes cannot achieve.

Due to the better conductivity of graphite than copper, its discharge speed is 2-3 times faster than copper, and it can withstand larger currents during discharge, making it more advantageous for rough electrical discharge machining. At the same time, under the same volume, the weight of graphite electrode is 1/5 of that of copper electrode, greatly reducing the load of EDM, which is extremely advantageous for making large electrodes and overall male electrodes. The sublimation temperature of graphite is 4200 ℃, which is 3-4 times that of copper (the sublimation temperature of copper is 1100 ℃). At high temperatures, the deformation is extremely small (1/3-1/5 of copper under the same electrical conditions), and it does not soften. It can efficiently and efficiently transfer discharge energy to the workpiece with low consumption. Due to the increased strength of graphite electrodes at high temperatures, they can effectively reduce discharge losses (graphite losses are 1/4 of copper), ensuring processing quality.

Therefore, many mold factories are gradually transitioning to graphite electrode EDM machining in order to improve the competitiveness of enterprises and products in the market (quality, cost, delivery time, and the development of new products determine the competitive advantage of enterprises)!