What are the processing forms of graphite electrodes

There are many types of graphite electrodes, such as high-power graphite electrodes, ultra-high-power graphite electrodes, and ordinary graphite electrodes. However, we only understand the types and uses of graphite electrodes, but we do not know much about the processing form of graphite electrodes. In fact, there are three types of processing methods for graphite electrodes: pressure vibration method, CNC automatic forming method, and mechanical processing method. The following will briefly explain the three types of graphite electrode processing.

     1. The pressurized vibration method requires a special machine tool. The shape of the electrode master and the electrode is opposite. The graphite material and the forming tool are relatively placed during processing, leaving a certain gap. A processing fluid mixed with water and abrasive is injected into it. The graphite and the forming tool are subjected to ultrasonic vibration while passing through the processing fluid. Under the impact of the abrasive, the graphite is slightly peeled into the required shape. The abrasive is SiC, B4C or diamond. The coarser the abrasive, the faster the processing speed. When the machine tool is working, it adopts sealed type and water curtain type for processing. Suitable for EDM for mass production.

     2. The NC automatic forming method requires a special graphite electrode forming machine. It adopts the NC method and has an automatic tool changing device to accommodate multiple tools. In order to improve the processing environment, the periphery of the processed graphite electrode is surrounded by a water curtain to prevent graphite dust from being scattered around. In addition, the wet machining method can also be used to prevent the tool from being worn and the graphite dust from being scattered by the water-soluble cutting fluid. The machine tool has a high-performance filtering device that can separate cutting fluid from graphite chips and ensure continuous processing for a long time. It is an ideal special equipment for graphite electrode processing and suitable for mold electrode processing.

     3. Mechanical processing method, the main method adopted by general mold production units.

     No matter which method is used to process graphite electrodes, graphite materials are required. The graphite material can be processed by turning, milling, drilling and grinding. In addition, graphite materials are prone to fly dust during mechanical processing, which adversely affects processing equipment and operators.