The main function of graphite electrodes is to conduct electrode conduction when smelting metals in electric arc furnaces. Due to the increasing proportion of steel smelted in electric arc furnaces globally, the use of electric arc furnaces to smelt steel plates and other secondary forming steels is the main item that consumes graphite electrodes. In addition, graphite electrodes are also used in smelting furnaces for melting non-ferrous metals, ceramics, and the waste recycling industry.
Graphite electrodes are mainly classified into several categories:
(1) Ordinary power graphite electrode (RP)
(2) High power graphite electrode (HP)
(3) Quasi-Ultra High Power Graphite Electrode (SHP)
(4) Ultra High Power Graphite Electrode (UHP)
Why choose graphite as electrodes?
(1) Faster processing speed: Under normal circumstances, the machining speed of graphite can be 2~5 times faster than that of copper; and the electric discharge machining speed is 2~3 times faster than that of copper;
(2) The material is not easily deformed: the softening point of copper is around 1000 degrees, which is easy to be deformed by heat; the sublimation temperature of graphite is 3650 degrees; the thermal expansion coefficient is only 1/30 of that of copper.
(2) Lighter weight: The density of graphite is only 1/5 of that of copper. When large-scale electrodes are subjected to electric discharge machining, it can effectively reduce the burden on the machine tool (EDM); it is more suitable for the application of large-scale molds.
