Many metal components and consumer products go through a machining process as part of their fabrication. Machining that relies on an electrode to help create the right finish is referred to as electrical discharge machining, or EDM machining.

Graphite is one of the most popular materials used for the electrodes that make EDM machining possible. There are many different types of graphite to choose from, and selecting the right graphite can have a significant effect on the quality of your machining processes in the future.

1. Particle Size

It can be difficult to compare one graphite electrode to another. This is because some graphite manufacturers utilize filler materials to help increase the volume of the electrodes they sell. Particle size can be a better indicator of graphite quality when you are trying to compare two or more electrodes.

Microscopic evaluation of the graphite electrodes can reveal whether or not the actual graphite particles are uniform in size. The more uniform the particle size, the better the electrode will perform during machining.

2. Density

You will also want to take the density of the graphite particles into consideration before you select an electrode for your machining project. A high-density electrode is your best option when you want to ensure the quality of your finished products.

Graphite is a porous material, so a higher density will help reduce the porosity of the electrode as a whole. This reduced porosity can result in a more uniform and even finish for machined products your company produces over time.

3. Electrical Resistivity

Before you reach for a graphite electrode during machining, you need to consider the electrical properties your finished products must possess. Some graphite compounds are designed to conduct electricity, while others have a high resistance to electrical currents.

The amount of electrical resistivity your graphite electrode has will have a direct effect on the ability your products have to conduct electricity. If this feature is critical to the performance of your finished products, graphite electrode selection should be based on electrical resistivity.

There are many different things to consider when you need to rely on graphite electrodes for machining. You need to be familiar with the particle size, density, and electrical resistivity of the graphite electrodes at your disposal to ensure the quality of your machining processes.

A graphite material distribution company will be able to assess your needs and deliver the best electrodes for your company.