1、 CNC machining has fast processing speed, high cutting ability, and easy repair
The CNC machining speed of graphite is fast, 4-5 times that of copper electrodes. The precision machining speed is particularly outstanding, and its strength is very high. For ultra-high (40-100mm) and ultra-thin (0.2-0.8mm) graphite electrodes, they are not easily deformed during processing. Moreover, in many cases, products need to have a good textured effect, which requires that when making electrodes, it is necessary to make them as integral graphite electrodes as much as possible. However, there are various hidden corners in the production of integral graphite electrodes. Due to the easy to trim nature of graphite, this problem is easily solved and the number of electrodes is greatly reduced, which copper electrodes cannot achieve.
2、 Not only is it lightweight, but it also has low cost
In the production cost of a set of molds, the CNC machining time, EDM time, electrode loss, etc. of graphite electrodes account for the vast majority of the overall cost, and these are all determined by the electrode material itself. Compared to copper, graphite electrodes have a machining speed and EDM speed that are 4-5 times faster than copper. At the same time, the characteristic of minimal wear and the production of integral graphite electrodes can reduce the number of electrodes, which in turn reduces the consumables and machining time of the electrodes. All of these can greatly reduce the production cost of molds.
3、 Fast EDM forming, low thermal expansion, and low loss
Due to the better conductivity of graphite electrodes compared to copper, their discharge speed is 4-5 times faster than copper. And it can withstand a large current during discharge, which is more advantageous for rough electrical discharge machining. Meanwhile, at the same volume, the weight of graphite electrodes is 1/5 times that of copper, greatly reducing the load on EDM. It has great advantages in producing large electrodes and integral male electrodes. The sublimation temperature of graphite is 4200 ℃, which is 4-5 times that of copper (the sublimation temperature of copper is 1100 ℃). At high temperatures, the deformation is minimal (1/3 to 1/5 of copper under the same electrical conditions) and 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 loss is 1/4 of copper), ensuring the quality of finished mold processing.
In recent years, with the introduction of precision molds and high-efficiency molds (with shorter mold cycles), people’s requirements for mold production have become increasingly high. Due to the limitations of various conditions of copper electrodes, they can no longer meet the development requirements of the mold industry. Graphite electrodes, as EDM electrode materials, have been widely used in the mold industry due to their high cutting ability, light weight, fast forming, minimal expansion rate, low loss, and easy repair. It has become inevitable to replace copper electrodes.
Post time: 3月-20-2024
