There are many types of graphite electrodes, such as high-power graphite electrodes, ultra-high-power graphite electrodes, and ordinary graphite electrodes, etc. However, people only know the types and uses of graphite electrodes, but are not very familiar with their processing methods. In fact, there are three processing methods for graphite electrodes, namely pressure oscillation method, numerical control active forming method, and mechanical processing method, etc. The following will provide a brief explanation of these three processing methods for graphite electrodes.
1. The numerical control active forming method requires a dedicated graphite electrode forming machine. It adopts numerical control methods and is equipped with an automatic tool changer that can accommodate multiple tools. To improve the processing environment, the periphery of the processed graphite electrode is surrounded by water curtains to prevent graphite dust from spreading everywhere. Other methods can also use wet processing, with water-soluble cutting fluids to prevent tool wear and the scattering of graphite dust. The machine tool is equipped with high-performance filtration devices that can separate the cutting fluid from the graphite chips, ensuring long-term continuous processing. It is an ideal dedicated equipment for graphite electrode processing and is suitable for electrode processing in molds.
2. The pressurized oscillation method requires a dedicated machine tool, and the shape of the electrode mother mold is opposite to that of the electrode. Graphite materials and formed tools are placed relative to each other during processing, leaving a certain gap. The processing fluid composed of a mixture of water and abrasives is injected into it. While passing through the processing fluid, ultrasonic oscillations occur between the graphite and the formed object. Under the effect of the abrasive impact force, graphite is slightly stripped into the desired shape. The abrasive can be SiC, B4C or diamond. The coarser the abrasive, the faster the processing speed. When the machine tool is in operation, sealed and water curtain types are selected for processing. Electrical discharge forming processing suitable for mass production situations.
3. Mechanical processing methods are generally the primary approach adopted by mold manufacturing units.
No matter which method is chosen to process the graphite electrode, graphite materials are required. Graphite materials can be processed by turning, milling, drilling and grinding. In addition, graphite materials are prone to generating dust and powder flying during mechanical processing, which brings adverse effects to processing equipment and operators.