I want to switch to graphite electrodes. No experience.

[Redis]

Our CEO has set a task to increase productivity. I started studying and came to the conclusion that graphite is needed. Here in Russia I don't find positive reviews. In fact, it turns out that people do not comply with accepted technologies. Milling without dust removal, graphite of the "Soviet, good" brand (as a rule for the manufacture of molds or brushes), no one dries it, no one can say anything specific about the processing modes either.

I suggested the technology that is used in the West. I see that there is a great and positive experience if everything is followed. But I can't convince the CEO yet. He consults with other, experienced EDM machinists, but I know what they are telling him - see the paragraph above.

I want to ask you if everything is really as described by graphite manufacturers? I would like to hear the opinion of those who are interested in working with graphite, and not in selling it.

 

[???]

Pros.
Easy to machine.
Good wear characteristics.
Can be form abraded.
Some graphites can be flushed through the electrode.
Doesn't bend like a banana in long thin electrodes.
No deburring.
Great on really fine details

Cons.
Very expensive in some countries.
Very brittle
Very abrasive and will destroy machines if the dust gets in the ways.
Some work requires specialised expensive cutters.
Unhealthy if you inhale the dust.

Basically if you are set up to machine it then it can be very cost effective.

 

[SteveEx30]

Graphite is the way to go. It's not hard to adapt ANY enclosed mill with a Torit and have a good setup. Diamond tooling is a must. Yes expensive, but they last a long time. Tight tolerance tooling work to super fine finish mold cavities it does it all without issue.

I am NOT a salesman, thats my 25+ years in the EDM world opinion.

 

[???]

Something to add, graphite is light and large copper electrodes can be over the stipulated weight for a lot of average sized machines

 

[BOB-OO]

It is very interesting to see how much faster graphite burns steel vs copper BUT I won't machine graphite bc its so dirty. Fine finish on parts is not as good as Telco or CuW, but if you have lots of parts to make Graphite makes them fastest. We keep our Graphite rounds & squares sealed with desiccant and have not needed to dry it b4 burning.

 

[Bud Guitrau]

Redis,
Attached is an older article that may help you make the switch. It covers a bit of the machines and tools required.

https://www.edmtodaymagazine.com/2015/archives/features/2011_Fall_Feature/#p=1

POCO Graphite (Integris) has a very good web-site for calculating speed, wear and finish.
Good luck and let us know of your progress.
Bud Guitrau

 

[Redis]

Wow! Colleagues, thank you for your answers! There is no doubt left! Thanks!

Redis,
Attached is an older article that may help you make the switch. It covers a bit of the machines and tools required.

https://www.edmtodaymagazine.com/2015/archives/features/2011_Fall_Feature/#p=1

POCO Graphite (Integris) has a very good web-site for calculating speed, wear and finish.

A magazine dedicated to EDM... I couldn't even imagine) Thank you, Bud! I have read this article, maybe I will show it to my superiors, if they are interested in it at all. Here are all the answers to my surveys.

Good luck and let us know of your progress.

Yes, at this stage I ordered several types of graphite. These are ELLOR +18, +30, +50 from MERSEN, as well as ISEM-2, ISEM-8 and EX70 (I think, that it is a Chinese manufacturer), and local graphite MPG-8, but the properties indicate a grain size of 5-15 microns.... Well, I'll compare it with the others. I also try to get the milling machine to be given to us, we will have to learn a lot of new things) Napoleonic plans. They are broken by clumsiness, unfortunately. But I don't lower my hands)